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    Masters in Data Science Scholarships for international students in the USA 2025

    Pursuing a Master of Science in Data Science in the United States is a powerful path to technical skill development and global career opportunities. For many international students, the cost can be a real barrier.

    The good news is that a mix of government-funded programs, university fellowships, and industry scholarships exists to reduce that burden.

    Below, I describe ten realistic scholarship options you should research for a master’s in data science in the United States, followed by practical application tips, a suggested timelin,e and a short FAQ to answer common concerns.

    Each scholarship entry explains what it covers and who is most likely to qualify. Remember to confirm deadlines and eligibility on the official program pages before you apply.

    Top scholarships to consider

    1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
      The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most recognisable global awards for international graduate study in the United States. The program supports a wide range of graduate degrees, including masters programs. Awards typically cover tuition, a living stipend, travel and health benefits and include a strong emphasis on academic excellence and leadership. Fulbright applications are administered country by country so you will apply through the Fulbright commission or US embassy in your home country. Fulbright Foreign Program
    2. Knight Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
      Knight Hennessy Scholars is a scholarship scheme that supports graduate study at Stanford University across all graduate degree programs including masters degrees. The award covers full tuition and provides a living stipend and access to a leadership development curriculum and a global scholar network. This is extremely competitive but it is a powerful option for applicants who can demonstrate academic excellence and potential for leadership. Knight-Hennessy Scholars
    3. AAUW International Fellowships
      The American Association of University Women International Fellowships provide funding for women who are not US citizens or permanent residents to pursue full time graduate or postgraduate study in the United States. These fellowships are open to a wide range of disciplines and can be used for masters level study. They provide both financial support and a distinguished credential for women studying abroad. AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881
    4. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
      The Aga Khan Foundation offers a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to students from designated developing countries. These awards are needs based and target applicants who have strong academic records but lack adequate resources. The scholarship often covers tuition and living costs and supports studies at well recognised institutions worldwide, including programs in the United States when the award conditions allow. Check country eligibility and local Aga Khan office guidance before applying. Aga Khan Development Network
    5. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program JJ WBGSP
      The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides funding for students from eligible developing countries to pursue development-related masters degrees. While this program is tailored to development subjects, certain data science programs that have a clear development focus or data for development specialisation may qualify. The JJ WBGSP covers tuition, travel and living stipend and requires applicants to have work experience and to return to their home country after study. World Bank
    6. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
      The Inlaks scholarship is targeted at citizens of India and supports a limited number of students for master’s study abroad, including at universities in the United States. It is merit-based and can cover tuition, living costs and one way travel. This is a strong option for eligible Indian applicants who have secured admission to a qualifying US graduate program. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
    7. NYU Center for Data Science scholarships and fellowships
      Many top data science programs offer internal scholarships and industry-sponsored fellowships. New York University Center for Data Science for example runs a set of named scholarships and fellowships including the CDS Pathbreaker Scholarship and partnerships with industry supporters such as Google DeepMind. These awards may cover full tuition or significant tuition support for selected MS applicants. If NYU is on your list apply early and highlight fit with the center’s priorities to be considered for these competitive scholarships. NYU Center for Data Science
    8. UC Berkeley School of Information fellowships for MIDS students
      University-based fellowships are common at leading data science schools. Berkeley School of Information for its Master of Information and Data Science program, offers named fellowships such as the Jack Larson Data for Good Fellowship and a need based fellowship for MIDS students. These awards are designed to support students who want to use data science for social good and for students with significant financial need. If you plan to apply to Berkeley emphasise public good or social impact projects when appropriate. UCB-UMT
    9. Carnegie Mellon University and external fellowship options
      Carnegie Mellon and other research universities often have both university-administered awards and guidance about external scholarship opportunities. CMU lists internal programs and a curated set of external opportunities that international applicants can pursue. Many schools also offer teaching assistant roles and research assistant roles, which can reduce net cost through tuition remission and stipends. Make sure to review each program’s financial aid page for specifics about how they award support to masters applicants. Carnegie Mellon University
    10. ACM SIGHPC Computational and Data Science Fellowships
      ACM SIGHPC, with partners, has created fellowship programs designed to increase diversity in computational and data science graduate study. These fellowships often target women and members of underrepresented groups and provide a stipend that is portable across institutions. The award amount and nomination process vary but this is a valuable external fellowship for students in data science graduate programs. sighpc.org

    How to Choose Which Scholarships to Apply For

    • Match your profile to the eligibility criteria. Many large programs are country or demographic-specific.
    • Prioritise awards that support masters level study and accept applicants to US institutions.
    • Consider university fellowships at the schools where you have applied. These often require no separate application and are awarded automatically to strong admitted candidates.
    • Look for scholarships that align with your project interest for example data for social good, public policy, or development analytics.

