Every year, thousands of Indian students head to the USA for their MS in some of the world’s best universities. With over 4,000 universities offering courses in AI, Data Science, Engineering, and Business, the USA remains one of the most popular study destinations.
Indian students have always done well in US universities, securing scholarships, research roles, and jobs at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Tesla.
But, what is the MS in USA eligibility?
How do you get into a US university? What GRE score do you need? Are there any universities that don’t require GRE?
We’ll answer all your questions, explain the admission process step by step, and help you understand what it takes to study for an MS in the USA.
The United States universities host over 400,000 international graduate students (Source: Open Doors Report, IIE). Every university has its own admission requirements, but most programs look at your academic background, test scores, and relevant experience.
MS in USA Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Bachelor’s Degree
A 4-year undergraduate degree is required. Some universities accept 3-year degrees from India.
Minimum GPA
Most universities require a GPA of 3.0+ (65-70%). Top programs may demand 3.5+ (75-80%).
GRE/GMAT Scores
GRE is required for most STEM programs. GMAT is needed for business-related MS programs. Some universities waive these tests. Learn more about the GRE exam and GMAT exam.
English Proficiency
Non-native English speakers must take TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Check out the IELTS Guide and TOEFL Guide for score requirements.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Usually 2-3 recommendations from professors or employers. See theLOR format for details.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
A well-written SOP explaining academic and career goals is crucial. Follow this SOP format guide.
Work Experience
Not mandatory but preferred for some programs, especially in business and management fields.
3-Year Bachelor’s Degree: Is It Accepted?
Most US universities require a 4-year undergraduate degree, but some accept 3-year degrees from India if they meet credit equivalency.
University
Accepts 3-Year Degrees?
Notes
Carnegie Mellon University
Yes
Accepted if NAAC ‘A’ or WES evaluated.
New York University (NYU)
Yes
Additional coursework may be required.
Columbia University
Yes
Subject to department approval.
University of Texas at Austin
No
Requires a 4-year degree or equivalent.
University of California, Berkeley
No
Applicants need a 1-year postgraduate diploma or master’s coursework.
Tip: If your degree is not accepted, consider taking a 1-year postgraduate diploma before applying.
MS in USA Eligibility for STEM vs. Non-STEM Programs
Criteria
STEM MS Programs
Non-STEM MS Programs
GRE/GMAT Requirement
GRE required for most universities.
GMAT preferred for business programs, GRE for some.
Work Experience
Not required, but helps in research-based programs.
Often required (especially for MBA/MSBA).
English Proficiency
TOEFL/IELTS/PTE required.
TOEFL/IELTS/PTE required.
Scholarship Availability
Higher due to research funding.
Fewer compared to STEM programs.
Job Opportunities
3-year OPT extension for STEM graduates.
1-year OPT for non-STEM graduates.
What Are the Academic Requirements for MS in USA?
Each university sets its own minimum GPA and accepted degree fields for MS in USA eligibility.
MS in USA Eligibility: Minimum GPA and Accepted Bachelor’s Degrees
University
Minimum GPA Required
Accepted Bachelor’s Degrees
MIT
3.5+ (80%)
Engineering, CS, Physics, Mathematics
Stanford University
3.5+ (80%)
Engineering, Business, Life Sciences
UC Berkeley
3.3+ (75%)
Engineering, Technology, Business
Carnegie Mellon
3.0+ (70%)
Science, Engineering, Data Science
NYU
3.0+ (70%)
Arts, Business, Social Sciences, STEM
UT Austin
3.0+ (70%)
Engineering, Healthcare, IT
Arizona State University
2.8+ (65%)
All major disciplines
Tip: A lower GPA can be compensated with strong GRE scores, research projects, or work experience.
How Important Are Coursework, Research & Extracurriculars?
Apart from a good GPA, US universities assess the overall academic profile of applicants.
Factor
Why It Matters
Relevant Coursework
Courses in programming, data science, or business analytics strengthen applications.
Research Experience
Publishing research papers can give an edge over other applicants.
Internships & Work Experience
Essential for business analytics, management, and applied science programs.
Extracurricular Activities
Universities prefer candidates with leadership roles, tech projects, or volunteering experience.
MS in USA Eligibility: GRE Score Required?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used by many US universities to evaluate applicants for MS programs.
