Scholarships to Study in the USA for Indian Students

Latest update: The prestigious Fulbright‑Nehru Master’s Fellowship 2025‑26 is now open for applications. Offered by the U.S.–India Educational Foundation (USIEF).

Studying in the U.S. is a dream for many Indian students, but the high cost can often be a barrier. On average, tuition fees at U.S. universities range between INR 16–45 lakhs per year, with living expenses adding another INR 8–16 lakhs annually. However, scholarships to study in USA for Indian students make this journey more affordable and achievable. 
From fully funded government awards like the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation to university-specific aid such as the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship and Yale’s need-based grants, Indian students have access to a wide range of financial support. In 2024 alone, over 20,000 Indian students received scholarships or aid to study in the U.S., according to EducationUSA. 
These scholarships reward academic merit, leadership, and research potential, and apply to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. With the right scholarship, your dream of studying in the U.S. can become an affordable reality. Let’s explore!
 

 

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

The scholarship landscape in the USA provides numerous opportunities for Indian students to pursue higher education without excessive financial burden. Various scholarships to study in USA for Indian students are available, including government-funded programs, private initiatives, and merit-based awards, catering to diverse academic and career aspirations.

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 6. Follow Instructions Carefully:

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

Step 7. Submit the Application:

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

Step 8. 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 is the criteria for applying to scholarships to study in the US for Indian students?

Securing a scholarship to study in the USA for Indian students depends on multiple factors. While academic merit is crucial, other elements like extracurricular involvement, research work, and the application process also play a role. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Strong Academic Record – Most scholarships require high GPA scores, and some may also consider standardized test scores like the SAT, GRE, or GMAT. A strong academic profile increases your chances of receiving merit-based scholarships.
• Program-Specific Requirements – Scholarship eligibility often depends on the chosen university, subject, and level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral). Some universities offer field-specific financial aid for high-demand courses.
• Extracurricular & Volunteer Work – Leadership roles, social work, sports, or participation in student organizations can be advantageous. Some scholarships reward students with a strong record of community engagement.
• Application Process & Additional Conditions – While some scholarships require only an application, others may have additional requirements such as essays, personal statements, or interviews to assess a candidate’s suitability.
• Research-Based Scholarships – For students applying to research-intensive programs, submitting a detailed research proposal or written assignments may be mandatory. These scholarships often support innovation and scientific contributions.
• Clarifications & Support – Universities and scholarship providers may have different criteria, so reaching out to the university admissions office or scholarship committee can help clear doubts and ensure a successful application.

Conclusion

Pursuing higher education in the United States can be a life-changing experience academically, professionally, and personally. While costs can be high, the wide range of scholarships to study in USA for Indian students helps bridge the financial gap and make your global aspirations a reality. From government-funded initiatives to university-specific grants, there's a scholarship for every deserving student.

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. 

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