U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Indian students

Postgraduate scholarships can make a significant difference for Indian students pursuing their dreams of studying at a university in the U.S. Unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid, so they can reduce the burden of educational expenses and allow students to graduate with less debt. However, U.S. postgraduate scholarships are highly competitive, so it’s essential to do your research and prepare a superior application for each opportunity.

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

Securing a scholarship can transform your postgraduate education experience. Financial support through U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Indian students allows you to focus on your academic and professional development rather than worrying about tuition and living costs. Scholarships also provide recognition for academic excellence, leadership and community involvement. Many organisations offer education scholarships that include opportunities for mentorship and networking, helping you to build connections with fellow peers and contacts in your field. Additionally, receiving a scholarship can enhance your resume and distinguish you in a competitive job market.

There are several kinds of U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Indian students, each with different eligibility criteria and benefits.

• Merit-based scholarships reward students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills and extracurricular involvement. Many U.S. universities and private organisations offer merit-based awards to attract top Indian talent.
• Need-based scholarships: Designed for students with financial constraints, these scholarships assess an applicant’s financial situation to determine eligibility. Many universities and private foundations provide need-based funding to ensure that financial hardship doesn’t prevent talented Indian students from pursuing a degree in the U.S.
• India-specific scholarships: Some scholarships are designated specifically for students from India. U.S. scholarships for Indian students are available through various government and private programmes aimed at strengthening educational ties between the United States and India. Examples include the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, Inlaks Scholarships, and JN Tata Endowment.
• Field-specific scholarships: Many organisations offer scholarships for Indian students pursuing postgraduate degrees in fields such as STEM or business. These scholarships help advance research and expertise in disciplines where graduates are in high demand. Indian students in STEM fields may find additional opportunities due to the strong reputation of Indian education in these areas.
• University-specific scholarships: Many U.S. universities have dedicated funding for overseas master’s scholarships and doctoral scholarships for Indian students. These awards may be based on merit, financial need or specific criteria set by the institution.

Finding the right international scholarship requires thorough research and planning. Here are some key resources for Indian students to explore:

• University financial aid offices: Many U.S. universities have dedicated offices that provide information on available scholarships and funding opportunities for Indian students.
• Government programmes: Both the Indian and U.S. governments offer international postgraduate scholarships to encourage global talent to study in the U.S. Programmes such as Fulbright-Nehru, USIEF scholarships, and the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program are excellent options for Indian students.
• Private organisations and foundations: Nonprofit organisations, companies and educational foundations offer a wide range of doctoral and master’s scholarships for international students, including those from India. Websites like Scholarships.com and Fastweb.com provide searchable databases to find suitable opportunities.
• Indian organisations: Several Indian organisations like the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, the JN Tata Endowment, and the KC Mahindra Education Trust offer scholarships for master’s abroad to promising Indian students.
• Professional associations: Some professional organisations offer scholarships related to specific industries, such as engineering, healthcare or business.
• Top scholarship websites include:

• Scholarships.com
• InternationalStudent.com
• Fastweb
• IEFA
• EducationUSA
• InternationalScholarships.com
• USIEF (United States-India Educational Foundation)

MPOWER is a mission-driven organisation dedicated to removing financial barriers for talented students and making higher education accessible to individuals from all over the world through student loans and scholarships. MPOWER also offers resources beyond funding, including financial support, visa guidance and career resources.

MPOWER offers the following scholarships:

• MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship: Awards up to US$8,000 (INR 6,66,400) to international students, including those from India, currently enrolled in or accepted to a full-time degree programme at an MPOWER-eligible school.
• MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship: Provides up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,500) to female students, including Indian women, pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
• MPOWER MBA Scholarship: Designed for international students pursuing an MBA, with awards up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,500). This is particularly relevant for Indian students, who make up a significant portion of international MBA students in the U.S.
• MPOWER Refugee Scholarship: Supports students with refugee or asylum-seeker status with awards up to US$2,000 (INR 1,66,600).
• MPOWER Monthly Scholarship Series: A rotating scholarship programme with varying themes and monthly awards throughout the year.
• MPOWER 追梦永不息 Scholarship: A scholarship of up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,500) for promising Chinese students enrolled or accepted to an MPOWER-supported school.
• MPOWER Udaan India Scholarship: Providing up to US$5,000 (INR 4,16,500) for Indian citizens pursuing STEM degrees at MPOWER-eligible schools. This scholarship is specifically designed for Indian students and recognises India’s strong tradition of excellence in STEM education.

MPOWER also offers additional services, including:

• Education loans for Indian students: MPOWER provides no-cosigner, collateral-free loans to students from India, ensuring they have access to financing regardless of their home country’s banking system.
• Visa support: MPOWER offers visa support, including a free visa support letter and visa prep class, as well as access to customised visa interview training. This is particularly helpful for Indian students navigating the U.S. visa process.
• Career services: MPOWER assists students with building a resume, searching for internships and jobs, and preparing applications. These services can help Indian students adapt to the U.S. job market and application processes.