Scholarships to Study in USA for Indian Students

Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on Jan 06, 2023 7:02 PM IST

US Scholarships Update

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Scholarship Opportunities to Study at US Universities

Scholarships for international students in USA: A lot of students hoping to study in the US give up on their dream, the primary reason among them is the lack of funds. Given how higher education in the US is going through the roof, especially for international students, it is better to plan your expenses before you arrive in the country or even before you apply for your US student visa. Although competitive, being awarded scholarships for international students in USA can help them fund a huge portion of their total tuition fees. Apart from scholarships, looking for Part-Time Job Options in the USA or Applying For an Education Loan may somehow ease your financial burden of studying in the US.

Of the total number of international students that migrate to Study in the USA for higher education, a significant number of them make up for the total expense by getting financial aid/ scholarships offered by the US government or higher education institutions. Almost all US universities offer scholarships based on an applicant's standardised test scores or academic background. According to the Fulbright Commission, over 600 US universities grant scholarships worth USD 20,000 or more to international students. They are usually evaluated based on either financial need, academic merit, or extracurricular activities they outline on their CVs or resumes.

In addition to these, a number of private organisations and donors in the US also offer a range of scholarships for international students in USA. It is also recommended to look out for scholarships offered by your home country, be it the Central or state government. For example, the Indian government offers the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme (NOS) to eligible students applying for Master's or PhD degrees abroad.

Also Read:

Stanford University Scholarships for Indian Students

Harvard University Scholarships for Indian Students

STEM Scholarships in US for International Students

Difference Between Scholarship and Fellowship

Planning to Study in USA with Scholarship?

Types of Scholarships for International Students in USA

USA scholarships for Indian students can be divided into need-based, subject-specific, athletic-specific, merit-based, student-specific scholarships, and so on. They can further be categorised into privately-funded, government and non-government scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on several academic (mostly) as well as non-academic criteria. 

Let us briefly discuss the types of scholarships for Indian students to study in USA:

Need-Based Scholarships to Study in the US

Need-based scholarships to study in the United States, as the name implies, are given to applicants who come from economically marginalised groups. These scholarships are given to applicants so they can complete their studies even when they are unable to meet the financial prerequisites. The majority of US citizens are given these scholarships based on financial need, while certain US institutions and colleges also take into account international students. These grants, however, differ from one university to another.

Merit-Based Scholarships to study in the United States

A merit-based scholarship to study in the USA is awarded based on the academic excellence of a student. Scholarships can be awarded in the following ways: 

Average Academic Performance Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on the student's overall performance, such as extracurriculars and community service, in addition to their grades and standardised test scores.

Academic Scholarships: Students with high SAT scores or ACT scores as well as extraordinary academic grades are awarded these scholarships for international students in the USA. They are supported financially by commercial, public, or academic institutions. 

Sports Scholarships: Athletic scholarships offered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) are extremely contested. Sports scholarships are one of the finest possibilities for international student-athletes who wish to study in the USA. However, these types of study in USA with scholarship have stringent eligibility requirements. 

Privately-Funded Study in United States Scholarships

Private scholarships are financial aid awards that are supported by businesses, nonprofit organisations, service clubs, foundations, and private citizens. They come at a wide range of price points and are usually customised for the issuing organisation. However, these types of scholarships to study in the US have strict eligibility requirements. 

Indian Students Scholarships in USA Offered by US Universities and Colleges 

The majority of the top colleges in the USA offer scholarships and fellowships to students at various educational levels and for varying duration of academic programmes. Indian student scholarships in USA offered by US universities and colleges can be: 

  • Department-specific

  • University-wide financial options

  • Alumni-funded 

  • Country-specific

  • Ex-faculty funded options, etc.

Government-Funded scholarships for international students in USA

Although very few, US government scholarships such as the ones mentioned below are widely popular among students from outside the US:

Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship: The Fulbright scholarship is offered to students who are aiming to pursue a Master’s or PG degree. The USA government for international students with a strong academic background offers these scholarships.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: A part of the Fulbright program, this scholarship opportunity focuses on attracting skilled and mid-career professionals from a developing country to the United States. One who will be granted this scholarship will be able to study a 10-month non-degree graduate program in the country. An addition to the program is the 20 to 25-week Long-Term English (LTE) language training which helps the student in enhancing his/ her language skills. 

