Scholarships for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees abroad

Dreaming of earning your master’s degree in the U.S. or Canada? Schools in these countries offer incredible academic opportunities, but tuition and living costs can add up fast. For Indian students, these costs are particularly significant due to currency exchange rates. Scholarships for master’s degrees can ease the financial burden and make your educational goals more achievable. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad. With the right strategy, you can secure the funding you need and focus on what really matters – your education and future career.

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

Education scholarships aren’t just about money – they offer lots of additional benefits. Here’s why applying for scholarships is worth your time.

• Less financial stress: University is expensive, but scholarships help cover tuition, housing and even daily expenses. 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 means you can focus on your education instead of worrying about how to pay for it.
• More time for academics and new experiences: By reducing financial worries, an overseas master’s scholarship allows you to dive into your research, participate in extracurricular activities and enjoy new cultural experiences. Rather than working multiple jobs to cover expenses, you can focus on making the most of your international education.
• Career-boosting perks: Many scholarships come with mentorship, internships and networking opportunities, giving you a head start in your field. These experiences can enhance your resume and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market, both internationally and when returning to India. Many Indian scholarship recipients gain access to alumni networks that include successful professionals working in top global companies.
• Credibility and recognition: Winning a scholarship highlights your achievements and can make your resume stand out for future employers and universities. Scholarship recipients are often seen as dedicated and high-achieving individuals, which can open doors to further academic and professional opportunities. 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.

There are several kinds of master’s scholarships for Indian students studying in the U.S. and Canada.

• Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership or extracurricular achievements. If you have a strong academic record from institutions like IITs, NITs or other prestigious Indian universities, and actively participate in extracurricular activities, you may qualify for these scholarships. They reward students for their hard work and dedication. Indian students with excellent academic records often have strong chances at securing merit-based scholarships at top universities.
• Need-based scholarships: If you can demonstrate financial need, these scholarships for master’s degrees can help cover tuition and living costs. For Indian students, the significant difference in currency values (INR to USD/CAD) often makes them eligible for need-based support. Many universities and organisations offer these to support students who would otherwise struggle to afford higher education. 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: If you’re pursuing a degree in STEM, business or social sciences, there may be scholarships specifically for your area of study. 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 scholarships aim to support students in growth fields where graduates are in high demand.
• Diversity scholarships: Many scholarships for master’s degrees are designed to support underrepresented groups, such as women in STEM, minority students and those from developing countries. These scholarships help promote inclusivity and equal opportunity in higher education. The Women in STEM Scholarship from MPOWER is particularly relevant for Indian women looking to advance in male-dominated STEM fields.
• University-specific scholarships: Some universities offer their own scholarships based on academic performance, financial need or both. Universities like Stanford and MIT have specific scholarships designated for Indian students. Be sure to check your school’s financial aid office for details on available opportunities.
• Government-funded scholarships: Various government programmes offer scholarships for Indian students. Examples include Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, the National Overseas Scholarship for SC/ST candidates and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships. These can be highly competitive but provide excellent financial support.

Applying for scholarships for master’s degrees requires a solid strategy and attention to detail.

• Start early and research your options: Many scholarships have early deadlines, so start looking at least a year in advance. Research different scholarships through university websites, government portals and private scholarship databases. For Indian students, this is particularly important as you’ll need extra time to arrange for credential evaluation, standardised test scores, and visa processing. The USIEF (United States-India Educational Foundation) maintains offices in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkat, and Hyderabad and provides free advising services on scholarship opportunities.
• Know the eligibility criteria: Each scholarship has specific requirements like academic performance, leadership experience or financial need. Make sure you qualify before applying so you don’t waste time on scholarships that aren’t the right fit for you. 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 is your chance to shine. Share your story, career goals and why you deserve the scholarship in a way that’s engaging and memorable. Consider including how your education abroad will benefit India upon your return, as many scholarship committees value this commitment to giving back. Use real-life experiences and specific examples to make your application stand out, drawing on uniquely Indian experiences that set you apart.
• Get enthusiastic letters of recommendations: Choose mentors or professors who know you well and can highlight your strengths in a detailed and enthusiastic way. If possible, include recommendations from well-regarded Indian academics or professionals who understand the global context of your field. A well-written recommendation can make a big difference in your application.
• Customise your applications: Don’t submit the same essay for every scholarship. Tailor each application for the values and mission of the scholarship provider. Research each organisation’s mission to understand what they’re looking for in candidates. Show them how your background and goals match their objectives.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread: Spelling and grammar mistakes can hurt your chances. Have someone review your application before submitting it. 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. A well-polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
• Follow the guidelines and submit on time: Ensure you include all required documents and meet deadlines. Even a small mistake could disqualify you from consideration, so double-check all the details before hitting submit. Remember to account for time zone differences when submitting applications from India.

MPOWER Financing is all about making higher education accessible to international students. Founded by two international students who know first-hand the obstacles that students face, MPOWER seeks to provide access to the education and opportunities they need to achieve their dreams.

MPOWER offers a number of international scholarships opportunities, including:

• Monthly scholarships with new opportunities throughout the year, giving Indian students multiple chances to secure funding of up to US$1,000 (INR 83,330) to help offset educational expenses.
• Women in STEM scholarships for female students in science, technology, engineering and math, encouraging more women to pursue careers in these fields. This scholarship of up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,650) is particularly relevant for Indian women looking to advance in male-dominated STEM fields.
• Global citizen scholarships for globally minded, multilingual, culturally competent graduates poised to take on the world’s most pressing problems in science, technology, business and public policy. Awards up to US$8,000 (INR 6,66,640) to selected students.
• MBA scholarships for students pursuing business degrees, helping future business leaders finance their education. 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.
• Udaan India Scholarships, providing Canadian and U.S. scholarships specifically for Indian students pursuing STEM degrees in higher education and supporting academic excellence and leadership. This scholarship was created specifically to address the needs of the large Indian student population pursuing STEM education abroad.

MPOWER also provides a variety of services, in addition to scholarships for master’s degrees.

• International student loans: MPOWER offers no-cosigner student loans up to US$100,000 (INR 83,33,000), making financing easier for Indian students who may not have access to traditional funding. This can be particularly valuable for Indian students who may not have family or connections in North America who could serve as cosigners. This ensures that students can pursue their education without financial restrictions.
• Visa support: Resources and guidance to help you understand and navigate the student visa process with a free support letter and expert visa interview course. 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.
• Career services: Support with resume building, job search strategies and interview prep to help you land a great job 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.