How Indian students can apply for a scholarship to study abroad in the U.S. or Canada

Applying for scholarships to study abroad may feel like a big challenge, but the rewards can make it all worthwhile. For Indian students dreaming of studying in the U.S. or Canada, a scholarship can help ease the financial burden and give you access to incredible academic and career opportunities. The significant currency exchange rate between the rupee and dollar makes scholarships particularly important for Indian students. If you’re searching for international postgraduate scholarships, knowing what’s available and how to apply can improve your chances for success.

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

Earning a scholarship to study internationally can transform your academic experience and your future. Here are some of the key reasons why scholarships for master’s degrees or doctoral programmes are worth exploring for Indian students.

• Eases financial pressure: Studying abroad in the U.S. and Canada can be expensive, with tuition, housing and other costs quickly adding up. 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. A scholarship helps cover some or all these expenses, allowing you to focus on excelling in your studies rather than worrying about funding them.
• Boost your academic and professional profile: Being selected for a scholarship is a recognition of your achievements. It shows you’ve excelled academically or demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, which can set you apart in future job applications or academic pursuits. 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.
• Networking opportunities: Many scholarship programmes will connect you with mentors, professionals and fellow scholars. For Indian students, these networks can be invaluable for securing internships and job opportunities, both internationally and when returning to India. These connections can provide valuable guidance, open doors to career opportunities and help you build a strong professional network.
• Less reliance on loans: Without a scholarship, you may have to take on loans to cover the cost of your education. For Indian students and families, the high exchange rate means even larger loan amounts in rupees. Receiving financial aid through a scholarship can reduce your debt, making it easier to manage your finances after graduation.

As you consider how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad, these strategies can help you stay organised and improve your chances of success.

• Start early: Scholarship deadlines can be months before the start of a semester, so begin your research at least a year in advance. For Indian students, this is particularly important as you’ll need extra time to arrange for credential evaluation, standardised test scores, and visa processing. This gives you enough time to find the best opportunities and prepare strong applications.
• Research scholarship opportunities: You can find a variety of scholarships by looking at university websites, scholarship databases, professional organisations and government programmes. 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. Be sure to consider all the various types of scholarships available, including those based on academic merit, financial need and specific fields of study.
• Check eligibility requirements: Each scholarship has different requirements, such as GPA minimums, leadership experience or nationality restrictions. 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. Confirm you meet all criteria before investing time preparing an application.
• Prepare a winning personal statement: Your personal statement is your chance to stand out. Share your academic goals, career aspirations and why you deserve the scholarship, describing yourself in a way that’s compelling and authentic. Consider including how your education abroad will benefit India upon your return, as many scholarship committees value this commitment to giving back. Draw on uniquely Indian experiences that set you apart.
• Line up recommendations: Choose recommenders who know you well and can write detailed, enthusiastic letters about your achievements and potential. If possible, include recommendations from well-regarded Indian academics or professionals who understand the global context of your field. A strong letter from a professor or employer can make a big impact.
• Apply for multiple scholarships: The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances of securing funding. Many successful Indian students combine several smaller scholarships to fund their education. Don’t put all your hopes on one application – casting a wide net can increase your opportunities.

Submitting a thoughtful and well-prepared application can significantly improve your chances of earning a scholarship to study abroad. Here are some strategies for how Indian students can apply for scholarships to study abroad and help you stand out.

• Follow instructions carefully: Scholarship providers receive many applications, and one of the quickest ways to get disqualified is by ignoring the instructions. Read through the scholarship requirements carefully, ensure you’ve included relevant documents and stay within word limits on written responses. For Indian students, prepare for additional documentation requirements such as degree equivalency certificates, financial affidavits, and passport verification.
• Showcase leadership and extracurricular activities: Scholarship committees often look for well-rounded students. Be sure to highlight any community service, leadership roles or research experiences that show your initiative and impact. For Indian students, highlighting experiences relevant to your home country, such as volunteer work in local communities or leadership in national organisations, can give your application a unique perspective.
• Tailor your application to each scholarship: Don’t submit the same essay for every application. Customise your responses to point out how your experience and interests align with each scholarship funder’s mission and values, showing why you’re the perfect fit. Research each organisation’s mission to understand what they’re looking for in candidates.
• Proofread thoroughly: Spelling and grammar mistakes can weaken even the strongest application. Review your work multiple times and ask a teacher or mentor to provide feedback before you submit your materials. 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.
• Submit before the deadline: Funders typically will not consider late applications. Set reminders for deadlines and try to submit at least a few days early to avoid last-minute stress or technical issues. Remember to account for time zone differences when submitting applications from India.

MPOWER Financing is dedicated to helping international students achieve their educational dreams. As a mission-driven lender, MPOWER offers financial resources that make it possible for students from around the world to finance their education in the U.S. or Canada.

MPOWER provides:

• International scholarships: MPOWER offers a variety of scholarships, including Canadian and U.S. scholarships specifically for Indian students. The Udaan India STEM Scholarship provides up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,650) for selected Indian students pursuing STEM degrees. They also offer scholarships for Chinese students, refugees and students pursuing STEM or MBA degrees at an MPOWER-eligible school.
• International student loans: MPOWER provides flexible education loans from US$2,001 (INR 1,66,743) to US$100,000 (INR 83,33,000). With no collateral or cosigner required, these stable, fixed-rate loans are a hedge against inflation and open up more possibilities for financing an education in the U.S. or Canada. This can be particularly valuable for Indian students who may not have family or connections in North America who could serve as cosigners.
• Career services: Free assistance with searching and applying for jobs and internships for F-1 students, making it easier to find work after graduation. These 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.
• Visa support: MPOWER offers free guidance and expert resources to help students navigate visa applications and meet necessary requirements for studying in the U.S. or Canada. This is especially helpful for Indian students, who make up one of the largest groups applying for U.S. and Canadian student visas each year.
• Additional offerings: MPOWER also helps students find health insurance options, financial services and many other customised resources to support international students in their academic journeys. Health insurance is mandatory for international students in the U.S., and finding affordable options is especially important for Indian students managing expenses in a foreign currency.