26 July 2025
6 minutes read
Top 7 Scholarships For Indian Students To Study In The USA
26 July 2025
6 minutes read
Key Takeaways
- Scholarship to study in USA for Indian students is not rare — over 10,000 students receive funding each year through major programs.
- Exams like GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and a strong SOP are must-haves for top U.S. university admissions.
- Top scholarships like Fulbright, Inlaks, and Tata Trusts cover full or partial costs for master’s and undergrad programs.
A full ride to Harvard? Sounds like a LinkedIn post fantasy — but guess what, over 10,000 Indian students get scholarships every single year to study in top US universities. And no, they’re not all IIT gold medalists or Olympic athletes. Many are just students who knew where to look.
But the trust is that most Indian students miss out on thousands of dollars in university scholarships simply because they assume it’s either too competitive, or they hear some random uncle say “yeh sab jugaad se milta hai.” Wrong. There are many scholarships — merit-based, need-based, and program-specific — waiting to be claimed. If you’re serious about studying in the USA, you need to stop blindly applying to colleges and start strategically hunting down the right scholarship to study. This blog shows you where to begin.
Why Study In USA As An Indian Student?
Let’s get this straight — you don’t have to sell a kidney to study in the United States. But you do need to sell your mindset. Because the USA isn’t just a land of opportunity — it’s a full-blown buffet of higher education in the USA for students from developing countries like ours.
And if you’re still stuck on the “studying abroad is only for the rich” myth, you’ve already missed out on a range of scholarships worth thousands of dollars — scholarships in the USA that are available for Indian students, year after year.
1. Because You’re Not Just Paying for a Degree — You’re Buying a Network
Education in the USA isn’t just about books. It’s about who you sit next to in class, who you intern with, and who you pitch your startup idea to. Indian students in the US often find themselves working on live projects, collaborating with industry leaders, and building connections that outlast any college textbook. These soft assets are priceless.
2. Because Scholarships Aren’t a Myth — They’re a Missed Opportunity
There are top scholarships for Indian students that go completely unused simply because students may never hear about them. From Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships to Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship and countless fully-funded scholarships, the USA offers scholarships for every field of study. Whether you’re a tech geek or a design freak — there are types of scholarships that fit your profile. You just need to apply for scholarships early and smartly.
3. Because You’re No Longer the Outsider — You’re the Target Audience
Let’s be blunt: students from around the world are now the focus of US universities. There are programs to study, scholarships offered, colleges in USA that tailor their recruitment for overseas students, especially Indian students pursuing undergrad, MS, or PhD programs. In fact, scholarships to students from India have increased dramatically due to strong academic output and global reputation.
4. Because The ROI Is Insane — If You Play It Smart
Doing your masters in USA or MS in USA might sound expensive, but with the right scholarships for MS, the return on investment is unmatched. You earn back every dollar — often within 1-2 years of graduation — thanks to high post-study employment, top salaries, and optional training periods (OPT) that let students focus on real-world experience before jumping into visa chaos.
5. Because You’re Not the Exception — You’re Part of a Growing Tribe
The number of international scholarships is growing. So is the intake in the USA. From smaller scholarships that cover living expenses to well-known scholarships awarded to female students, there are various scholarships available for Indian students — some even open to all students regardless of background. Whether you’re looking for merit-based scholarships, scholarships to study in USA for postgrad, or scholarships available for niche study areas — there’s something you can apply for.
Top 7 Scholarship Programs To Study In USA For International Students
Over $100 million in scholarships in the USA go unclaimed every year — not because they don’t exist, but because students to study in USA simply don’t know where to look or how to apply for scholarships. And if you’re still scrolling Instagram for “fully funded scholarships for Indian students,” maybe it’s time to get real.
