Many Indian students dream of studying in the USA because of its great universities and career opportunities. But studying abroad can be expensive. Scholarships help students by giving money to pay for tuition, living costs, and other expenses. Many Indian students aim to study in the USA, and fortunately, there are numerous Scholarships for Indian Students to study in USA that make this goal financially achievable. This topic will explain the important scholarships for Indian students who want to study in the USA.
Why Scholarships Are Important for Indian Students
Given that the cost of U.S. education can exceed $70,000 per year, Scholarships for Indian Students to study in USA provide a vital lifeline for making top-quality education affordable. Scholarships help by paying some or all of these costs.
Scholarships can be:
- Based on grades and achievements (merit scholarships)
- Based on financial need (need-based scholarships)
- Given by universities, governments, or private groups
- Offered to students doing research or special projects
Different Types of Scholarships
To help ease the financial load, various Scholarships for Indian Students to study in USA are offered in the form of merit-based, need-based, and research-focused awards.
- Merit Scholarships: Given to students who do very well in school or show leadership.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Given to students who need financial help.
- University Scholarships: Given by specific universities to attract good students.
- Government Scholarships: Offered by the Indian or U.S. government.
- Private Scholarships: Offered by companies or foundations.
- Research Scholarships: For students doing masters or PhD research.
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Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the USA
Here is a detailed list of the most prestigious and widely-recognized Scholarships for Indian Students to study in USA, covering undergraduate to doctoral programs.
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | U.S. Department of State and Government of India |
| Level | Master’s degree |
| Fields | Social sciences, public policy, environment, energy, media, and related areas |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of work experience |
| Benefits | Tuition, living money, travel costs, health insurance, and research funds |
| Deadline | Usually September or October |
2. Inlaks Scholarships
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation |
| Level | Master’s and PhD degrees |
| Fields | Arts, humanities, social sciences, business, sciences, and more |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens under 30 with excellent academics |
| Benefits | Tuition, living expenses, travel allowance, and health insurance |
| Deadline | Usually January |
3. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | Tata Education and Development Trust |
| Level | Undergraduate degree |
| Fields | All fields offered at Cornell University |
| Eligibility | Indian students with strong academics and financial need |
| Benefits | Full tuition, fees, room, and board for the full undergraduate program |
| Deadline | Depends on Cornell University’s admission deadlines |
4. National Overseas Scholarship
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India |
| Level | Master’s and Ph.D. |
| Fields | Various disciplines |
| Eligibility | Students from marginalized communities with at least 60% marks in the qualifying examination |
| Benefits | Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other allowances |
| Deadline | Typically March |
5. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | Aga Khan Foundation |
| Level | Master’s and Ph.D. |
| Fields | Various disciplines |
| Eligibility | Outstanding students from developing countries with no other means of financing their studies |
| Benefits | 50% grant and 50% loan covering tuition and living expenses |
| Deadline | March |
6. The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation |
| Level | Postgraduate degree |
| Fields | Any field |
| Eligibility | Indian students admitted to a good foreign university |
| Benefits | Interest-free loan covering tuition and living costs |
| Deadline | Applications accepted all year |
7. Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | |
| Level | Undergraduate and Graduate students in tech fields |
| Fields | Computer Science, engineering, technology |
| Eligibility | Female Indian students with strong academics and leadership |
| Benefits | Scholarship money and an invitation to a Google retreat |
| Deadline | Usually November |
8. USAID Scholarships for Indian Students
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | United States Agency for International Development (USAID) |
| Level | Undergraduate and Graduate |
| Fields | Development studies, agriculture, public health, environment, and social sciences |
| Eligibility | Indian students admitted to U.S. universities |
| Benefits | Tuition, living money, travel costs, and more |
| Deadline | Varies each year |
9. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | Reliance Industries Limited in collaboration with Stanford Graduate School of Business |
| Level | MBA |
| Fields | Business Administration |
| Eligibility | Indian nationals demonstrating financial need and commitment to return to India |
| Benefits | Covers tuition and associated fees for the MBA program |
| Deadline | Aligns with Stanford MBA application deadlines |
10. AAUW International Fellowships
