All AnswersWhat are the best scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA?
Asked by T Gaikwad 7 months ago
If you're looking to study in the U.S. but are concerned about the costs, you’re not alone. Many international students face the same challenge when it comes to tuition, living expenses, and additional fees.
The positive news is that there are scholarships available that can make studying in the U.S. more affordable, or even fully funded. Here are some top scholarship opportunities to consider:
Government Scholarships: Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
- Ideal for Master’s and PhD programs
- Fully covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance
- Requires a strong academic record
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship
- 10-month non-degree program for professionals
- Comprehensive coverage, including professional development and English language support if needed
University & Foundation Scholarships
Tata Scholarship at Cornell
- Available for undergraduate students
- Need-based with full coverage, supported by the Tata Education Trust
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Designed for MBA students at Stanford Business School
- Covers up to 80% of tuition and expenses
- Five recipients chosen annually, with a commitment to work in India after graduation
Inlaks Scholarship
- For postgraduate and doctoral programs
- Provides up to INR 83.31 lakhs for tuition, living costs, insurance, and travel
Merit-Based Scholarships
AAUW International Fellowships
- Specifically for women in graduate or postgraduate studies
- Awards range from $20,000 to $50,000
- Prioritizes candidates with a focus on research
Aga Khan Foundation
- 50% grant, 50% loan arrangement
- Requires at least one year of work experience
- Merit-based selection process
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
-Minimum 50% tuition coverage
-Focused on promoting intercultural exchange
-Requires an essay or video submission
Tips for a Successful Application
-Begin your search 12-18 months before your intended enrollment.
-Apply to a mix of well-known and smaller scholarships.
-Edit your applications to highlight your unique strengths.
-Showcase your academic and extracurricular achievements.
Scholarships can be highly competitive, but with thorough research, early planning, and a strong application, you can enhance your chances. Don’t forget to leverage support from university financial aid offices, which often assist international students. For personalized guidance, feel free to DM or look up MIM-Essay on Google.
You can also book a free strategy call with our study abroad consultants to discuss your options.
Start early, stay organized, and put in your best effort, i would suggest.
The best scholarships for Indian students to study in USA, several top options can significantly help cover tuition and living costs.
Here you can find some scholarships specifically designed for Indian students, alongside others that are highly competitive but accessible.
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships: This is a prestigious scholarship for Indian students who aim to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the USA. It covers tuition fees, airfare, and even living expenses, and is open to those with academic excellence and a strong study plan.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: This scholarship supports young Indian students with outstanding talent in their chosen field. It covers tuition fees, health insurance, and travel allowance, and is particularly popular for students pursuing arts, humanities, and social sciences. However, it doesn’t typically cover MBA, engineering, computer science, or public health courses.
- AAUW International Fellowships: Exclusively for female students, this fellowship supports women from around the world pursuing a master’s or PhD. The award amount varies based on the program level, but it can cover substantial expenses for Indian women looking to study in the USA.
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship: If you’re aiming for an MBA at Stanford, this fellowship provides financial support specifically to Indian students. Recipients are expected to return to India and work after their degree, adding to the appeal for students dedicated to bringing skills back to their home country.
- Tata Scholarships for Cornell University: Designed for undergraduate students, this scholarship is funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust. It covers tuition and living expenses for Indian students admitted to Cornell, making it a valuable resource for those looking to study at an Ivy League school.
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: This program supports students from developing countries, including India, who are pursuing a master’s degree in fields related to economic development. It’s ideal for those interested in fields like public policy, economics, and social work.
- Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships: This interest-free loan scholarship is offered to Indian students with a strong academic background who have secured admission to a top-tier U.S. institution. It’s repayable over five years, making it a flexible option for those needing additional financial support.
When applying for these scholarships, it’s essential to have a strong academic record, a clear study plan, and, in some cases, work experience. Each scholarship has specific requirements, so researching deadlines and eligibility criteria early can increase your chances.
By securing the right scholarship, you’ll be able to focus on your studies without the stress of financial constraints.
Feel free to ask if you have any doubts or you can book a free session with our study abroad consultants.
Education Consultant
Studying in the USA is a dream for many Indian students, and several scholarships can help make this dream a reality. Here are some of the best options:
• Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships: This scholarship supports Indian students pursuing a master’s degree in the USA. It covers tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses.
• Tata Scholarship for Cornell University: Funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust, this scholarship helps Indian students with tuition and living expenses at Cornell University.
• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships are for Indian students seeking admission to top American universities. It covers tuition and living costs.
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships: This scholarship is for Indian students joining Stanford's MBA program and helps cover a large part of their tuition fees. It is designed to support students who aim to return to India and make a positive impact.
• AAUW International Fellowships: These scholarships are for women who want to study for a postgraduate degree in the USA and provide financial help to deserving students. They aim to empower women to achieve their academic and career goals.
• Rotary Foundation Global Grants: These grants support master’s degrees in fields like health, education, and peace-building. They are perfect for students who want to use their education to make a positive difference in the world.
These scholarships open doors to high-quality education and opportunities in the USA without the burden of high costs. They not only reduce financial stress but also provide the foundation for a successful academic and professional journey. With preparation and determination, these scholarships can help you turn your dream of studying in the USA into reality. Explore your options, apply confidently, and take the first step toward a bright future!