Explore the best scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA, including government-funded, university-specific, and private scholarships with eligibility and application details.
Introduction
Studying in the USA can be expensive, but scholarships significantly reduce the financial burden for Indian students. From government-funded programs to university-based awards and private foundations, there are a variety of opportunities available for both undergraduate and graduate studies. This guide covers the most popular and widely accessible scholarships for Indian students planning to pursue higher education in the United States.
Types of Scholarships for Indian Students
Indian students can apply for the following types of scholarships:
- Merit-Based Scholarships – Awarded based on academic excellence, test scores, or leadership.
- Need-Based Scholarships – For students who demonstrate financial need.
- Program-Specific Scholarships – Offered for specific degrees such as STEM, business, or arts.
- University-Funded Scholarships – Provided directly by U.S. institutions to attract international talent.
- Government and External Scholarships – Funded by Indian or U.S. government agencies or private organizations.
Top Government-Funded Scholarships for Indian Students
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Eligibility: Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree and 3 years of work experience
- Covers: Tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance
- Field: Public administration, arts, international affairs, public health, etc.
- Apply Through: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
2. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Eligibility: Indian students under 30 with excellent academics
- Covers: Full or partial tuition, living costs, and travel
- Field: Arts, humanities, social sciences, law, and more
- Note: Not applicable for engineering, computer science, or business
3. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Eligibility: Indian students admitted to Stanford MBA
- Covers: 80% of tuition and associated fees
- Condition: Return to India for at least 2 years post-study
4. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
- Eligibility: Indian undergraduates admitted to Cornell University
- Covers: Full demonstrated financial need
- Focus: Ensures Indian students can access Ivy League education without financial barriers
University-Specific Scholarships in the USA
Many U.S. universities offer scholarships specifically for international or Indian students. Below are a few notable examples:
| University | Scholarship Name | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Financial Aid for International Students | Need-based aid covering full demonstrated need |
| Yale University | Yale International Scholarships | Based on financial need |
| MIT | International Students Financial Aid | Grants and student employment options |
| University of Chicago | Merit Scholarships | Based on academic and extracurricular achievements |
| New York University (NYU) | Global Pathways Scholarship | Up to $25,000 annually |
| Columbia University | International Student Aid | Combination of grants and work-study |
Private and External Scholarships
1. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
- Interest-free loan scholarship for postgraduate studies abroad
- Based on academic merit and personal interview
2. KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
- Up to ₹8 lakh per student
- For Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in the U.S.
3. JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
- Loan scholarship of ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh
- Interest-free loan with partial waiver based on academic performance
4. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- For high-achieving international students pursuing undergraduate programs
- Covers full tuition, room, and board
Tips for Applying for Scholarships
- Start Early: Scholarship deadlines are often months before admission deadlines.
- Tailor Each Application: Customize essays and documents as per scholarship criteria.
- Highlight Achievements: Showcase academic, extracurricular, and leadership records.
- Proofread Everything: Well-written, error-free applications make a strong impression.
- Keep Backup Options: Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances.
Documents Commonly Required
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc.)
- Statement of Purpose or Personal Essay
- Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of Income (for need-based aid)
- University admission letter (for some scholarships)
| Scholarship Name | University/Provider | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | USIEF / U.S. Government | Indian citizens with work experience | Full tuition, living, travel, insurance |
| Tata Scholarship | Cornell University | Indian undergraduate students | Full demonstrated financial need |
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | Stanford GSB | Admitted to Stanford MBA, Indian citizens | 80% of tuition fees |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships | Inlaks Foundation | Indian students under 30, non-STEM fields | Tuition, travel, and living expenses |
| JN Tata Endowment | JN Tata Trust | Indian graduates pursuing postgrad abroad | Loan scholarships up to ₹10 lakh |
| KC Mahindra Scholarship | Mahindra Education Trust | Postgraduate abroad applicants | Up to ₹8 lakh per student |
| Yale International Scholarship | Yale University | Admitted undergraduates with financial need | Full demonstrated need |
| Global Leader Scholarship | American University | International undergraduate students | Full tuition, room & board |
Conclusion
There are plenty of scholarships available for Indian students looking to study in the United States. The key is to research thoroughly, meet deadlines, and submit well-prepared applications. Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of your education and make your dream of studying in the USA more attainable.