Scholarships to Study in the USA for Indian Students

Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, and the Tata Scholarship at Cornell University are some of the top scholarships available for Indian students pursuing higher education in the USA. These scholarships help ease the financial burden of studying abroad.

There are various scholarships available for Indian students which include:

• Merit-Based
• Financial Need
• Government Funded

The USA remains a top destination for higher education, attracting Indian students in record numbers. According to the latest Open Doors Report, the academic year 2023-24 saw an all-time high of more than 3 Lakh Indian students enrolled in US universities, marking an impressive 23% increase from 2022-23, which had 2,68,923 students. This surge highlights the growing appeal of the USA for its world-class education and career opportunities.

Top universities like Harvard University, Stanford University, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, and Cornell University offer international students various need-based and merit-based scholarships.

Read on to discover how these scholarships for Indian students in the USA can transform your educational journey!

What are the Types of Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA?

The scholarship landscape in the USA offers numerous opportunities for Indian students to pursue higher education without overwhelming financial constraints. Scholarships come in various forms, including government-funded programs, non-government-funded initiatives, and merit-based awards, catering to diverse academic and professional goals. 

Below, we break down the types of scholarships, with examples, benefits, and eligibility details.

1. Government-Funded Scholarships

As the name suggests, government-funded scholarships are the scholarships provided to Indian students by the US government. Indian students can avail of these scholarships if they wish to study abroad after 12th or graduation.

Here are the top government scholarships for Indian students in the USA:

Name of Scholarship	Benefits	Eligibility Criteria
Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship	Covers tuition, airfare, living expenses, and more for master’s or doctoral programs.	Bachelor’s degree with 55%+ marks or equivalent. Work Experience No prior U.S. degree or enrollment
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship	Offers tuition, travel, and living expenses for non-degree programs for mid-career professionals.	A bachelor’s degree  Minimum experience of 5 years Undertaking to return to India on completion of the fellowship
ACI Foundation Scholarship	USD 5000 (INR 4L) stipend	Full-time master's or PhD students Full-time bachelor’s students

2. Non-Government Funded Scholarships

These scholarships are provided by private organizations, foundations, or universities to support Indian students in the USA.

Some of the top Non-Governmental scholarships are mentioned below:

Name of Scholarship	Benefits	Eligibility Criteria
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship	Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health allowance up to USD 100,000.	Must be an Indian passport holder  Born on or after January 1, 1995. Hold a degree from a recognized Indian university. Minimum academic grade of 65% Must have confirmed admission to University
Tata Scholarship at Cornell University	Fully funds undergraduate studies, including tuition and living expenses.	Citizen of India Admission to Cornell University as an UG student Must be eligible for need-based financial aid.
KC Mahindra Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies	A maximum of INR 10L per scholar is awarded to the top 3 and INR 5L to the remaining candidates.	Must hold a First Class degree from a recognized university. Must be an Indian citizen. Should have applied for admission to a reputable foreign university.
Clark Global Scholarship Program	Awards cover tuition, room, and board, ranging from a few hundred dollars to USD 70,000+ (INR 60L) yearly.  Families earning under USD 65,000 (INR 55L) pay nothing.	Language: English (TOEFL 100 iBT, IELTS 7+, Pearson 70+). Open to all countries. Demonstrated financial need through the CSS Profile and tax documents.
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship	Offers interest-free loans for postgraduate education in the USA.	Must be an Indian national residing in India. Below 30 years of age as of January 31, 2025. Graduated or in the final year from an accredited Indian university. Planning postgraduate studies at top institutions starting Fall 2025.

3. Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are provided to students based on their academic scores and overall performance. Students who possess an impeccable academic record are awarded merit-based scholarships. 

Merit-based scholarships are further divided into categories such as:

• Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are provided to students with exceptional grades or good SAT scores. 
• Average Academic Performance Scholarships: These types of scholarships go beyond academic grades and analyze your overall performance as a student.
• Sports Scholarships: If you are an excellent sportsperson, this type of scholarship can help fund your study program in the USA. They are highly competitive as universities follow some rules in granting these scholarships to selected students. 
• Need-based scholarships: Need-based scholarships are provided to students who are not financially strong to support their studies. Although these scholarships are offered specifically to US students, some universities also provide them to Indian students. 
• University-specific scholarships: These scholarships are provided to students who meet the requirements set by the universities for a particular program. In the majority of the cases, these scholarships are covered by university alumni.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA

How to Get a Scholarship to Study in the USA?

Securing a scholarship to study in the USA involves careful planning and research. With many different types of scholarships available, it's important to follow a systematic approach to increase your chances of receiving financial support. 

From identifying the right scholarship opportunities to meeting eligibility criteria, here are the key steps to guide you through the application process.

Step 1. Research Available Scholarships: 

• Look for scholarships that match your field of study, level of education, and other eligibility factors.

Step 2. Check Eligibility Criteria: 

• Ensure you meet the academic, age, and other requirements for each scholarship.

Step 3. Prepare Required Documents:

• Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and any other documents required by the scholarship program.

Step 4. Apply Early:

• Start the application process well in advance to avoid last-minute issues and ensure timely submission.

Step 5. Write a Strong Personal Statement:

• Highlight your achievements, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship.

Step 8. Follow Instructions Carefully:

• Ensure that you fill out all forms accurately and meet all requirements before submission.

Step 9. Submit the Application:

• Double-check everything before submitting your application to avoid errors.

Step 10. Wait for Results:

• Be patient and prepare for any follow-up interviews or additional documentation requests.

Which are the top Universities offering scholarships for Indian students in the USA?

