Top scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA: A complete list

Studying in the USA has become increasingly popular among Indian students due to the quality of education and career opportunities available in the country.

However, the cost of higher education in the USA can be a major concern for many students and their families. This is where scholarships play a crucial role in helping students achieve their academic goals.

There are several scholarships available for Indian students to study in the USA, covering a range of academic disciplines and degree levels.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of the top scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA.

Top scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA

In the United States, there are a variety of scholarships available for Indian students looking to study abroad. These scholarships are offered by universities, colleges, government agencies, and private organisations.

Some of the top scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA are:

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships are designed for outstanding Indian students who wish to pursue a master's degree at a U.S. university. These fellowships are offered by the US-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) in collaboration with the US government and the Indian government. The fellowship provides full tuition fees, living expenses, round-trip airfare, and health insurance. The fellowship also provides opportunities for enrichment activities, such as attending conferences and cultural events.

2. Tata Scholarship

The Tata Scholarship is a need-based scholarship for Indian students who have been admitted to Cornell University for undergraduate studies. The scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to social justice. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided the recipient maintains a high academic standing and continues to demonstrate financial need.

Also read: The different types of universities in the US

3. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are available to Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies or research at top-ranked universities in the USA. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, and the applicant's proposed course of study or research. The foundation encourages applications from students who wish to pursue studies in fields such as science and engineering, humanities and social sciences, business and management, and creative arts.

4. Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is open to Indian students who wish to pursue a Master's degree in development-related fields, such as economics, public policy, health, education, or environment, at selected universities in the USA and other countries. The program aims to support the education of future leaders in the development field, with a focus on promoting sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.

5. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship is a merit-based scholarship for Indian students who have been admitted to the Stanford Graduate School of Business for the MBA program. The fellowship covers tuition fees and living expenses for the two-year MBA program. The fellowship is awarded to up to five students each year, who have demonstrated exceptional academic and leadership potential, as well as a commitment to improving India's economy and society.

Also read: Top universities in the USA for MS in computer science

6. Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a highly competitive fellowship that is available to Indian students who wish to pursue a Master's degree in peace and conflict resolution or a related field at one of the six Rotary Peace Centers around the world, including the USA. The program aims to develop future leaders in the field of peace and conflict resolution, who will work to address some of the world's most pressing issues.

7. AAUW International Fellowship

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships are open to women from around the world, including India, who wish to pursue full-time graduate or postgraduate studies in the USA. The fellowship is intended to support women who have already completed their undergraduate studies and are looking to advance their careers or conduct research in their field. The fellowship is offered for the duration of the study and covers tuition fees, living expenses, and round-trip airfare.

8. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree program that provides mid-career professionals from around the world, including India, with opportunities for professional development and cultural exchange in the USA. The program is open to individuals who have at least five years of professional experience in fields such as public policy, education, journalism, law, or social work. The fellowship includes an academic component, where fellows attend graduate-level courses at a US university, and a professional development component, where fellows participate in workshops, conferences, and other activities to enhance their skills and knowledge in their field.

Also read: Explore the best courses in USA

9. MIT Tata Center Fellowship

This fellowship is offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Tata Center for Technology and Design and provides funding for Indian students to pursue research in the areas of energy, water, and health. The fellowship covers tuition, fees, travel expenses, and a living stipend.

10. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

This scholarship is offered by the Aga Khan Foundation and provides financial assistance to outstanding students from developing countries, including India, who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the USA or other countries. The scholarship covers tuition and fees, living expenses, travel expenses, and health insurance.

11. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is a scholarship program for outstanding minority students, including Indian students, who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies in any field at accredited colleges or universities in the USA.

12. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

This scholarship is available to Indian students who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree at American University in Washington, D.C. and provides full tuition, room, and board to high-achieving international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving their communities. The scholarship covers all four years of undergraduate study at American University and provides additional support for professional development and community service.

13. Mahindra Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Mahindra Group, a multinational conglomerate based in India, and provides funding for Indian students to pursue postgraduate studies at Harvard University in the USA. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses for one or two years, depending on the course of study.

14. UWC (United World Colleges) International Scholarship

The UWC International Scholarship is available to Indian students who are studying in grade 12 or have completed grade 12 and wish to pursue undergraduate studies at a UWC college or partner institution in the USA. UWC is an international organisation that aims to promote peace and international understanding through education. The scholarship covers tuition fees, room, and board, and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need.

15. Amgen Scholars Program

The Amgen Scholars Program is a summer research program for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in biology, chemistry, or biotechnology. The program is open to Indian students who are currently enrolled in a college or university in the USA. The program provides students with the opportunity to conduct research at some of the world's leading research institutions, including MIT, Caltech, and Stanford.

16. Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Indian government's Ministry of Human Resource Development and provides financial assistance to Indian students from economically weaker sections of society to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the USA. The scholarship aims to promote higher education and provide equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses related to education.

17. Harvard South Asia Institute (SAI) Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Harvard South Asia Institute and provides funding for students from South Asia, including India, to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral studies at Harvard University. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses for one or two years, depending on the course of study. The scholarship aims to promote academic excellence and cultural exchange between South Asia and Harvard University.

18. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani Scholarship for Higher Education

This scholarship is offered by BITS Pilani, one of India's leading engineering and technology universities, and provides funding for Indian students to pursue postgraduate studies in the USA. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses for up to two years.

These scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA provides a range of options for those looking to pursue higher education in the United States. From full tuition to partial funding, these scholarships offer a variety of opportunities to Indian students to pursue their higher education dreams in the USA. With the right scholarship, Indian students can make their dreams of studying in the USA a reality.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top scholarships available for Indian students to study in the USA?

Some of the top scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA include Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, and Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program.

How can Indian students apply for scholarships to study in the USA?

Indian students can apply for scholarships to study in the USA through the official website of the respective universities or organisations offering the scholarships. Students can also apply directly to the US Department of Education.

How do I find more scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA?

You can search for scholarships online or through your university's international student office. Additionally, there are many scholarship databases and search engines that can help you find scholarships that match your eligibility and interests.