Top 7 Scholarships for Indian Students in USA 2026

Studying abroad is expensive, especially in a country like the USA. This is because the USA has a lot of international students coming to pursue education in world-class institutes. Scholarships help students to reduce the burden of high tuition fees and other expenses. There are multiple scholarships for Indian Students in US universities.

The average cost of studying in the USA for Indian students is around 45,000 USD (36 lac INR) per year which includes tuition, fees, accommodation, and other expenses. The most common funding options are scholarships, fellowships, and loans. The scholarships may fully or partially fund your education. The scholarship amount depends on the level of study, course, and university. There are four categories of scholarships: government-funded, program-specific, subject-specific, and organization-funded. Read about some of the most common scholarships for Indian Students in USA.

Table of Contents:

• List of Scholarship to Study in USA for Indian Students
• Other Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA
• How to Get a Scholarship in the USA for Indian students?
• Frequently Asked Questions

List of Scholarship to Study in USA for Indian Students

Top scholarships for Indian students to study in USA -

1. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
2. Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
3. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
4. Fulbright – Nehru Fellowships
5. International Education Financial Aid
6. AAUW International Fellowships
7. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

1. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University

This scholarship is given by the Tata Education and Development Trust to students enrolling for undergraduate courses. The trust sets aside 25 million USD each year to support 20 students accepted by Cornell University.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

• You can apply in October and November.
• The scholarship is offered in December.
• Must be an Indian resident and should have completed secondary school in India.
• Must get admission to one of Cornell University's UG programs and should be eligible for a need-based scholarship.
• The scholarship amount varies and is awarded annually till graduation.
• Architecture students receive funding for 8 semesters.
• Scholarship is given mainly to students of architecture, arts & planning, and college of engineering.

2. Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

This is one of the largest scholarship programs funded by a private organization. They offer 3 types of scholarships: Academic Year Ambassadorial Scholarship, Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship, and Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

• Citizens should be from a country where the rotary club is present.
• Must have completed 2 years of college or its equivalent.
• Application is given through rotary clubs.
• People with disabilities can apply.

3. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

This is a scholarship for students who take master's or doctoral degree programs. The program will cover tuition fees, monthly expenses, and the cost of living for minority students or ordinary citizens who are weak in English.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

• Must enrol in LTE language training
• Must have good academic performance
• Scholarship will be given as a monthly stipend to cover living expenditures and tuition fees.
• Given to Indian citizens only

4. Fulbright – Nehru Fellowships

The scholarship can be availed by international students who are applying for master's or doctoral programs. Graduates and freshers can stay for a year in the USA with this scholarship. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and medical costs of the awardee.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

• Must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in India.
• Should have at least 55% marks.
• Should have 3 years of work experience.
• Don't have a degree from a US university.
• Should have done community service.

5. International Education Financial Aid

IEFA is a summer scholarship program offered by Abbey Road Inc for high school students. Students from the age of 14 to 18 years who have good records in extracurricular activities can avail of this scholarship.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

• The scholarship amount is $20,000 per year. 
• You must be an Indian citizen.
• Should have completed high school.
• Must have admission in one of the UG courses.
• Should have eligibility to avail need-based scholarship.

6. AAUW International Fellowships

This scholarship is for women students applying for research in the US. Students applying for graduate and postgraduate studies can also apply for this scholarship. The scholarship can be availed for up to 5 years. The scholarship amount received varies according to the duration of the course and the course applied for.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

You cannot apply if you are above 30 years of age.
You must be an Indian citizen.
Should have excellent academic performance.

7. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

This scholarship was started by Reliance Industries to help those Indian students who want to study in USA. But those students have to come back and work in India after their studies. The scholarship amount is USD 150,000.

Eligibility, Benefits & Application:

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

Other Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA

Scholarship	Description	Eligibility
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	Covers tuition fee, travel, and living expenses. USD 1,00,000 (~75 lakhs)	Students pursuing courses other than Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Public Health, Music & Film Animation
Aga Foundation Scholarship	Provided as 50% grant and 50% loan.	Students from countries where Aga Foundation operates
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship	covers billable AU expenses like tuition, room	3.8 GPA equivalent out of 4.0 GPA
Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship	Awarded to MBA students. $25,000	Awarded to students whose native is India
Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarship	Provided by Illinois Wesleyan University USD 16,000 - USD 30,000	Must be an international student enrolling for a UG course
National Overseas Scholarship	Scholarship for students from SC/ST community 15,400 USD	Family income less than 6,00,000 INR.
SN Bose Scholarship	Airfare, health insurance, and stipend are covered	Must be admitted in courses like Atmospheric & earth sciences, mathematical & computational sciences, and chemical sciences.
KC Mahindra Scholarship	Interest-free loan for PG students. 8 lac INR	Must have a first-class degree or equivalent diploma
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship	Given to international students looking for master's courses. 20 lac INR.	Must apply for courses like Applied sciences, social sciences, pure sciences, architecture, humanities, law, or management.

How to Get a Scholarship in the USA for Indian students?

If you want to study in USA with a scholarship you need to apply for it separately.

Documements required to apply for a scholarship:

• Letter of recommendation.
• Letter of motivation
• Financial statements/proof of low income (for income-based scholarship).
• Acceptance letter.
• Proof of any achievements you have

You should have a good academic record in your 12th standard. Preference will be given to those with better scores. Having participated in extracurricular activities and volunteering experiences are an added advantage for receiving a scholarship. Universities look for candidates that can add value to their institution.

Steps to apply for a scholarship:

1. Research and shortlist various scholarships
2. Check the eligibility criteria for applying
3. Gather the documents required for the application
4. Carefully prepare your application
5. Submit your application
6. Follow up with the university to know the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best scholarships to study in USA?

Top scholarships in USA for Indian students:

• Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
• Fulbright – Nehru Fellowships
• International Education Financial Aid
• AAUW International Fellowships
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

2. How can I get full scholarship in USA?

The number of scholarships that fully cover your expenses is very less. Moreover, they are very difficult to get. Even so, you can try your luck and apply for a full scholarship.

3. Can Indian students study in USA for free?

As an Indian student, you can study in USA for free by using the fully-funded scholarship which covers your entire tuition fee. As there are many types of scholarships, you must check if the scholarship that you applied for meets your requirements.

4. Which US university gives 100% scholarship?

Stanford University, Barnard College, Vassar College, and Amherst College are some of the US universities that have given the highest amount of scholarships to international students.

5. How much percentage is required for scholarship in USA?

The percentage required for scholarships in USA totally depends on the university and scholarship you are applying for. But a minimum of 3.5 GPA is expected to get a scholarship in the USA.

6. What is the easiest scholarship to get?

There are many private colleges that offer scholarships based on your merit. The colleges will consider you for these merit-based scholarships even if you don't apply for them separately. You will be eligible to apply for them as you apply for college admission.