Related Reads:

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Non-Governmental Scholarships to Study in the US for International Students

Given below are the top non-government US scholarships for international students enrolled at US private or public universities/ colleges:

#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: With the goal of starting a globally recognized scholarship program, the #YouAreWelcomeHere aims at the strengthening message of welcoming foreign students with open hands. Participating colleges and universities, under this program, offer two renewable scholarships that cover at least 50% of the tuition fee of selected international students. To be considered for the same, students must either present a multimedia project or answer a short essay question stating how they would apply their leadership skills on campus. 

Abbey Road Summer Scholarships: Abbey Road, founded to provide quality academic summer programs, also offers a Summer Fellowship or Scholarship to those who have a competitive overall GPA in the subject they are applying for along with high extracurricular performance. 

Civil Society Leadership Awards: Only for Master’s degree applicants, Civil Society Leadership Awards are fully-funded scholarships granted to students who have an excellent academic and professional background. The program does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, age, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or disability. An applicant should, however, have earned a Bachelor’s degree and be proficient in English. He/ she should also be able to demonstrate a commitment to his/ her home country.

Preply Annual Essay Scholarship: Winners of this scholarship are chosen by popular vote after they submit an essay based on the given topic for the particular year. Awarded to three applicants every year, each will get up to USD 3000. Eligible to take part in the scholarship are high school, university or PhD students between the ages of 16 and 35. 

Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship: Offered by the Honor Society to recognise a student’s achievements, the Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship is awarded to one impressive student with USD 2000. The student, of any nationality, should be currently enrolled at a US university.

Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded biannually to students who are passionate about exploring the world and wish to study in the US. The winner of the scholarship will be awarded a travel backpack and USD 1000 that can be used for tuition, travel, room and board, or books.

International Education Financial Aid (IEFA): IEFA is the leading source of international scholarships across the world including the US. Scholarships under this are divided on the basis of various categories including the field of study, the location of the US university and your home country. The scholarship amount can range between INR 1000 and INR 1,00,000.

GyanDhan Postgraduate Scholarship: This is specifically for students who are from India and are looking to pursue higher education in the states. Sponsored by GyanDhan, it is a one-time scholarship awarded to only postgraduate students irrespective of their area of study, based on merit/ academic records/ calibre. The grant aid under the program is INR 1 lakh.

Universities in USA Scholarship for Indian Students

Do you know How Universities Abroad Evaluate International Students Profile? When assessing a student's eligibility for scholarships, universities look for an all-encompassing profile and a wide range of extracurricular activities. However, it is arbitrary because each course has a varied eligibility requirement. When it comes to documents, some institutions may only want you to complete an application, while others may require you to meet a number of additional requirements. For instance, you must complete research articles and adhere to the submission requirements. The last nail in the coffin is that every scholarship is unique and requires a distinct strategy for the application. The following table outlines a list of scholarships offered by top universities in the USA along with their brief eligibility criteria and the amount of scholarships awarded to international students:

Scholarship Name

(Offering University)

Description

Eligibility

Amount (in USD)

Boston University Presidential Scholarship

(Boston University)

This scholarship grant is renewable for up to four years

Available for all undergraduate students in the university

25,000 off on tuition fees

Clark Global Scholarship Programme

(Clark University)

This grant is awarded for four years only if the student meets the academic requirements

Undergraduate students in institutions are eligible to apply for this scholarship

15,000 to 25,000

Cornell University Financial Aid

(Cornell University)

For the students that applied, this scholarship offers need-based financial aid

Available for all undergraduate students in the university

Amount is variable

Stanford University Scholarships

(Stanford University)

It covers the Average Cost of Living in USA, full tuition fees, travelling and academic expenses

Available for all masters and PhD students in the university

Amount is variable

Treasure Scholarships

(Boise State University)

These scholarships for international students in the USA are fully-funded

Available for all undergraduate students at the Boise State University

8,460

University of Memphis Scholarships

(University of Memphis)

Scholarships are offered based on the cost of studying domestically versus studying in USA

It is available for all undergraduate and postgraduate applicants studying in the university

Amount is variable

University of Minnesota Fellowship

(University of Minnesota)

