Scholarships to study in USA is one of the easiest way to waive off the tuition, living as well as other expenses offered by many universities. There are over 1100 scholarships for Indian students to study in USA available. Some of the popular Universities scholarships in USA offers an average monthly stipend of USD 2,000 (INR 1,64,919). More than 1.1 million international candidates apply for scholarships in USA from different regions of the world. The minimum requirements for availing merit-based scholarships to study in USA is to have the CGPA of 3.0-3.5 on the scale 4.0. BrokerFish International Scholarship, Fulbright Nehru Scholarships, Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, etc. are some fully USA scholarships.

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International students can apply for a variety of scholarships to study in the US even at affordable universities for MS in USA. These scholarships may be provided by the US government, universities themselves, for-profit businesses, or even foreign governments. Scholarships can be awarded based on a student's program awarded for studying a particular field, need based on demonstrated financial need, or merit based scholarships which are awarded for demonstrated academic achievement, test scores, etc..

For a number of reasons, especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds and international students, scholarships are required in order to study in the United States, especially for students in private universities in USA.  Many US universities have unaffordable tuition, particularly for foreign students who frequently have to pay higher out-of-state or foreign tuition costs. Scholarships assist in reducing these expenses and raising the cost of education. Students must also pay for living expenses like housing, food, transportation, and medical care in addition to tuition. Stipends and living allowances from scholarships assist students in covering these costs, freeing them up to concentrate on their studies without worrying about money. Scholarships encourage inclusion and diversity by giving students from various backgrounds the chance to study for a higher degree in the United States. 

Why Scholarships are Needed to Study in USA

USA being one of the competitive and expensive study abroad destinations, it is important for an international student to avail fully funded scholarships. International students can check the below-mentioned reasons for availing scholarships in USA:

  • The cost of studying in USA for International students have risen by 14% from the previous years and ranges around USD 35,000 (INR 28,86,082) on a yearly basis.
  • Scholarship programs assist an international student by waiving off student debts while studying in USA.
  • Scholarship programs like “American Society Scholars Program” connects students to mentors, conferences, and valuable industry connections.
  • Scholarships like Walt Disney UNCF Corporate Scholarship & Internship Program help candidates to have summer internships of worth USD 5,000 (INR 4,12,297).
  • There are scholarships like Sarah E. Huneycutt Scholarship helping the students to continue a sport.
  • Scholarships are also a good addition to a curriculum vitae signifying capability and academic expertise in the workplace.

Scholarships Type of popular scholarships

International students can check the below-mentioned list of the type of private, need-based, government, sports scholarships for study in USA:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: These type of scholarships are awarded to international students on the academic basis and other aspects.
  • Need-Based Scholarships: There are various need-based scholarships awarded to the students to waive off the tuition and other expenditures fully or partially.
  • Country-Based Scholarships: These type of scholarships are awarded to international candidates from developing countries with higher educational support.
  • University Scholarships: International students meeting the eligibility criteria of a specific department of a USA university and awarded via private donations from alumni.
  • Privately-Funded Scholarships: These type of scholarships funded by companies, organizations, and also regarded as external scholarships.
  • Government-Funded Scholarships: There are various types of scholarships accredited and awarded by the government of USA.
  • Sports Scholarships: These type of programs are much competitive than other scholarships regulated by NAIA, NJCAA, and NCAA and awarded to international student athletes.
  • Academic Scholarships: It falls under the category of merit-based scholarships and awarded to the students on the basis of excellent academic performances.
  • Average Academic Scholarships: Students on the basis of overall performance are evaluated and eligible to receive these type of scholarships.

Academic Level Wise Scholarships

There are scholarships available for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral study, among other academic levels. In order to study in the United States, international students can apply for numerous scholarships. The US government, colleges themselves, for-profit companies, or even foreign nations may offer these scholarships.A detailed insights about scholarships available all undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students are tabulated below:

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in USA For Undergraduate

Numerous financial aid and scholarship options are available to Indian students who wish to study in the United States of America in order to help defray the cost of living expenses as well as tuition and fees. A list of popular scholarships for Indian students to study in USA after 12th standard are as follows:

Scholarship Programs

Eligibility Criteria

Award

Deadlines to Apply

Accepted By

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Minimum 2.6 GPA for social sciences, humanities, law, etc. related subjects and a minimum of 2.8 GPA for mathematics, sciences from a recognized university

Up to USD 1,00,000  covering tuition,living expenses, healthcare expenses.

Applications closed

Rutgers University

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Having an undergraduate degree, minimum of five years of professional work experience, and demonstrating IELTS or TOEFL test scores

Payment of tuition fees, living cost (award value varies)

June 15, 2024

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign,
University of Kansas

International Culture Service Program (ICSP) Scholarship

Demonstrating financial need, strong academic records, and communication skills

USD 9,000-35,000 

Applications closed

University of Oregon,
Portland State University,
Western Oregon University

Presidential Scholarship

Awarded to five students each year for demonstrating strong academic achievements.

Full tuition, on-campus room and board for up to consecutive four years

Applications closed

Clark University

Tata Scholarship for Cornell University

Awarded to international students passed out from a recognized higher secondary institution

Entire undergraduate cost coverage

September

Cornell University

Note- USD 1= INR 82.88, as of 14th March 2024

Scholarship for Masters in USA for Indian Students

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship is one of the popular scholarship for MS in USA. In the United States, obtaining a Master's degree can be a fulfilling experience that provides access to excellent educational opportunities, a wide range of cultural experiences, and worthwhile career prospects.  A list of popular scholarships to study in USA for Masters for Indian students are tabulated below:

Masters Scholarships in USA

Eligibility Criteria

Award

Deadlines to Apply

Accepted By

Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship

Candidates must have completed an equivalent of a USA bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with 55% mark

The fellowship will provide J-1 visa support, tuition fees coverage.