Many universities in the USA provide scholarships to international students, including those from India, to help make education more affordable. These scholarships can cover partial or full tuition, living expenses, and even travel costs. 

Here is a list of some top universities that offer scholarships for Indian students in the USA:

University	Scholarship Name	Benefits
Cornell University	Go Global Scholarship	USD 7,000 (INR 6L)
Harvard University	Need-based scholarships	Up to USD 70,525 (INR60 lakhs )  per year
University at Buffalo	Provost Scholarship	Varies
Stanford University	Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program	Up to $300,000 ( INR 2.5 crore)
SUNY Oswego	Go Oswego Award for international students	USD 4,000 (INR 3.43L) annually
University of Southern California (USC)	National Merit Finalist Presidential Scholarship	USD 33,320 ( INR 28 lakhs)  per year
SUNY Albany	Presidential Scholarship	USD 1,000 to USD 7,000 per year( INR 85,000 - 6 lakhs)
SUNY Brockport	Empire Scholarship	USD 5000 (INR 4L) renewable for 4 years
University at Buffalo	Addie Worrell and Donald Richardson Scholarship	Varies
SUNY Delhi	Excelsior Scholarship	Varies

What are the top Scholarships for MS in the USA for Indian students?

Indian students pursuing an MS degree in the USA have access to several scholarships to help reduce the financial burden. Many universities and organizations offer these scholarships, each with its own set of benefits.  

Here are some top scholarships for MS in the USA for Indian students:

University Name	Scholarship Name	Benefit
University at Buffalo	International Student Scholarship	Up to USD 5,000 (INR 4L) per year
University at Albany	Dean’s Merit Award	USD 2500 (INR 2L) per semester
University of Chicago	University of Chicago MS Scholarships	Provides partial or full tuition coverage.
SUNY Delhi	Graduate Achievement Award	USD 1,000 (INR 86000) per semester
Purdue University	Purdue Graduate Fellowship	Provides stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance.

These scholarships for MS in the USA for Indian students provide financial assistance to help cover tuition and living costs. 

What are the top MBA scholarships in the USA for Indian students?

Pursuing an MBA in the USA is a dream for many Indian students, but the high tuition fees can be a challenge. Luckily, numerous MBA scholarships in the USA for Indian students are available to help ease the financial burden. 

These scholarships are offered by top universities, foundations, and organizations, providing full or partial tuition coverage, living stipends, and other benefits. 

Here are some of the top MBA scholarships to consider:

Campus	Scholarship Name	Benefits
Cornell University	Go Global MBA Scholarship	USD 7,000 (INR 6L)
Stanford University	Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship	Covers full tuition for MBA programs.
Stony Brook University	College of Business Scholarship Fund	USD 500 (INR 43000)
University at Albany	Dean’s Merit Award	USD 2500 (INR 2L) per semester
University at Buffalo	Helen Crosby Scholarship	Varies

These scholarships can significantly help reduce the cost of pursuing an MBA in the USA, making it more accessible for Indian students.

 Must Read: Scholarships for MBA Abroad for Indian Students

What are the documents required for Scholarships for Indian students in the USA?

Documentation is a crucial part of the scholarship application process, as it helps demonstrate your eligibility, academic achievements, and personal qualities. Providing the right documents ensures your application is complete and increases your chances of securing financial support. 

Here's a list of the essential documents required for scholarship applications to study in the USA.

• Application Form: The official form provided by the scholarship provider, usually available online, that gathers basic information about the applicant.
• Academic Transcripts: Copies of your official academic records from all previous institutions, showing your grades and courses completed.
• Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations from professors, employers, or mentors who can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and character.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A personal essay explaining your academic background, career goals, and why you are a good fit for the scholarship.
• Proof of Admission: Documentation confirming your admission or application to a U.S. institution (for certain scholarships, an offer letter may be required).
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores: Results from tests like TOEFL or IELTS to prove your proficiency in English, especially if it's a requirement.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed document listing your academic achievements, work experience, skills, and other relevant accomplishments.
• Passport Copy: A clear photocopy of your passport to verify your nationality and identity.
• Financial Documents: Bank statements or affidavits of support showing your ability to finance your education or proof of financial need.

What are the other affordable ways to study in the USA?

Studying in the USA is a life-changing opportunity, but the high costs can be a barrier for many students. Fortunately, there are innovative and budget-friendly options to make this dream a reality.

upGrad’s State University of New York Bachelor's Year 1 Program offers an affordable route to elite US universities.

This program allows students to complete 30 credits in India that align with SUNY standards, significantly reducing tuition and living costs. By starting your first-year credits online through SUNY and transferring them to one of its 64 campuses, such as:

• Cornell University
• Stony Brook University
• Albany University
• Buffalo University
• Binghamton University

You can save up to INR 50 Lacs on tuition and INR 20 Lacs on living expenses.

Here are some of the benefits of the upGrad Pathway Program:

• SAT Waiver: No SAT requirement simplifies the admission process.
• Seamless Credit Transfer: Transfer first-year credits to any of SUNY’s 64 campuses effortlessly.
• Affordable Start in India: Complete your first 12 months of coursework in India, saving on living costs while adapting to academic rigor.
• World-Class Institutions: Access R1 research universities like Cornell and Stony Brook, with billions spent annually on research.
• Top-Tier College Transfers: Maintain a strong GPA in the first year to transfer to prestigious colleges in the second year.
• Simplified English Proficiency: Secure admission with a Duolingo score of just 120.

Take the first step towards studying in the USA without breaking the bank. Sign up for upGrad’s Pathway Program and save big on your education journey. 

Book a free counseling session today to explore your options!