Have you ever pictured yourself looking at the framed MS degree you received from a top US university? This is the dream of a lot of people. However, the cost of such a degree can be a real downer for many students.
But hey, there's good news: Scholarships can be a lifesaver. Scholarships help international students with a fantastic opportunity to achieve their academic goals. Plus, scholarships often come with additional benefits! Zolve has tons of experience guiding students through both USA international student loans and scholarships.
In this blog, we will break down the top 5 scholarships that can help you finance an MS from a US university.
Top 5 Scholarships for MS from a US University
Here is a breakdown of the top five scholarships for MS in the US. In addition to this, Zolve also provides the Zolve Global Scholarship.
1. Aga Foundation Scholarship
This international scholarship program is a blessing for all students who belong to a developing nation and have big dreams. It offers financial aid to students who want to go to the US for their master's.
The availability of this scholarship is very limited which is why priority. This means that it is only given to highly deserving individuals.
While half of the scholarship is provided as a non-repayable grant, however, the other half is a loan that is interest-capped.
The annual rate of interest generally does not go beyond 5%. It requires a co-signer. In most cases, it is either a parent or legal guardian. The repayment process starts five years after the completion of your program.
Eligibility
- To be eligible, students must reside in a country with a presence of this foundation.
- Application forms generally become available each year on January 1st. You can access these forms through these organizations' local offices.
2. AAUW International Fellowship
AAUW is one of the leading organizations in the field of advocacy for women's education as well as equality. It provides financial support only to female students from around the world. It targets individuals who wish to pursue a full-time graduate-level education in the States.
The amount of money you get under this program largely depends on thing: the level of higher education you're studying at:
- Master's students get around $20,000.
- PhD students get a bit more, around $25,000.
- Postdoctoral researchers get $50,000 (maximum money).
Eligibility
- Applicants need to have a bachelor's degree if they wish to be eligible for this international scholarship. This degree needs to be equivalent to a U.S. degree. This degree needs to be equivalent to a U.S. degree.
- It is also important for all candidates to show that they will return to their home countries after the program is completed.
3. Generation Google Scholarship
This international scholarship presents outstanding students with an opportunity they can't miss. This is also one of the best international scholarships for Indian students in the US. This is so because it gives $10,000 as grants.
Eligibility:
- Open to students pursuing full-time master's degrees (MS).
- A strong academic background is essential.
- Demonstrating financial need can be beneficial (though not mandatory).
- Current Google employees are not eligible.
4. Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program is a super famous scholarship. It opens a lot of doors for students who are truly exceptional and accomplished. It is a flagship international scholarship initiative. This means that it offers graduate students a very important opportunity- a chance to go to the US for higher studies. This scholarship covers a wide range of academic fields (excluding medicine).
Fulbright awards provide recipients not only with the financial backing but also the necessary and important support that students need to be successful in their chosen disciplines. Fulbright scholarships offer a well-rounded support package encompassing:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Round-trip airfare
Eligibility
- A U.S. equivalent bachelor's degree.
- At least three years of working/professional experience.
5. Rotary Peace Fellowships
The Rotary Peace Fellowships is known to be a life-changing opportunity for so many students. This scholarship provides a fantastic learning opportunity to about 100 international leaders each year. The fellows who are chosen to get to pursue their Master's degrees in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
The best part is that they get to study at some highly prestigious universities of the world. This fellowship is known for being highly competitive because it is somewhat difficult to get due to its limited availability. However, it provides comprehensive financial support. This means that it covers all the essential expenses, such as
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Airfare
- Internship Costs
- Monthly Stipend.
Conclusion
These top 5 scholarships that we just explored offer a powerful springboard to launch your Master's degree journey in the US. However, you need to keep one very important thing in mind: applications can be very competitive. Therefore, you need to level up your game. You can do this by planning early on. Research the eligibility criteria of the scholarships you want to bag. You can also apply for the Zolve Scholarship of $50,000 for which the application process closes on 31st August.
FAQs
1. Is financial need a major factor for all these scholarships?
Financial need varies depending on the program. The importance of financial need can change from program to program. Take, for example, the Generation Google Scholarship: It considers financial need a major factor while selecting candidates for the scholarship.
2. Are there any restrictions on where I can study if I receive a scholarship?
Some scholarships already have a list of universities you can attend. However, most scholarships allow you flexibility in choosing a US university that offers your desired Master's program.
3. Can I apply for multiple scholarships on this list?
Absolutely! It's recommended to apply for several scholarships. This will probably increase your chances of getting a scholarship.
4. What kind of academic background is ideal for these scholarships?
Most scholarships prioritize academic excellence. The Generation Google Scholarship specifically mentions a strong academic background, while the Fulbright Program expects a minimum of three years of professional experience alongside a bachelor's degree.
5. When should I typically apply for these scholarships?
Application deadlines vary, but the Aga Khan Scholarship forms become available on January 1st every year. It's best to check each scholarship program's website for specific deadlines and application cycles.