    Practical Application Tips That Increase Your Chances

    • Start early and collect documents well in advance. International scholarship processes often require proof of admission a study plan letters of reference and financial statements.
    • Write a clear statement of purpose that links your prior experience to the masters program and to the goals of the scholarship. Tailor each application rather than using one generic essay for all.
    • Secure strong references from professors or employers who can speak to both your technical ability and potential for impact. Where possible ask referees who know your research or data project work.
    • Demonstrate measurable outcomes from any data work you have done. Concrete evidence of projects contributions or published analysis is more persuasive than abstract descriptions.
    • Highlight leadership and commitment to applying data science for real world problems when the scholarship is focused on social impact.
    • Meet every deadline. Some awards require institutional nomination while others require direct application. Follow instructions precisely.

    Documents You Will Commonly Need

    • Official transcripts and certified translations if records are not in English.
    • Proof of admission or conditional offer letter when the scholarship requires it.
    • Statement of purpose that explains why this masters now and how the award will be used.
    • Two or three academic or professional reference letters.
    • CV or resume showing technical skills and project experience.
    • Documents to prove financial need where relevant for need based awards.

    Timing and Timeline

    • Begin researching scholarships as soon as you finalise your program list. Many awards open six to nine months before program start dates.
    • For admission-based fellowships that are automatic you must still submit your application by the program deadline and sometimes indicate interest in funding consideration.
    • Government and large global programs often have country-specific windows that do not always sync with university admission cycles so check both calendars.
    • If a fellowship requires nomination from your university, ask your department who the nominating officer is and meet them early.

    Common Selection Criteria Scholarship Committees Use

    • Academic excellence is measured by grades, coursework, and test results when required.
    • Technical competence shown in projects, internships or research.
    • Fit with the scholarship mission for example, leadership, public service or increasing representation in tech.
    • Clear career and impact plan explaining how the masters will be applied after graduation.
    • Evidence of financial need is required when the scholarship is designated to support students with limited resources.

    Short FAQ

    Are these awards only for students who already have admission

    Some awards require an admission letter before you apply. Others, for example, Fulbright, are part of a country-level application process and ask for the intended program details. University administered awards often require admission first. Check each program’s rules. Fulbright Foreign ProgramNYU Center for Data Science

    Can I apply to multiple scholarships at the same time

    Yes you can apply to multiple awards unless any single award explicitly forbids concurrent funding. Be transparent and read the acceptance terms carefully.

    Do industry scholarships like those from tech companies require work experience

    Industry scholarships vary. Some are open to new graduates and are merit based. Others prefer candidates with relevant experience. Where industry programs are tied to research groups they may prioritise applicants with strong research or project experience. NYU Center for Data Science

    I am not from a developing country can I still apply for fellowships meant for development

    Some programs are limited to citizens of eligible countries. Others such as the ACM SIGHPC fellowship are eligibility focused on demographic groups rather than nationality. Check the guidelines closely. sighpc.org

    Closing Suggestions and Next Steps

    1. Make a short master spreadsheet with the scholarships that match your profile. Include the following columns
      • Program name
      • Eligibility requirements
      • Application deadline
      • Documents required
      • Whether admission is required first
    2. Apply to university programs that offer strong internal fellowship support. University based scholarships can be among the easiest to obtain if your application stands out. UCB-UMTNYU Center for Data Science
    3. Prepare your best project portfolio. Even a small public dataset project that shows end to end work will help you stand out in interviews and essays.
    4. Consider external diversity fellowships such as ACM SIGHPC that are portable across institutions and can provide meaningful stipend support. sighpc.org