How Indian students can apply for an overseas master’s scholarship

Earning a master’s degree overseas in the U.S. or Canada is an exciting opportunity that can open doors to career growth, cutting-edge research and an international network of peers. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be overwhelming for many Indian students. As you consider pursuing a degree abroad, an overseas master’s scholarship can help pay for your education without taking on more debt. Knowing how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad can increase your chances of securing funding and making your dream of studying overseas a reality.

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 several types of education scholarships available for Indian students pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S. and Canada. Each type of scholarship has different eligibility requirements and benefits.

Scholarships based on merit

These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership skills or contributions to their field. Many universities offer these scholarships to attract top Indian students. For graduates from premier Indian institutions like IITs, BITS, NITs and Delhi University, these scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and sometimes even cover living expenses. Indian students with strong academic records often have excellent chances at securing merit-based scholarships.

Scholarships based on need

Designed for students who demonstrate financial need, these scholarships help make education more accessible. Many institutions assess needs based on family income, assets and other financial factors. For Indian students, the significant difference in currency values (INR to USD/CAD) often makes them eligible for need-based support. 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).

Scholarships for students in specific fields

Many scholarships are available for Indian students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as STEM, business and health care. These are often provided by universities, private companies or industry organisations looking to invest in the next generation of professionals. Indian students in STEM fields particularly benefit from scholarships like the Udaan India STEM Scholarship, which provides up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,650) for selected students.

Diversity and regional scholarships

Some scholarships are created to support students from underrepresented backgrounds or specific regions. For example, U.S. scholarships for Indian students provide funding opportunities for Indian nationals studying in the U.S. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship and the J.N. Tata Endowment specifically support Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. Many of these scholarships aim to promote cultural exchange and academic excellence.

University scholarships

Many universities offer their own scholarships for master’s degrees, including U.S. postgraduate scholarships for international students. These awards may be based on merit, financial need or a combination of both. Universities like Stanford and MIT have specific scholarships designated for Indian students. Some institutions automatically consider applicants for scholarships during the admissions process, while others require separate applications.

Government-funded scholarships

Both Indian and host governments provide scholarships for master’s abroad to promote higher education and international collaboration. Examples include Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, the National Overseas Scholarship for SC/ST candidates, and Canada’s Vanier Graduate Scholarships. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) also offers various scholarships for Indian students studying abroad.

While an overseas master’s scholarship can reduce tuition and living costs, you may need to combine scholarships with other funding sources to cover all educational needs. Here are some additional ways Indian students can finance their education.

• Grants: Grants, like scholarships, provide financial assistance that does not need to be repaid. These are often awarded based on financial need, academic merit or specific research interests. The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) in India offers grants for Indian students pursuing research abroad. Many government and private organisations offer grants to Indian students studying overseas.
• Assistantships: Many universities offer research and teaching assistantships, which provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for part-time work. These positions give students valuable experience in their field while helping to cover education costs. Many Indian students successfully secure these positions, particularly in STEM fields where Indian graduates are highly valued.
• Fellowships: Fellowships are highly competitive, merit-based awards that fund graduate studies without requiring students to work. They are often awarded by universities, research institutions or private organisations and can cover tuition, living expenses and even research costs. The J.N. Tata Endowment and the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offer fellowships specifically for Indian students.
• Work-study programmes: Many universities offer work-study opportunities that allow students to work part-time on campus to help offset their education costs. These positions are often flexible, providing valuable work experience while ensuring that students can balance their studies and job responsibilities. Indian students on F-1 visas in the U.S. can work up to 20 hours per week on campus.
• Loans: Loans from private lenders can supplement scholarship funding, helping students cover tuition, housing and other education-related costs. Some lenders require a cosigner, while others, like MPOWER Financing, offer no-cosigner loans designed specifically for international students. Additionally, banks in India like SBI and HDFC offer education loans for studying abroad with government-backed interest subsidies for eligible students.

Applying for an overseas master’s scholarship requires careful planning and preparation. Follow these tips to boost your chances of success:

• Begin the process now: Deadlines for scholarships may be months before the academic year starts. Begin researching and applying as soon as possible to increase your chances of success. For Indian students, this is particularly important as you’ll need extra time to arrange for credential evaluation, standardised test scores, and visa processing.
• Find the right scholarships: Focus on scholarships that align with your academic achievements, field of study, financial situation and nationality. For Indian students, scholarships specifically designed for South Asian applicants or those with connections to India may offer better chances of success.
• Write a compelling personal statement: Your essay should highlight your academic journey, future goals and why you deserve the scholarship. Consider including how your education abroad will benefit India upon your return, as many scholarship committees value this commitment to giving back. Be specific and authentic in your storytelling, drawing on uniquely Indian experiences that set you apart.
• Line up glowing letters of recommendation: Ask professors or professionals who know your strengths and can provide detailed, personalised recommendations. If possible, include recommendations from well-regarded Indian academics or professionals who understand the global context of your field.
• Customise each application: Tailor your essays and application responses to each scholarship provider’s mission and values. Research each organisation’s mission to understand what they’re looking for in candidates.
• Proofread thoroughly: A well-polished application that’s free of grammatical errors shows professionalism and attention to detail. 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.

MPOWER Financing is a leader in providing financial resources for international students, empowering students from around the world to achieve academic and career success. Along with a variety of overseas master’s scholarships, MPOWER offers no-cosigner student loans that can help to finance a degree in the U.S. or Canada. MPOWER’s loans range from US$2,000 (INR1,66,660) to US$100,000 (INR 83,33,000) and feature an easy application process, fast approval decisions and interest-only payments while you’re pursuing your degree.

MPOWER also offers career support to help students find internships and jobs, and visa services that include a visa support letter, a visa preparation course, personalised mock interviews and live Q&A webinars. These services can be especially 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. With MPOWER, Indian students can find the resources they need to make their dreams of studying abroad a reality.