This scholarship covers full-time tuition fees, cost of living, travel and Health Insurance in the US

Available for students pursuing their masters at the institution

Amount is variable

University of New Haven Scholarship

(University of New Haven)

This scholarship offers work opportunities, an hourly wage, and 75% tuition fee coverage

Available for students pursuing their masters at the University of New Haven

Amount is variable

Yale University Scholarships USA

(Yale University)

This scholarship to study in the USA is fully-funded

All students pursuing UG, PG, and PhD programmes in the university are eligible to apply

70,000

Note: Students must satisfy the pertaining scholarship eligibility criteria set by the university. For detailed information regarding USA scholarships for Indian students, interested applicants must visit their preferred universitys official website.

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Apply for Scholarships to Study in the US With the Help of Our Experts!

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in USA After 12th

The first and foremost thing that needs to be considered for scholarships for Indian students to Study in USA After 12th for a Bachelor's Degree is a good academic score. In India, the higher your grade 12th score, the better your chances are of getting into top-notch universities in the US. The following are the scholarships to study in the US for Indian undergraduates:

Global Student Scholarship: International students seeking to further their studies at a US university can apply for the Global Student Scholarship through StudySoup, a peer-to-peer learning marketplace based in the US. The scholarship grants a one-time award of USD 1000 to one chosen scholar each year to lessen their financial load. The grant is available for all undergraduate and graduate degree courses at any US university.

Microsoft Scholarships: The Microsoft Corporation provides scholarships to study in USA for Indian students to those who have already enrolled at a four-year college or university in the country, or at universities in Canada, or Mexico in an effort to encourage them to pursue studies in the field of computer science and other Popular STEM Degree Courses in the USA. All international students, including Indian citizens, are eligible for these scholarships. The recipients must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 or 4.0 out of a possible 5.0 to be eligible for the scholarship, which covers partial tuition fees for one academic year.

R D Sethna Loan Scholarship: The R D Sethna Scholarship Fund grants the RD Sethna Loan Scholarship to meritorious Indian students seeking to pursue technical, scientific, commercial, or industrial courses in India or abroad, including the USA. The fund was established in remembrance of Mr R D Sethna, an Indian philanthropist. Each chosen candidate will receive a loan scholarship worth INR 10,000.

SelfScore International Student Scholarship: The SelfScore International Student Scholarship is available only to foreign students studying in the United States and is offered by SelfScore, a credit finance organisation for international students. The scholarships are open to foreign nationals studying in the US on F1, J1, or M1 visas who have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or above, or the equivalent from prior coursework, and who placed in the top 15% on a standardised US college entrance exam like the SAT exam, ACT exam, GRE exam, or the GMAT exam. 12 scholarships totalling USD 5000 are awarded annually, with six going to undergraduate students and six to graduate students.

Tata Scholarship-Cornell University: Indian class 12 graduates who intend to pursue their undergraduate studies at Cornell University in the US may apply for this undergraduate US scholarship, which is provided by the Tata Education and Development Trust. However, a Cornell University admission offer must already have been received by the applicant before applying for this USA scholarship for Indian students. About 20 scholars get financial support from the award as they pursue their academic goals at Cornell University.

The Next Gen Scholarship: The Next Gen scholarship, sponsored by PERK Consulting, is given to a foreign student or non-citizen enrolling in high school or college in the USA. The scholarship award is a one-time sum of money in the amount of USD 1,000. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for applicants to be considered for the scholarship.

Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Programme (WU Scholars): It is a programme aimed at supporting young people's endeavours or aspirations to pursue post-secondary education all over the world, including the USA. Students must be between the ages of 18 and 26 at the time of application and be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a US university in one of the following fields: business/entrepreneurship, engineering, technology, science, or mathematics. Each year, 100 scholars are chosen under the programme, and those chosen will receive USD 2500 to cover their tuition fees.

Indian Students Scholarships in USA for Graduates

The following are the scholarships to study in the US for Indian graduates:

Charles Legeyt Fortescue Fellowship: This fellowship, which is granted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and is open to residents of all nationalities who reside in the United States. It is named after the renowned American electrical engineer Charles Legeyt Fortescue. The fellowship was launched in 1939 and includes a stipend of up to USD 24,000. It is given each year for one year of full-time graduate electrical engineering study at a US-based engineering school of good reputation.

