Scholarships for Indian Students in USA: Courses, Eligibility, and Amounts

Akanksha Tripathi

6 min read

Updated On Jul 09, 2024

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA
Eligibility Criteria for US Scholarships
Different Types of Scholarships Available for Indian Students in USA
Also Check:
Frequently Asked Questions

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Pursuing higher education in the United States is a dream for many Indian students. However, the cost can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous US scholarships for Indian students are available to help ease the financial burden. This guide will explore the top scholarships for Indian students in the USA, including details on courses, eligibility, scholarship amounts, and more.

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Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA

Here are the Top 10 US scholarships for Indian students aiming to study in the USA. These scholarships are offered by universities, government bodies, and private organizations.

Scholarship Name	Amount (USD)	Field of Study
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships	Tuition + Living Expenses	Any field
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship	$140,000	Business (MBA)
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	Up to $100,000	Any field
AAUW International Fellowships	$20,000–$50,000	Any field
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program	Full Funding	Sustainable Development, Democratic Institution Building, Education, Public Health
Tata Scholarship (Cornell University)	Full Tuition	Any field
Shardashish Fellowship (Columbia University)	$50,000	Journalism, Law, Business, Science
Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship	$30,000	Any field
JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education	$1,500 – $10,000	Any field
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme	Tuition + Living Expenses	Education, Health, Science, Technology, Development, Economics

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Eligibility Criteria for US Scholarships

Navigating scholarships for Indian students studying in the USA involves understanding the diverse eligibility criteria. This overview outlines key requirements for US scholarships for Indian students, helping you prepare and apply effectively for financial support towards your education abroad.

Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships	Applicants must be Indian citizens with an excellent academic record. They should also demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship	Candidates must be Indian citizens admitted to Stanford Graduate School of Business. They must also commit to returning to India after graduation.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	Applicants must be Indian citizens with academic excellence and a clear commitment to their chosen field.
AAUW International Fellowships	Eligible candidates must be women who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They must be enrolled in full-time graduate or postdoctoral study.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program	Applicants should be mid-career professionals who demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to public service.
Tata Scholarship (Cornell University)	Eligible candidates must be Indian citizens who have been admitted to an undergraduate program at Cornell University and demonstrate financial need.
Shardashish Fellowship (Columbia University)	Applicants must demonstrate an established commitment to India and its future, show financial need, and preferably be residents of India. They must have been admitted to specific programs at Columbia University, including the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (MA in Biotechnology, MA in Mathematics of Finance, MA in Statistics, MA in Economics, MA in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology), The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (MS programs in any engineering discipline), or the School of International and Public Affairs (MPA in Environmental Science and Policy).
Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship	Candidates must be pursuing graduate-level study and align with Rotary’s areas of focus. They should also demonstrate leadership qualities.
JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education	Applicants must be Indian citizens with academic excellence and financial need. They should be pursuing postgraduate study abroad.
Agha Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme	Eligible candidates must have an outstanding academic record and demonstrate financial need. They should be pursuing postgraduate study and have a commitment to the development of their home country.

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Different Types of Scholarships Available for Indian Students in USA

1 Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships, such as the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships are highly competitive and often require applicants to demonstrate exceptional academic records and future potential.

2 Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships, exemplified by the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship are awarded based on financial need, typically assessed through income statements, tax returns, or a FAFSA application. These scholarships aim to support students who require financial assistance to pursue their studies in the USA.

3 Specific Field-Based Scholarships:

Scholarships in specific fields like STEM, humanities, or arts are tailored to students pursuing studies in these disciplines. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships is an example of offering support to Indian students with a demonstrated interest and talent in their chosen field.

4 Institutional Scholarships

Institutional scholarships are offered directly by universities to attract talented students, including international applicants. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, specific talents (such as athletics or performing arts), or other criteria set by the institution to diversify its student body.

5 International Scholarships

International scholarships cater specifically to students from outside the USA, including Indian students. These scholarships aim to promote global diversity on campuses and may require applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, English proficiency, and potential contributions to the university community.

6 Government-Funded Scholarships

Government-funded scholarships, supported by both the USA and Indian governments, aim to strengthen educational ties between the two countries. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying abroad, making them highly sought after by Indian students.

7 Private and Non – profit Organization Scholarships

Private companies, foundations, and non – profit organizations also offer scholarships to Indian students pursuing studies in the USA. These scholarships may vary widely in criteria, ranging from academic merit and financial need to specific interests or community service involvement.

We hope this comprehensive guide on scholarships for Indian students in the USA, covering eligibility, scholarship amounts, and more, has been helpful. With the right preparation and resources, studying in the USA can be an affordable and rewarding experience. Best of luck on your academic journey!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of scholarships available for Indian students pursuing studies in the USA?

There are several types of scholarships available, including merit-based, need-based, specific field-based (STEM, arts, humanities), institutional scholarships, and government-funded scholarships. These scholarships cater to various academic achievements, financial needs, and specific fields of study.

How can Indian students apply for scholarships in the USA?

Indian students can apply for scholarships in the USA by researching available opportunities, preparing necessary documents such as academic transcripts and financial statements, and submitting applications online through respective scholarship portals or university websites.

What are some tips for Indian students to increase their chances of securing scholarships for masters in the USA?

To enhance their chances, Indian students should maintain a strong academic record, actively participate in extracurricular activities, seek leadership roles, and craft compelling essays that highlight their achievements, career goals, and contributions to their field.

Are there specific scholarships for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in the USA?

Yes, there are scholarships specifically designed for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in the USA. These scholarships may be offered by universities, governments, private organizations, or foundations, and they often require applicants to meet certain academic and personal criteria.

What financial documents are typically required when applying for scholarships in the USA?

When applying for scholarships in the USA, Indian students may need to provide financial documents such as bank statements, income tax returns, and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to demonstrate financial need.

Do scholarships for Indian students in the USA cover tuition fees only, or do they also include living expenses?

Scholarships for Indian students in the USA may cover various expenses, including tuition fees, living expenses, textbooks, and sometimes even travel costs. The coverage varies depending on the scholarship provider and the specific terms of the award.

How can Indian students get a scholarship in the USA?

Indian students can secure scholarships in the USA by researching opportunities from universities, government bodies, and private organizations. They should meet eligibility criteria, prepare required documents (transcripts, recommendations, test scores), apply early, and consider specialized programs like Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships.