What are the Benefits of Pursuing Studies in the USA?
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious global universities. They are renowned for their excellent academic standards, innovative research practices and a vibrant multicultural environment. Studying in the USA offers several benefits to Indian students. They are as under:
- Access to World-Class Education and Cutting-Edge Research
- Exposure to Rich Cultural Diversity
- Globally Recognised Degrees
- Advanced Career Opportunities
- Comprehensive Scholarships Support
- Latest Curriculum and Innovative Learning
- Flexible Education System
- State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
- Strong Alumni Networks
- Enhanced Employment and Internship Opportunities
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA: Scholarship Opportunities!
Tata Scholarship for Indian Students at Cornell University
The Tata Scholarship at Cornell University was instituted in 2008 by visionary industrialist Ratan Tata to extend financial support to Indian students for pursuing their higher education. This scholarship aims to provide Indian students with access to world-class education and covers tuition and related expenditure for 20 students annually. Cornell’s undergraduate admission process for international students is ‘need-aware.’ This implies that the applicant’s interest in or need for financial aid is one of the factors considered when making admission decisions.
The selection process gives preference to qualified students admitted to the following programs:
- College of Engineering
- College of Architecture, Art and Planning
- Majors across colleges in the biological sciences, physical sciences, and other sciences, as well as the social sciences
- Applied Economics and Management major in the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Eligibility Criteria
Interested applicants must meet the following criteria that reflect both their academic journey and financial need.
- The student must be a citizen of India.
- They must have attended secondary school in India.
- The student must have received an offer of admission to Cornell University as an undergraduate which is a testament to a student’s academic excellence and potential.
- The applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need.
Required Documents
- A passport-size photograph
- All academic records and transcripts must be uploaded as original scanned copies.
- Financial proof and statements are crucial at the time of application along with proof of citizenship or permanent residency in India.
- English language proficiency test scores are mandatory for Indian students, with TOEFL and IELTS being the accepted tests.
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation is required.
- A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining the student’s goals and intentions regarding admission to Cornell University is essential for the scholarship panel’s evaluation.
- Step 1: Visit the official CSS profile homepage of Cornell University, i.e., cssprofile.collegeboard.org/complete-application.
- Step 2: On the homage, register yourself and login to your account.
- Step 3: Fill in your CSS profile application with all the necessary information.
- Step 4: Review your application and make corrections if any.
- Step 5: Finally click on the submit option.
Important Timeline
- In order to apply for the 2025-26 academic year, students must complete the CSS Profile application which is available from October 1, 2024, to November 1, 2024.
- Regular admission decisions will be declared on January 2, 2025, and transfer admission results will be released by March 15, 2025, for the Fall 2025 intake.
Scholarship Benefits
According to the official website of Cornell University, as long as the scholar applicants demonstrate financial need, the university is committed to providing them with Tata Scholarship funding. However, there is an exception for students enrolled in the five-year architecture program, which consists of ten full semesters. In this case, the university will provide funding for up to eight semesters only.
With a $25 million endowment, the scholarship covers tuition and other annual expenses for undergraduate students from India. Each year, 20 students are selected, ensuring that talented individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
The World Bank Group has launched the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) for the 2025 academic year, opening doors to international education for Indian students once again. Subject to the availability of funding, JJ/WBGSP provides scholarships for 41 Participating Master’s Programs in 24 distinguished universities across the United States, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Japan, with a focus on the following key areas of development:
- Economic Policy Management
- Tax Policy
- Infrastructure Management
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) 2025 are as follows:
- Applicants should be an Indian national having earned their Bachelor’s degree at least 3 years before the scholarship deadline.
- They should not hold dual citizenship in a developed country.
- Applicants must be employed full-time in development-related work at the time of application for the scholarship programme.
- They should have at least three years of relevant paid experience after having earned a Bachelor’s degree, acquired within past six years.
- They must not be a staff or a close relative of staff of the World Bank Group (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, and International Center for Settlements of Investment Disputes).
- Applicants must be admitted unconditionally to at least one of the participating programs for this scholarship outside India for the academic year 2025.
Required Documents
- Document proof of relevant work experience
- Bachelor’s degree diploma
- Diploma of the most advanced graduate degree (if applicable)
- Curriculum Vitae in prescribed format
- Unconditional admission letter from the institution
- Two recommendation letters
Important Notes:
- An unconditional admission letter is mandatory.
- Proof of work experience and degrees must be translated into English if they are in another language. Applicants need to upload both the original and translated documents in the application form. The translation doesn’t need to be certified, and free online tools can be used. A certified translation is not mandatory.
- Students are requested to refer to the official application documents for detailed guidelines and formats.
Application Procedure
The eligible applicants can apply by adhering to the following application process mentioned below:
- Visit the official scholarship website.
- Navigate to ‘Application Window #1‘ and click on it to find a list of courses offered by the participating institutions. If you find a course of your choice, you can apply for it or proceed on to ‘Application Window #2‘
- Choose the desired program and click on it, and it will redirect to the respective application page of the institution.
