Last Updated on December 13, 2024
The US has always been the top choice for international students when it comes to studying abroad. It also includes many Indian students. This is because a higher education system like the US is nowhere else, with top-ranked universities, specialized course options, great research prospects, and career opportunities. When it comes to the financial aspect of pursuing higher education in the USA, the numbers could be overwhelming and heavy on your pockets. This is where scholarships become invaluable financial assistance for Indian students. In this blog, we will dig deeper into the top scholarships in USA for Indian students. Each scholarship has its own requirements and benefits, so without further delay, let’s jump into the details.
Types of Scholarships in USA for Indian Students
As mentioned above, there are different types of scholarships in USA for Indian students. We have listed the same below-
- Numerous American universities and colleges offer overseas students country-based scholarships in order to promote higher education in their nation. These scholarships are only available to international students from developing nations. Furthermore, these scholarships are awarded by numerous American private institutions in order to help fund the study of overseas students.
- International students who fulfill certain qualifying requirements, such as academics or IELTS requirements, are eligible for certain scholarships. Alumni of the universities provide a large portion of funding for these scholarships. These scholarships are mainly internal to the university, and you may not be required to fill out an application separately for them. These are known as merit-based scholarships.
- International students in the US are privately sponsored by private individuals and companies, et cetera. However, they maintain higher standards for eligibility, and only those who choose specific categories to get these scholarships, such as women, minorities, students from underdeveloped nations, etc receive these private scholarships.
- In an effort to promote the internationalization of educational institutions, the US government provides scholarships in USA for Indian students. Unfortunately, as the majority of scholarships are designated for domestic students, there are not many available for international students. These are government-based scholarships.
Popular Scholarships in USA for Indian Students 2025
Here are some of the best scholarships in USA for Indian students while they apply to study there-
Fulbright Nehru Master’s Fellowships 2025-26
This is a fully funded scholarship. It covers the tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and round-trip airfare to the USA. The eligible degree is a master’s degree. The application deadline is around the 15th of May. The Fulbright Nehru master’s fellowship specifically targets outstanding Indian students and professionals, offering them the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in the USA with a scholarship. Students should at least have 55 percent of marks and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in India. They should also have three years of work experience and have done community service. The recipients of this fellowship become a part of the prestigious alumni network and are expected to contribute to the development of their home countries upon completion of their studies.
TATA Scholarship for Cornell UniversityÂ
Established through a generous endowment from the Tata Education and Development Trust, these scholarships make Cornell University more accessible to deserving and bright students from India. Currently, there are approximately 20+ awards available for every academic intake in the US. This scholarship covers full tuition fees for up to 4 years of study. This scholarship is available for undergraduate degrees across all courses offered at Cornell University. It is mainly given out to students of architecture, the College of Engineering, and arts and planning. The application deadline for the Tata scholarship is at the same time as the regular admission application deadline for Cornell University. You would be required to check the university’s official website for specific requirements and dates.
National Overseas Scholarships
These scholarships aim to empower students from economically weaker sections of society by providing them with equal access to quality education abroad. The recipients of the scholarship are expected to return to India upon completion of their studies to contribute to the nation’s development. It offers full funding covering the aspects and costs of studying in the USA, such as tuition fees, living costs, and travel costs. This scholarship is available for Master’s and PhD programs in all fields of studies offered by recognized universities in USA. The applications for the 2025 intake are expected to start shortly.
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai FellowshipÂ
The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai fellowship is a scholarship award to deserving students admitted to the Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA program. This scholarship is highly competitive, and only five awards are offered every academic year. It offers a scholarship of a value of up to US dollar 1,50,000. This fellowship covers tuition and associated fees for a year of the MBA program. The deadline for this fellowship is in line with the admission deadlines for the Stanford MBA program.
Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships
Established in 1976, the Inlaks foundation team aims to identify and support exceptional talent in various fields of studies for many studies, including the USA. The Inlaks scholarships enable Indian students to access world-class education at leading institutions in the USA. Scholarship award gives a value of US dollars 1 lakh. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living costs, and one-way travel expenses to the USA. The scholarship is open to students applying for master’s or PhD programs in various streams, including humanities science, social sciences, fine arts, and more. The applications for 2025 are expected to open shortly.
Rotary International Ambassadorial ScholarshipsÂ
This is one of the largest scholarship programs funded by private institutions. They offer three types of scholarship: multi-year ambassadorial scholarship, cultural, ambassadorial scholarship, and academic year ambassadorial scholarship. Citizens should be from a country where the Rotary Club is present, India being one of them. They must have completed two years of college or its equivalent. People with disabilities can apply.