Inlaks Scholarships: This scholarship to study in the USA, which is also known as the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, is specifically for Indian nationals who want to study abroad in the US or Europe. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide young people having exceptional talent in any field the chance to broaden their horizons internationally and develop their social-emotional competencies, making them future agents of social change in their communities. Students seeking the scholarship must be under 30 years old at the time of application, have admission to a US university and have shown financial need. Additionally, they ought to be in possession of a respectable first-year degree. The complete cost of education, travel and living expenses are all covered by this USA scholarship for Indian students.

JN Tata Endowment Fund: The JN Tata Endowment Fund, offered by the JN Tata Endowment for Higher Study of Indians, is an alternative promising method for funding your education at a US university. Indian students under the age of 45 who want to study abroad full-time for their postgraduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral degrees in any subject are eligible to apply. A scholarship loan of INR 10 lakhs is available from the Endowment Fund at a low-interest rate of 2%; if the student repays the loan on time, the interest will be waived.

KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad: The KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad are offered by the C Mahindra Education Trust to Indian students who want to pursue their post-graduate studies in any subject abroad, including the USA. By offering education and knowledge, this scholarship seeks to improve the lives of Indian citizens. The scholarship grants up to 8 lakh rupees in interest-free loans to the top 3 chosen scholars, and up to 4 lakh rupees to the remaining scholars.

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship: The scholarship is specifically for Indian students wanting to pursue a postgraduate degree from a renowned and prominent university in India or abroad. It was established by the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established by an endowment from Mr Narotam Sekhsaria. Applicants must be postgraduate students enrolled in the fields of pure sciences, architecture, social sciences and humanities, applied sciences, law, or management and be under 30 years old at the time of application. Each chosen scholar will receive a scholarship worth INR 20 lakhs as financial aid.

National Overseas Scholarship: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment oversees the National Overseas Scholarship, which is only available to SC/ST students. Meritorious Indian graduate and postgraduate students from scheduled castes or tribes are eligible to apply for this USA scholarship for Indian students to get financial support for studying for a PhD or other advanced degree in the country.

SN Bose Scholars Programme: This study in USA with scholarship initiative is a collaboration between WINStep Forward, the Department of Science and Technology (India), and the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum. Students pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in any of the required fields—including chemical sciences, mathematical and computational sciences, atmospheric and earth sciences, engineering sciences, and physical sciences—are eligible for this scholarship to study in USA for Indian students. Each of the chosen scholars will have the chance to experience top-notch research facilities at prestigious US universities over a 10 to 12-week programme. For the chosen scholars, the award includes flights, health insurance, and a stipend of USD 2000.

How can Indian Students get an MS in USA Scholarship? 

There are very few university-based MS in USA scholarship available for international students since nearly all of the country's top universities demand financial documents before enrolling applicants. International students may, nevertheless, be eligible for a number of private and public scholarships to study in the united states. Here are some guidelines you should go by if you want to receive an MS in USA scholarship:

Check Out the Eligibility Criteria of the Scholarship: There are many USA scholarship for Indian students, each with a particular set of requirements. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the scholarships to study in the US that your target institutions offer and whether you satisfy the requirements for all of them.

Fill Out Your Scholarship Applications Before the Deadline: Fill out your scholarship applications before the deadline in addition to your university applications to ensure that you do not lose out on the opportunity. Check the application and scholarship deadlines of the US institutions you are eyeing in advance so you may prepare all the necessary documents on time and prevent last-minute snarl-ups. 

Keep the Required Scholarship Documents Handy: Universities abroad evaluate applicants for scholarships for Indian students to study in USA based on their prior academic records. Mark sheets from grades 10 through 12 may be requested by certain colleges, even though the majority of them only ask for undergraduate mark sheets. 

Show Prior Volunteering Experience: Receiving scholarships for international students in USA would benefit whatever voluntary activities you did at your former academic institution. US universities take your volunteer experience in a variety of cultural activities or events into consideration when reviewing your profile. It is relevant if you took part in college activities or worked in the community.