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | American Association of University Women (AAUW) |
| Level | Master’s, Doctorate, and Postdoctoral |
| Fields | Various disciplines |
| Eligibility | Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents |
| Benefits | $20,000 for Master’s, $25,000 for Doctorate, and $50,000 for Postdoctoral studies |
| Deadline | Typically November |
11. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | U.S. Department of State |
| Level | Non-degree program for professionals |
| Fields | Public policy, human rights, education, and more |
| Eligibility | Mid-career professionals with a minimum of five years of experience |
| Benefits | Tuition, living allowance, travel costs, and professional development activities |
| Deadline | Varies by country |
12. Fulbright Fellowship
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) |
| Level | Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral |
| Fields | Various disciplines |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens with academic excellence and leadership potential |
| Benefits | Tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance |
| Deadline | Varies by program; typically in July |
13. Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Fields | Various disciplines |
| Eligibility | Indian nationals under 30 years with a consistently strong academic record |
| Benefits | Interest-free loan scholarship covering tuition and living expenses |
| Deadline | Applications open in January each year |
14. K.C. Mahindra Scholarship
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | K.C. Mahindra Education Trust |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Fields | Various disciplines |
| Eligibility | Indian nationals with a first-class degree or equivalent diploma |
| Benefits | Interest-free loan scholarships up to INR 10 lakhs |
| Deadline | Applications typically close in April |
15. Presidential Scholarship
| Details | Information |
| Offered By | Various U.S. Universities |
| Level | Undergraduate and Graduate |
| Fields | Various disciplines |
| Eligibility | International students with exceptional academic records and leadership qualities |
| Benefits | Varies by institution; can include significant tuition discounts |
| Deadline | Varies by institution |
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Top Universities in the USA Offering Scholarships to Indian Students
Some of the world’s best universities offer exclusive Scholarships for Indian Students to study in USA, including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Cornell. These scholarships are based on merit, financial need, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
| University Name | Scholarship Type | Scholarship Highlights |
| Harvard University | Need-Based Financial Aid | Covers up to 100% tuition and living expenses for needy students |
| Stanford University | Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | Full funding for graduate students, especially MBA aspirants |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Merit-Based Scholarships & Fellowships | Offers aid based on academic performance and innovation |
| Columbia University | Columbia Fellowships, International Student Aid | Partial to full funding for outstanding international students |
| Yale University | Yale International Scholarships | Offers need-based and merit-based assistance |
| University of Chicago | Merit Scholarships, Booth School Fellowships | Substantial tuition fee waivers and research assistantships |
| Cornell University | Tata Scholarship | Full undergraduate funding for Indian students |
| University of California, Berkeley | Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship | For both UG and PG students with strong academic backgrounds |
| University of Pennsylvania | Penn Global Scholarships | Focuses on students with financial need and leadership |
| Princeton University | Full Need-Based Financial Aid | Covers all expenses for eligible international students |
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Documents Required for Scholarship Applications
A successful application for Scholarships for Indian Students to study in USA depends on preparing key documents like SOPs, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters. To apply for scholarships in the USA, Indian students must prepare a comprehensive set of documents. Submitting complete and well-organized paperwork greatly improves the chances of selection.
Common Documents Needed:
- Academic Transcripts: From Class 10 onwards, including grades and subjects.
- Standardized Test Scores: SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, etc., depending on course level.
- Proof of English Proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A compelling essay explaining your goals and reasons for applying.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Usually 2-3 from teachers, professors, or employers.
- Resume/CV: Highlights academic, extracurricular, and work achievements.
- Financial Documents: Income statements or affidavits showing need (for need-based scholarships).
- Passport Copy: Identity and nationality proof.
- Research Proposal (if applicable): Required for research-oriented scholarships or PhD programs.
- Portfolio (for creative fields): For design, architecture, fine arts, etc.
Scholarship Opportunities by Field of Study
Different scholarships cater to different academic streams. Choosing the right one can boost your chances of success.
