Studying abroad is a life-changing experience and full of opportunities. However, one cannot deny that with all the airfare, tuition, accommodation, food and medical expenses, it is an expensive affair.
However, the cost of studying abroad depends on which country you plan to study in or which university you are attending.
But one thing that can significantly help you ease your financial burden while pursuing your dream of studying abroad is by getting a scholarship for MS in USA.
Types of Scholarships for MS in USA
There are various types of scholarships available for both domestic and international students, such as:
- Merit or academic scholarship
- Need Based Scholarships, etc.
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who have performed exceptionally well in their academic and academic fields. Rewarding such students with financial aid leads them to their dreams and fulfilling careers.
On the other hand, need-based scholarships are awarded to students with financial needs. Considering the applicants’ family income and grades, these scholarships are provided to them so that financial difficulties do not hinder them from achieving their dreams.
One of the main exchange scholarships for MS in USA:
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
It enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from around the world to study and conduct research in the United States. Approximately 4,000 international students receive Fulbright Scholarships each year. The program is open to international students in all fields except medicine.
It is one of the most extensive exchange scholarship programs in the world, operating in more than 160 countries. This scholarship covers your tuition fees, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend and health insurance.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in USA:
The eligibility and selection process for these scholarships varies widely by country. Visit here to get information about your country’s eligibility and application process for this scholarship program.
Here are some smart tips to keep in mind that will help you get a scholarship in USA:
1. Apply for the scholarship before the deadline-
As obvious as it sounds, many international students fail to apply for scholarships. They spend so much time preparing for GMAT/GRE, shortlisting universities that understand their profile and writing perfect winning essays that they forget to apply early for the sake of scholarships.
One of the biggest misconceptions students have about scholarships is that the university admission deadline and the scholarship deadline are the same. However, this happens only occasionally. In many cases, the two deadlines differ. Depending on the school, the deadline may vary. In fact, in some cases, the scholarship deadline may be two months earlier than the admission deadline.
So, you should plan your timeline well and meet all the deadlines to be considered for the scholarship.
2. Meet the eligibility criteria-
There are many scholarships available in the USA for international students, and each scholarship is different. They have different eligibility criteria and requirements.
Therefore, to be considered for any scholarship, you must first meet the requirements. For example, some scholarships require the applicant to apply to US universities for the first time. Therefore, if you do not meet this requirement, you will not be eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Some of the essential eligibility criteria that most scholarships for MS in USA demand are:
- An undergraduate degree from a recognized university
- Fluency in the English language
- Academic excellence or professional achievements
- Be able to demonstrate maturity, independence and integrity
So, can you make sure that you thoroughly research the scholarships at your target universities and find out if you meet the eligibility criteria?
3. Ask your target schools about scholarships-
This is one thing that many students would love to do. Always ask your target schools or universities about scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, application process and deadlines. No matter how extensive your research, there is always a chance that the school will provide you with additional details that you will find where you are.
You can email the school asking them for help with scholarships, and they will be happy to help you.
4. Class 10th or 12th does not matter-
Here we debunk the myth for you. Class 10th, 11th or 12th doesn’t matter. Most US universities only consider your undergraduate or graduate percentage to make admissions and scholarship decisions. Honestly, what you did 4-5 years ago hardly matters to admissions committee. They realize that you were not mature enough at that time and hence your grades suffered. However, universities ask for your grades but don’t take them too seriously. Therefore, your academic excellence depends on your undergraduate GPA. Some universities look at your GPA each semester or year and the overall overall GPA over four years.
So, if you are thinking of not applying for a scholarship because of your low grades in higher secondary, you are mistaken. You can go ahead and submit your application.
5. GMAT/GRE scores are important-
Academic profile is important to AdCom when making scholarship decisions. Students appear for standardized exams like GMAT or GRE when applying for their studies abroad, and the scores of these exams have a huge weight in receiving scholarships.
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Although numbers alone do not define your potential, they are considered to be an early decision maker. A good test score will significantly increase your chances of getting a scholarship. What is a good GMAT or GRE score? Well, a 700+ GMAT score or a 320+ GRE score is exemplary.
But even if your score is low, it’s not a total dealbreaker. You can compensate by highlighting other aspects of the profile.
6. Demonstrate leadership and volunteering skills-
Leadership and volunteering skills are the most important add-ons to your application and give you a competitive edge over others. Moreover, universities weigh these skills significantly when considering students for scholarships.
Leaders are people who direct and positively influence others. Serve as class president of a certain leadership skills organization. It can take other forms, like leading a project, being a sports captain at your undergraduate level, etc.
On the other hand, volunteering includes any service you do for the betterment of society. You can join any social work like human rights, women empowerment etc. or take initiative in organizing campaigns like blood donation drive, education to underprivileged etc.
These skills set you apart from the crowd or peers who have a similar profile to yours.
7. Prove your proficiency in English language-
To be eligible for any scholarship in the US, you need to be proficient in English. Your fluency is measured by standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Although both tests are widely accepted worldwide, the U.S. TOEFL is more commonly accepted at universities. Therefore, it is always recommended to have a good TOEFL score to get a scholarship in a top US university.
8. Achievements, publications and recognitions are of great importance-
Any achievement, publications or recognition is essential for an academic or professional scholarship in the USA. Examples of achievements and recognitions could be: ranking in the top 5 in a class, winning any research or sports competitions, writing and publishing research papers, receiving awards for top employee at work, etc.
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I think such achievements in your profile help strengthen your scholarship application. You can also use your good deeds towards the society as part of your social volunteering to gain recognition in the college or community. However, please keep in mind that just bragging about this doesn’t work. You will need to provide documents that will prove all such achievements.
9. Put forward a strong scholarship essay or statement of purpose-
Suppose your profile has everything you need to get a scholarship, but how will the school know about it? That’s where scholarship essays or statements of purpose come in. Most scholarships ask you to write an essay on why they should give you a scholarship when they have thousands of other applicants of the same profile to choose from, which makes you unique.
Here, you will need to explain your story and goals and provide in-depth information about yourself. You can go beyond your traditional profile and bring the person behind the app to the table. Explain to the provider why you deserve the scholarship, demonstrate your skills, and outline the plan you will follow to accomplish your goals. Highlight how scholarships can make all the difference and brighten your career.
The key to writing the perfect winning scholarship essay is to be realistic. Do not copy and paste from other’s profile. Scholarship providers know in a minute when you’re talking for real and when you’re faking, which can raise a red flag in your direction. You can read other essays to get ideas but always come with your own thoughts and words.
If necessary, you can also add any financial difficulties you may have and how the scholarship can help ease the unnecessary burden on you and your family.
Also, essays or statements of purpose come with word limits, and you must adhere to them strictly.
10. Letters of recommendation play a crucial role-
Some scholarships ask for letters of recommendation as proof of your character and achievements. These recommendations can be from your college professors or anyone you report to at work. A good letter of recommendation includes your academic achievements, leadership and people skills, and passion for achieving your goals.
Knowing the recommendations can be a tie-breaker. So, find someone who knows you well and can give you a good recommendation.
Some scholarships for MS in USA for Indian students
- Tata Scholarship
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Go to Swachh Scholarship
- Global Study Awards
- Inlax Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
