Top 6 Scholarships for Indian Students in USA for 2025

Dreaming of studying in the USA but worried about high tuition fees? Good news—there are numerous scholarships for Indian students in USA that can turn your dream into reality. From government and private organisations to universities, many offer scholarships for international students to support their education. This guide walks you through the top US scholarships, eligibility criteria, and key strategies to help you secure the right funding for your studies in the US.

Types of Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA

Indian students aspiring to study in the USA in the fall this year or next year can apply for a scholarship for indian students in the USA that helps reduce financial burdens. These scholarships can be broadly categorised into the following types:

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in USA

There are multiple scholarship options for Indian students that are granted based on need and merit. Every scholarship differs in terms of coverage and eligibility. Here are some of the most popular scholarships for Indian students in the USA:

1. Tata Scholarship (Cornell University)

For many ambitious Indian students, studying at Cornell University is a dream that often seems financially out of reach. However, Tata Trusts changes that by offering the Tata Scholarship specifically for academically talented individuals from India. This initiative makes world-class education at the best places to study in the USA, like Cornell, more accessible to deserving students.

Scholarship covers:

With a $25 million fund, the Tata Scholarship covers tuition fees for undergraduate students throughout their degree program. Each year, 20 Indian students receive this US scholarship. However, students must arrange separate funding for living expenses, accommodation, and travel costs.

Eligibility:

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must:

• Be an Indian citizen with permanent residency in India.
  
• Have completed their secondary education (10+2) in India with a minimum of 70% marks.
  
• Demonstrate English language proficiency (minimum IELTS 7.0 bands or TOEFL 100 score).
  
• Hold a confirmed admission offer for a full-time undergraduate program at Cornell.
  
• Apply through Cornell’s general admission process (quota-based admissions are ineligible).
  
• Show proof of financial need to qualify for aid.

How to apply: 

Indian students must complete two key online forms:

1. Tata Scholarship Application Form (available on Cornell’s website).
   
2. Need-Based Financial Aid Form for International Students.
   

Applicants must also submit supporting documents, including:

• English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL).
  
• High school academic transcripts.
  
• Financial proof demonstrating need.
  
• Indian citizenship verification.
  
• Letters of recommendation (minimum two).
  
• A personal statement outlining their academic and career goals.
  

2. Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship

For Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in the USA, the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity. As a highly competitive scholarship for foreign students in the USA, it supports outstanding Indian professionals and students in pursuing master’s degrees, research, and professional development in top American universities. 

Funded by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), this scholarship fosters academic exchange and strengthens educational ties between India and the USA.

Scholarship covers:

This US scholarship for Indian students provides comprehensive financial support, covering:

• Tuition fees at accredited US institutions.
• Living expenses, including accommodation and food.
• Health insurance during the scholarship period.
• Airfare (round-trip economy ticket between India and the US).
• Professional development allowances for books, conferences, and other academic expenses.

Eligibility: 

To qualify for the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be Indian citizens residing in India.
  
• Hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum 55% marks) from a recognised Indian university.
  
• Have at least 3 years of work experience in their respective field.
  
• Demonstrate leadership qualities and community engagement.
  
• Have a strong statement of purpose (SOP) outlining career goals and how the scholarship aligns with them.
  
• Be committed to returning to India after completing the program to contribute to their field.

How to Apply: 

The application process involves multiple steps:

1. Online Application Submission – Fill out the application form on the USIEF website.
   
2. Submission of Supporting Documents, including:
   
   • Academic transcripts and degrees.
     
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum two).
     
   • Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a well-crafted research proposal (if applicable).
     
   • Standardised test scores (GRE/GMAT for master’s programs and TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency).
     
3. Interview Process – Shortlisted candidates are invited for a personal interview with USIEF panels.
   

3. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

For Indian students aspiring to pursue an MBA at Stanford University, the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship offers financial support covering tuition and associated fees. This merit-based fellowship requires recipients to return to India after completing their studies to contribute to the country’s development.

Scholarship covers:

The fellowship provides financial support for:

• Full tuition fees for the two-year MBA program at Stanford GSB.
•  Additional fees associated with the MBA program.

Eligibility: To qualify for the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, applicants must:

• To be eligible for this scholarship for foreign students in the USA, applicants must:
• Be Indian citizens who have completed their undergraduate studies in India.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance and leadership potential.
• Exhibit financial need for pursuing an MBA at Stanford.
• Be committed to returning to India after completing their studies.

How to Apply: 

The application process includes:

1. Apply to Stanford GSB’s MBA Program – Candidates must first submit a standard MBA application through Stanford’s official website.
2. Submit a Separate Fellowship Application, including:
   a. An essay detailing their commitment to India’s development.
   b. Financial documents proving need-based eligibility.
3. Selection & Interview Process – Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.

4. Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship

The Rotary Foundation Global Grants, formerly known as the Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship, provide funding for graduate-level studies in fields such as peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention, and economic development. Indian students with a strong academic background and a commitment to humanitarian work can apply for this funding.

Scholarship Covers: The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full or partial tuition fees
• Round-trip airfare
• Cost of living and accommodation
• Educational materials and supplies

The average funding begins at $30,000, depending on the host institution and project scope.

