The United States is one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students, offering academic excellence, diverse campus experiences, and global career opportunities. However, studying in the USA can also be expensive, especially when considering tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses. Fortunately, a wide range of scholarships are available to Indian students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in the U.S. These scholarships are offered by the U.S. government, Indian and international foundations, private institutions, and American universities.

In this section, we provide detailed information about some of the most recognized scholarships for Indian students planning to study in the USA. These scholarships vary in terms of funding amounts, eligibility criteria, and areas of study, but all aim to support deserving students with strong academic records and financial need.

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru program is one of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarship programs available to Indian students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in the United States. It is a result of a collaborative agreement between the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) and the U.S. Department of State. The scholarship supports outstanding individuals in areas such as arts and culture, environmental science, public administration, journalism, women’s studies, international affairs, and economics.

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships cover tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and additional allowances for academic activities. The application process is highly competitive and includes a detailed written application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and interviews. Applicants are expected to demonstrate leadership qualities, community service, and a strong commitment to return to India after completing their program.

Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship

This fellowship is aimed at Indian researchers, scholars, and professionals working in the field of climate change and related environmental sciences. The Fulbright-Kalam program provides both doctoral and postdoctoral research grants and promotes collaborative research efforts between India and the USA on pressing climate issues.

Eligible applicants must have a high level of academic achievement and propose a clearly defined research plan. The fellowship includes a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, health benefits, and J-1 visa support. Research scholars are expected to return to India to implement their learnings and share their expertise.

Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

This fellowship is intended for Indian students who have gained admission to the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) to pursue an MBA program. The Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship is funded by Reliance Industries and aims to support students who are committed to returning to India and making a positive impact in business, government, or nonprofit sectors.

Each year, up to five Indian students receive financial support that covers approximately 80% of tuition and associated fees. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, leadership potential, and a strong interest in India’s economic and social development. Selection is based on academic performance, professional background, and personal essays.

AAUW International Fellowships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers International Fellowships for non-U.S. women, including Indian students, to pursue full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies in the United States. The program is specifically designed to empower women from around the world to continue their higher education in any field.

The fellowship awards range from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the degree level. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent, demonstrate strong academic performance, and commit to returning to their home country after graduation. Preference is given to women who show prior involvement in community service and women’s advancement.

Tata Scholarship for Cornell University

The Tata Education and Development Trust has partnered with Cornell University to offer the Tata Scholarship for Indian students who are accepted into undergraduate programs at Cornell. This scholarship is specifically for Indian nationals who have completed secondary school in India and are eligible for need-based financial aid.

The scholarship ensures that selected students receive full financial support for the duration of their undergraduate studies at Cornell. The funds cover tuition, living expenses, books, and travel. Only students applying to specific programs like the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, the College of Engineering, or the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are considered eligible.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships (for the USA)

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers scholarships to outstanding Indian students applying to top American universities, primarily for full-time master’s degrees in fields such as humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and related disciplines. The scholarship does not cover business or public health programs.

The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, one-way airfare, and health insurance up to a maximum of USD 100,000. Applicants must be under 30 years old, hold a first-class undergraduate degree, and secure confirmed admission before applying. The selection process includes application screening, portfolio evaluation (for arts), and personal interviews.

Rotary Peace Fellowships

Although this is a global program, Indian students are eligible to apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship, which offers funding for master’s programs in peace and conflict resolution. The fellowship is highly competitive and supports study at select institutions in the USA, such as Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The fellowship covers tuition, living costs, travel, and other related expenses. It is ideal for mid-career professionals with experience in peace-building, development, or public service. Applicants should have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership in promoting peace or resolving conflict.

JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians

While not specific to the USA, the JN Tata Endowment provides loan scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, including in the United States. These loans range from ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 and carry minimal interest, with partial grants available in exceptional cases.

Applicants must be Indian nationals under 45 years old, hold a graduate degree, and have been accepted to a reputable international institution. The selection is based on academic excellence, performance in a written test, and a personal interview.

University-Specific Scholarships for Indian Students

Many American universities offer partial to full scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships for international students, including those from India. Some of the notable examples include:

Harvard University offers need-based financial aid for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Indian students may receive full aid based on demonstrated financial need.

Yale University offers generous need-based scholarships to international undergraduates and funding options for graduate students.

MIT, Princeton, Columbia, and University of Chicago all have financial aid offices that support international students through scholarships, grants, or research assistantships.

New York University (NYU), University of Southern California (USC), and University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) also provide merit-based and need-based financial assistance to Indian students.

In most cases, students are automatically considered for institutional scholarships at the time of application. However, some competitive fellowships may require a separate essay or nomination.

Tips for Indian Students Applying to USA Scholarships

Applying for scholarships in the USA can be highly competitive, so students must take a strategic and well-organized approach. The first step is to begin early—most major scholarships open their application windows six to twelve months before the program starts.

Indian students should focus on building a strong academic record, participating in extracurricular or leadership activities, and gaining work or volunteer experience relevant to their field. Personal statements and essays should be carefully crafted to reflect the applicant’s goals, achievements, and reasons for studying in the USA.

In addition to transcripts and recommendation letters, standardized test scores such as the GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, or English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS may be required, depending on the scholarship and program. Financial documentation is also important for scholarships that are based on need.

Some scholarships also require the student to already hold an offer of admission, while others are pre-admission scholarships that support the student through the application process.

Final Note

For Indian students, scholarships can play a key role in making higher education in the USA more affordable and accessible. From government-funded fellowships like Fulbright to private and university-level scholarships, there are plenty of opportunities available for deserving candidates across disciplines. A well-prepared application, complete with strong documentation and a clear vision, can open doors to some of the most prestigious institutions in the world.