You have wanted to study in the USA from a very young age. Now that you are finally old enough, you see the need to build a strong career with a degree in STEM or an MBA. But it’s going to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Who is going to pay for it?
This is a looming question in the mind of every aspiring international student. Especially in a country like India, where the rupee just cannot keep up with the dollar. What an average person earns and saves up in a lifetime here is sometimes not enough to fund a few years of their children’s international education.
The only way out is scholarships. It can cover everything from tuition fees and living expenses to health check-ups and travel costs. But finding the right government or private scholarship is an uphill battle. Applying for them can leave you confused and stressed.
You are not alone in this, though. Many Indian students face the same problem.
They know top scholarships for STEM and MBA programs are available. But they do not know where to start, which ones to choose, or how to apply.
This article will help you with that. If you want to know about the different types of US scholarships for graduate studies in STEM and MBA programs, read on.
Understanding the USA scholarship landscape for STEM and MBA students
If you want to get the best scholarships for STEM or MBA, you need to understand how the system works. There are many government and private scholarships for international students, but each one has its own rules.
Some scholarships are open to all students. Others are only for students in certain courses or specialties. Here’s what you should know:
Types of Scholarships
There are two main types of scholarships.
- Need-based scholarships are for students who cannot afford the gargantuan cost of foreign education.
- Merit-based scholarships are for students with strong academic scores, achievements, or leadership skills. MBA scholarships in the USA often look at your work experience as well.
Who Gives These Scholarships
Top scholarships for STEM and MBA programs come from different sources.
- The Indian and US governments offer some scholarships to international students. One well-known program is the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship.
- Private groups also offer scholarships for international STEM and MBA students. These include companies, foundations, and non-profit organizations.
- Many universities in the USA give their own scholarships for graduate studies. Some are automatic. Some need a separate application.
What Universities Look For
STEM programs often look at your academic background. Strong marks and good test scores can help. MBA programs may ask for leadership skills, work history, and your goals. Some US graduate scholarships support students from different regions with unique backgrounds.
How to Get Started
Start early. Each scholarship has a strict deadline. Some even close before university applications begin. Make a list of US graduate scholarships and the last date for application. Collect your documents in advance. These may include your academic records, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Government and private scholarships for students in the USA
Before diving into scholarships, you should know about the common application requirements. As an Indian student applying for some of the best scholarships for STEM or MBA, you will need the following to qualify for aid:
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- Academic Records: Attested mark sheets, degree certificates (secondary school onward), and syllabi for equivalence checks. Minimum scores often apply (e.g., 55–60% for Fulbright-Nehru).
- Standardized Tests: IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+), or GRE/GMAT/SAT for specific programs.
- Identity Proof: Valid passport (6+ months validity), Aadhaar card, domicile certificate, and caste/tribe certificates (if applicable).
- Financial Documents: Income proofs (ITR, salary slips) with thresholds (e.g., ₹8L/year for National Overseas Scholarship) and 6-month bank statements.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): 500–1,000 words outlining goals, research plans (for PhD), and alignment with the scholarship.
- Recommendation Letters: 2–3 references from professors/employers highlighting academic or professional merit.
- Specialized Materials: Research scholarships demand synopses, publications, and supervisor endorsements. While MBA scholarships ask for work experience (2+ years) and employer letters.
- Health and Police Clearance: Medical fitness certificates and police verification are often required for government-funded programs.
Government Scholarships for International STEM and MBA Students
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree, minimum 3 years of work experience, and leadership qualities | Full tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance |
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) | Indian citizens from specified marginalized communities with ≥60% in qualifying exams; pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. abroad | Tuition, living expenses, and other allowances |
| Quad Fellowship | Citizens or legal permanent residents of Quad countries (India, USA, Japan, Australia) or select Southeast Asian nations; a bachelor’s degree in STEM | $50,000 stipend, mentorship, and networking opportunities |
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | Mid-career professionals from designated countries, including India, with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience | Tuition, living stipend, travel costs, and professional development activities |
| Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship | Indian nationals aged 30–40 with a Ph.D. or equivalent; minimum 3 years of teaching experience at the graduate/postgraduate level | Fellowship tenable at St. Antony’s College, Oxford; includes maintenance allowance, travel, and other benefits |
| Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) | Borrowers with federal Direct Loans employed full-time by US federal, state, local, or tribal government, or certain non-profit organizations | Forgiveness of the remaining loan balance after 120 qualifying monthly payments |
| Nehru Study Abroad Scholarship | Indian nationals pursuing postgraduate studies abroad | Partial funding for tuition and living expenses |
Private Scholarships for International STEM and MBA Students
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Indian citizens under 30 years, admitted to top US institutions for postgraduate studies | Up to $100,000 covering tuition, living expenses, and travel |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program | Nationals from select countries, including India, under 30 years, with excellent academic records and financial need | Covers tuition and living expenses; awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis |
| Rotary Global Grant Scholarship | Indian students admitted to graduate-level programs abroad in focus areas like science and technology | Minimum of $30,000 covering tuition, travel, and living expenses |
| Tata Scholarship for Cornell University | Indian undergraduate students admitted to Cornell with demonstrated financial need | Full tuition for the duration of undergraduate study |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Non-US citizen women pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the USA | $18,000–$30,000 depending on the program |
| Microsoft Scholarships (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate students enrolled in a 4-year bachelor’s program in computer science or related STEM fields | Partial tuition fees |