Eligibility: 

To be eligible for the Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be citizens of India (or any Rotary-eligible country) with a strong academic track record
• Plan to pursue graduate-level studies or research in a subject aligned with Rotary’s seven areas of focus:
  • Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
  • Disease prevention and treatment
  • Water and sanitation
  • Maternal and child health
  • Basic education and literacy
  • Economic and community development
  • Environmental sustainability
• Obtain sponsorship from a local Rotary club in India
• Demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to community service

How to Apply: 

The application process includes the following steps:

1. Contact a Local Rotary Club: Find and reach out to a Rotary club in your district to discuss sponsorship and eligibility.
2. Develop a Project Proposal: Applicants must create a detailed proposal outlining their academic plans, career goals, and how their work will align with Rotary’s mission.
3. Submit Application via the Rotary District: The local club will guide students in forwarding the application to the appropriate Rotary District for consideration.
4. Provide Supporting Documents: These may include:
   • Academic transcripts
   • Proof of admission (or application) to the chosen institution
   • Letters of recommendation
   • Statement of purpose/project plan
   • Financial need statement (if applicable)

5. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship is a need-based program supporting postgraduate studies for students from developing countries, including India. It offers a 50% grant and 50% loan structure, requiring students to repay half of the financial aid received.

Scholarship Covers: 

The scholarship provides funding on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, ensuring students contribute to their own education. It covers:

• Full or partial tuition fees
• Living expenses, including accommodation, food, and basic needs
• Note: Travel costs, including airfare, are not covered
• Health insurance may be partially supported, depending on the institution and location

The loan portion carries a 5% annual service charge and must be co-signed by a guarantor. Repayment begins six months after graduation.

Eligibility:

To qualify for the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be citizens of a developing country listed by the Foundation (including India)
• Be under the age of 30 years at the time of application
• Hold an excellent academic record and have been accepted or applied to a reputable postgraduate institution
• Demonstrate genuine financial need
• Show a strong commitment to social development and leadership potential
• Preference is given to students applying for Master’s programs, although PhD applications may be considered for exceptional candidates

How to Apply: 

The application process is region-specific and requires early planning. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Obtain the application form from the local Aga Khan Foundation office. 
2. Submit completed forms to the local office by the specified deadline, typically in March each year.
3. Include the following supporting documents:
   • University admission letter (or proof of application)
   • Academic transcripts
   • Personal statement and study plan
   • Proof of financial need
   • Letters of recommendation
   • A proposal explaining how the applicant’s education will benefit their community

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, during which both academic merit and financial need are closely assessed.

6. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students committed to positive civic and social change. This scholarship provides full tuition coverage and is aimed at students who plan to return home and contribute to their communities after graduation.

Scholarship Covers: 

The AU EGL Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support throughout the recipient’s undergraduate studies:

• Full tuition, room, and board for up to four years of undergraduate study.
• Excludes non-billable expenses such as books, airfare, and personal costs.

Eligibility: 

Applicants must:

• Be international students (non-US citizens or residents)
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.8/4.0 (or equivalent in class performance)
• Demonstrate leadership abilities, community involvement, and a commitment to civic engagement
• Be ineligible for US federal financial aid
• Intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree full-time at American University

How to Apply: 

Apply to American University for undergraduate admission by the early deadline (usually in December).

1. Submit the AU EGL scholarship application and complete the Common or Coalition Application.
2. Required documents include:
   • Two essays
   • Academic transcripts
   • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
   • Letters of recommendation
   • Documentation of extracurricular and leadership activities

Finalists are invited for a virtual interview as part of the selection process.

Other Notable Scholarships for Indian Students in USA

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are many more scholarships for Indian students in USA that can help ease the financial burden of studying abroad. These scholarships provide funding for tuition, living expenses, and professional development opportunities.

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships – Provides funding for postgraduate study in the US, covering tuition and living expenses.
• Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program – A non-degree program offering professional development opportunities for experienced Indian professionals in various fields.
• Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship – Provides interest-free loan scholarships for Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, including in the US, covering tuition and living expenses.
• AAUW International Fellowships – Scholarships for Indian women pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in the US.

How to Apply for Scholarships for Indian Students in USA?

Applying for US scholarships for Indian students requires a well-structured approach. Here are the key steps to follow:

1. Research Scholarships – Identify scholarships that align with your academic profile, field of study, and financial need.
2. Check Eligibility – Each scholarship has specific criteria, such as academic performance, leadership qualities, and financial background.
3. Prepare Required Documents – Common requirements include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal essays, and proof of financial need.
4. Meet Deadlines – Submit applications before the due date to ensure consideration.
5. Prepare for Interviews – Some scholarships require interviews to assess candidates’ motivation and potential impact.

Study in the USA with The WorldGrad

The WorldGrad offers smart, flexible, and cost-effective pathways for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in the USA. With our All American Undergraduate Program and All American Graduate Program, students can begin their studies in India and seamlessly transition to top US universities while saving on costs and increasing their chances of visa approval.

Why Choose The WorldGrad?

The WorldGrad offers a smart, affordable, and seamless pathway to studying in the USA. Students can start their bachelor’s or master’s degree online from India, saving up to INR 25 lakhs on tuition and living costs while ensuring 2X higher visa success rates. With access to admission to 24+ top US universities, no GRE/GMAT for master’s programs, and flexible intakes, students can transition smoothly to the US. 

Flexible Learning & Scholarships

With up to three intakes per year for undergraduate students and up to two for graduate students, The WorldGrad offers flexibility, allowing students to begin their studies at a time that suits them best. The WorldGrad also offers exclusive scholarships for Indian students in the US, including the SmartGrad Scholarship and the Director’s Merit Scholarship, making quality education more affordable.

Whether you’re aiming for a STEM or non-STEM degree, our Smart Programs provide an efficient and cost-effective path to study in the USA. 

Conclusion 

Studying in the US is an incredible opportunity, and with the right scholarships for Indian students in the US, financial constraints should not hold you back. From prestigious scholarships like the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship to university-specific scholarships, numerous options exist to support Indian students. Begin your scholarship search today and take a step closer to achieving your academic dreams in the United States!