GRE Statistics (Source: ETS GRE Report 2023)
Average GRE Score Globally: 307 (Verbal: 151, Quant: 156, AWA: 3.6)
Average GRE Score for Indian Test-Takers: 313 (Verbal: 148, Quant: 163, AWA: 3.3)
Average GRE Score for Admitted MS Students in the USA: 315+ (Varies by university)
Percentage of Universities Waiving GRE: 30-40% of US universities now have a GRE waiver option for MS programs (Source: US University Admission Trends, 2023).
MS in USA Eligibility: Minimum GRE Scores for Top MS Universities
University
Minimum GRE Score
Preferred Score Range
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
No strict cutoff
320-335
Stanford University
No strict cutoff
325-335
Harvard University
No strict cutoff
320-330
University of California, Berkeley
300
320-330
Carnegie Mellon University
300
315-330
New York University (NYU)
295
310-325
University of Texas at Austin
300
315-325
Arizona State University (ASU)
290
300-315
Tip: A GRE score of 315+ puts you in a competitive position for most mid-to-top-ranked universities. If you’re aiming for Ivy League or top STEM programs, a 325+ score is recommended.
GRE Score Weightage for Different MS Programs
MS Program Type
Section Most Important
Recommended Score Range
STEM (Engineering, CS, AI, Data Science, etc.)
Quantitative Reasoning
160+ in Quant, 150+ in Verbal
Business & Management (MSBA, MS Finance, etc.)
Balanced Verbal & Quantitative
155+ in both sections
Humanities & Social Sciences (Psychology, Public Policy, etc.)
MS in USA Eligibility: English Proficiency Test Scores Required
Since English is the primary language of instruction, US universities require TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores from international students.
Which Test Should You Take?
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Preferred by most US universities.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – Widely accepted.
Duolingo English Test (DET) – Accepted by some universities as a more flexible alternative.
IELTS Statistics (Source: British Council & IDP 2023 Report)
Average IELTS Band Score Globally: 6.5
Average IELTS Score for Indian Test-Takers: 6.8 (Listening: 7.0, Reading: 6.5, Writing: 6.2, Speaking: 6.5)
Minimum IELTS Score Required for US Universities: 6.5 (some universities accept 6.0)
Top US Universities’ IELTS Requirement: 7.0+ (MIT, Harvard, Stanford, etc.)
Minimum English Proficiency Test Scores for Top US Universities
University
TOEFL Score
IELTS Score
Duolingo Score
MIT
100
7.0
Not Accepted
Stanford University
100
7.0
Not Accepted
Harvard University
100
7.0
Not Accepted
UC Berkeley
90
6.5
Not Accepted
Carnegie Mellon University
90
6.5
115
New York University (NYU)
90
6.5
120
University of Texas at Austin
79
6.5
105
Arizona State University (ASU)
80
6.5
110
Tip: Some universities waive TOEFL/IELTS if your previous education was in English. Check individual university policies before applying.
Which Universities Accept Duolingo Instead of TOEFL/IELTS?
MS in USA Eligibility: Are Internships or Work Experience Required?
Work experience is not mandatory for most MS programs in the USA, but it can improve your application. Fields like Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science focus more on academic performance, while Business Analytics, Finance, and MBA programs prefer applicants with professional experience.
MS in USA Eligibility: MS Fields That Prefer Work Experience
Field of Study
Is Work Experience Mandatory?
Preferred?
Engineering (CS, AI, Electrical, etc.)
No
Yes, internships help
Data Science & Business Analytics
No
Yes, industry experience valued
MBA & MS in Finance
Yes (for MBA)
Strongly preferred
Public Health & Biotechnology
No
Research/internships preferred
Psychology & Social Sciences
No
Research work adds value
Internships and research projects improve chances for competitive programs.
The US government requires students to prove they have enough funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses for at least one academic year.
Financial Document
Purpose
Bank Statements
Proof of sufficient funds (last 6 months).
Affidavit of Support
If a sponsor (parents/guardian) is funding the education.
Loan Sanction Letter
If taking an education loan to cover expenses.
Scholarship Award Letter
If receiving financial aid from the university.
Tip: The total financial proof should cover at least $50,000 (₹41.6L) to $70,000 (₹58.3L) depending on the university.
