Dreams Take Flight: Top 7 Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA

Beginning on a journey to pursue higher education in the United States can be a thrilling yet daunting experience, especially when it comes to managing the costs. However, the dream of studying in the USA is not out of reach for Indian students, thanks to a plethora of scholarships designed to empower aspiring minds. In this blog, we unveil the top 7 scholarships that can turn your American dream into a reality.


Tata Scholarship for Cornell University:

Sponsored by the Tata Education and Development Trust, this scholarship at Cornell University aims to make world-class education accessible to Indian students. The Tata Education and Development Trust offers a scholarship for undergraduate students enrolling at Cornell University. Each year, the trust allocates 25 million USD to support 20 students pursuing their undergraduate studies at Cornell University.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

  • Application period: Apply in October and November.
  • Scholarship announcement: The scholarship is announced in December.
  • Applicant requirements: Must be an Indian resident and have completed secondary school in India.
  • Admission requirement: Must secure admission to one of Cornell University's undergraduate programs and qualify for a need-based scholarship.
  • Funding details: The scholarship amount varies and is granted annually until graduation.
  • Architecture students: Architecture students receive funding for 8 semesters.
  • Targeted disciplines: The scholarship is primarily awarded to students in the fields of architecture, arts & planning, and the college of engineering.

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

This scholarship program, backed by a private organization, is among the most substantial. It comprises three types of scholarships: the Academic Year Ambassadorial Scholarship, the Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship, and the Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

  • Citizenship requirement: Applicants should be from a country where the Rotary Club is established.
  • Education Prerequisite: Must have completed two years of college or its equivalent
  • Application process: Apply through Rotary Clubs.
  • Inclusivity: Individuals with disabilities are eligible to apply.

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

This scholarship is designed for students pursuing master's or doctoral degree programs. It provides coverage for tuition fees, monthly expenses, and the cost of living. The focus is on supporting minority students or individuals who are not proficient in English and may be considered ordinary citizens.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

  • Enrollment requirement: Must enroll in LTE (language Cert Test language training.)
  • Academic performance: Applicants should demonstrate good academic performance.
  • Scholarship details: The scholarship will be provided as a monthly stipend to cover living expenses and tuition fees.
  • Recipient criteria: This scholarship is exclusively for Indian citizens.

Fulbright – Nehru Fellowships

This scholarship is open to international students applying for master's or doctoral programs, allowing graduates and newcomers to stay in the USA for a year. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and the medical costs of the recipient. A beacon for academic excellence, this scholarship is a joint initiative between the U.S. and Indian governments, supporting outstanding students in various fields.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

  • Education requirement: Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in India.
  • Academic performance: Maintain at least 55% marks.
  • Work experience: Have a minimum of 3 years of work experience.
  • Exclusion criteria: Do not hold a degree from a US university.
  • Community service: Demonstrate a history of community service.
  • Graduates with a strong academic background and leadership potential.

International Education Financial Aid

IEFA is a summer scholarship program provided by Abbey Road Inc. for high school students aged 14 to 18. This scholarship is available to students with commendable records in extracurricular activities.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

  • Scholarship amount: $20,000 per year.
  • Citizenship requirement: Must be an Indian citizen.
  • Education prerequisite: Should have completed high school.
  • Admission condition: Must secure admission in one of the undergraduate courses.
  • Need-based eligibility: Should be eligible to receive a need-based scholarship.

AAUW International Fellowships

This scholarship is specifically for female students pursuing research in the United States. It is open to those applying for both graduate and postgraduate studies, and the support can extend up to 5 years. The scholarship amount varies based on the duration and type of course applied for. The American Association of University Women offers this fellowship to support the education of women from around the world, including India, pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in the USA.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

  • Age restriction: Applicants must be below 30 years old.
  • Citizenship requirement: Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
  • Academic excellence: Strong academic performance is an essential for consideration.
  • Women who have completed their undergraduate degree and are committed to advancing women's rights.

Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

This scholarship was started by Reliance Industries to help those Indian students who want to study in the USA. But those students have to come back and work in India after their studies. The scholarship amount is USD 150,000. Stanford Graduate School of Business offers this fellowship to Indian students committed to addressing global issues through innovative leadership.

To be eligible for the scholarship at Stanford University for MBA:

  • Application to Stanford MBA Program: Candidates must apply for admission to the MBA program at Stanford University.
  • Financial Support: Applicants should demonstrate a lack of financial backing, indicating a need for financial assistance.
  • Academic Performance: Successful candidates are expected to have a strong academic record.

As for the benefits:

  • Financial Coverage: The scholarship will cover 80% of the student's tuition fees and course-related expenses.Indian citizens applying to Stanford's MBA program.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIAN STUDENT IN THE USA

SCHOLARSHIPDESCRIPTIONELIGIBILITY
Inlaks Shivdasani FoundationCovers tuition fee, travel, and living expenses.USD 1,00,000(- 75 LAKHS)Students pursuing courses other than Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Public Health, Music & Film Animation
Age Foundation ScholarshipProvided as 50% grant and 50% loan.Students from countries where Aga Foundation operates
American University Emerging Global Leader ScholarshipCovers billable AU expenses like tuition, room3.8 GPA equivalent out of 4.0 GPA
Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala FellowshipAwarded to MBA students. $25,000Awarded to students whose native is India
Illinois Wesleyan University ScholarshipProvided by Illinois Wesleyan University USD 16,000 – USD 30,000Must be an international student enrolling for a UG course
National Overseas ScholarshipScholarship for students from SC/ST community 15,400 USDFamily income less than 6,00,000 INR
SN Bose scholarshipAirfare, health insurance, and stipend are coveredMust be admitted in courses like Atmospheric & earth sciences, mathematical & computational sciences, and chemical sciences.
KC Mahindra ScholarshipInterest-free loan for PG studentsMust have a first-class degree or equivalent diploma
Narotam Sekhsaria ScholarshipGiven to international students looking for master’s courses.Must apply for courses like Applied sciences, social sciences, pure sciences, architecture, humanities, Law, or management.

Note: Scholarships mentioned above are in general purpose. They may vary by deadlines according to the period.

CONCLUSION

In the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth, these top 7 scholarships open doors for Indian students to explore the vast educational landscape of the United States. As you embark on your journey, keep in mind that lack of funds should never stand in the way of your academic aspirations. With determination and the right support, you can make your mark on the global stage with the help of GlobEDwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques1 What are the requirements for USA scholarships?

A. Scholarship requirements in the USA typically include strong standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), , recommendation letters, high academic achievement, proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS), and a compelling personal statement aligning with the scholarship’s objectives.

Ques-2 How to get a 100% scholarship in the USA?

A· Achieving a 100% scholarship involves scoring exceptionally well on standardized tests, excelling academically, demonstrating leadership, community involvement, and applying for merit-based scholarships that cover full tuition and living expenses.

Ques-3 What are the common eligibility criteria for these scholarships?

A· Eligibility can depend on factors like academic merit, financial need, chosen field of study, and specific requirements set by the scholarship provider.

Ques-4 What documents are typically required for scholarship applications?

A· Documents may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, proof of admission, and financial documents demonstrating need

Ques-5 Do these scholarships cover all expenses, including tuition and living costs?

A· Scholarship coverage varies. Some may cover full tuition, while others may contribute to partial tuition or living expenses. Always check the details provided by the scholarship provider.