| Richmond Scholars Program | Outstanding incoming undergraduate students, including international candidates | Full tuition, room, and board for four years |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship | Students enrolled in life science-related majors at accredited US institutions; international students with a valid F-1 visa are eligible | One $10,000 award and five $5,000 awards annually |
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | Indian citizens admitted to Stanford MBA program demonstrating financial need and commitment to India’s development | Covers approximately 80% of tuition and associated fees |
| MPOWER MBA Scholarship | International students admitted to MBA programs in the US or Canada | Partial funding for tuition and living expenses |
| Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship | Students pursuing an MBA in the US with outstanding academic and professional achievements | Partial funding and potential internship opportunities |
| Donald P. Jacobs International Scholarships—Kellogg School of Management | International students admitted to Kellogg’s MBA program | Merit-based scholarships covering partial to full tuition |
| Dean’s Scholarship—NYU Stern School of Business | Exceptional students admitted to NYU Stern’s MBA program | Full tuition coverage for two years |
| GyanDhan Scholarship | Indian students admitted to postgraduate programs abroad | One-time award of ₹111,920 (approx. $1,300) |
| Harvard Business School (HBS) India Fellowship | Indian nationals admitted to the HBS MBA program; preference for candidates demonstrating financial need and commitment to contributing to India’s development | Approximately $80,000 over two years, covering tuition and fees |
| Akhtar Ali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship | Indian students admitted to the full-time MBA program at Chicago Booth; selection based on merit and financial need | Approximately ₹20 lakh ($24,000) |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation PG Scholarship | Indian nationals under 30 years of age; graduates or final-year students of accredited Indian universities; planning to pursue postgraduate studies at top-ranking institutions abroad | Interest-free loan scholarship up to ₹20 lakh; includes mentoring and networking opportunities |
Application tips and strategies
To improve your chances of landing the scholarship of your dreams and ease the financial burden on yourself and your parents, follow these best practices:
- Start researching American scholarships for STEM or business at least 12 months before your planned study abroad date. Create a spreadsheet to track the deadlines and requirements for each opportunity.
- Perfectly match the eligibility criteria rather than applying randomly. You’ll have better chances with programs that align with your academic background, financial need, or special talents.
- Prepare all required documents early, including attested academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and proof of identity. Ensure these are properly certified and translated if needed.
- Write a compelling personal statement that tells your unique story. Connect your past experiences to your future goals while showing how the scholarship fits your journey.
- Secure strong recommendation letters from professors or employers who know you well. Approach them early and provide clear information about each scholarship’s requirements.
- Take standardized tests like IELTS/TOEFL and GRE/GMAT well in advance. You want to achieve scores that meet or exceed the typical requirements for your target US scholarships.
- Apply to multiple US graduate scholarships (8-12 recommended) to increase your chances. You should prioritize quality applications over quantity, though.
- Prepare thoroughly for any scholarship interviews. Practice answering common questions about your goals and motivations, and double-check that you’ve included every required document during the application.
- Have backup funding plans in case you don’t get full scholarships. You can explore education loans, part-time work options, or less expensive study destinations.
- Always check official scholarship websites for the most current information. You don’t want to rely on third-party sources that might have outdated details.
Additional scholarship resources
Looking for scholarships manually can be daunting. You need to find out which government and private US scholarships are accepted by which universities, keep track of deadlines, and put your best foot forward during applications. It’s not easy. But with the right tool, it can be.
Our platform, GradRight, can help you find scholarships that reduce your financial burden. And the best part is you don’t have to do much. Just make a profile and let us handle the rest. We use your profile to match you with the top scholarships for STEM and MBA programs, based on your academic record, financial background, and target universities. On our platform, you get access to exclusive scholarships worth over ₹42 lakh. These are not available elsewhere. Some of the popular scholarships from our archive include
- $3,000 Need-Based Scholarship
- $2,000 Pride Scholarship (for LGBTQ+ students)
- $2,400 Women-in-STEM Scholarship
These scholarships focus on students with high potential and those from underrepresented groups. Because we believe everyone deserves a good education and a bright future, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Study abroad debt-free
331,602 international students from India went to study in the USA in the academic year 2023-24. And chances are, most of them wanted scholarships. The numbers only increase each year. So you can imagine the competition you are likely to face when you apply for one yourself.
But on the bright side, if you manage to secure a government or private US scholarship, you might not need a huge student loan that you are bound to pay off for the next 15 years. This possibility alone makes it crucial that you use the right tools at the right time. With GradRight, you do not have to search alone. The platform gives you everything you need to apply for the right scholarships with a high probability of actually getting them.
Do you want to walk a dark path alone or use the flashlight in your pocket? The choice is yours.
FAQs
1. What are the key eligibility criteria for government scholarships in STEM and MBA programs?
You need strong academic records, admission to a recognized U.S. university, and proof of Indian citizenship. Some programs also look at financial need, leadership qualities, or your work experience. Specific eligibility for each scholarship varies.
2. How do private scholarships differ from government-funded ones?
Companies, non-profits, or universities offer private scholarships. They have flexible criteria and support a wider range of students. Government scholarships usually have stricter rules and focus on academic or national development goals. Private ones often fill the gaps that government programs don’t cover.
3. What are the common application requirements for these scholarships?
Most scholarships ask for academic transcripts, test scores (like GRE or GMAT), a statement of purpose or essay, recommendation letters, and proof of admission. Some may also need financial documents or a resume. Always check each scholarship’s specific checklist.
4. How can I improve my chances of securing a scholarship?
Start early. Research the requirements and apply only to scholarships you clearly qualify for. Your personal statement should be honest and strong. Keep your documents ready and organized. Highlight your achievements, goals, and any unique qualities. Make sure you meet deadlines without fail.
5. Where can I find the latest updates on available scholarships?
You can check official university websites, government portals, and trusted scholarship platforms. GradRight is also a reliable option. It matches you with scholarships based on your profile and sends alerts when new opportunities open up.
