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Top Scholarships for Indian Students in USA: Know Eligibility and Scholarship Details
There are multiple benefits of pursuing higher education in the USA for Indian students besides the high education standards. However, students must plan their finances well. The costs of studying abroad include tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and airfares. Luckily, applying for top scholarships for Indian students in USA will offer financial relief to offset some or even most of the costs.
This blog takes a look at the best US scholarships for Indian students. It also covers eligibility criteria, important notes, and how to get scholarships in the USA for Indian students.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in USA
Studying abroad provides Indian students with an exciting opportunity to look forward to. However, sometimes, the financial requirements of studying abroad can be intimidating.
Indian students don’t have to worry about it too much as financial help is available through scholarships. Here are some top Indian scholarships for students to study abroad. They aim to make overseas education more accessible.
Here is the list of top scholarships for Indian students in USA:
- Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
- Intaks Scholarship
- Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Fulbright – Nehru Fellowships
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
- International Education Financial Aid
- AAUW International Fellowships
Do you want to know all the Scholarship options available? Check out the Top 15 Scholarships for Indian Students Studying Abroad
1. Tata Cornell Scholarship for Indian Students in USA
The Tata Education and Development Trust initiated this scholarship program. It is a top scholarship for Indian students who want to study at Cornell University in the USA.
This scholarship is set aside for 20 students each year. The financial aid is provided yearly and will cover up to 8 semesters. It is available to Indian students pursuing undergraduate courses at Cornell University.
Eligibility Criteria for the Tata Cornell Scholarship
- Students must be an Indian citizen and have attended secondary school in India
- Must be admitted to Cornell University as an undergraduate student
- Qualify for need-based financial aid
Important Notes
This scholarship program gives first preference to students admitted to the following programs:
- College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
- College of Engineering
- Applied Economics & Management Major from the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
- Other majors in Biological, Physical, and other sciences, including Social sciences.
How to Apply
- Complete the Cornell University admission application
- Apply for financial aid through the website application
2. Inlaks Scholarships
It is a scholarship for MS in USA for Indian students. Students can also study PhD through this scholarship. This scholarship is able to cover tuition fees, living expenses, or even the one-way air ticket fee.
The Inlaks scholarship is one of the most popular Scholarships for Indian Students in USA. The number of students who receive this scholarship varies. The financial commitment is INR 83L per student.
Eligibility Criteria for the Inlaks Scholarships
- Students need to be Indian passport holders and Indian residents at the time of application.
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university is mandatory
- Students who have studied Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Law, and Architecture require a score of 65% or 6.8 CGPA
- Students who have studied Sciences, Mathematics, and Environment require a score of 70% or 7.2 CGPA
Important Notes
- This is one of the best international scholarships for Indian students. So, those with an international undergraduate degree are ineligible.
- No scholarships will be awarded for these fields: Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Fashion Design, Medicine, Public Health, Music, and Film Animation.
How to Apply
- There are two stages to applying for this scholarship: a preliminary round and, if applicable, a final round.
- Documents necessary are Letters of Recommendation, resume, and extra-curricular activity certificates.
- An external application form is required.
- Evidence of admission to a university and course, along with the financial requirements for the course.
3. Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
The Rotary is an international network. They are committed to sustainable projects that tackle global issues. The organisation operates in many countries, including India. This is among the best international scholarships for Indian students to study abroad. The scholarships can last anywhere between 1 year and 4 years.
Eligibility Criteria for the Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship
- Candidate must be a citizen of one of the countries the Rotary operates in.
- Work experience in Government, Diplomacy, Policymaking, NGO, economic development, Research and Development, Advocacy and Activism, Leadership, Media and Arts, Law Enforcement/Military, or Public Health is necessary.
- Students must be planning to study a field that connects with the Rotary’s goals. This includes promoting peace, fighting disease, promoting education, providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, saving mothers and children, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.
- At least 2 years of college or the equivalent is mandatory
- Candidates have to submit their applications through a Rotary club
Important Notes
- Active and former Rotary members and employees are not eligible for the scholarship.
How to Apply
- Students must check their eligibility first.
- Submit the application to a club.
- Candidates must then create a Rotary Account and complete a profile in the Grant Center.
- Provide proof of admission while applying.
4. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
This scholarship program is a partnership between the Reliance Group and Stanford Graduate School of Business. This is another top scholarship for MBA in USA for Indian students. It is awarded to 5 students a year for a two-year Business program. The financial commitment is about $140,000 per fellow for both years of school.
Eligibility Criteria for the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Students with good academic records but no financial support.
- This scholarship is for Indian students who want to study for an MBA (a 2-year program).
- The students must apply to Stanford University for the MBA program.
Wondering why the USA is a top destination for MBA students? Here are the benefits of studying MBA in the USA for Indian students.
