How to Get USA Scholarships for Indian Students: Tips, Grants & Opportunities

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Are you dreaming of studying in the United States but worried about the financial burden? You're not alone.

Thousands of Indian students share your dream—many achieve it thanks to scholarships. If you aspire to pursue a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree in the US, scholarships can make your American dream a reality.

In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about USA scholarships for Indian students—from the types of scholarships available and eligibility requirements to tips on applying to the best universities offering financial aid.

Why Consider USA Scholarships for Indian Students?

The US is home to some of the world's best universities and research centres, like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Caltech, which also offer good financial aid. Many American universities give scholarships to international students, making them a popular choice for students from India. Here are a few reasons why Indian students choose to study in America with a scholarship:

• High academic standards and globally recognised degrees
• Variety of courses and programs that cover different fields
• Good networking and job chances after your graduation
• Experience in a diverse and multicultural setting
• Plenty of scholarships are available for international students in the USA

Types of Scholarships in the USA

There are various types of scholarships available for Indian and international students in the USA.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships recognise students for their strong academic performance, leadership skills, or involvement in activities outside of class. These are the best choices for undergraduate scholarships for international students.

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are granted based on the student's financial situation. Applicants typically need to provide proof of income through financial documents.

University Scholarships USA

US institutions provide scholarships to attract international talent. Many US universities have scholarship options for Indian students at different levels of study.

Government-Funded Scholarships

The US and Indian governments may offer collaborative scholarship opportunities for USA scholarships for Indian students.

Program-Specific Scholarships

Program-specific scholarships are available for STEM, arts, or business students.

Private and Non-Profit Scholarships

Foundations and organisations usually offer scholarships based on factors like what you want to study, your background, and achievements.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the USA

Below is the list of popular and prestigious scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA, covering different levels of study:

Fullbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship

This is for Indian students applying for a master's in select fields, such as public health, environmental science, the arts, and international relations.

MIT Scholarships

Are you looking for a scholarship for MIT USA? MIT offers need-based financial aid for international students, including Indians. You must apply with full financial disclosure.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

This scholarship helps prominent students from certain developing countries, like India, who want to continue their postgraduate studies.

Tata Scholarship for Cornell University

The Tata Education and Development Trust offers financial support to approximately 20 Indian students studying at Cornell University. This assistance makes it easier for students to pursue their education and take advantage of Cornell's opportunities.

AAUW International Fellowships

These fellowships aim to support women who want to continue their education through graduate, postgraduate, or postdoctoral programs in the United States, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Eligibility for Scholarships in the USA

Wondering if you qualify? Here's the general eligibility for scholarships in the USA:

• Academic excellence (high GPA, class rank, etc.)
• Strong Standardised Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Extracurricular Achievements and Community Involvement
• Proof of Admission into a US institution
• Statement of Purpose or Personal Essay
• Financial need for Need-Based scholarships

Note: Each USA Scholarship for Indian students has its own eligibility criteria, so read them carefully before applying.

How to Apply for a Scholarship in the USA?

Applying for a scholarship in the US for international students can seem overwhelming, but the process becomes manageable when broken down:

Research Early

Start your research at least 12-18 months before your intended intake. Use official university websites, scholarship portals, and education fairs.

Shortlist Scholarships

Choose scholarships aligned with your field, level of study, and eligibility. Look for specific opportunities, such as scholarships for master's degrees in the USA for Indian students or a PhD in the USA with scholarships.

Prepare Application Materials

• Academic transcripts
• Standardised test scores
• CV/Resume
• Proof of income
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• LORs (Letters of Recommendation)

Apply for US Universities

Apply to universities that offer financial aid to international students. Focus on universities that provide USA Scholarships for Indian students.

Submit Scholarship Applications

Some scholarships require separate applications, while others are automatically considered with your university application.

Ace the Interview

Prepare for virtual interviews by researching the organisation, your academic goals, and how to use the degree in India or globally.

Best Universities in the USA for International Students with a Scholarship

Here are some of the universities in the USA for international students with a reputation for scholarships:

How to Find the Right Scholarship?

With thousands of scholarships available, finding the right one might seem overwhelming. Here's how you can streamline your search:

Use Scholarship Portals: Platforms like Scholarships.com allow you to filter scholarships by country, course, and degree level.

Check University Websites: Every university in the USA scholarship page has a dedicated financial aid section for international students. Bookmark these pages and monitor deadlines.

Contact Education Consultants: Professional advisors can help you shortlist options and craft impressive applications. 

Popular Degrees Funded by Scholarships

Want to know which degrees receive the most funding?

1. Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students - Fields like Computer Science, Engineering, and Economics are common. Look for universities that offer undergraduate scholarships for international students with a solid financial aid structure.

2. Master's Scholarship in USA - STEM courses, Public Policy, Data Science, and Business programs are highly in demand. Various scholarships for master's degrees in the USA are available for Indian students, covering all tuition costs.

3. PhD in America with Scholarship - Most US universities offer fully funded PhD programs, including tuition waivers, stipends, and research assistantships. So, if you aim for a PhD in the USA with a scholarship, your academic and research potential will be your greatest asset.

Final Step Before You Fly: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

So, you've covered your dream scholarship, congratulations! But before you pack your bags, one crucial detail is Travel insurance.

Many US universities now require international students to have a valid travel insurance policy upon arrival. This is where Care Health Insurance's Student Explore comes in. Under this plan, you are covered for medical emergencies, 24/7 support across the globe, baggage loss, trip delays, and passport loss. Hence, buying a comprehensive travel insurance online to travel smart and securely is always beneficial.

Final Thoughts

Studying in the US can be expensive, but it’s definitely achievable. If you plan well, do your research, and put in some effort, you can find USA scholarships for Indian students that can help make it more affordable. There are plenty of options available, whether you’re going for an undergraduate program, a PhD, or anything in between, and they range from Ivy League schools to state universities. So, if you’re looking for a scholarship in Engineering, a master’s in Data Science, or something else, there’s funding available waiting for you.

Also Read: Student Travel Insurance for Studying Aboard

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.