Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in USA 2025

Types of Scholarships in the USA for Indian Students

If you are an Indian student and planning to study in USA then you must be aware about the types of scholarships US universities offer. You must know that you can apply for several scholarships but which type to pick is necessary. Thus, in this section, we have provided the types or categories of scholarships for Indian students to study in USA with vital information.

1. Government-Funded Scholarships: These types of scholarships are offered to students by the US government. However, there are special scholarships which are available only to Indian students who wish to study there. The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship programme and the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are such examples.

2. Non-Government Funded Scholarships: These are some of the US scholarships for Indian students which are provided by some private organizations or trusts. These types of grants reduce the 50% tuition fees from the UG program you enrolled in.

3. University-Funded Scholarships: Students can apply for these types of scholarships at all the high-ranked universities in the US based on a few requirements. A few examples are the University of Minnesota Fellowship and the University of New Haven scholarship.

Overall, these are the types of scholarships for Indian students to study in USA. In the next section, you will get to know about the available scholarships in the United States.

Also Read: US Grading System 2024

List of Scholarships to Study in USA for Indian Students

Planning your study in the United States can be affordable if you do it properly. Applying for several scholarships is one such method. These grants help the students to fund their studies, depending on the criteria, course, and institution. Thus, you can connect with our study abroad consultants as they will assist you in finding the right scholarship as per your preferences. However, look at the below list of available scholarships for Indian students to study in USA along with eligibility criteria and amount.

1. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (Government-Funded)

This is one of the scholarships available in the USA for international students who are applying for master’s or PhD programs. It covers tuition fees, accident and sickness coverage as per the US guidelines, airfare, and living costs. However, it is one of the top scholarships for Indian students to study in USA. The tentative deadline for the scholarships is May 15, 2025.

• Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• Bachelor’s degree from an Indian University with at least 55% marks.
• Must have three years of work experience
• Don’t have a degree from a US university.
• Experience of working in community service

2. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program (Government-Funded)

This scholarship is a part of the Fulbright program, which has a motive to bring talented individuals from all over the world to the United States. It covers the tuition fees, monthly expenses, and the cost of living for minority students who are weak in English. However, the amount is awarded USD 50,000 (42,34,565) for 10 months of non-degree graduate training.

• Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• A bachelor's degree from a well-known Indian institution
• Minimum experience of 5 years
• Students should have leadership qualities
• Must enroll in LTE (Long Term English) language training.

3. You Are Welcome Here (Non-Government Scholarship)

It is a scholarship that is designed to welcome international students into the US irrespective of the subject area. In this, the college will give you two annual scholarships that will include a minimum cost of 50% of tuition fees to enroll in the undergraduate program. However, it is one of the best scholarships for Indian students to study in US in 2025.

• Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• Students must meet the admission criteria for the college
• Students must write an essay of 500-1000 words
• Must have interest in intercultural learning and exchange

4. International Education Financial Aid- IEFA (Non-Government Scholarship)

IEFA is a summer scholarship program that is offered by Abbey Road Inc. for High School students. These grants are for students who are in between the age group of 14-18 and have good academic performance and extracurricular activities. However, the amount of scholarship is USD 20,000 (INR 16.93,826) per year.

• Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• You must be an Indian citizen
• Must have completed high school
• Must have enrolled in one of the UG courses
• Should have eligibility to avail need-based scholarship

5. AAUW International Fellowships (Non-Government Funded)

AAUW stands for American Association of University Women (AAUW) and is a scholarship that is awarded to women students for full-time study and research in the US. It is one of the top scholarships for Indian students to study in USA with the amount of USD 25,000 to USD 50,000 (INR 21 lakh to 42 lakh).

• Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• Students should have an academic degree in the USA
• English language proficiency scores in IELTS or TOEFL
• Should be a full-time student for the year of scholarship
• Clearly state the intention of returning home from US

Must Read: Harvard University Scholarships for Indian Students

6. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship is offered to students who wish to study in North America and Europe and hold some expertise in their preferred stream. However, this grant is not for those students who would enrol in engineering, business studies, computer science, medicine, and public health. Moreover, the maximum amount is up to INR 83.31 lakhs awarded to Indian students.

• Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• Students must fulfil their English language proficiency before applying
• Candidates must have the necessary documents
• Postgraduate students are not eligible for the scholarship

7. Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship

The Rotary Club provides this grant to undergraduate, graduate and qualified individuals. It is one of the best scholarships for Indian students to study in US. Except for the Rotary Club members, all the students are eligible for the scholarship. Moreover, the amount of this scholarship is in the range of USD 15,000 to USD 30,000 (INR 12 lakh to INR 22 lakh) 

• Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• Candidate must complete at least 2 years of college-level coursework.
• Application is submitted through rotary clubs.
• People with the disabilities can apply for this grant.

8. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

This is one of the top scholarships for Indian students to study in USA that is a merit-based scholarship provided by the Reliance industries. For those students who wish to pursue an MBA from Stanford Business School, this scholarship is made. However, the amount for this scholarship is 1.24 crores for five selected students each year.

• Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• Students should apply for an MBA at Stanford University
• 80% of student’s tuition and course fees will be covered.
• Has good academic records and no financial support

9. TATA Scholarship for Cornell University

This scholarship is given by the Tata Education and Development Trust to students enrolling for undergraduate courses. It is considered one of the best US scholarships for Indian students. However, the amount of 2.5 crores has been made with Cornell University to help 20 students each year.

• Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• Must be an Indian resident
• Must get admitted to Cornell in one of the UG courses
• Architecture students receive the funding for eight semesters.
• Awarded annually until the student gets graduated.

10. KC Mahindra Scholarship

This scholarship is offered to those deserving students in the age group of 16 to 18 years. Those students are allowed to study at the United World Colleges. However, this is one of the well-known scholarships for Indian students to study in US. The amount for the grant is INR 8 lakh.

• Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

• Must have a first-class degree and diploma
• Must be Indian citizens
• Received an offer letter from a recognized university in the USA.

Overall, these are the fully funded scholarships for Indian students in USA along with their amount and eligibility criteria. In the next section, you will briefly learn that you can get a scholarship in the USA.

How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in USA 

In the above section, we discussed the types and available scholarships for Indian students to study in the US. But now the question arises that how to get a scholarship to study in USA? Well, to apply for the scholarships in USA, students should check whether they are eligible or not. Thus, you can use our tools college predictor and course finder which will let you know about the specific university and program. Also, you can find a suitable scholarship along with it. Further, below are two factors on which students get evaluated for the scholarship.

1. Excellent Academic Score: While applying for US scholarships for Indian students you must maintain a good academic score from your school life. However, your academic score varies with the university you select, the course you choose, and your level of study.

2. Extracurricular Activities & Volunteering Experience: Getting engaged in extracurricular activities and having volunteering experience is another factor in getting selected for the scholarships for Indian students to study in US. Through this, you can have an edge over the other candidates.

Overall, these are the two important factors that decide whether the student should get a scholarship or not. Further, the next section will let you know about the important requirements for getting a scholarship in the USA.

Important Requirements for Getting a Scholarship in USA

There are some important requirements while applying for scholarships for Indian students to study in USA which need to be followed. However, it is mentioned below for your better understanding.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for US scholarships for Indian students these are some points you need to keep in mind:

• Must need to prove your English language skills (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
• Be engaged in extracurricular activities like sports or volunteering
• Good academic score and profile
• Must have a good percentage

Documents Required

To apply for the scholarships for Indian students to study in US some of the documents are mentioned below that are as follows:

• Academic Scores Copy (GPA)
• Standardized Test Scores
• Photo ID/Passport
• Language Proficiency Proof (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendation
• Proof of Financial Funds

Overall, these are the basic requirements to apply for the scholarships for Indian students to study in USA. Now in the next section, know about the benefits of studying in the US.

Why to Study in USA?

In the above sections, we discussed the top scholarships for Indian students to study in USA along with their benefits. However, in this section we will discuss the advantages of studying in the USA for Indian students. Look at the pointers.

• Quality Education: The US has some reputable universities and colleges, known for their rich academic programs and educational facilities. Many of the Indian students who avail the USA scholarships can study at well-known colleges.

• Global Recognition: Along with the scholarships for Indian students to study in US the US universities are globally recognized. However, having a degree from the USA is highly respected in the job market, giving a competitive edge.

• Cultural Diversity: Studying in the USA provides Indian students a multicultural environment, developing their global perspective. Students receive number of benefits like personal growth and networking opportunities by studying in the USA.

• Post-Graduation Opportunities: The USA offers work opportunities, making it a good choice for Indian students. Also, obtaining a work visa provide the students a chance to gain valuable experience in their respective field after graduation.

Suggested Read: Cost of Studying in USA

Conclusion

To conclude, we discussed the scholarships for Indian students to study in USA along with their benefits. Further, we also had a brief look at types of scholarships, procedures, and eligibility requirements for scholarships in the USA. Now if you are thinking about how you can apply for the scholarship what will be the procedure for studying in the USA? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Connect with our study abroad consultants in Hyderabad, Kerala, Pune, or any other city. As they will make your study abroad journey in the USA simple.

FAQs:

1. How much Scholarships Can I Get for a Masters in the USA?

Scholarships for Indian students to study masters in USA cover the educational materials, flight and living expenses, health insurance and visa charges. However, the amount of grant of 20,000- 50,000 USD is provided. Also, an interest-free loan of up to 20 lakh can cover the cost of study.

2. What Are the Most Popular USA Scholarships for Indian Students?

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

• Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship
• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
• Tata Scholarship for the Cornell University
• International Education Financial Aid

3. How Much Money Is Required to Study in USA in Indian Rupees?

The cost of studying in the USA for Indian students generally ranges from $35,000 (INR 29,09,504) to $85,000 (INR 70,65,939), depending on the type of institution (public or private) or location.

4. Can I Get a Full Scholarship for Undergraduate in the USA?

Some universities offer a 100% tuition fee waiver while some of the colleges offer a partial waiver. In addition, some of the institutions allow you to spend money on specific things only. Some of the USA scholarships for Indian students undergraduate cover only the tuition fees and living costs.