Year after year, the waves of international students hit the shores of the United States of America, pursuing a quality education and better living standards. According to a report on International Educational Exchange by Open Doors 2024, the total number of international students at U.S. colleges and universities reached an all-time high of more than 1.1 million (1,126,690) international students in 2023/2024. Exhibiting a 7% increase from the previous academic year.

But why is it that despite the top 100 universities scattered across 193 countries in the world, a vast majority of students keep stumbling upon the gates of the universities in the USA? The secret lies in the universities and the research facilities they offer.

United States of America, the melting pot of cultures, currently has 36 of the top 100 universities worldwide, making it a top attraction among international students. But not every student has money to burn, and that is where scholarships come in. The country offers multiple scholarships for international students pursuing master's degrees. Let us dive deep into the world of master's scholarships in the country! 

But, Why Choose USA For a Master's Degree Anyway?

Top universities, an inclusive labour market, huge meal portions and close proximity to Hollywood are just some of the reasons why you should choose the USA for your master’s. Here are some additional factors that may influence your decision:

Top Universities in the World: 36 out of 100 top universities in the world are hosted by USA. The names include MIT, Stanford, Princeton and Yale. 

Research-Centric Programs: Since research is widely believed to be an essential catalyst for the country’s economic growth, the government puts optimal amounts of money into both basic and applied research, according to Levin R’s “University as an Engine of Growth”.  This has resulted in the majority of master’s programs being research-centric. 

As an international student pursuing a master's in the country, you may have the opportunity to participate in rare research opportunities.

A Variety of Degree Programs: Just like its cultural dynamics, the degree programs offered in the country are a tapestry in themselves. No matter what your dream career is, in the US, you will find a degree relevant to it, from bakery, ceramics, history, artificial intelligence, art and drawings to religions. There is a degree program for every interest.

Thriving Job Market: Despite the country's competitive labour market, job prospects still shine bright. The growth of AI and technological advancements has created countless new jobs for students.

Work while Studying: One of the biggest perks of studying in the USA is that students are allowed to work part-time while studying. This allows students to continue their studies and stay in the country without relying on their parents.

However, there is another way to sustain your living and studies in the country- scholarships.

What are The Scholarship Requirements in the USA?

Although every scholarship has a specific requirement, here are some of the common requirements for scholarships in the US:

1. Excellent Academic Record: Sometimes, scholarships require a high CGPA or good grades from their applicants. Students are required to submit their transcripts along with their applications.
2. Language Proficiency: Since you are applying for a scholarship in the USA, the committee needs to ensure that you have a good grasp of the language you will be taught in. To prove this, you submit IELTS, TOEFL or other language proficiency test results with your application. Your grades represent your competency, affecting your chances of getting the scholarship.
3. Subject or Field of Study: Scholarships often focus on specific subjects. When applying for a scholarship, you should check if it provides funds for the subject you are interested in 
4. Extracurricular activities: Having a portfolio demonstrating engagement in extracurriculars, community service, leadership roles, or achievements outside of the classroom increases your chances of being acknowledged by the committee. 
5. Letters of recommendation: Students are required to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, and others who can testify to their capabilities.
6. Proof of Financial Need: Need-based scholarships require students to show some proof of financial need. It could either be a bill or your financial records. 
7. Offer Letter: You must also need to submit the acceptance letter from your desired university.

How Many Scholarships are there in the USA?

Pursuing higher education in the United States is something many dream of. However, universities in the US aren’t cheap, especially if you come from a country where the currency falls quite less than the US Dollar. The United States of America has introduced countless scholarships to beat this conundrum of talented students. Here are a few of them:
 

How Do You Get an MS Scholarship in the USA?

Once you know all your potential options and have decided that the US is your study abroad destination, it is now time to consider the most important question: How can I get a scholarship in the US? It is quite apparent that every university and every scholarship has different requirements depending on the type and amount of the grant.

Any individual who falls upon those criteria is granted a scholarship, and the ones who are a bit behind are sent a letter of rejection explaining the reason behind the rejection.

Although there are several contributing factors that affect your chances of getting a scholarship, there are a few things that you can do to increase your chances. 