So here’s the list of scholarships that students from developing countries — including Indian students pursuing an MS, MBA, or any other degree in the USA — should seriously pay attention to.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships (Fully Funded) | Indian students wishing to study a master’s degree in the USA in select study areas like public health, environmental studies, arts, etc. Must have a 4-year undergraduate degree and 3 years of work experience. One of the most competitive scholarships offered to students from around the world. |
| 2. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Highly competitive foundation scholarship for postgraduate students in top colleges in USA. Open to Indian students between the ages of 25-30 with a strong portfolio or research proposal. Doesn’t fund engineering, computer science, or business degrees. |
| 3. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship (Need-Based) | Available for students from developing countries with no other means to fund their studies. A unique mix of grant + loan, awarded to students pursuing postgrad education in the USA. Prioritizes students seeking master’s or PhD. |
| 4. AAUW International Fellowships (For Female Students) | Open to female students worldwide, including Indian students in USA. Must be pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study. One of the oldest scholarships for students offered by private foundations. |
| 5. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | Specifically for Indian students pursuing an MBA at Stanford. Requires commitment to return and work in India for at least 2 years post-degree. A top-tier scholarship offered for those eyeing the higher education in the USA. |
| 6. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | Mid-career professionals can find scholarships to study leadership and policy programs. Focuses on non-degree academic study and professional development. Open to students from developing nations with leadership potential. |
| 7. Tata Scholarships at Cornell University | One of the best scholarships for Indian students to pursue undergrad education in the USA. Offers fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living, and more. Priority given to those with financial need and academic excellence. |
What Is The Requirement To Get Into Top Universities To Study In The US?
Every year, thousands of students to study in USA get rejected not because they lacked talent, but because they didn’t submit the right documents, skipped the required tests, or underestimated the importance of a solid SOP. In short, it’s not just brains — it’s strategy.
If you’re aiming for elite colleges in USA for your higher education in the USA, here’s what you must have ready. Whether you’re an undergrad or aiming for your masters in USA, this is the non-negotiable checklist.
| Requirement Type | Details |
|---|---|
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Accepted by 11,000+ institutions in the U.S. Mandatory for non-native English-speaking students from around the world. |
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | Alternative to TOEFL. Accepted by most U.S. universities. Some students may prefer this for its test structure. |
| Duolingo English Test | A newer, budget-friendly option accepted by many universities post-COVID. Great for overseas students looking for flexible options. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examination) | Required for many MS/PhD programs. Especially common in STEM field of study for Indian students pursuing technical or research degrees. |
| GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) | Required for MBA and business-related master’s programs. Top B-schools still ask for it. |
| SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) | For undergraduate students seeking admission to U.S. universities. Measures math, reading, and writing. |
| ACT (American College Testing) | Alternative to SAT, also for undergrad admissions. Some universities accept either test. |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | A core document that showcases your goals, motivation, and field of study. Crucial for both undergrad and postgrad applications. |
| Letters of Recommendation (LOR) | Typically 2-3 LORs are required from teachers, employers, or professors. Vital for showcasing your character, academic record, and work ethic. |
| Transcripts | Academic records of your previous education. These are compulsory and must be translated if not in English. |
| Resume/CV | Especially for graduate programs. Lists academic achievements, internships, and work experience. |
Conclusion
Don’t treat scholarships like lottery tickets. They’re part of the process — just like the SAT, SOP, or any other form you fill out. Start early, stay informed, and be intentional. Because the difference between “I wish I had known” and “I’m glad I did it” is just one decision. Studying in the USA for Indian students isn’t some far-off dream reserved for the top 1%. It’s a real, tangible opportunity — if you approach it with clarity, not confusion. The right scholarship, the right documents, the right mindset — that’s the combo that works.
To get into a top U.S. university isn’t just about grades—it’s about strategy. Ambitio’s AI-powered platform and expert consultants help you tackle applications, study gaps, and visa approvals with confidence. No confusion, no wasted time—just a clear path to your dream school. So if you want to study in USA, Ambitio is the answer.
FAQs
What types of scholarships are available in the USA?
Academic, athletic, scholarships for women, minorities, creative arts, and more are common types
Who is eligible to apply for scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship but often depends on factors like nationality, GPA, field of study, and financial need
Do I need to have a high GPA to get a scholarship?
Many scholarships look for a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0, but some do not require top grades and consider other talents or financial need
How many scholarships can I apply for?
You can apply for as many scholarships as you want, but generally can only accept one scholarship at a time
How do I find out if I received a scholarship?
Scholarship winners usually get notified by email or can check their status through their college’s online portal
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