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The biggest hurdle between Indian students and their MS dreams in the USA is often the cost. Tuition, housing, health insurance, and travel together can cross ₹50–70 lakhs. Now imagine preparing for years, getting admission to a top US university, and then freezing at the thought of how to afford it. It’s overwhelming, discouraging, and all too common.
But here’s the good news. Scholarships can ease that pressure. Some cover full tuition. Some include living expenses. And many are designed specifically for international students like you. In this blog, we break down the top MS scholarships in the USA for Indian students in 2025. No jargon. No fluff. Just clear, reliable information to help you take the next step with confidence.
Pursuing a master’s in the USA is an exciting step, but the expenses can add up quickly. Between tuition, housing, travel, and daily costs, the total can go as high as ₹80 lakhs. This is where scholarships come in handy—they reduce the cost and help ease your financial stress.
A strong scholarship can cut down your loan needs and help you focus better on academics. It’s also a vote of confidence in your potential. Less financial worry means you can make the most of your experience, academically and personally. And it might even improve your application profile, making you a more attractive candidate to universities.
There are many scholarships out there, but which ones should you really look at? To help you save time and aim right, we’ve listed some of the best options below. These are well-known, high-value scholarships that many Indian students have received before.
Some scholarships come from the university you’re applying to, while others are offered by independent organisations or foundations. Both can help reduce your costs. Before applying, it’s useful to know where each one comes from and how to apply. Here are some of the top scholarships Indian students should consider for an MS in the USA in 2025.
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | What It Covers | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | USIEF (Govt. of USA) | Tuition, living, airfare | Indian students with strong academics and leadership potential |
| Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | Stanford University | Full tuition, stipend, academic support | High-achieving students applying to Stanford programs |
| AAUW International Fellowships | American Association of University Women | $20,000 to $50,000 | Women from countries including India |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Inlaks Foundation | Up to $100,000 | Indian students applying to top US universities |
| Tata Scholarship for Cornell | Tata Education and Development Trust | Full tuition | Indian students admitted to Cornell University |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Aga Khan Foundation | 50% grant, 50% loan | Indian students with financial need |
| JN Tata Endowment | JN Tata Trust | Loan scholarship up to ₹10 lakhs | Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad |
| MIT Scholarships | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Need-based aid | Admitted students at MIT |
While exploring scholarships, you’ll come across two kinds: those offered by universities and those offered by outside organizations. University scholarships are linked to your admission. For example, once you get into MIT or Stanford, you may be automatically considered or asked to fill out a short form to apply for aid.
External scholarships, on the other hand, come from foundations or government bodies like Fulbright or Inlaks. These usually require a separate application and often have earlier deadlines. Applying for both types can improve your chances of getting the help you need.
Most Indian students apply for a mix of both. For instance, while applying to MIT, many students also send in applications to the Inlaks Foundation. This approach increases your options and reduces how much you may need to borrow. Just be sure to check the eligibility rules and last dates for each one.
Knowing which scholarships to target is one thing. Understanding how to apply is the next big step. Most scholarships have a standard application process, but make sure you check each one individually.
You’ll usually need these documents to apply:
| Type | Based On | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based | Academics, leadership, extra-curriculars | Fulbright-Nehru, Knight-Hennessy |
| Need-Based | Family income, financial hardship | Tata Scholarship, MIT Aid |
Absolutely. In fact, most Indian students use a mix of both. Scholarships can cover a portion of your education costs, and education loans can take care of the rest.
For instance:
Finding and applying for scholarships is just one part of the process. What comes next is equally important: managing the rest of your funding. That’s where Qck Loans comes in.
We help you calculate your funding gap, guide you on the best education loan options, and connect you with lenders that offer student-friendly terms. We also handle the paperwork, offer personalised advice, and work with banks that accept partial or no collateral.
So whether you have a full scholarship, a partial one, or none yet, Qck Loans is here to guide you every step of the way.
Getting an MS degree in the USA is a life-changing opportunity. With the right scholarships, it can also become financially accessible. From need-based to merit-based options, and from university-specific to external awards, there’s a scholarship for every deserving student. Planning early, applying wisely, and staying informed gives you a better chance.
If you’re still wondering how to manage the rest of your expenses or unsure how to start your loan journey, Qck Loans is here to help. From explaining the fine print to finding the right lender, we make the student loan process easy, guided, and worry-free. Reach out to us and let’s plan your dream education together.
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