Obtain Excellent Standardised Test Scores: If you want to pursue a master's degree in the USA, having a good score on the English language proficiency tests like the IELTS exam or the TOEFL exam, as well as on the GRE or GMAT, will increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship to study in the USA.

Unveil Your Accomplishments and Recognitions: The accomplishments you have made and the recognition you have received make you an ideal candidate to study in USA with scholarship. A few examples of this include the awards you have won, research papers you have published, certificates you have obtained for extracurricular activities, merit certificates, etc. 

Get Your Letter/s of Recommendation (LORs): Your likelihood of being awarded the scholarship to study in USA for Indian students increases significantly if your former professors at such colleges provide an Academic LOR. You can ask any professors who have instructed you in one or more program-related courses for a LOR. 

Write an Exemplary Scholarship Essay: Writing a Convincing Scholarship Essay will help you stand out from the competition by demonstrating your enthusiasm for the scholarship to study in the USA and outlining your qualifications for receiving it. 

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MBA Scholarship to Study in USA for Indian Students

When it comes to the Top Universities in the USA to Study MBA, Harvard Business School, Wharton School of Business, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Columbia Business School, Sloan School of Management, etc. are at the forefront of the list. To ensure that everyone may enrol in their programmes, several such prestigious B-schools provide a variety of merit-based and need-based MBA scholarships for Indian students in USA. Here is a carefully compiled list of MBA scholarships for international students in USA offered by leading business schools in the country:

Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship: Reliance Industries presents this esteemed fellowship in honour of its founder. The scholarship is available only to Indian nationals who are residents of the country and who have been accepted into the MBA programme at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Selected fellows will have 80% of their tuition and associated fees covered by the fellowship.

Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships: One of the best-known MBA programmes in the world is offered at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, usually referred to as Chicago Booth. It is the graduate business school of the University of Chicago and is located in Chicago, Illinois. The university is second only to the University of Cambridge in terms of the total number of Nobel Laureates it has produced in the field of economic sciences. Students from all over the world are eligible for numerous scholarships offered by the school. The following Chicago Booth scholarships to study in the United States are available to Indian students only:

Ramakrishnan Family Scholarship: Indian nationals are given preference for this award, which is funded by an endowment founded by Guru and Anupama Ramakrishnan. The Ramakrishnan Family donated USD 3 million to sponsor the scholarship to study in USA for Indian students. The money raised in this way goes toward paying the annual tuition for three Indian students who have been accepted into Chicago Booth's full-time MBA programme.

Akhtarali H Tobaccowala Fellowship: Established by a Chicago Booth alumnus and business leader, Rishad Tobaccowala, in memory of his father, this fellowship is awarded to Indian students who have been admitted to the full-time MBA at Chicago Booth. These scholarships for Indian students to study in USA are given from interest accrued on a USD 1 million donation to the school.

Indian Trust Fellowship: This merit-based scholarship to study in the USA for the full-time MBA programme is given to prospective students who are passionate about advancing the interests of women in business and who at the time of admission reside and work in India. This prize honours students who have excelled in leadership, education, and extracurricular activities. Under this programme, there are a total of two prizes, and each selected fellow receives a grant of USD 10,000 toward the tuition fee of their MBA degree.

Apply for MBA Scholarships to Study in USA With the Help of Our Experts! 

PhD scholarships in USA for Indian Students

Every researcher dreams of earning a PhD in USA from prestigious institutions like Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cornell University, etc. These universities not only give you a tremendous professional boost, but they also give you a brand identity that is integrated into them.

Scholarship Name

Description

Eligibility

Amount (in USD)

AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women

Priority will be given to those who have made significant contributions to the advancements of women's conditions

Students should have a recent and valid master's degree and a satisfactory IELTS score

20,000

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

It offers financial aid to international students studying any subject

Applicant's must hold a Master's degree

Provides tuition fees, living costs, health insurance, airfare expenses, etc.

