Master’s scholarships for Indian students

Earning a master’s degree in the U.S. or Canada can open doors to new opportunities, but the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a challenge. For Indian students, the significant currency exchange rate between the rupee and dollar makes this challenge even greater. The good news? There are many master’s scholarships for Indian students that can make this dream more affordable. Whether you’re looking for merit-based, need-based or specialised funding, a scholarship can ease your financial burden and help you focus on your studies.

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

Master’s scholarships for Indian students come in many forms. Some are funded by universities, while others come from government programmes, private organisations or nonprofits. Here are the main types of scholarships available:

• Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership abilities or significant accomplishments. If you have a strong academic record from institutions like IITs, NITs or other prestigious Indian universities, you may qualify for these scholarships. Universities, governments and private organisations often offer these awards to students who’ve demonstrated exceptional academic achievements or outstanding contributions to their communities.
• Need-based scholarships: These scholarships for master’s degrees are designed for students who require financial assistance to pursue their studies. For Indian students, the significant difference in currency values (INR to USD/CAD) often makes them eligible for need-based support. Funders consider an applicant’s financial background and may require supporting documentation such as income statements or proof of financial hardship. 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).
• Field-specific scholarships: These scholarships support students who are pursuing degrees in specific fields such as engineering, business, health care or technology. 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. Many professional associations and industry groups fund these master’s scholarships for Indian students to encourage the development of talent in key industries.
• Government-funded scholarships: Both Indian and host governments offer scholarships to attract global talent and foster international collaboration. Programmes like the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships in the U.S., the National Overseas Scholarship for SC/ST candidates and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships in Canada provide financial support to outstanding students who show exceptional promise in their respective fields. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) also offers various scholarships for Indian students studying abroad.
• University-specific scholarships: Many institutions provide master’s scholarships for Indian students based on merit, financial need or diversity initiatives. Universities like Stanford and MIT have specific scholarships designated for Indian students. These awards help universities attract talented students from around the world and build diverse academic communities.
• Scholarships from private organisations: Private companies, nonprofits and foundations often fund scholarships for Indian students. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship and the J.N. Tata Endowment specifically support Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. These scholarships may be targeted toward students from specific regions, backgrounds or disciplines.

Receiving a scholarship provides more than just financial assistance. It can also enrich your educational experience in multiple ways:

• Reduced financial stress: Scholarships for a master’s abroad can help cover tuition, living expenses or both, allowing you to focus on studies rather than worrying about financial constraints. 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. This financial support allows you to take advantage of academic resources and extracurricular activities without the pressure of debt.
• Increased opportunities: Many international postgraduate scholarships provide access to mentorship programmes, networking events and exclusive workshops that help students connect with industry leaders and professionals in their fields. For Indian students, these networks can be invaluable for securing internships and job opportunities, both internationally and when returning to India. These opportunities can lead to internships, research collaborations and even job placements.
• Stronger career prospects: An overseas master’s scholarship can enhance your resume and help you stand out to potential employers. Many organisations view scholarship recipients as high-achieving students who are likely to be exceptional employees. 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.
• A diverse and inclusive learning experience: Master’s scholarships for Indian students often aim to increase diversity by supporting students from different nationalities, backgrounds and cultures. This creates an inclusive academic environment that benefits all students and allows Indian students to share their unique perspectives while gaining global exposure.

Since scholarships are highly competitive, learning how to apply for scholarships to study abroad involves understanding the process and developing a strategy for standing out from the crowd.

The application process

• Research available scholarships. Start early by identifying master’s scholarships for Indian students that match your academic background, career aspirations and financial needs. 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. Explore university websites, government programmes and private funding sources.
• Check eligibility requirements. Each scholarship has specific criteria, such as nationality, academic performance, field of study or financial need. 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. Make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
• Prepare your documents. Most scholarship applications require transcripts, proof of financial need, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose and sometimes a resume or portfolio. For Indian students, prepare for additional documentation requirements such as degree equivalency certificates, financial affidavits and passport verification.
• Tell your story in a personal statement. Your essay should highlight your academic goals, professional ambitions and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Consider including how your education abroad will benefit India upon your return, as many scholarship committees value this commitment to giving back. Make sure to personalise each application to reflect the values of the awarding organisation.
• Apply before the deadline. Missing deadlines can disqualify you from consideration, so keep track of application timelines and submit all materials on time. Remember to account for time zone differences when submitting applications from India.
• Follow up. Some scholarships may require interviews or additional documentation. Be prepared to respond promptly to any follow-up requests from the scholarship committee.

Tips for scholarship success

• Stay open to partial scholarships. Although a full scholarship can significantly reduce education costs, applying for multiple partial scholarships can also help cover expenses such as textbooks and lab fees. Many successful Indian students combine several smaller scholarships to fund their education.
• Consider your skills and interests. Your unique skills, talents and passions might align with scholarship opportunities offered by local organisations, clubs and professional associations. Highlighting experiences relevant to your home country, such as volunteer work in local Indian communities or leadership in national organisations, can give your application a unique perspective.
• Apply to less-popular scholarships. While major scholarships attract a high volume of applicants, smaller or lesser-known scholarships often have fewer applicants, increasing your chances of winning. Look for scholarships that specifically target Indian students, as these may have a smaller applicant pool.
• Make each written essay unique. A strong personal essay can be repurposed for multiple applications, but it’s essential to customise each one to directly address the values and interests of the scholarship funder. 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.
• Seek out renewable scholarships. Scholarships that renew annually can provide continuous support throughout your studies. This is particularly important for Indian students managing expenses in a foreign currency.
• Apply for scholarships year-round. Many students apply for scholarships before a new academic session, but some opportunities such as MPOWER’s monthly scholarship are available throughout the year. Creating a calendar of scholarship deadlines can help you stay organised and ensure you don’t miss any opportunities.

MPOWER is a public benefit company committed to helping international students achieve their academic and professional dreams. As a mission-driven lender, MPOWER provides financial resources and support services to international students studying in the U.S. and Canada.

At MPOWER, you’ll find a wide range of master’s scholarships for Indian students, including scholarships for MBA students with awards up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,650), women in STEM fields with awards up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,650), and global citizens tackling the world’s most pressing problems with awards up to US$8,000 (INR 6,66,640). MPOWER also offers scholarships for refugees, students from China, students from India in STEM master’s programs and monthly scholarships based on criteria that change each month, providing up to US$1,000 (INR 83,330) to help offset educational expenses.

Along with scholarship programmes, MPOWER offers no-cosigner student loans up to US$100,000 (INR 83,33,000) with competitive interest rates, quick approvals and no prepayment penalties. This can be particularly valuable for Indian students who may not have family or connections in North America who could serve as cosigners. Visa support services help Indian students navigate the complex processes of applying for student visas, which is especially helpful as Indian students make up one of the largest groups applying for U.S. and Canadian student visas each year.

Additionally, MPOWER offers career services such as career counselling, resume building workshops, job search tools and interview prep resources to help students successfully secure internships and jobs 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.