Applying for international postgraduate scholarships for Indian students

International postgraduate scholarships are a great way to finance your dream of studying abroad in North America. Canadian and U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Indian students can help you achieve your academic goals without taking on excessive debt, allowing you to focus on your studies rather than how to pay for them. For Indian students, these scholarships are particularly valuable due to the significant currency exchange rate between the rupee and dollar. Whether you’re looking for an education scholarship for a specific field or general funding for your degree, there are many opportunities available.

1. Total number of Indian students in the U.S. (2023-2024):Indian students now form the largest international student group in the U.S., with a record-breaking 331,602 students in 2023-2024. This surge reflects a growing trend of Indian students seeking world-class education and better career opportunities in the U.S.Source: IIE Open Doors 2024 Report
2. Year-over-year growth – Indian students in the U.S. (2022-2023 to 2023-2024):The number of Indian students in the U.S. increased by 23% in just one year, highlighting the strong demand for American education. This is the highest annual growth rate in over a decade, showing a clear shift in global mobility trends.Source: IIE Open Doors 2024 Report
3. The proportion of Indian students among all international students:Indian students now make up 29.4% of the total 1.1 million international students in the U.S. This means that nearly one in three international students in the U.S. is from India, further cementing their dominance in global student mobility.Source: IIE Open Doors 2024 Report

There are a variety of international postgraduate scholarships available. Understanding the options can help you find the right one for your needs.

• Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership skills or other outstanding achievements. If you have a strong academic record from institutions like IITs, NITs or other prestigious Indian universities, you may qualify for these scholarships. Many universities and organisations offer merit-based doctoral or master’s scholarships for Indian students to attract top talent.
• Need-based scholarships: These are designed for students who need financial help to pursue their education. For Indian students, the significant difference in currency values (INR to USD/CAD) often makes them eligible for need-based support. Institutions and private organisations often provide these scholarships to help talented students who would otherwise not be able to afford a degree. Some scholarships cover full tuition, while others offer partial funding ranging from US$5,000 (INR 4,16,650) to US$25,000 (INR 20,83,250).
• Government-funded scholarships: Indian students may apply for government-based scholarships like Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships in the U.S. or Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships funded by the government. The Indian government also offers scholarships such as the National Overseas Scholarship for SC/ST candidates and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships for studying abroad.
• University-specific scholarships: Many universities offer international postgraduate scholarships to attract students from different countries. Universities like Stanford and MIT have specific scholarships designated for Indian students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees and living expenses.
• Subject-specific scholarships: Some scholarships are available for students pursuing degrees in particular fields, such as engineering, business or health care. Indian students in STEM fields often have excellent opportunities with scholarships like the Udaan India STEM Scholarship, which provides up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,650) for selected students. These often come from industry associations, private companies or government programmes seeking to improve the quality of graduates in high-demand fields.
• Country-specific scholarships: Some scholarships target students from particular regions. For example, there are U.S. scholarships specifically for Indian students designed to support Indian nationals who wish to study in the U.S. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship and the J.N. Tata Endowment specifically support Indian students pursuing higher education abroad.

International postgraduate scholarships offer more than just funding – they can be a stepping stone to academic, personal, and professional success. Here’s how they can benefit Indian students:

• Lower financial burden: Studying abroad can be expensive, but scholarships can help cover tuition, housing and other expenses, allowing you to focus on your studies. For Indian students, scholarship funds can bridge the significant gap created by the rupee-to-dollar conversion, which makes U.S. and Canadian education particularly expensive.
• Access to top universities: Scholarships make it possible for talented Indian students to study at prestigious institutions in the U.S. and Canada, regardless of their financial background. Many top institutions are actively seeking to increase their diversity by recruiting students from India.
• Expand your professional network: Many international postgraduate scholarships provide students with access to alumni networks, industry connections and mentorship programmes that can help with career growth. For Indian students, these networks can be invaluable for securing internships and job opportunities, both internationally and when returning to India.
• Enhanced career prospects: Employers value international education and global experience. Receiving an overseas master’s scholarship can boost your resume and make you stand out in the job market. For Indian students returning home after studies, having prestigious international scholarships on your CV can significantly boost career prospects with multinational companies operating in India.
• Gain global experience: Scholarships that make it possible to study abroad allow you to experience different cultures, improve your language skills and develop a global perspective, all of which are valuable in today’s interconnected world. This global mindset is increasingly valuable for Indian professionals working in a globalised economy.

