Should I expect a scholarship for a data science master's in the USA?
Partial awards are realistic, full funding is rare. Boston University scholarships typically run around USD 10,000 (approx INR 9.53L) with no full funding, and Georgetown and USC Viterbi consider international students. Apply early and check each program's own funding page.
Most US data science master's programs offer partial merit scholarships, not full funding. Assistantships and fellowships exist but are limited, and some advertised awards are only for US citizens. You should check that an award is open to F-1 visa applicants before you count on it.
US data science scholarships to check as an international student
| University | Program | Published award |
|---|---|---|
| New York University | MS in Data Science | A limited number of partial-tuition scholarships for up to two years, plus the Pathbreaker Scholarship covering full tuition for two Fall 2027 students, both considered from your application |
| Boston University | MS in Data Science | Scholarships typically range around USD 10,000 (approx INR 9.53L); full funding is not offered |
| University of San Francisco | MS in Data Science and AI | Dean's Scholarship of USD 15,000 (approx INR 14.29L) for two awardees; Double Dons covers 20% of tuition; confirm international eligibility |
| Tufts University | MS in Data Science | Master's applicants are considered for scholarships if they apply before the deadline; confirm international eligibility |
| Georgetown University | MS in Data Science and Analytics | International students are always considered for merit-based scholarship offers; amounts set at admission |
| USC | Data Science for Learning Applications and Viterbi master's | Rossier merit scholarships up to USD 15,000 (approx INR 14.29L); Viterbi Dean's Scholarships of USD 10,000 (approx INR 9.53L) to USD 30,000 (approx INR 28.59L), open to international and US students |
How funding types differ and what to check
- Merit scholarships reward grades and achievements and are often considered automatically with your application.
- Graduate assistantships give a tuition waiver or stipend in return for research or teaching work.
- Departmental fellowships come from individual departments or graduate schools.
- Need-based aid is limited for international master's students.
- Some advertised awards are restricted to US citizens and permanent residents, so read the eligibility line.
Apply early where a program gives priority to early applicants, and check each deadline on the official page before you plan around it.
My Advice
Budget for a master's with no scholarship and treat any award as a reduction. Shortlist programs whose funding page clearly names international students, and email admissions to ask how many awards go to international applicants each year.
This information is available on: bu.edu, georgetown.edu, usc.edu
Looking for a specific course in the USA?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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