Important Notes
- Students must commit to return to India after completion of their MBA program.
How to Apply
- Students will have to submit an application along with the required documents.
- Students should expect an interview as well.
5. Fulbright – Nehru Fellowships
Next on the list of top scholarships for Indian students in the USA is the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship. Students can apply for PhD in USA for Indian Students with scholarship. It is awarded to bright Indian students with great leadership and are highly motivated. It covers air tickets, tuition, living expenses, and accident/health coverage.
Eligibility Criteria for the Fulbright – Nehru Fellowship
- Must have a degree equivalent to a US Bachelor’s from a recognised Indian university, with at least 55%.
- Three years of full-time work experience relevant to the field of study is mandatory.
- Students must have leadership qualities and have had community service experience.
- Scholarships can be provided for the following fields: Economics, Environmental Studies, Higher Education Administration, International Affairs, International Legal Studies, Journalism and Mass Communications, Public Administration, Public Health, Urban and Regional Planning, and Women’s/Gender Studies.
Important Notes
- Students holding a US degree are not eligible for this scholarship.
How to Apply
- Application must be submitted online along with all the required documents.
- Short-listed applicants will be interviewed.
6. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
This particular scholarship opportunity is available to Indian students looking to pursue a Master’s or PhD program in the USA. It offers students an opportunity to study in the USA and develop skills to address pressing issues around the world. This scholarship to study in USA for Indian students covers tuition and living costs.
Eligibility Criteria for the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
- The student should be a citizen of India.
- A bachelor’s degree is mandatory.
- A minimum of 5 years of professional and full-time work experience is required.
- Experience in leadership roles or community service is a must.
Important Notes
- Candidates must be English proficient.
- Students must be able to show their 5 years of work experience.
How to Apply
- Students must submit their application to the US Embassy.
- Along with the application, students must submit two letters of recommendation. One must be from their current employer. Original Transcripts in English also need to be submitted with the application.
7. AAUW International Fellowships
The AAWC International Fellowships program supports women who want to pursue advanced studies in the USA. The American Association of University Women runs it. The goal is to advance women in academia and build strong leaders. The fellowships grant $20,000 to $50,000, based on the degree level. The scholarship is open for master’s, doctoral or postdoctoral programs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a woman holding citizenship of a country other than the United States.
- Hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, earned by the application deadline.
- Intend to pursue a full-time graduate or postgraduate program at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English through TOEFL or equivalent scores.
- Must plan to return to their home country to contribute to its development after completing the fellowship.
- Previous recipients of AAUW funding are not eligible to apply again.
Important Notes
- Fellowships are not available for online or distance learning programs.
- Preference is given to women who work to advance women and girls. This can be through civic, community, or professional efforts.
- Recipients may use the funds for tuition, living expenses, books, and travel costs associated with their studies.
- Applicants are expected to submit recommendation letters, proof of degree, and transcripts.
How to Apply
- Visit the AAUW official website: aauw.org.
- Create an account on the AAUW application portal.
- Fill out the application form. It should include your personal details, academic background, and a study plan.
- Submit the required documents. These include proof of degree, test scores, and recommendation letters.
- Pay the application fee of $35 (waivers may be available for specific cases).
- Submit the application by the specified deadline (typically in November each year).
Other Scholarships for Indian Students in USA
If you thought the scholarship list ends, you are wrong! There are some other less common scholarships for Indians students in USA. The below table summarises the details & eiligibility of these scholarships.
Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship
This scholarship for MBA in USA for Indian students offers $25,000 to outstanding candidates pursuing an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. It supports scholarships for Indian students in USA based on merit and leadership potential.
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation provides fully funded scholarships for Indian students in USA covering tuition and living expenses for postgraduate studies. This is a scholarship for MS in USA for Indian students requiring a strong academic record and financial need.
Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarship
Illinois Wesleyan University offers scholarships to study in USA for Indian students ranging from $16,000 to $30,000 annually. Eligibility is based on academic excellence, making it a popular option for undergraduate scholarships for Indian students in USA.
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
This prestigious award provides full tuition and board, making it one of the most sought-after fully funded scholarships for Indian students in USA. It supports high-achieving undergraduates committed to leadership and community service. It covers tuition and accommodation expenses.The candidate must score at least 3.8 GPA equivalent out of 4.0 GPA.
SN Bose Scholarship
Designed for STEM fields, this scholarship for MS in USA for Indian students funds short-term research internships in collaboration with top US institutions. It’s an excellent opportunity for Indian students in scientific research.
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship for masters in USA for Indian students, this program offers interest-free loans of up to ₹20 lakhs for postgraduate studies. It supports bright students aiming to pursue higher education abroad. The scholarship covers airfare, stipend and health insurance. However, the student must be admitted in courses like Atmospheric & earth sciences, mathematical & computational sciences, and chemical sciences.