When applying for competitive international postgraduate scholarships, a well structured and compelling application can set you apart. Here’s how to maximise your changes as an Indian student:

• Research thoroughly: Start by identifying scholarships for a master’s abroad or a doctoral programme that matches your background, field of study, career goals or nationality. The USIEF (United States-India Educational Foundation) maintains offices in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad and provides free advising services on scholarship opportunities for Indian students. Understanding the funder’s priorities can help you frame your application effectively.
• Follow the guidelines: Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. Carefully read the instructions and ensure you meet all the conditions before applying. For Indian students, additional requirements may include specific standardised test scores like GRE, GMAT or TOEFL, as well as authenticated academic transcripts from Indian institutions.
• Write a compelling personal statement: Your personal statement should highlight your academic achievements, career goals and reasons for applying. Consider including how your education abroad will benefit India upon your return, as many scholarship committees value this commitment to giving back. Be specific about how the scholarship will help you achieve your dreams, drawing on uniquely Indian experiences that set you apart.
• Secure impactful letters of recommendations: Request letters from professors, mentors or employers who can speak to your academic and professional potential. If possible, include recommendations from well-regarded Indian academics or professionals who understand the global context of your field. Provide them with enough context to write meaningful letters.
• Emphasise your broader contributions: Many postgraduate scholarships value leadership skills, community involvement and research experience. Showcase how you’ve made a difference outside the classroom, perhaps through volunteer work in local Indian communities or leadership in national organisations.
• Review your application carefully: Double check every element of your scholarship application for clarity and accuracy. Errors in your application can leave a bad impression. For Indian students writing in English, it may be helpful to have your application reviewed by someone familiar with British or American English conventions, depending on your destination country. Review your essays, proofread documents and ensure everything is polished before you press “Send.” Remember to account for time zone differences when submitting applications from India.

As you’re looking for international postgraduate scholarships, be sure to review the scholarships and services offered by MPOWER Financing. MPOWER is dedicated to providing financial support for high-potential international students by making higher education more accessible, regardless of a student’s financial background. By offering scholarships and no-cosigner loans, MPOWER enables students to achieve their academic and career dreams.

If your master’s programme is in science, technology, business or public policy at an MPOWER-eligible school, you may qualify for the Global Citizen Scholarship, awarded to international students taking on the world’s most pressing problems. This scholarship provides up to US$8,000 (INR 6,66,640) to selected students. MPOWER’s Women in STEM Scholarship is designed to support women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with awards up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,650). This is particularly relevant for Indian women looking to advance in male-dominated STEM fields.

The MBA Scholarship provides support for future business leaders pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at an MPOWER-eligible school. With the growing interest in MBA degrees among Indian professionals, this scholarship of up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,650) can be particularly valuable.

The Monthly Scholarship Series is a rotating scholarship programme that offers funding at an MPOWER-eligible school based on different themes throughout the year. Each scholarship provides up to US$1,000 (INR 83,330) to help offset educational expenses.

There are also scholarship programmes available for refugees, for promising Chinese students and for Indian students in STEM fields. The Udaan India Scholarship provides up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,650) for selected students and was created specifically to address the needs of the large Indian student population pursuing STEM education abroad.

Along with scholarship programmes, MPOWER supports Indian students with visa services, career support, financial services and more. Their visa support is especially helpful for Indian students, who make up one of the largest groups applying for U.S. and Canadian student visas each year. Their career services can be particularly valuable for Indian students looking to gain work experience through optional practical training (OPT) in the U.S. or the post-graduation work permit program (PGWPP) in Canada.