Hubert Humphrey fellowship program
This scholarship is given to students who take up master’s or doctorate degree programs. This scholarship program will cover the tuition fees, the cost of living for minority students or ordinary citizens who are weak in English, and also their monthly expenses. Students must enroll in LTE language training for this scholarship. An intense 20 to 25-week free academic program is provided to LTE participants in order to increase and improve their command of the language. They must have a good academic performance, And it is given to Indian citizens only.
International Education Financial Aid
IIFA is a summer scholarship program offered by Abbey Road Inc. for high school students. Students from the age of 14 to 18 years who have good records and extracurricular activities can avail of this scholarship. This scholarship amount is dollar 20,000 per year. You must be an Indian citizen and complete high school. You should have the eligibility to avail yourself of a need-based scholarship.
AAUW International Fellowships
This scholarship is mainly for women. Students applying for research in the US. Students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees can also apply for this scholarship. It can be availed for up to 5 years. The amount of this scholarship received varies according to the duration of the course. You cannot apply for the course applied for If you are above 30 years of age. You must have excellent academic performance as well.
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship is offered to students who wish to pursue higher education in the USA. It provides an award of offering 50% grant and 50% loan. The award amount varies from course to course. It waves out the tuition fees and living costs. In order to be eligible, the applicant must have an undergraduate degree and a minimum of one year of experience.
How to Get Scholarships in USA For Indian Students?
If you wish to study in USA with a scholarship, you need to apply for it separately. The documentation required to apply for a scholarship in USA for Indian students includes the following-Â
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Financial statement or proof of low income (for income-based scholarships)
- Letter of acceptance
- Proof of any achievement you have (mainly in extracurriculars)
One should have a good academic record in your 12 standards if applying for a Master’s in your bachelor’s as well. Preference will be given to those with better scores. Participating in volunteering experiences, community service, and extracurricular activities is an added advantage for receiving a scholarship. This is because universities look for applicants who can add value to their institution.
Steps to Apply for Scholarships in USA for Indian Students
Even though studying in the US can change your life, it can also be very costly. Nevertheless, there are numerous scholarships in USA for Indian students wishing to study in the United States. To aid the process of obtaining scholarships in USA for Indian students, follow these steps:
- Step 1-Â research and shortlist various scholarships: you need to begin your scholarship quest as soon as you can. Your chance of selecting the best scholarship program for you will rise if you look into several scholarships that particular organizations and universities provide.
- Step 2- check the eligibility criteria for applying: make sure you meet the requirements before applying for any scholarships. Specify qualifications for each scholarship, including place of origin, financial need, English language skills, and academic success.
- Step 3- gather the documents required for the application: get ready with standardized examination courses according to the field in which you choose to continue. This could include SAT, GRE, or TOEFL. Examine the requirements and adjust your test strategy accordingly.Â
- Step 4- carefully prepare your application- The majority of scholarship applications demand a Personal essay statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts. So, prepare these materials as much as possible in advance.
- Step 5- submit your application: the majority of scholarship programs have early submission deadlines, so apply as soon as you can to make sure you do not lose on these opportunities. Each application is to be customized to fulfill the standards of each award.
- Step 6- follow up with the university to know the outcome and your application status: get in touch with the scholarship source after submitting an application to make sure it was received and is being considered.
Conclusion
Scholarships in USA for Indian students can greatly reduce financial constraints and open doors for people from a variety of backgrounds. Scholarships promote academic and professional development and increase access to higher education by recognizing excellence needs and special talents. These scholarships provide a range of opportunities for students to pursue their dreams of higher education in the United States, from full tuition to partial funding.
FAQs
How do I find the right scholarship to study in the US?
There are a variety of resources available to find the right scholarships in USA for Indian students to help with their studies. These include scholarship search engines, private scholarship providers, and university and college websites.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships to study in the US?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships to study in the US. It is also often recommended that students apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase their chances of receiving financial aid.
Are there scholarships in USA for Indian Students that provide free tuition cost?
Yes, as an Indian student, you can study in the USA for free by using the fully funded scholarship that covers your entire tuition fee. As there are many types of scholarships available, you must check if the scholarship that you applied for meets your requirements, but the number of scholarships that fully cover your expenses is very low and difficult to get. So you should try your luck best and apply for a full scholarship.
How much is a percentage required for a scholarship in the USA?
The percentage required for scholarships in the USA totally depends upon the university and the scholarship you are applying for. However, a minimum of 3.5 GPA is expected to get a scholarship in the USA.
What shall I include in my scholarship essay to study in the USA?
A scholarship essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, goals, and achievements to the scholarship committee. You can add your leadership positions, extracurricular achievements, and goals in your essay.
Sandeep Bhardwaj is an experienced senior admission officer specializing in facilitating applications and visas for various countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and more. With over seven years of dedicated service in the study overseas industry, Sandeep possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in guiding students through the complex process of pursuing education abroad.
