Scholarships for Indian Students in USA

Are you looking for scholarships for Indian students in USA but worried about the high costs of studying abroad? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of Indian students dream of studying in top American universities, but sometime the tuition fees and living expenses become a big challenge for them. That is where scholarships come in and it makes quality education in the U.S. more accessible and affordable for Indian students. Whether you are a highly talented students, or in need of financial help, or pursuing a specific field, there is a scholarship option for you.

Why Study in the USA?

The USA is one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students, and USA also provides:

• World-class education and research opportunities
• Global recognition of U.S. degrees
• Diverse career paths and post-study work options

Studying in the U.S. is also expensive. Tuition fees can range from $20,000 to $40,000 per year, and this is excluding living costs. Scholarships are a game-changer for students; it helps Indian students study in the U.S. without worrying about financial burden. 

Scholarship Options You Can Explore in the United States

It is very important to know what options are available during searching for scholarships. Here are the types of scholarship options you can explore in the United States:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

If you have a solid academic background, high scores in exams like the GRE or GMAT, or accomplishments in sports or arts, you could qualify for this type of scholarship

2. Need-Based Scholarships

This scholarship is designed for those students who has low-income in families and who need financial support to study abroad.

3. University-Specific Scholarships

Many U.S. universities offer scholarships to attract talented international students. In some cases, the decision depends on both your academic performance and your overall profile.

4. Field-Specific Scholarships

This types of scholarships are offered to students in high-demand fields like STEM, Business, Arts, Medicine, etc.

5. Government-Funded Scholarships

Scholarships like Fulbright-Nehru and ICCR are supported by the governments of both India and the United States. These are well-known, so many students apply for them.

6. Private, NGO And Community-Based Scholarships

Students can also find scholarship support from various private foundations and local communities. For example: Inlaks, AAUW, and IEFA

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in USA

Indian students can explore the following popular and widely recognized scholarship options.

• Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship: For Master’s and PhD programs
• Tata Scholarship (Cornell University): For undergraduate students
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship: This is specifically for MBA aspirants
• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship: For postgraduate programs
• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship: For mid-career professionals
• AAUW International Fellowships: For women students
• IEFA Scholarship Portal: A large database of funding opportunities

Top U.S. Universities Offering Scholarships

Many well-known U.S. universities give good scholarships to Indian students. Here are some examples:

• Harvard University: Need-based financial support
• MIT: Scholarships based on merit and financial need
• Stanford University: Reliance Fellowship for MBA students
• Columbia University: Financial aid for international students
• Cornell University: Tata Scholarship for Indian undergrads
• New York University (NYU): Merit and department-based scholarships

The steps to apply can be different at each university. Always check their official scholarship or financial aid website for correct details. 

Eligibility Criteria & Application Checklist

Before filling out a scholarship form, see if you meet the basic criteria.

1-Academic Requirements

• Strong academic background
• Sometimes you will need to convert your marks to U.S. GPA format

2-Test Scores

• TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency
• GRE/GMAT for graduate programs (depends on your course)

3-Required Documents

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Resume/CV
• Financial proof or bank statements

4-Timelines

• Fall intake deadlines: Apply between November to January
• Spring intake deadlines: Apply between June to September

5-These Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing deadlines
• Sending a weak or copied SOP
• Applying for scholarships that don’t match your profile
• Not checking if you’re eligible before applying

Field-Wise Scholarships Snapshot

Field	Key Scholarships	Coverage
STEM/Technology	NSF GRFP, Inlaks, University Awards	Full tuition + stipend
Business/MBA	Stanford Reliance	Up to 80% of tuition
Undergraduate	Tata Scholarship (Cornell)	Full tuition + living expenses
Women/Minorities	AAUW, IEFA, Community Scholarships	Partial to full scholarships

 

Real Student Story: Sanjana Poojari

Sanjana Poojari is a great example of how students succeed with the right guidance from Education Street.

• University: Northeastern University
• Intake: Fall 2025
• Course: Master of Science in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery
• Scholarship Amount: Approx. $9,306

With her hard work and guidance from Education Street, she got a scholarship and made her U.S. study dream come true.

Mistakes to Avoid While Applying

Many students make small but costly mistakes while applying for scholarships. One common mistake students does is applying without checking if the scholarship actually matches their course or profile. Some also use the same SOP for every university, which doesn’t leave a good impression; it’s always better to tailor it for each application.

Another big issue is missing deadlines. If you wait too long, you might miss out because some scholarships are given to those who apply first. It’s also a good idea to look at lesser-known scholarships. Since fewer students apply for them, your chances of getting selected can actually be better.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Scholarships

1. Research & Shortlist: Look for scholarships that match your course, university, and background.
2. Check Eligibility: Read all requirements carefully.
3. Prepare Documents: SOP, LORs, transcripts, test scores, etc.
4. Apply on Time: Stick to deadlines and track your submissions.
5. Get Ready for Interviews: Some scholarships may require interaction with the selection committee.

 

FAQs related to Scholarships For indian students in USA

Q1. What are some of the top scholarships available to Indian students in the USA?

A1: Top scholarships include Fulbright-Nehru, Tata Scholarship at Cornell, the Inlaks Foundation award, Reliance Fellowship, and AAUW grants.

Q2. Is it possible to study for free with a scholarship in the USA?

A2: Yes, there are full scholarships that cover tuition and living costs. They can be competitive, but it is possible to receive one.

Q3. What is the eligibility for USA scholarships?

A3: Good academic record, proof of English test scores, SOP, LORs, and proof of financial documents.

Q4. When should I apply for a scholarship?

A4: You should apply 10 to 12 months before your course begins. For the Fall intake, apply from November to January. For the Spring intake, apply from June to September.   

Q5. Do all U.S. universities offer scholarships?

A5: Yes, most of them, especially the top-tier institutions like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and NYU.

Q6. Are there scholarships available for undergraduates to study in the US?

A6. Definitely. The Tata Scholarship at Cornell supports undergrads from India.

Q7. Do US scholarships require English test scores like IELTS or TOEFL?

Ans: Yes, unless the university or scholarship says otherwise, English test scores are usually needed.

Q8. Can I go for multiple scholarship options at the same time?

Ans: Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the scholarships.

Q9. Do I still have to show proof of bank accounts if I receive a scholarship to study in US?

Ans: Yes, usually you will still need to show proof of bank accounts, especially if the scholarship does not cover full costs.

Q10. How does Education Street help with scholarships to study in the USA?

Ans: We will help you find the right scholarships and assist you in completing the full application process.

 

Author Name: Ankita Thakker

Designation: Founder & CEO of  Education Street