- Complete the application on the institution’s website and submit it.
- Acquire the unconditional admission letter from the respective institutions.
- The JJ/WBGSP application link will only be communicated to the applicants who have secured unconditional admission in one of the Master’s programs and are shortlisted by JJ/WBGSP as eligible candidates. Submit the application form on the link along with the required documents.
Scholarship Benefits
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) offers the following benefits:
- Scholars will be provided with economy-class airfare for travel between their home country and the host university at the beginning of their studies and immediately after the end of the scholarship programme.
- In addition to the round-trip airfare, a USD $600 travel allowance will be granted for each journey.
- Funding is available for the tuition fees of the graduate program and the expense of basic medical insurance obtained through the university.
- While on campus during the duration of the scholarship, scholars will receive a monthly allowance to cover all living costs (including housing, food, and books). The amount of this allowance depends on the host country.
(Note – All JJ/WBGSP scholarships cover the duration of the graduate program or a maximum of two years, whichever is shorter.)
Important Timeline
To accommodate the academic calendar of JJ/WBGSP Participating Programs, the application process is organised in two rounds with the following application window:
Application Window 1: 13th January – 28th February 2025 (12:00 Noon EST)
Application Window 2: 25th March – 23rd May 2025 (12:00 Noon EST)
K. C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
For worthy Indian students willing to pursue their studies abroad, the K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad is provided by the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust. It is an esteemed program established in 1956 with the goal of providing gifted individuals with interest-free loan scholarships to help them pursue their postgraduate studies in international universities. The selected scholars receive an interest-free loan scholarship of a maximum of ₹10,00,000 for the top three fellows and a maximum of ₹5,00,000 for the remaining successful applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be an Indian citizen having secured a first class degree/equivalent diploma from a recognised university.
- Students having gained admission or applied for admission in the reputable foreign universities for courses commencing from August 2024 but not later than February 2025 are eligible to apply.
- Applicants in the last year of a degree or diploma program can apply, however, they must produce their final year marksheet or provisional certificate obtained from the institute before the end of June.
Required Documents
In order to apply for this scholarship, the applicants must have the following required documents:
- A copy of Class 10 and 12 Marksheets
- School Leaving Certificate
- Self-attested copy of age proof
- A copy of the GRE/GMAT score (if applicable)
- A copy of the IELTS/TOEFL score (if applicable)
- A letter of recommendation from a referee on the letterhead of the institute or company
- A short statement on the candidate’s general aptitude, interest, including the type of vocation they would like to pursue, as well as their ambitions and aspirations in life
- Course and degree certificates with marksheets
- Rank certificate (if applicable)
- A copy of an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Scholarship Benefits
A total of up to ₹10,00,000 will be granted to each of the top three successful applicants. Remaining successful applicants will receive up to ₹5,00,000 each.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The esteemed Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program aims to develop leadership skills in successful mid-level working professionals from selected countries through a year of professional development programme in the United States. The fellowship program created in memory of the late Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, offers a special chance to participate in non-degree graduate level study and cooperative training programmes in some of the colleges of the U.S. The U.S. Embassies or Fulbright Commissions nominate the applicants on the basis of their leadership skills and dedication to public service, giving them the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in vital fields like environmental management, economic growth, and public policy. In addition to promoting personal development, this experience prepares fellows to tackle regional and global challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be an Indian citizen without having an active permanent residency status in foreign countries.
- They must have a high level of academic/professional achievement and demonstrate proficiency in the English language to undertake the proposed project/program in the USA.
- Applicants who are employed must be eligible for leave during the duration of the fellowship.
- They must give an undertaking to return to India on the completion of the fellowship programme.
(Note: The applicants who need to travel abroad for conference, fellowship etc. during the application cycle (Feb 2024 – July 2025) must inform the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) well in advance. Preference will be given to candidates who do not have extensive recent U.S. experience.)
Application Procedure
- Interested applicants will have to apply via the official application link and click on ‘Create an Account’
- Fill in the required details and click on ‘Continue’ on the redirected page.
- A temporary PIN will be sent to the email address of the applicants for creating a password to log into their account.
*Click here to know more about the detailed application process.
Benefits
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship program covers the following benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly maintenance allowance
- Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges as per U.S. Government guidelines
- Allowance for books and supplies
- An international round-trip air travel to the host institution
- Travel to Washington D.C. Workshop
- Allowance for professional activities such as field trips, professional visits, and conferences
Nehru Fulbright Fellowship Programme
The Nehru Fulbright Fellowship Programme, established through a collaboration between the United States and India, aims to foster educational and cultural exchange by providing Indian students with the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in the United States. This esteemed program offers the following types of scholarships:
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
- Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships
- Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
In addition to fostering academic growth, the program encourages participants to use their knowledge to address pressing issues in India after their return.
