Studying in USA can be affordable if you plan ahead of time and apply for a variety of scholarships offered by American universities and colleges before the deadlines. These financial aids are available to deserving international students including Indian students to help them study in the USA. Depending on the qualifications, course, and institution, they can be partially or entirely reimbursed. Many commercial and governmental entities, as well as the American government, give scholarships and bursaries. Double-check the qualifying requirements as well as the application deadlines before applying for any of these scholarships.
- Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
- Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
- Fulbright Scholarships for Indians
- Inlaks Scholarship
- National Overseas Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- SN Bose Scholarship
- KC Mahindra Scholarship
- Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
What Scholarships Are Available for Indian Students After 12th in USA?
Indian students who have completed 12th grade can apply for the Tata Scholarship at Cornell University (drawing from a USD 25 million endowment) and the Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship worth up to USD 25,000 annually. Both require strong academics and a confirmed offer from a US university. Applications typically open in October each year.
The following are the scholarships offered to Indian students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies after completing their 12th grade:
Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
The Tata Education and Development Trust and Cornell University have established a $25 million endowment to support deserving Indian undergraduate students. The Tata-Cornell Scholarship supports approximately 20 learners each year.
Application Period: During the months of October and November, applications are accepted. By December, awards will be available.
Criteria for Eligibility:
- You must be a resident of India and have completed secondary school there.
- You must have been accepted into one of Cornell's undergraduate programmes.
- Should be eligible for a financial need-based scholarship.
Benefits:
It is given every year till the student graduates. The only exception is architecture majors, who can get financial aid for up to eight semesters. Students enrolled in the colleges of architecture, arts & planning, and engineering are given priority for scholarships. Applied economics and management, biological sciences, and physical sciences majors are also given preference.
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships, the world's biggest privately funded foreign scholarship programme, offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. The following are the three categories of scholarships:
Ambassadorial Scholarship for the Academic Year: Awards of 25,000 USD (18.94 lakhs INR).
Scholarships of 12,000 USD (9.09 lakhs INR) for multi-year ambassadorial service.
Scholarships range from $12,000 to $19,000 USD (9.09 to 14.39 lakhs INR) for cultural ambassadors.
Eligibility:
- A resident in a country where rotary clubs exist.
- Completed or equivalent to two years of college-level coursework.
- The first application must be done with rotary clubs.
- Students who intend to pursue their education in a foreign country where Rotary clubs exist are not eligible for the award.
- People with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the programme.
Scholarships for Indian students to study in USA Undergraduate
The following are some of the most popular scholarships for Indian students studying Undergraduate in the United States (USA):
| Scholarship (2026) | Number of Scholars Chosen | Award Offered in INR |
|---|---|---|
| SelfScore International Student Scholarship | 6 | 3.79 lakhs |
| Chevron Scholarship | 2 | 1.51 lakhs |
| Western Union Foundations Global Scholarship Program | 100 | 1.89 lakhs |
| Global Students Scholarship | 1 | 75,800 |
| Asian Women in Business | – | 18.96 lakhs |
| Ivy Parker Memorial Scholarship | – | 1.52 lakhs |
| RD Sethna Loan Scholarship | – | 10,240 |
Verified 2026 Updates: The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship maximum award increased to USD 120,000 in 2026 (up from USD 100,000). The National Overseas Scholarship continues to offer USD 15,400 per year for eligible SC/ST candidates. The F-1 student visa fee in USA is USD 185 (SEVIS) plus USD 160 MRV fee. GRE is waived or optional at most top US universities in 2026.
What Scholarships Can Indian Students Get for Masters in USA?
For Masters studies in USA, Indian students can apply for the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship, the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship (up to USD 120,000 in 2026), the National Overseas Scholarship (USD 15,400 per year), and the SN Bose Scholarship for STEM fields. Each has specific eligibility criteria based on academic merit and field of study.
Some of the scholarships for Indian students to study in USA for Masters are as follows: –
Fulbright Scholarships for Indians
The Fulbright Scholarships Program, which operates in over 155 countries, promotes cultural and academic exchange between foreign participants and the United States. Around seven categories of scholarships are awarded by the USIEF to Indian students studying business, science, public service, and the arts. The following is a list of awards given to Indian nationals:
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program
- Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship
- Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program
- Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for International Teachers
- Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program
Eligibility:
- Resident of India.
- Exceptional academic or professional credentials.
- The ability to communicate in English.
- For an interview, you must be available at the USIEF headquarters in Delhi.
- Applicants for the Fulbright Scholarship are not eligible to apply for a green card.
Benefits of the scholarship: –
- Support for J1 visas.
- Coverage during the entire journey.
- Monthly stipend.
- Tuition and attendance fees are covered.
Inlaks Scholarship
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers a full-fee cover Inlaks Scholarship to academically high-achieving Indian graduate (masters & doctorate) applicants with extraordinary talent.
Application:
- The online application portal will be available on January 15th.
- By April 15, the contest will be over.
- By March 31, 12 p.m., all documents must be uploaded.
- LOR are required.
Eligibility:
- At the time of application, you must be an Indian citizen and a resident of India.
- A good first degree from an Indian university or college is required.
- Upper limit maximum age is 30 years old.
Benefits:
A maximum of USD 120,000 is available, which will cover complete education fees, one-way flights, living expenses, and a health allowance.
National Overseas Scholarship
The National Overseas Scholarship is provided exclusively to SC/ST candidates and is organised with the help of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It's a government-run programme that helps students apply for master's and doctoral programmes in other countries.
Eligibility:
- Students must enrol in engineering and management, pure and applied sciences, agricultural sciences and medicine, commerce, accounting and finance, and social science and humanities.