• It’s all about the Criteria: Each scholarship sets out specific eligibility criteria for its applicants. One of the most common mistakes that individuals make is overlooking the eligibility criteria. This causes rejection, resulting in the individual being disheartened. When applying for a scholarship, read the criteria carefully. For example, some scholarships in the USA have set the requirement that the applicant must not be a US citizen. At the same time, others may require work experience. Reading the criteria carefully will help you prepare for the scholarship better.
• Sometimes, the help is in your department: University departments often have ample funding to offer grants to their students, so students should ask their departments for financial funding directly.
• Good grades do matter:  Your grades have a significant impact on your scholarship application. Try maintaining a good CGPA throughout your undergraduate degree.
• Extracurriculars have an extra impact: Try participating in extracurriculars and leadership roles throughout your undergraduate degree.
• Consult your educational institution: If you are in the last year of your undergraduate degree, try applying through your educational institution.
• Complete the application accurately: Make sure that you fill out the application accurately to avoid the chances of rejection. 
• Add your spark to your essay: Submit an essay that demonstrates who you truly are. A compelling essay will help increase your chances of being accepted. 
• A Counsellor can help: Often, Students struggle to drive a pathway when applying for scholarships. An expert counsellor, like the ones we have at CounsellingX, can help you with scholarship hunting and application.

When to Apply for an MS Scholarship in the USA?

Deadlines for scholarships often vary. However, one of the best strategies to apply for a scholarship is when you are accepted into graduate school. Getting a scholarship in grad school is a lot different from getting a scholarship as an undergraduate.

What is the Best Strategy to Win Scholarships in USA?

The admissions criteria for graduate school are a little more challenging than those for undergraduates. One of the reasons for this competition is that the people applying for graduation are already in the top 10% of their batches. So, as much as merit matters, it is not the only thing that determines your admission to graduate school. Many other things, such as extracurriculars, essays, and your interview performance, contribute to admissions.

The same criteria apply for scholarships. This is why you, as a student, need to have a strategy when applying for a scholarship. The perfect strategy to win a scholarship for the USA is a combination of the right strategy, persistence, preparation and guidance.
 

1. Start Early. Start looking for scholarships as soon as possible. Search websites,  scholarship databases, and university portals to find potential opportunities.
2. Understand Requirements: Take note of application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and specific requirements for each scholarship.
3. Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Increase your chances by applying for as many relevant scholarships as possible.
4. Perfect Your Application: Create engaging essays that showcase your unique experiences, passions, and suitability for the scholarship. Make sure to highlight all your achievements and proofread before submitting. 
5. Focus on Letters of Recommendation: Opt for people familiar with you, such as a teacher or mentor, to effectively showcase your strengths and personality rather than selecting someone unfamiliar. Provide Background: Ensure your recommenders have enough context to craft a comprehensive and personalised letter. Communicate your goals and the focus of the scholarship so they can customise the letter to align with your aspirations and opportunities.
6. Use Your Network: Connect with students or individuals who have successfully won similar scholarships. They can offer valuable guidance on creating a competitive application. Remain engaged with teachers, community leaders, or other mentors who may guide you through the scholarship process.
7. Prepare for the interview: If the scholarship involves an interview, prepare by practising responses to common questions. Approach the interview with confidence, dress appropriately, and communicate clearly. You can also practice for your interview with your teachers, mentors or a counsellor.

Takeaway: 

Obtaining a scholarship for an MS in the USA enables graduate students to access advanced education without financial stress. Considering the numerous scholarships on offer, understanding how to secure one requires diligent research, meticulous preparation, and timely application submissions. These scholarships celebrate academic merit and various talents, turning the ambition of studying at a prestigious university into a reality while promoting career growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the criteria for scholarships in the USA?

Scholarship committees assess candidates by considering their academic performance, leadership abilities, community engagement, personal attributes, and how well they align with the scholarship’s objectives and values.

1. What are the requirements for a scholarship in the USA?

Scholarships in the USA have a few requirements for scholarships:

Academic scores copy (GPA)

Standardised test scores: UG: SAT or ACT. PG: GRE or GMAT score.

Photo ID/Passport 

Language proficiency tests (IELTS or TOEFL exam score)

Motivation letter/Statement of Purpose.

Recommendation letter.

1. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time. In fact, it is recommended that students apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously to increase their chances of getting one.

1. Is it easy to get a scholarship for a master's in the USA?

The eligibility criteria for scholarships in the USA depend entirely on the admission committee. Some scholarships have an easy admission process , while others have a tough admissions process.