Postgraduate (PG) Scholarships to Study in the USA
The USA offers a wide range of scholarship options to international students aspiring to pursue postgraduate programs in the country. Some of the most popular ones include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, a government-sponsored scholarship that provides complete financial support to international students seeking higher education in the USA. A few other top postgraduate scholarships to study in the USA include the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University, and the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program.
Types of Postgraduate Scholarships for International Students to Study in the USA
Postgraduate scholarships to study in the USA are available based on the students’ need or merit. Additionally, they may be funded by the US government, private organisations, and universities. Some scholarship options may be customised to different levels of study and countries.
Some of the top scholarships for postgraduate students are listed as follows:
Government-funded USA postgraduate scholarships
Non-government postgraduate scholarships
University scholarships for postgraduate students
Departmental USA scholarships for postgraduate students
Top Government Scholarships to Study PG Courses in the USA
The best USA government scholarship for international students wanting to study postgraduate courses in the USA is the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships. It is an eminent scholarship awarded to Indian students applying for postgraduate study programs in the USA. Some of the well-known USA government scholarships for international students are tabulated below:
Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
Fulbright Scholarship | 100% scholarship covering full tuition fee, airfare, health insurance and cost of living for each student |
Joint Japan / World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program | Full funding for students from developing countries aspiring to pursue a Master’s in disciplines relevant to public policy, economic development, and sustainability |
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | Tuition and other fees at a USA host university, accident/sickness insurance, and a maintenance allowance per month |
Top Non-Government Scholarships to Study PG Courses in the USA
Some of the best USA non-government scholarships for Master’s students include the Civil Society Leadership Awards, Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship, and Rotary Peace Fellowships. These non-government scholarships to study PG courses are detailed in the table below for your reference:
Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
Civil Society Leadership Awards | Fully-funded scholarship to eligible international students pursuing Master’s level courses in the USA |
Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship | USD 2,000 to eligible students enrolled in graduate courses in the USA |
Rotary Peace Fellowships | Funding to Master’s degree students in the USA studying at one of Rotary’s Peace Centres (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Duke University |
Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/scholarship-advice/international-scholarships-study-us#art_heading_10
Top University Scholarships for Postgraduate Students in the USA
Some of the widely-preferred USA university scholarships include the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University, and Yale University Scholarships, among others. The table below highlights some of the best university scholarships for international students.
Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | Up to USD 150,000 coverage of course, tuition fee, and living expenses for the full 2 years of the MBA program at Stanford University |
Yale University Scholarships | Up to USD 70,000 per annum |
Johnson & Wales University | USD 4,000 per academic year |
Related Source: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/newsroom/school-news/reliance-recommits-mba-fellowship-indian-students
https://scholarshiproar.com/yale-university-scholarships/
https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/scholarships/
Departmental Scholarships in the USA
Several top US universities and colleges offer departmental scholarships to international students, provided by individual academic departments within these institutions. A few examples include the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), the Rhodes Scholarship, and the Tata Scholarship at Cornell University.
A Departmental Scholarship is also known by the names of Research Assistantship in the USA (RA) or even a Teaching Assistantship Scholarship (TA). The RA/TA scholarships are designed to offer financial support to students pursuing graduate programs at US universities, while allowing them scope for gaining valuable professional experience as a research assistant or teaching assistant.
Scholarship | Benefits |
|---|---|
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) | Support for 3 years over a 5-year fellowship duration for international PG students for research in STEM fields |
Rhodes Scholarship | USD 19,800 per annum covering accommodation and other living costs |
Tata Scholarship at Cornell University | Full tuition fee, a stipend, and student health insurance |
Related Sources: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/grfp-nsf-graduate-research-fellowship-program
https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/the-rhodes-scholarship/
https://gradschool.cornell.edu/financial-support/assistantships/
Eligibility Criteria for International Students Applying for Scholarships to Study in the USA
International students applying for scholarships to pursue PG courses in the USA must prove a genuine financial need, a brilliant academic record, or some specific skill, talent, or leadership abilities. While the criteria for eligibility for scholarship in the USA may vary for different institutions, some of the commonly accepted postgraduate scholarship eligibility requirements include:
An excellent academic record and good scores are the primary criteria for most scholarship programs. A high GPA score, as well as the required scores in standardised tests such as GRE/GMAT, and English proficiency tests like IELTS, are needed.
Official academic transcripts must be submitted as proof.
Volunteering and extracurricular activities are also considered.
Written assignments must be submitted to apply for scholarships for research-focused PG courses in the USA.
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can help boost your scholarship application.
Top Tips to Apply for Postgraduate Scholarships in the USA
One of the best answers for how to apply for a postgraduate scholarship in the USA is to work on building a strong academic profile, draft an impressive Statement of Purpose, and use it well ahead of time to beat the competition.
Listed below are some of the top tips that can help you apply for USA scholarships for postgraduate programs:
Work towards earning a high GPA: A high GPA is one of the best ways to increase your chances of earning a scholarship for postgraduate courses in the USA. Make sure to maintain a strong academic background and get good scores in standardised tests to boost your scholarship prospects.
Create a compelling SOP: This is yet another top tip to secure a scholarship at a leading US university for PG courses. Craft a convincing Statement of Purpose (SOP) to impress the admission committee of your candidature, explaining clearly why you are the best fit to receive the scholarship.
Start early and submit on time: It is essential to respect the scholarship deadlines. Make sure to start the scholarship application process early to beat the tough competition for scholarship seats. Also, ensure that you understand the eligibility criteria well and submit the application in time to avoid the chances of rejection beyond the deadline.
How IDP Can Guide You for PG Scholarships in the USA
Need help applying for a top scholarship for PG courses in the USA? Let IDP Education be your partner. We help identify the top scholarships in the country for postgraduate study programs and provide personalised consultations and support through the scholarship application journey.
We help eligible students learn more about the eligibility criteria for each scholarship program, check if they meet them, and also ensure that the application is submitted within the given deadline.
FAQs on Post Graduate (PG) Scholarships to Study in the UK
1. How competitive are postgraduate scholarships in the UK?
Scholarships for postgraduate programs in the UK are generally highly competitive due to the limited funding options and high demand for quality higher education in the country.
2. What is the deadline for applying to UK postgraduate scholarships?
The deadline for each scholarship program may vary from one institution to another. It is best to check with the specific institution at the time of applying.
3. Do UK postgraduate scholarships include health insurance for students?
No, postgraduate scholarships in the UK generally do not provide coverage for health insurance for international students in the country. However, some larger scholarship programs may have some provision for covering the health insurance fee; hence, do check with the provider at the time of application.
4. What is the age limit for applying to UK postgraduate programs?
There is generally no upper age bar for applying to PG courses at UK universities. Every university has its own eligibility criteria for its study programs, so it is best to check the admission criteria for each program at the time of applying.
5. Which postgraduate courses in the UK receive the most scholarship funding?
The most popular PG courses in the UK that receive the highest funding from the government or private universities are programs in Science and Technology and Law and Justice.
6. Are postgraduate scholarships in the UK merit or need-based?
Both merit and need-based scholarships are available in the UK to aspiring postgraduate students. Some institutions may offer either of the two, while some may offer a combination of both.
7. Do postgraduate scholarships in the UK require work experience?
Some PG scholarships in the UK may require applicants to show prior work experience. It may depend on the specific scholarship program applied for.
Updated on Sep 23, 2025