Visa Interview Questions & Common Rejection Reasons
Common F-1 Visa Questions Why did you choose this university? How will you fund your education? What are your post-MS career plans? Will you return to your home country after graduation?
Top Reasons for Visa Rejection Insufficient financial proof. Unclear study or career plans. Weak ties to the home country (risk of immigration intent).
upGrad Abroad – Your Guide to MS in USA Eligibility
Planning to pursue an MS in the USA but unsure where to start? upGrad Abroad provides end-to-end support to help you secure admission into top universities.
Get access to expert resources for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS to achieve competitive scores.
Personalized counseling to help shortlist universities, craft a strong SOP and LORs, and submit applications.
Explore funding options and apply for merit-based scholarships.
Can I apply for MS in the USA with a 3-year bachelor’s degree?
Most US universities require a 4-year undergraduate degree, but some accept 3-year degrees from India if they meet US equivalency standards. Universities like Carnegie Mellon, NYU, and UT Dallas may accept 3-year degrees, especially if combined with a postgraduate diploma or strong academic performance.
What is the minimum GRE score for top MS programs?
For highly ranked universities like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard, a GRE score above 320 is competitive. Mid-ranked universities accept scores between 300-315. Some universities have dropped GRE requirements, but a strong score improves admission chances.
Can I get admission to an MS program without TOEFL/IELTS?
Some universities waive TOEFL/IELTS if you completed your undergraduate degree in English or are from an English-speaking country. Universities like Purdue, Rice, and Colorado Boulder offer waivers based on previous education.
Is work experience mandatory for MS in Data Science or Business Analytics?
No, but having at least 1-2 years of experience can improve chances of admission, especially for business-related MS programs. Some universities prefer applicants with professional exposure in analytics or tech fields.
Which universities in the USA don’t require GRE for MS?
Some universities have waived GRE requirements for MS admissions, including:
University of California, Berkeley (for select programs)
University of Arizona
Northeastern University
University of Dayton
Stevens Institute of Technology
What GPA is needed for an MS in the USA?
Most universities require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (7.5+ in Indian grading). Top universities prefer a GPA of 3.5 or higher (8.5+ in Indian grading). A lower GPA can be offset with a strong GRE score, research work, or relevant experience.
How much does the MS application process cost?
The total cost varies but typically includes:
GRE/TOEFL/IELTS fees – $200-$250 per test
Application fees – $50-$150 per university
Transcript evaluation – $150-$250 if required
Visa & SEVIS fees – $510
Applying to multiple universities can cost between $800-$2,000.
Can I apply for MS in the USA without LORs?
Most universities require at least two Letters of Recommendation (LORs). Some, like Florida International University and University of Cincinnati, allow professional references instead. Few offer LOR waivers, especially for experienced professionals.
Are there any fully-funded MS scholarships for international students?
Yes, but they are highly competitive. Some options include:
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
AAUW International Fellowships
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
University-specific assistantships and fellowships
How long does the MS application process take?
The process takes 6-12 months, from preparing exams to receiving admissions. A general timeline:
6-8 months before application – Take GRE/TOEFL/IELTS
2-3 months before admission – Receive offers, apply for a visa
Can I work while studying for an MS in the USA?
Yes. F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the semester and full-time during breaks. After the first year, students can apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) for internships.
Is it harder for Indian students to get into top MS programs in the USA?
Admission is competitive due to the high number of Indian applicants. Strong academics, GRE scores, research work, and a well-structured SOP increase chances. Universities focus on overall profiles, not just grades.
What are my visa options after completing MS in the USA?
After graduation, students can:
Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 3 years (for STEM degrees)
Apply for an H-1B work visa if sponsored by an employer
Seek Green Card sponsorship through employer pathways
Which MS programs in the USA have the highest job opportunities?
Programs with high job demand include:
MS in Computer Science
MS in Data Science and AI
MS in Cybersecurity
MS in Business Analytics
MS in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
How do I improve my chances of getting admitted to an MS program?
Maintain a strong GPA (3.5+ preferred)
Score well on the GRE (310+ for mid-ranked, 320+ for top schools)
Gain research or internship experience
Write a clear SOP that highlights goals and achievements
Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.
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