Top USA Scholarships for Indian Students

Many Indian students dream of studying in the United States, attracted by its top-tier educational institutions and diverse cultural offerings. However, the high cost of studying in the USA can be a significant barrier. In this article, we will explore the top USA Scholarships for Indian students, benefits for every Indian Student, the type of USA Scholarships, eligibility criteria, important documents required, and how you can apply for these scholarships.

1. Research and Categories of Scholarships

When it comes to international scholarships for Indian students, they usually fall into four main categories:

• Government-funded scholarships: These are offered by governments to support students from their country in pursuing education overseas. 

• Program-specific scholarships: These scholarships are tied to particular study programs or courses offered by universities or institutions abroad.

• Subject-specific scholarships: If you excel in a particular field of study, you might be eligible for scholarships specifically tailored to that subject. For example, scholarships for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields are quite common.

• Organization-provided scholarships: Many organizations, including non-profits, corporations, and foundations, offer scholarships to support students in their educational pursuits abroad. 

Remember to thoroughly research each type of scholarship and carefully follow the application instructions to increase your chances of securing funding for your study abroad journey.

 

2. Types of Scholarships

Scholarships for Indian Students After 12th Grade

If you’re an Indian student looking to study abroad after finishing 12th grade, there are some great international scholarships for Indian students. Like,

1. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University

This scholarship, funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust, helps talented Indian students pursue undergraduate studies at Cornell University in the United States. They set aside a big fund of 25 million USD just for this purpose!

When to Apply:

Applications usually open in October or November, and successful candidates are notified by December.

Who Can Apply:

To be eligible, you need to be an Indian citizen who completed secondary school in India. You should also have been accepted into one of Cornell University’s undergraduate programs and be eligible for a need-based scholarship.

Benefits:

The scholarship provides financial support every year until you graduate, except for architecture students who get funding for 8 semesters.

Preference is given to students studying:

• Architecture
• Arts & Planning
• Engineering
• Applied Economics & Management
• Biological Sciences
• Physical Sciences

2. Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

Rotary International offers a big scholarship program to help students study abroad. It’s one of the biggest scholarship programs funded by private donors. Here are the three types of scholarships they offer:

Academic Year Ambassadorial Scholarship: $25,000 (around 20.64 lakh INR)
Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship: $12,000 (around 9.90 lakh INR)
Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship: $12,000 to $19,000 (around 9.90 to 15.68 lakh INR)

When to Apply:
The application timeline for the Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships varies depending on the specific scholarship and location. However, typically, applications open annually, and interested candidates should start the process early to meet deadlines. It’s advisable to check with your local Rotary club or visit the official Rotary International website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on application timelines and requirements.

Who Can Apply:
To apply for these scholarships, you need to:

– Be from a country where Rotary clubs are active
– Start your application through a Rotary club
– Have completed at least two years of college or its equivalent

Special Consideration:
The program encourages students with disabilities to apply too.

Scholarships for Postgraduate Indian Students in USA

If you’re planning to pursue a master’s, M.Phil, or doctorate degree in the USA, there are scholarships available to help with the high tuition costs.

1. National Overseas Scholarship

The National Overseas Scholarship is a program supported by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. It’s designed specifically for SC/ST candidates who want to pursue master’s or Ph.D. degrees abroad.

Who can Apply:

To qualify for this scholarship, students must:
– Be from SC/ST backgrounds.
– Age Limit 35 years
– Study in fields like engineering, management, sciences, agriculture, medicine, commerce, finance, social sciences, or humanities.
– Have at least 55% marks in their bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on whether they’re applying for a master’s or Ph.D.
– Come from families with an annual income not exceeding 6,00,000 INR.

Benefits:

Selected students receive an annual maintenance allowance of 15,400 USD, which is approximately 11.66 lakhs INR. The scholarship covers three years for master’s degrees and four years for Ph.D. programs.

This scholarship offers valuable support for SC/ST students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. If you meet the criteria, it’s definitely worth considering!

2. Fulbright Scholarships for Indians

The Fulbright Scholarships Program operates in over 155 countries, promoting cultural and academic exchange between international participants and the USA. In India, USIEF (United States-India Educational Foundation) offers various scholarships in fields like business, sciences, public service, and arts.

It includes various scholarships like Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program, Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program, Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program, and Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship.

When to Apply:

The application deadlines vary depending on the specific Fulbright scholarship. Be sure to check the deadlines for the scholarship you’re interested in.

Who Can Apply:

Indian citizens who are looking to pursue postgraduate studies in the USA are eligible to apply for Fulbright scholarships. Each scholarship may have its own specific eligibility criteria, so make sure to review them carefully before applying.

These scholarships provide a great opportunity for Indian students to pursue advanced studies in the USA.

3. Inlaks Scholarship

The Inlaks Scholarship, provided by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, supports highly talented Indian graduates (master’s and doctoral level) by covering all expenses for their studies.

