Scholarships to Study in the USA for Indian Students
The USA is one of the top study destinations for Indian students, offering world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and global career prospects. However, studying in the USA can be expensive, with tuition fees ranging from $15,000 to $60,000 per year. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to help Indian students reduce financial burdens and fund their education.
Types of Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA
| Scholarship Type | Who Offers It? | What It Covers? |
| Government Scholarships | US Government & Indian Government | Full or partial tuition, living expenses, travel costs |
| University-Specific Scholarships | US Universities & Colleges | Tuition waivers, merit-based financial aid |
| External Scholarships | Private organizations & NGOs | Partial funding, tuition support, research grants |
📌 Applying for multiple scholarships increases chances of securing financial aid.
Government Scholarships in the USA
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Offered by: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
- Eligibility: Indian students applying for a Master’s degree in Business, Public Policy, STEM, or Social Sciences.
- Scholarship Value: Covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare.
- Application Deadline: June every year.
📌 One of the most prestigious scholarships covering full study costs for master’s programs.
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Offered by: US Department of State
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals with at least 5 years of experience in public service, journalism, education, and law.
- Scholarship Value: Covers full tuition, living stipend, travel, and health insurance.
- Application Deadline: October.
📌 Best for professionals looking to enhance leadership skills in the USA.
3. AAUW International Fellowships (For Women)
- Offered by: American Association of University Women (AAUW)
- Eligibility: Indian women pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the USA.
- Scholarship Value: $18,000 – $30,000 for tuition and living costs.
- Application Deadline: November.
📌 Ideal for Indian women scholars in business, science, and research fields.
University Specific Scholarships in the USA
4. Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
- University: Stanford University
- Eligibility: Exceptional students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs.
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel expenses.
- Application Deadline: October.
📌 Stanford’s most competitive scholarship for talented global leaders.
5. Yale University Scholarships
- University: Yale University
- Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students with outstanding academic records.
- Scholarship Value: Covers $50,000 – $70,000 per year (full tuition for need-based applicants).
- Application Deadline: December.
📌 One of the most generous need-based scholarships in the USA.
6. Harvard University Financial Aid
- University: Harvard University
- Eligibility: UG, PG, and MBA students with high academic excellence.
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition, living expenses, and health insurance (for financially needy students).
- Application Deadline: December.
📌 Harvard provides 100% financial aid for students demonstrating financial need.
7. Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
- University: Illinois Wesleyan University
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a minimum SAT score of 1300 or GPA above 3.5.
- Scholarship Value: $16,000 – $30,000 per year.
- Application Deadline: March.
📌 Ideal for Indian students seeking merit-based scholarships for undergraduate programs.
External Scholarships in the USA
8. Tata Scholarship (For Cornell University Students)
- Offered by: Tata Education and Development Trust
- Eligibility: Indian students pursuing an undergraduate degree at Cornell University.
- Scholarship Value: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Application Deadline: January.
📌 Exclusively for Indian students at Cornell University.
9. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Offered by: Inlaks Foundation
- Eligibility: Indian students applying for Master’s programs at top US universities.
- Scholarship Value: Up to $100,000 for tuition and living expenses.
- Application Deadline: April.
📌 Best for students pursuing degrees in STEM, business, and social sciences.
10. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) – Indian Government
- Offered by: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India
- Eligibility: Indian students from SC/ST/OBC backgrounds applying for master’s and PhD programs in the USA.
- Scholarship Value: Covers full tuition, airfare, and living expenses.
- Application Deadline: March.
📌 Great for students from economically weaker sections aiming to study abroad.
How to Apply for Scholarships in America?
- Step 1: Research scholarships based on course, university, and eligibility.
- Step 2: Check application deadlines and required documents.
- Step 3: Prepare and submit academic transcripts, SOPs, LORs, and financial proof.
- Step 4: Apply through the university portal or scholarship websites.
- Step 5: Track your application and await results.
📌 Applying early increases chances of securing a scholarship.
How Manipal Overseas Careers Can Help
At Manipal Overseas Careers, we help students choose the best city and university in the USA based on:
- Course availability & university ranking
- Cost of living & scholarship opportunities
- Job market & career prospects in each city
- Visa assistance & pre-departure guidance
With numerous scholarships available, Indian students can significantly reduce tuition fees and living costs in the USA. Let Manipal Overseas Careers help you find the best scholarships and maximize funding opportunities!