Global Leaders Fellowship

This fellowship is provided by George Washington University for three students

Students from a few nations who have a master's degree and a TOEFL or IELTS score are eligible

It includes costs for books, living, and other expenses

Green River College Scholarship

It is availed to PhD students in all areas of study by the Green River College

The students must take part in a college's international programme to be eligible for this scholarship

1,000

Kent State University Scholarship

It is committed to deepening local populations' comprehension of other cultures

On the 4.0 USA scale, students need have a minimum GPA of 3.0

5,000

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

It is offered by the Stanford University

Students need to hold a master's degree from an accredited institution

100% off on tuition fees

Penn State University Scholarship

It is given by the Penn State University to individuals with a focus in Fundamental Sciences & Architectures

The institution considers all students eligible for this grant

1,000

PEO International Peace Scholarships for Women

It is designed to prepare students to return to their native countries after the completion of programme

It is available to women enrolled in recognised universities in the USA

100% off on tuition fees

Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship is offered by Drake University

Everyone who submitted an application by the deadline is eligible, regardless of whether they have financial need

26,000

Robert S. McNamara PhD Research Fellowship

This PhD student grant is funded by the World Bank

All World Bank WGB member countries with MA Economics graduates are eligible

Amount is variable

Study in United States Scholarships for Indian Women

It is pretty obvious that women do not automatically qualify for scholarships just because they are women. Scholarships for women are awarded based on a variety of factors, such as academic success, age, athletic prowess, leadership qualities, membership in a particular culture or community, membership in a minority group, etc. The following are a few scholarships to study in the US for Indian women:

Asian Women in Business Scholarship: The Asian Women in Business Scholarship is designed to support and encourage outstanding Asian female students who have shown potential in the areas of leadership, community service, entrepreneurship, etc. Women with Asian ancestry who are US citizens or legal permanent residents are eligible for the scholarship, including those from countries like Bhutan, India, Cambodia, Taiwan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. The chosen scholars receive a one-time award of USD 2,500 through scholarships to study in the United States.

Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Scholarship: The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Scholarship was launched by the Tata Education Trust, one of India's oldest charitable organisations, to encourage Indian women who choose to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom, US, or Europe. The programme's fields of study social sciences, rural development work, social work, education, child health, gender studies, public health, and development communicationrequire that applicants be accepted into a course in one of those areas. Candidates must have at least two years of professional experience in the subject of study and a graduate degree from an esteemed school with a strong academic reputation.

AAUW International Fellowship: For women studying in the US who are neither citizens or permanent residents, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers an international fellowship. The AAUW is a nonprofit organisation that promotes equity for women and girls through education, advocacy, and research. The initiative offers assistance to female students in the US who are enrolled full-time in graduate or postdoctoral programmes. The scholarship provides one-time awards of USD 18,000 to women pursuing master's degrees or their first professional degrees, USD 20,000 to women seeking doctoral degrees, and USD 30,000 to women pursuing post-doctoral degrees. Women who have already demonstrated a dedication to the promotion of women and girls through civic, communal, or professional work are given preference.

Bat and Ball Game Womens Sports Scholarship: Women who are pursuing degrees in sports science, sports management, sports physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, sport psychology, physical and sports education, sports nutrition, or any other degree relating to sports at a US university are eligible for the Bat and Ball Game Women's Sports Scholarship. The victors are given an award of USD 1,000 and this scholarship to study in USA is available to women worldwide.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is dedicated to helping women realise their full potential in their professions as engineers and leaders and to enhancing the perception of the engineering profession as a driving force in raising standards of living while highlighting the importance of diversity. The organisation administers a number of scholarships through private and corporate financing in an effort to encourage women to pursue careers in engineering. International students, especially Indian women, are eligible for the following scholarships established by the SWE:

General Motors Foundation Graduate Scholarship: The General Motors Foundation Graduate Scholarship is another scholarship programme launched by the Society of Women Engineers with the aim of encouraging more women to pursue careers in engineering and science. Under the initiative, two prizes totalling USD 1000 are given to chosen scholars each year. Applicants must be accepted into an ABET-accredited programme (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

Lillian Moller Gilbreth Scholarship: The Lillian Moller Gilbreth Scholarship, which bears the name of the renowned American industrial engineer, provides a USD 5000 grant to a qualified applicant who has been accepted to study engineering at any US institution.

Ivy Parker Memorial Scholarship: The Ivy Parker Memorial Scholarship is only available to female engineers and is designed to help them finance their undergraduate or graduate studies in the US to prepare them for jobs in engineering, computer science, or engineering technology. An amount of USD 2000 in awards is given to selected scholars.