Who can Apply:

To be eligible for the Inlaks Scholarship, you must:
– Be an Indian citizen and resident at the time of application.
– Have a good undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian University or College.
– Age Limit – 30 years

Benefits:

Selected candidates receive up to 100,000 USD (approximately 75.86 lakhs INR), covering full tuition fees, one-way travel allowance, living expenses, and a health allowance.

Note:

Scholarships are not available for studies in Engineering, Business Studies, Medicine, Computer Science, Public Health, Film, Film Animation, or Fashion Design.

Scholarships for MBA in USA for Indian Students

As more Indian students pursue MBA programs in the USA due to expanding business opportunities, the high costs of tuition (ranging from 49 to 83 lakhs INR) prompt many to seek financial aid. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships and fellowships available for Indian students enrolled in MBA programs. Let’s explore a couple of them.

1. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship program offered by Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. It is specifically designed to support Indian students pursuing an MBA at Stanford.

Who Can Apply:

– Indian citizens who are eligible for admission to Stanford University’s MBA program.
– Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to returning to work and live in India after completing their MBA.
– Candidates should exhibit financial need and academic excellence.

Benefits:

> The fellowship covers a significant portion of the cost of tuition and associated fees, amounting to 80% of the total expenses.
> Successful candidates receive substantial financial support, allowing them to pursue their MBA studies at one of the world’s leading business schools without bearing the full financial burden.

2. Chicago Booth Scholarships for Indian Students

The Chicago Booth Scholarships for Indian Students are scholarship programs offered by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. These scholarships aim to support Indian students pursuing MBA programs at Chicago Booth.

Who can apply:

Indian citizens who are applying for admission to the Full-time MBA program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business can apply for these scholarships. Each scholarship may have its own specific eligibility criteria, so applicants should carefully review the requirements for each scholarship they are interested in.

– Ramakrishnan Family Scholarship:

Benefits: Supports three Indian students annually with an award of 25,000 USD (20.63 lakhs INR) per year.

– Akhtar Ali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship:

Benefits: Funded by a donation of 1 million USD, it supports the study of Indian students.

– India Trust Fellowship:

Benefits: Available to Indian students who have worked and studied in India at the time of admission to the Chicago Booth MBA program. Offers two awards of 10,000 USD (8.25 lakhs INR) each toward tuition fees.

These international scholarships for Indian students provide valuable financial support for Indian students pursuing MBA programs in the USA. If you meet the eligibility criteria, consider applying for these opportunities to ease the financial burden of your education.

3. How to apply for a Scholarship in the USA for Indian Students?

For Indian students eyeing education in the USA, scholarships can ease financial burdens. While application processes vary, a general overview simplifies the path. Let’s explore the steps involved in accessing these opportunities.

1. Research: Look for scholarships that match your academic background, financial situation, and field of study. You can find different types of scholarships, including those funded by the government, based on merit, or offered by universities.
2. Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet all the requirements, such as academic performance, language proficiency tests, and any required work experience.
3. Gather Documents: Collect all the necessary documents needed for your scholarship application.
4. Complete Application: Fill out the scholarship application form with the required information.
5. Attach Documents: Attach the required documents to your application.
6. Submit on Time: Make sure to submit your scholarship application before the deadline. Missing the deadline could mean missing out on the opportunity.
   

For scholarships offered by universities, it’s best to visit the official website of the university for more details and specific application instructions.

4. What documents are required to apply for a Scholarship in the USA for Indian Students?

When applying for scholarships in the USA, the following documents are essential:

• Letters of Recommendation:  References from teachers, employers, or professionals.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): A summary of your educational background, work experience, skills, achievements, and extracurricular activities.
• Personal Statement:  A motivational letter expressing your goals and aspirations.
• Financial Statements: Proof of low income for need-based scholarships.
• Acceptance Letter: Confirmation of acceptance into a program or institution.
• Proof of Achievements: Documentation of any notable accomplishments.
• Passport and Visa Documents: If you’re an international student, you may need to provide copies of your passport, visa, and other immigration documents.
• Academic Transcripts: Official records of your academic performance, including grades, courses taken, and degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Scores from standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT, depending on the scholarship requirements.

5. Which are the Top 5 Universities Offering Maximum Scholarships for Indian Students?

Discover the top 5 universities in the USA renowned for providing substantial USA scholarships to Indian students. These institutions offer a wealth of financial aid options, making higher education more accessible and affordable for aspiring scholars from India.

• Duke University
• Vanderbilt University
• University of Chicago
• Washington University
• University of Notre Dame

6. Conclusion

We’ve covered all the important details about getting US scholarships for Indian students. There are many options available for Indian students who want to study higher education in the US. These scholarships offer different levels of support, from covering full tuition to providing partial funding. With the right scholarship, Indian students can fulfill their dreams of studying in the United States. If you need more help, you can contact Eduland Immigration. Our expert counselors can help you with the application process and find the best scholarships for you based on your profile.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for free assistance!