List of Scholarships by Subject Area
| Field of Study | Relevant Scholarships |
| Engineering | K.C. Mahindra Scholarship, Inlaks Scholarship, AAUW Fellowship |
| Business/MBA | Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, Fulbright-Nehru, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation |
| Computer Science | Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, AAUW, Tata Scholarship (Cornell) |
| Public Policy | Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship |
| Law & Human Rights | AAUW International Fellowships, Fulbright Fellowship |
| Environmental Studies | USAID Scholarships, Fulbright-Nehru, Aga Khan Foundation |
| Arts & Design | Inlaks Scholarship, Fulbright, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation |
| Health Sciences | USAID, Fulbright, AAUW Fellowships |
| Social Sciences | Fulbright-Nehru, Aga Khan Foundation, Columbia Fellowships |
Scholarship Interview Preparation Tips
Some scholarships require a personal or video interview to evaluate a candidate’s personality, vision, and communication skills. Here’s how Indian students can stand out in interviews:
How to Prepare:
- Know the Scholarship’s Mission: Understand the goals and values of the sponsoring body.
- Be Clear on Your Goals: Be ready to explain your academic, career, and social impact goals.
- Authentic: Don’t memorize scripted answers; speak from experience and passion.
- Prepare for Common Questions:
- Why do you deserve this scholarship?
- What are your long-term goals?
- How will you use your education to help your community or country?
- Dress Professionally: Whether it’s an in-person or video call, first impressions matter.
- Practice Mock Interviews: Get feedback from teachers, mentors, or online forums.
- Your Responses: Keep answers concise, between 1–2 minutes.
- Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This shows interest and engagement.
Scholarships for Undergraduate vs. Graduate Programs
Scholarships in the USA differ significantly based on the academic level. Understanding how Scholarships for Indian Students to study in USA vary for undergraduate and graduate levels helps in applying more strategically.
| Criteria | Undergraduate Scholarships | Graduate Scholarships |
| Key Examples | Tata Scholarship (Cornell), Presidential Awards | Fulbright-Nehru, Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship |
| Coverage | Tuition + accommodation | Tuition + stipend + research allowance |
| Number of Opportunities | Limited and highly competitive | More program-specific options available |
| Application Complexity | Moderate | High – often requires SOPs, proposals, LORs |
| Focus | Academics + extracurriculars | Research, work experience, and leadership |
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Fully Funded Scholarships vs. Partial Scholarships
While fully funded options are limited, combining partial Scholarships for Indian Students to study in USA with on-campus jobs can cover most expenses.
| Scholarship Type | Coverage | Examples |
| Fully Funded | Covers tuition, accommodation, airfare, and insurance | Fulbright-Nehru, Tata Scholarship, Knight-Hennessy |
| Partially Funded | Covers a portion of tuition or living expenses | Inlaks, KC Mahindra, AAUW |
Even partially funded scholarships can reduce financial stress significantly when combined with on-campus jobs.
Conclusion
Every year, over 200,000 Indian students head to the United States for higher education, but only a fraction know how to reduce costs through scholarships. With tuition fees ranging from $20,000 to $70,000 per year, financial aid isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Fortunately, there are dozens of Scholarships for Indian Students to study in USA that can ease this burden. Prestigious options like the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, Tata Scholarship at Cornell, and Inlaks Foundation Scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition, living, and travel expenses. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science or a master’s in public policy, there’s a scholarship tailored for your journey.
FAQs
How many Indian students receive scholarships to study in the USA each year?
Approximately 25,000–30,000 Indian students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship annually for U.S. universities, according to Open Doors data. While not all scholarships are fully funded, many significantly reduce tuition and living costs.
What is the average amount awarded through U.S. scholarships for Indian students?
On average, Indian students receive scholarships ranging between $10,000 and $40,000 per year, depending on the program, university, and scholarship type. Some fully funded programs like Fulbright can exceed $60,000 annually.
Can I get a 100% scholarship to study in the USA from India?
Yes, Indian students can receive 100% scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance. Scholarships like the Tata Scholarship at Cornell University and Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship are known for full funding.
How early should I start applying for scholarships in the USA?
Ideally, you should start 12–15 months before your intended intake. Most major scholarships have deadlines between August and January for the following academic year.
Are there scholarships specifically for Indian students with over 90% marks?
Yes, many merit-based scholarships in the U.S. reward academic excellence. If you have 90% or above in Class 12 or a GPA above 3.8, you’re eligible for scholarships like the Presidential Scholarships, Merit Awards, and even private foundation support.
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