Application closed

University of Rhode Island,
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

Candidates with excellent academic records as well as financial needs

Awarded as a half grant and half loan, meaning 50 percent of the award amount needs to be paid back by the applicant.

The 2023-2024 cycle is now closed. The 2024-2025 cycle will start in January 2024

University of Chicago,
Columbia University

American Association of University Women(AAUW) International Fellowships

International women students must have earned the equivalent of a USA bachelor’s degree

USD 20,000-50,000 

November 15, 2024

Harvard University,
Indiana University, University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Sushil Jajodia Indian Student Scholarship

Incoming freshman students of Indian residency

USD 3,000  every year

Applications closed.

University of Oregon

Dean’s Scholarship

Awarded to students on merit-based

Full tuition fee coverage

November 1 for Spring

York University

Note- USD 1= INR 82.88, as of 14th March 2024

List of Popular PhD Scholarships in USA

These are but a handful of the well-known PhD scholarships offered in the United States. Prospective applicants must do extensive research to find scholarships that fit their eligibility requirements, as well as their academic and professional aspirations. It's also a good idea to look into any internal funding options that specific universities might provide to PhD students. A list of fully funded PhD program scholarships, fellowships, and grants offered at USA universities are as follows:

Fully Funded PhD in USA Programs

Eligibility Criteria

Award

Deadlines to Apply

Accepted By

Richard A. Freund International Scholarship

Applicants with a GPA of 3.25 or higher in undergraduate and graduate

USD 1,00,000 (INR 82,45,950)

Applications closed

Rutgers University

P.E.O. International Peace Scholarships

International doctoral women

The maximum amount of USD 12,500 

Applications closed

University of Buffalo

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

PhD students are eligible to apply irrespective of age, college or university, field of study, or career aspiration

Tuition funding for up to three years

October 11, 2024

Stanford University

Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program

Postdoctoral scholars from a Recognized university

Award amount varies

Applications closed

Northwestern University

Note- USD 1= INR 82.88, as of 14th March 2024

There are several organizations that offer scholarships for study in the United States of America, including universities, foundations, governmental agencies, and private companies. These scholarships may be awarded based on merit, need, or other specific requirements such as leadership, talent, academic achievement, or field of study. International students can check the details of above-mentioned bachelors, masters, and doctoral scholarships awarded by USA universities. 

FAQs

Ques: How can one get scholarship to study in USA?

Ans: An international applicant by demonstrating a good GPA as well as IELTS or TOEFL scores to get scholarships to study in USA.

Ques: Can Indians get scholarship in USA?

Ans: There are various international scholarships available for Indian applicants to study in USA.

Ques: What is the scholarship for Indian students to study in USA?

Ans: Fulbright Nehru Fellowships, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Program are some of the popular international scholarships for studying in USA.

Ques: How much percentage is required for scholarship in USA?

Ans: The applications are selected if the profile comes out to be above 50% of the class medium.

Ques: Is it hard to get scholarship in USA?

Ans: Most universities in USA requires a minimum undergraduate GPA to get scholarships.

Ques: Does IELTS score matter for scholarship?

Ans: A minimum IELTS score range of 6.0-6.5 are required for certain scholarships to study in USA.

Ques: What are the highest scholarship in USA?

Ans: The Gates Scholarship, Dell Scholars Program are some of the highest scholarships in USA.

Ques: How can I get scholarship in USA after 12th?

Ans: An international undergraduate seeking student is required to present SAT score range of 600-800 for getting scholarship in USA after 12th.

Ques: How much CGPA is required for scholarship in USA?

Ans: International students must have at least 3.0 CGPA for studying scholarship in USA.

Ques: What is the best amount for a scholarship?

Ans: The scholarship award value of USD 5,000-20,000 (INR 4,12,204-16,49,190) is the decent amount of scholarship to study in USA.

Ques: Are there scholarships available for international students?

Ans: Indeed, there are plenty of scholarships available to help foreign students study in the United States. The US government, colleges themselves, for-profit companies, or even foreign nations may offer these scholarships.

Ques: What are the different types of scholarships?

Ans: Scholarships may be granted on the basis of need (based on demonstrated financial need), merit (awarded for demonstrated academic achievement, test scores, etc.), or program (awarded for studying a particular field).

Ques: How do I find scholarships?

Ans: There are many resources available online and through scholarship organizations. Some places to start are University websites, Scholarship search engines, Government websites, Embassy websites, etc.

Ques: What are the typical requirements for applying for a scholarship?

Ans: Scholarship requirements can differ, but typically include transcripts of academic work, scores from standardized tests (such as the SAT or ACT), essays, letters of recommendation, and, if necessary, evidence of financial need.

Ques: When should I start applying for scholarships?

Ans: Before you start your graduate studies or your senior year of high school, start looking into scholarships. It's crucial to plan ahead and apply as soon as possible because deadlines can change.

Ques: How competitive are scholarships to study in the USA?

Ans: The competition for scholarships can be fierce, particularly for those with substantial cash rewards. But don't give up easily! There are lots of scholarships out there, and your chances of getting accepted can be raised by applying with strength.