KC Mahindra Scholarship
The KC Mahindra Education Trust offers up to ₹8 lakhs in interest-free loans as a scholarship for masters in USA for Indian students. This program is ideal for those pursuing technical or professional postgraduate studies. The only eligibility criteria is a first-class degree or equivalent diploma.
National Overseas Scholarship
A government initiative providing scholarships to study in USA for Indian students, this program funds tuition and living expenses for postgraduate or PhD in USA for Indian students with scholarship. It focuses on empowering students from SC and ST communities. Students applying for this scholarship must ensure that their family income is less than ₹6,00,000.
How to Get Scholarships for Indian Students in USA?
Scholarships for Indian Students in USA are a great boost for those who are under financial pressure. Even if they do not cover the full course they can cut down the tuition costs. Alternatively, they can help manage the living expenses of studying abroad.
Here are the steps Indian students can take to inch closer to fully funded scholarships for Indian students in USA:
1. Research
You must research to see if a scholarship exists for your course and university. Also, this phase will enable students to get not just any but the best Indian scholarships for students to study abroad. Start this process a lot in advance to ensure you know the deadlines and the application window.
2. Ensure Eligibility and Collect Documents
Students must check all details, besides the deadline and submission dates. It also has the documents required to get the top scholarships for masters in USA for Indian students. Some requirements will require students to take exams like the IELTS, SAT, or GMAT.
3. Start the Application Process
Students can start the application process once all the documents are on hand. This includes filling up forms accurately. Students should spend extra time on this and other requirements that require honest responses.
4. Wait for a Reply
After applying to the top scholarships for Indian students in USA, check the status if possible. If not possible, they should be patient and wait for a response.
Students may receive a response detailing the next phase of the application. This could be for a physical interview or another requirement.
Need a detailed idea about how to obtain a scholarship?
Download our Guide to Securing a Scholarship to Study in the USA.
The WorldGrad’s Scholarships for Indian Students in USA
The WorldGrad makes studying in the USA accessible for all students. It does this using two scholarship programs. Each of these Scholarships is unique and has different eligibility criteria. Each one offers students benefits and offers an opportunity for immense cost savings.
1. SmartGrad Scholarship
This Scholarship covers 20% of tuition. It is exclusive and limited to 22 students only. It is awarded upon admission to the All American Undergraduate and All American Graduate Programs.
- Undergraduate students need 75% in Class 12, or 80% for State Boards.
- Graduate students need 75% or above in their undergrad, with no backlogs.
2. Director’s Merit Scholarship
The WorldGrad students who have ranked at the top of their Smart Program have a chance of availing the Director’s Merit Scholarship. This scholarship is valued at Rs 50,000 and is given to 22 students.
- All American Graduate Program students require a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above for all subjects.
The WorldGrad students get multiple other additional benefits, these include:
- Gain access to top Scholarships for Indian students in USA for cost-savings.
- Students can choose from 6 intakes (January, March, May, July, August, and October) to start their education without delays.
- Accelerated learning as students can earn up to 9 credits in just 2-3 months.
- Our students experience a 2X higher visa success rate.
After looking at the Scholarship options, do you know the benefits of studying Master’s in the USA for Indian students?
Conclusion
The opportunity to study abroad in the USA can change an Indian student’s life forever. However, the opportunity is not considered for many students due to financial difficulties. This no longer has to be the case. In facr, universities are also offering PhD in USA for Indian Students with scholarship.
A range of costs such as tuition, living costs, healthcare, and air ticket costs can be covered through top scholarships for Indian students in USA. Students should research, submit the form and documents, and ensure deadlines are met to obtain a scholarship and start studying in the USA.
Scholarships for Indian Students in USA FAQs
Q.1 What are the top scholarships for Indian students?
A.1 The best US scholarships for Indian students are the Tata Cornell Scholarship, Inlaks Scholarships, Rotary International Scholarships, Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, and the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship.
Q.2 How much percentage is required for a scholarship in the USA?
A.2 Scholarships for Indian students in the USA will have different score requirements. These could range from 60% to above 90% based on many factors.
Q.3 Does the USA provide scholarships to Indian students?
A.3 Yes, there are some scholarships granted by universities to Indian students studying in the USA. Some of the best international scholarships for Indian students are available to well-performing students who are not financially capable.
Q.4 What types of scholarships does The WorldGrad provide?
A.4 The WorldGrad offers 3 types of scholarships: SmartGrad Scholarship, Director’s Merit Award, and Overseas University Scholarship.
Q.5 Can top scholarships for Indian students cover living expenses?
A.5 Yes, certain scholarships can cover a range of expenses. This can include living expenses, air ticket costs, and even healthcare. Students will have to clarify scholarship coverage on the official website of the scholarship program.
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