The USA is a top destination for Indian students seeking a world-class education. Studying overseas can be expensive, which can be a big obstacle. Fortunately, there are various scholarship opportunities available to help Indian students bridge the financial gap and pursue their academic dreams in the USA. Scholarships for international students in USA offer valuable opportunities for pursuing higher education without financial constraints. Universities, government bodies, non-profit organisations and private institutions generally offer these scholarships.
Here’s an overview of some scholarships in USA for Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in the USA:
| Type of Scholarship | Description | Examples |
| Merit-Based Scholarships | Awarded based on academic excellence, leadership and extracurricular achievements & generally covers tuition fees partially or fully | Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship, Tata Scholarship at Cornell University |
| Need-Based Scholarships | Designed for students with demonstrated financial need, covering tuition, living expenses and sometimes travel costs | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, JN Tata Endowment Scholarship |
| Subject-Specific Scholarships | Adapted for students in specific fields like STEM, humanities, social sciences, or arts, supporting academic objectives in those areas | Microsoft Research India PhD Fellowship, Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship |
| Government Scholarships | Sponsored by Indian government agencies or external bodies, covering tuition fees, living expenses and travel allowances | Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Scholarships, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships |
| University-Specific Scholarships | Offered by universities to Indian students based on merit, need or specific criteria set by the institution. | University of Texas at Dallas India Scholarship, University of Southern California International Freshman Academic Scholarship |
| Community Scholarships | Provided by Indian-American organisations or associations, focusing on academic excellence, leadership, or community involvement. | Indian American Scholarship Fund, Association of Indians in America Scholarship |
Top Scholarships in USA for Indian Students
Let’s understand the details of each type of top scholarships in USA available for Indian students:
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are prestigious scholarships offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The purpose of these fellowships is to help qualified Indian students who want to enrol in master’s programs at selected U.S. colleges and universities. The program covers a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to the arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, and technology.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be Indian citizens who are living in India when they apply.
- Have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian institution.
- Demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential in their chosen field of study.
- Have proficiency in English, as demonstrated by TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the Fulbright-Nehru Program.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to Indian students to support their higher education aspirations abroad. These scholarships are provided by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, a charitable organisation based in India that aims to promote excellence in various fields, including education, culture and community development. The primary purpose of the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships in USA is to provide financial assistance and opportunities for Indian students to pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s, M.Phil., or equivalent) at top universities and institutions globally.
Eligibility Criteria
- Possess Indian citizenship and be residents of India during the time of application.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized Indian university or institution.
- Have an exceptional academic record and demonstrate outstanding talent, achievements, and potential in their chosen field of study.
- Have a confirmed admission offer or be in the process of applying to an accredited university or institution abroad for a postgraduate program.
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria and requirements outlined by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation for each scholarship category or program.
Tata Scholarships for Cornell University
The renowned Tata Scholarships at Cornell University are awarded to deserving Indian undergraduates who have demonstrated their need for financial aid. The Tata Education and Development Trust and Cornell University have collaborated to promote eligible Indian students who wish to pursue higher education with the help of these Scholarships for international students in USA. The objective of the Tata Scholarships is to provide talented Indian students with an opportunity to enrol at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, for their undergraduate studies and also offer financial aid.
Eligibility Criteria
- Have Indian citizenship and be residents of India at the time of application.
- Have completed their secondary education (12th grade or equivalent) in India or another country.
- Apply for admission to Cornell University as an undergraduate student and demonstrate strong academic achievements.
- Have a demonstrated financial need for scholarship support, as determined by Cornell University’s financial aid office.
- Meet any additional eligibility criteria and requirements specified by Cornell University and the Tata Education and Development Trust.
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship program offered by the American University (AU) in Washington, D.C. With the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, excellent international students can attend American University and study at a prestigious university while fulfilling their strengths as leaders, developing worldwide connections and impacting the world. The AU EGLS aims to provide financial assistance and opportunities for exceptional international students to pursue undergraduate studies at American University.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, including international students, refugees, and immigrants.
- Apply for admission as first-year undergraduate students at American University.
- Have a strong command of the English language and meet the university’s English proficiency requirements.
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria and application requirements set by American University for the AU EGLS program.
AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers International Fellowships specifically designed to support women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. These fellowships provide funding for full-time graduate or postdoctoral study at accredited U.S. institutions. The AAUW International Fellowships are prestigious opportunities for women scholars and researchers to advance their careers, pursue advanced studies and make an important impact on society.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Hold an academic degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution outside the United States.
- Aim to do graduate or postgraduate studies full-time at a recognized U.S. university. during the fellowship year.
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria and application requirements outlined by AAUW for each fellowship category or program.
When applying for scholarships for international students in USA, it’s essential for students to thoroughly research the eligibility criteria, application deadlines and required documentation for each scholarship opportunity. Additionally, maintaining a strong academic record, participating in extracurricular activities and demonstrating leadership qualities can enhance the chances of securing scholarships for studying in the USA.