Anne Maureen Whitney Barrow Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to one recipient with a prize of USD 5000 each year and is available to nationals of all countries studying in the US.

Microsoft Corporation Graduate Scholarships: The Microsoft Corporation Graduate Scholarships are given to women who want to study engineering, the same as the previous two scholarships. Under this programme, 10 awards for USD 1000 each are given out.

Chevron Scholarships: The scholarship grants two annual awards of USD 2000 each to qualified scholars and is given to female engineering students studying in the US.

Scholarships in the US for Asian Students

East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships: Granted by the East-West Center, these scholarships include a variety of short- and long-term programs for international students from the Asia-Pacific region. It is to be noted that it is offered only in collaboration with limited US universities. Since its introduction in 1960, the program has supported more than 8,000 students not only from the region but also from across the world. 

Asian Women in Business Scholarship Fund: This is offered to Asian female students with extraordinary leadership and entrepreneurial skills who has a GPA of at least a 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale in an undergraduate degree. Granted by the non-profit organisation Asian Women in Business, the fund grants a scholarship amount of USD 2,500.

Fulbright Indian Students Scholarships in USA

Under the Fulbright Programme, the US sponsors a number of cultural exchange initiatives to promote international engagement and intercultural communication. A few of these study in USA with scholarship initiatives are also intended for Indian citizens. Particularly designed for Indian nationals seeking to pursue their study in the USA are the following Fulbright programmes:

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Programme: English professors from institutions in India are chosen for the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program, which offers a 9-month fellowship in the US. Hindi, Bengali, and Urdu classes will be taught by the chosen professors in particular US universities. In order to be considered, candidates must hold a master's degree in the English language, American studies, English/American literature, linguistics, comparative literature, or a closely connected field and have a strong academic background. For the duration of the fellowship, selected fellows are given airfare, insurance, and a monthly stipend.

Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship: The Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship is intended for PhD scholars who have conducted pertinent research in the field, particularly in regard to retrieving resources in the US and India. For doctoral research, the applicants must be enrolled in a PhD programme in an Indian university, or for post-doctoral research, they must already have their PhDs. 

As part of this fellowship, you will receive assistance with obtaining a J-1 visa, round-trip economy class air travel from India to the US, a monthly stipend, an Accident and Sickness Programme for Exchanges in accordance with US government regulations, a modest settling-in allowance, and a professional allowance. In the case of postdoctoral research grant recipients, and subject to funding availability, one accompanying qualifying dependant may receive a dependent stipend as well as foreign travel.

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships: The United States India Educational Foundation sponsors this Fulbright Fellowship exclusively for PhD scholars from India. A pre-doctoral level of research is conducted in a US institution by chosen scholars during their six to nine-month stay in the country as part of a fellowship. Along with travel expenses, the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellows' scholarship also includes a monthly stipend.

Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships: Highly motivated Indian graduates and postgraduates who intend to pursue their postgraduate studies in the United States are eligible for this fellowship. Candidates must exhibit leadership qualities, a history of community involvement, a strong command of the English language, and other qualifications. As part of their scholarship grant, chosen students receive visa assistance, travel, tuition fee, living expenses assistance, and accident and sickness insurance.

Fulbright-Nehru Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships: This Fulbright Fellowship chooses Indian PhD scholars for post-doctoral study at US institutions during the fellowship period, much as the fellowship for pre-doctoral research. Candidates must already be PhD holders and provide proof of exceptional academic and professional accomplishments. Selected students get a monthly stipend, a settling-in allowance, assistance with obtaining a J1 visa, round-trip economy airfare from India to the US, accident and sickness insurance, and a professional allowance.

Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship Programme: It is a Fulbright grant designed for professionals in the middle of their careers who possess leadership skills and a history of working in public service. The United States-India Educational Foundation is the provider of this fellowship. For a total of 10 months, chosen fellows are trained in the USA in the fields of preventative research, treatment, epidemiology, and drug policy. Along with additional incentives, the fellowship covers travel expenses, costs of living, and tuition fees for the course.

How to Get a Scholarship to Study in USA?

