I am planning to pursue masters in US later but everything looks super costly. Are there any US scholarships for Indian students that actually help with tuition or living costs?I really don’t know where to start or which ones are legit
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Yes, studying in the US can definitely be expensive, but there are some great options to help manage the costs. One of the most effective ways is to apply for a Research Assistant (RA) or Teaching Assistant (TA) position once you’re admitted to a university. These positions not only provide a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, but many universities also offer a full tuition fee waiver for students holding these roles.
Apart from that, there are also scholarships specifically for Indian students, like:
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
Tata Scholarship (for Cornell University)
J.N. Tata Endowment for Higher Education
AAUW International Fellowships (for women)
Most of these scholarships are competitive but worth applying to. You can also check individual university websites – many offer merit-based scholarships or need-based financial aid for international students.
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@Ankitkumar72 Thank you so much for your response! I will definitely look at the above mentioned scholarships.
Another quick question: For students who might not secure full scholarships, what alternative funding options would you recommend?
Also, for anyone who doesn’t get a scholarship. I’d highly recommend looking into Research Assistant (RA) positions at the university.
If you’re selected as an RA, the university usually provides a monthly stipend and often waives your tuition fee too.
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@AsthaSharma01 Totally understand how overwhelming it feels at first. Studying in the US is expensive, but there are scholarships that genuinely help with tuition and even living costs.
When I was applying, I received a merit-based scholarship from my university, which made a big difference in managing costs. Many US universities offer similar aid if your academic and overall profile is strong. I also explored assistantships, which can further reduce expenses.
Apart from university aid, you should also look into Central and State Government scholarships in India, as some support higher education abroad. Well-known options like the Inlaks Scholarship, Tata Scholarship (for Cornell), KC Mahindra, and the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship are also great for Indian students.
The key is to start early, stay on top of deadlines, and build a strong, focused application. If you’re not sure where to begin, I’m happy to share what worked for me and help you figure out the best path forward. Once you know what to look for, it becomes much easier.
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