- The maximum age is 35 years old.
- Master's or Ph.D. applicants must have a minimum of 55 percent in their bachelor's or master's degree, respectively.
- The family's annual income should not exceed 6,00,000 INR.
Benefit:
- An annual maintenance payment of 15,400 USD (11.66 lakhs) is granted.
- Financial aid is available for three years for master's degrees and four years for PhDs.
SN Bose Scholarship
The Science and Engineering Board, the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, the Department of Science and Technology (GOI), and WINStep Forward have joined to develop an exchange programme for premier US and Indian colleges.
Eligibility:
- Indian citizen pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree programme.
- Atmospheric and earth sciences, mathematical and computational sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences, and engineering sciences are some of the fields of study.
Benefits:
Exchange students are eligible for a scholarship that covers airfare, health insurance, and a stipend.
KC Mahindra Scholarship
KC Mahindra Trust, which was founded in 1956, provides interest-free loans to deserving postgraduate students.
Eligibility:
- First-class degree or equivalent diploma from a nationally recognised institution is required.
- A reputable international institution should approve your application.
Benefits:
- Three of the best students will receive an award of 8 lakh INR apiece.
- The remaining successful scholars would each receive 4 lakh INR.
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
The Narotam Sekhsaria higher education scholarship programme provides funding to overseas students pursuing master's degree programmes in other countries.
Eligibility:
- Up to 30 years old is the maximum age limit.
- Applying for a top institution's fall intake
- Social sciences, Applied sciences,pure sciences, architecture, humanities, law, or management are some of the fields of study.
The selected students would receive 2 million INR in benefits.
Cost of studying in USA for Indian students
How Can Indian Students Get Scholarships to Study in USA?
Indian students can get scholarships to study in USA by applying through government portals, university financial aid offices, and scholarship-specific websites. Start early, at least 12 months before your intended intake. Maintain strong grades, prepare a compelling statement of purpose, and apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously to maximise your chances of funding.
Although the United States is one of the costliest study locations, Indian students can make it cheaper by applying for scholarships to study in the United States. Students from India who want to study abroad should make plans ahead of time and apply for a variety of government and non-government-funded scholarships. Applications for each scholarship can be made online through their respective portals.
USA F-1 student visa guide 2026
What Scholarships Are Available for MBBS Studies in USA?
Medical students from India can access institutional aid from universities such as Stanford, Columbia, and Harvard for MBBS and MD programmes in USA. External awards like the AMTIE Student Scholarship from American Medical Technologists also provide support. Most funding is need-based or merit-based. Eligibility typically requires an offer letter from a recognised US medical school.
Various schools of medicine at various colleges in the United States, as well as a number of external organisations, offer a variety of scholarships to help students continue their studies without financial constraints. Some of the scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA are as follows:
| Scholarship (2026) | Awarding Institute | Amount (in INR) | Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford Institutional Aid | Stanford University | Varies | Stanford Institutional Aid |
| AMTIE Student Scholarship | American Medical Technologists (AMT) | Up to 0.38 lakhs | AMTIE Student Scholarship |
| Vagelos Scholarship | Columbia University | Tuition fees + Living cost | Vagelos Scholarship |
| AHIMA Foundation Merit Scholarship | AHIMA Foundation | Varies | AHIMA Foundation Merit Scholarship |
| Harvard Medical School Scholarship | Harvard University | Tuition fee waiver | Harvard Medical School Scholarship |
| ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence | Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions and CastleBranch | 0.76 lakhs | ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence |
| Financial Aid for Non-US Medical Students | John Hopkins University | Varies | Financial Aid for Non-US Medical Students |
MS in USA for Indian students 2026
What Engineering Scholarships Are Available for Indian Students in USA?
Indian students studying engineering in USA can apply for STEM scholarships at their target universities, the AFCEA San Diego Scholarship Program, and AICHE awards from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Fully funded options are rare but exist at research-active universities through teaching or research assistantships for graduate-level engineering programmes.
Some of the scholarships for Indian students to study engineering in USA are as follows: –
- STEM scholarships for full-time students pursuing a degree in engineering or another STEM topic from AACE International. Separate funding are available for students from the United States, Canada, and other countries.
- AFCEA San Diego Scholarship Program – Various scholarships are available for engineering students, as well as those pursuing math or science, to study anywhere in the United States. Only students from San Diego County, California are eligible.
- AICHE The American Institute of Chemical Engineers offers the John J McKetta Undergraduate Scholarship to US students interested in chemical engineering.
- ANS Scholarships – STEM scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the United States, with a concentration on nuclear engineering students. The American Nuclear Society provided funding for this project (ANS).
- Scholarships for women in engineering studying in the United States are available through the SWE Scholarship Program. The Society of Women Engineers provided funding for this project (SWE).
- TMS Student Academic Scholarships – TMS (The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society) offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing metallurgical engineering and associated fields in the United States.
- Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States Scholarship Program — Merit-based graduate scholarships for engineering and other STEM students to study in the United States at selected universities.
Which Fully Funded Scholarships Can Indian Students Get for USA?
Fully funded scholarships for Indian students in USA are rare and highly competitive. The Fulbright-Nehru, Inlaks (up to USD 120,000), and National Overseas Scholarship (USD 15,400 per year for SC/ST candidates) are the most accessible government-backed options. University fellowships attached to PhD programmes often cover tuition and provide stipends for living expenses.
Fully funded scholarships are very rare and student can keep track of them by contacting the university while also preparing in advance and working hard. Students have to make sure to keep themselves stand out from the other applicants and write an exceptional essay. Even after all this, however a fully funded scholarship is not guaranteed.