Eligibility Criteria
The general eligibility criteria for these fellowships is as follows:
- Applicants must be a citizen of India who currently does not hold an active permanent residence in another country.
- They must be academically and professionally accomplished and should demonstrate proficiency in the English language to undertake the proposed project/program in the USA.
- Employed applicants must be able to avail leaves during the duration of the programme.
- They must give an undertaking to return to India after the completion of the fellowship.
(Note: Applicants must notify USIEF well in advance if they must travel overseas for a conference, fellowship, etc., during the application cycle (February 2024–July 2025). Preference will be given to candidates who do not have extensive recent U.S. experience.)
In addition to the general requirements, there are fellowship-specific requirements that an applicant should meet. They are listed in a tabular format as follows:
| Fellowship Programmes | Eligibility Criteria |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships |
|
| Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships |
|
| Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships |
|
| Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships |
|
(Note: Employed applicants must ensure their employer provides endorsement, confirming that leave will be granted for the fellowship duration.)
Application Procedure
Applications have to be submitted online through their application link.
Scholarship Benefits
Tabulated fellowship programmes cover the following benefits:
- J-1 visa support
- A monthly stipend
- Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines,
- Round-trip economy class air travel
- Settling-in allowance
- Professional allowance
| Fellowship Programmes | Benefits |
|
No allowances are provided for dependents and family members. |
|
Subject to availability of funds, in case of grantees on eight or nine-month grants, a dependent allowance and international travel may be provided for one accompanying eligible dependent provided the dependent is with the grantee in the U.S. for at least 80 percent of the grant period. |
Conclusion
In a concluding remark, it can be safely argued that scholarships for Indian students in the USA serve as a transformative opportunity, enabling access to world-class education while alleviating financial constraints. There are several renowned academic institutions available across the USA that offer a variety of scholarship and fellowship benefits on the basis of merit, financial need, and unique talents. Some of the prominent ones are tabulated below.
| Scholarship | Providers |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation |
| Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarships | Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation |
| The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme | The Aga Khan Foundation |
| Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship | United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) |
These programs not only foster academic excellence but also empower students to achieve their career aspirations in a global environment. By leveraging the benefits available under these scholarship opportunities, Indian students can embrace diverse learning experiences, gain international exposure, and contribute meaningfully to their fields of expertise, society and the nation as whole.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA: FAQs
Why is the USA a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing higher education?
The USA is a highly sought after destination for Indian students because it houses some of the most prestigious academic institutions globally. These universities provide a holistic learning environment, promote intercultural interactions, and offer access to world-class education, cutting-edge research, and globally recognised degrees.
What are the major challenges faced by Indian students while pursuing their studies in the USA, and how are they addressed?
Indian students often face challenges associated with the cost incurred on high tuition fees, living expenses, and related expenditures. In order to address these issues, a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities are available, enabling students to pursue higher education with reduced financial burden.
What are the benefits available to Indian students pursuing their studies in the USA?
Indian students pursuing their studies in the USA benefit from access to advanced career opportunities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, exposure to rich cultural diversity, strong alumni networks, flexible education systems, comprehensive scholarship support, innovative learning methods, and enhanced employment and internship opportunities.
Who is eligible for the K. C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad?
Applicants must be Indian citizens who have been accepted or applied for admission to a recognized foreign university for a postgraduate program beginning in August 2024 and ending in February 2025 in order to be eligible for the K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad. A first-class degree or an equivalent certification from an accredited university is also required, and candidates in their final year of study may be accepted as long as they can provide their completion certificate prior to the start of the course.
What are the benefits available under the K. C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad?
A total of up to ₹10,00,000 will be granted to each of the top three K.C. Mahindra fellows. Additionally, successful applicants will receive up to ₹5,00,000 each.
Who is eligible for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program?
Applicants must be Indian citizens without active permanent residence status in foreign countries. They should demonstrate high academic or professional achievement and proficiency in English in order to undertake the proposed project or program in the USA.
What are the goals of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program?
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program aims to develop leadership skills and encourage teamwork in order to tackle regional and worldwide issues. In addition to creating enduring relationships between US citizens and people from other nations, the program seeks to build international leaders with knowledge and problem solving abilities.
Who is eligible for the Nehru Fulbright Fellowship Programme?
Applicants must be a citizen of India who currently does not hold an active permanent residence in another nation. They must be accomplished academically and professionally and should demonstrate a proficiency in the English language to undertake the proposed project/program in the USA.
How to get a TATA Scholarship for Cornell University?
In order to apply for Cornell University’s Tata Scholarship, candidates must first be accepted into an undergraduate program and show financial need by completing the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. Since qualified applicants are taken into consideration automatically throughout the admissions process, there is no need for a separate scholarship application.
What is a CSS profile?
College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile is an online application to evaluate students’ financial aid needs. It gives a thorough picture of a student’s and their family’s financial status and is used by over 400 colleges and universities in the US. This information aids in determining a student’s eligibility for institutional grants, scholarships, and loans.