The first and foremost thing is to check the eligibility criteria of the scholarships for international students in USA for which you will apply. Among these factors are your academic score, your profile, the subjects you choose to study, or a particular region of the country where your university is located. Students from a particular region or country may be eligible for certain scholarships to study in the US based on their home country. In contrast, some scholarships require candidates to demonstrate other skills besides academic merits, such as volunteerism, sports or extracurricular activities. On the other hand, for research-based scholarships, you will need to demonstrate your previous work, published research (if any) assignments, etc. Furthermore, if the scholarship is provided by the university, you must contact the university for any questions you may have.

Documents Required to Apply for Scholarships to Study in the United States

Many documents are required when applying for a scholarship. For various grant categories, there may be many document types. To apply for any type of scholarship, you must have a specific set of supporting documents. The following are some documents required to apply for scholarships to study in the United States:

  • English language proficiency proof (IELTS or TOEFL exam scores)

  • Standardised test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT exam score)

  • Photo ID/Passport (Aadhar card in certain cases)

  • Letter of Motivation or Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • GPA

  • LORs

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FAQs on Scholarships to Study in USA for Indian Students in 2025

Do US b-schools offer MBA scholarships to Indian students?

Many US B-Schools offer MBA scholarships to Indian students based on need and/or merit. MBA scholarships in the US can either be offered by private organisations/sponsors or universities. Some of these scholarships include the Harvard University Boustany Foundation MBA Scholarship, McKinsey Emerging Scholars Program, Columbia Business School Scholarships, among others.

When is the best time to apply for a scholarship to study in the USA?

Many study abroad scholarships have deadlines that vary depending on the country where the program is conducted. For most students, this deadline for US international scholarships applies to both the fall and winter intakes. Follow the scholarship provider's website for more details. It's also important to note down the dates in order to find out the best time to apply for scholarships in the US.

What should be included in my scholarship essay to study in the US?

In a scholarship essay for US universities, you must include what makes you stand out. This could probably be anything that makes you stand out from the rest of the applicants. For most scholarship providers, this is the reason why they should fund you instead of anyone else.

What documents do I need to submit with the scholarship application in the US?

As well as completing the application form, you may also be asked to provide supporting documentation such as a CV and a letter of support to apply for a scholarship in the US. For some scholarships in the US, you may also be asked to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

How to check if I am eligible for a US scholarship?

To find out if you are eligible for a US scholarship, apply for various scholarships by reading the details on the website of the scholarship provider. If the scholarship is targeted to a specific region, then your eligibility will vary. Government scholarships are also for domestic students and international students. Other requirements include having good grades at a previous level of study, having a degree from a reputed university, and having good English skills.

Can I apply for a scholarship before being accepted to a US university?

Ask the university if you can apply for a scholarship before being accepted to a US university. If you rely on scholarship funding to study, then make sure that the school that you are applying to knows about this situation. Some schools only offer fully-funded admissions. Many schools allow you to apply to programs before you get a scholarship. This allows you to confirm that the place is financially stable.

Should I fill out a FAFSA to apply for scholarships in the US?

Even if you think that filling out the Free Application for Student Aid is a waste of time, it's still important to do fill it in order to apply for scholarships in the US. It will help you get the most out of your federal grants. According to Edvisors.com, over a million students failed to fill out the FAFSA due to various reasons. It takes only 30 minutes to complete the form.

Are all US scholarships based on merit?

All US scholarships are not based on merit. Students can also apply for various scholarships, such as gender-based, academic, and sports-based scholarships. Some scholarships are based on your commitment to your home country or community. Also, good grades and test scores are often enough to get you approved for almost all scholarships.

How many scholarships in the US can I apply for?

You can apply for as many scholarships as you wish to study in the US, provided you are eligible for them. Although US universities might limit you from applying to multiple scholarships, you can certainly apply for scholarships offered by external agencies. This will increase your chances of being awarded at least one scholarship. And, you might also be awarded more than one scholarship.

How should I start looking for international student scholarships at US universities?

To find international student scholarships, check out the official websites of the schools that you are interested in pursuing. You can also find scholarships offered by various private foundations and the US government through various websites. There are also free sources of information about scholarships in the US. The Department of Labor has a scholarship search tool. In addition, state and central governments in different countries also offer scholarships for students planning to study abroad.

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