Are you thinking about furthering your education in the United States? Affording education and living costs can pose a major challenge. However, do not allow financial constraints to hinder you! Many study abroad scholarships are offered to support Indian students in pursuing their academic goals in the United States. Let’s take a look at six notable scholarship opportunities to begin your journey.
Types Of Study Abroad Scholarships For Indian Students:
Government-Funded Study Abroad Scholarships
The U.S. government offers a limited number of scholarships to international students, including specific programs tailored for Indians. Prominent examples include the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program and the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships.
Private Organization Scholarships
Numerous private organizations and trusts provide scholarships to Indian students pursuing studies in the United States. Notable options include the AAUW International Fellowships and the International Student Financial Aid (ISFA) program.
University-Based Scholarships
Many top-tier U.S. universities offer scholarships to international students based on various criteria. These scholarships can significantly contribute to the cost of education.
List of Study Abroad Scholarships
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Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships:
This esteemed program looks for outstanding individuals who have a minimum of three years of work experience and a demonstrated history of leadership. Students have the opportunity to earn a Master’s degree in key fields that are important for India’s progress, with a maximum duration of two years.
The study of how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions about how to allocate resources in order to achieve their goals.
- Science and environmental studies.
- Administration of institutions of higher education
- Global relations
- Studies in International Law
- The practice of reporting news and communicating with a large audience.
- Government management
- Health in the public eye
- City and town planning
- Studies focusing on women and gender.
What does it come with?
- Financial assistance: All expenses, such as tuition, living costs, and travel expenses, are fully covered.
- Assistance with obtaining a J-1 visa for your studies is provided.
- Networking Possibilities: Engage with a worldwide network of prominent leaders and academics.
Requirements for Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships Eligibility
- In order to be eligible for a Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship, candidates need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Educational background
- Bachelor’s Degree: Obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited Indian university with at least 55% marks.
- If your bachelor’s degree is shorter than four years, you need to have finished a full-time postgraduate diploma from an acknowledged Indian institution to meet the equivalent qualification requirement.
Work experience in a professional setting.
- A minimum work experience of three years in a relevant field is necessary for your proposed field of study.
- Additional prerequisites
- Experience in leading and serving the community is crucial for leadership positions.
- Applicants without a prior U.S. degree must also not be currently enrolled in a U.S. university program.
- Employer Confirmation: If you have a job, you need to get approval from your employer verifying that you can take a break during the fellowship.
2. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships:
The Inlaks Scholarship is a prestigious award offered to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at top universities in the United States. It provides substantial financial support covering tuition fees, living expenses, and one-way airfare.
Eligibility
- Indian citizenship and passport holder
- Undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian university
- Admission to a Master’s or PhD program at a US university
- Strong academic record (minimum 65% for humanities, law, social sciences, and fine arts; 70% for science, mathematics, and environment)
- Proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Born on or after January 1, 1992
Benefits
- Generous financial support for tuition fees
- Coverage of living expenses
- One-way airfare to the US
Selection Process
The Inlaks Scholarship is highly competitive. The selection process involves:
- Application Submission: Complete the online application form and submit the required documents.
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on academic qualifications, extracurricular activities, and potential for impact.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews to assess their suitability for the scholarship.
- Final Selection: The Inlaks Foundation selects the final recipients based on the overall evaluation.
Required Documents
- Indian passport
- Undergraduate degree certificate
- IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT scores
- Admission letter from a US university
- Academic transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation (LORs)
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
How to Apply
Visit the official Inlaks Foundation website to access the application form and submit all required documents.
3. National Overseas Scholarships:
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a government-funded initiative designed to support economically disadvantaged students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, and Traditional Artisans in pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. degrees at top-tier universities abroad.
Eligibility
- Indian citizenship
- Belonging to Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, or Traditional Artisans category
- Minimum 60% marks in qualifying exam (Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for Ph.D.)
- Age limit: 35 years as of April 1st
- Family income: Below INR 8 lakh per annum
Benefits
- Maintenance allowance
- Contingency allowance
- Tuition fees
- Visa fees
- Incidental journey and equipment allowance
- Airfare
Selection Process
- Online application: Available on the Ministry portal during specified periods.
- Selection rounds: Two rounds annually, considering the income of the previous completed financial year.
- Incomplete applications Will be rejected.
- Grievance redressal: Allowed within 30 days of result announcement.
Required Documents
- Caste certificate
- 10th board certificate
- Signature and photograph
- Address proof
- Transcripts
- Aadhar card
- Income proof
- Qualifying degree/provisional certificate
- Employer’s NOC (if employed)
- Income certificate (issued by Tehsildar)
- ITRs of family members
4. Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship
The Rotary Foundation offers prestigious scholarships to exceptional undergraduate and postgraduate students aiming to study abroad. This program fosters global understanding and leadership.
Scholarship Types
The Rotary Foundation offers three distinct Ambassadorial Scholarship programs, each designed to support different educational goals and durations:
- Academic Year Ambassadorial Scholarship: This scholarship provides comprehensive funding for a single year of undergraduate or graduate study abroad. It is ideal for students seeking a focused academic experience in a foreign country.
- Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship: Offers substantial support for multiple years of graduate study. This option is designed for students pursuing advanced degrees and research opportunities.
- Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship: Emphasizes cultural exchange and language learning. This scholarship is perfect for individuals passionate about immersing themselves in a foreign culture and developing language proficiency.
Benefits
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
- Textbooks and academic materials
- Stipend for personal expenses
Eligibility
- Undergraduate or postgraduate students
- Strong academic record
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Commitment to community service
5. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University:
The Tata Scholarship is a need- and merit-based award offered to Indian students by the Tata Trusts and Cornell University. Designed to support exceptional students financially, it aims to make a Cornell education accessible to deserving Indian scholars.
Key Features
- Provider: A collaborative initiative between the Tata Trusts and Cornell University, the scholarship combines the Tata Trusts’ philanthropic vision with Cornell University’s academic excellence.
- Target Students: Indian undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to their communities.
- Award Amount: Approximately INR 2.5 Crores are allocated annually to support 20 students, providing substantial financial assistance towards their undergraduate education.
- Benefits: Recipients of the Tata Scholarship receive comprehensive financial support, covering tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of their undergraduate studies at Cornell University. However, it’s important to note that the scholarship typically covers up to eight semesters, with specific exceptions for architecture majors.
Eligibility
To be considered for the Tata Study Abroad Scholarship, Indian students must meet the following criteria:
- Admission to Cornell University’s undergraduate program.
- Demonstrated financial need as determined by the university’s financial aid office.
- Exceptional academic performance, as evidenced by standardized test scores, high school grades, and extracurricular involvement.
- A strong record of leadership and community service.
- Alignment with the scholarship’s values of academic excellence, social responsibility, and cultural exchange.
6. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship:
The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship awarded annually to five exceptional Indian students who have been accepted into the Stanford Graduate School of Business. This generous grant, valued at INR 1.24 Crores, covers approximately 80% of the tuition fees and course-related expenses for the entire two-year MBA program.
Key Benefits
- Comprehensive Financial Support: The fellowship provides substantial financial assistance, covering a significant portion of the tuition fees and associated costs for the entire two-year MBA program at Stanford. This allows recipients to focus on their studies without undue financial burden.
- Access to a Premier Institution: Stanford Graduate School of Business is globally renowned for its academic excellence and strong alumni network. The fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in a world-class learning environment and connect with influential leaders.
- Community of High-Achievers: As a Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellow, you become part of a select group of talented Indian students who share your ambition and drive. This network can provide invaluable support, mentorship, and professional opportunities throughout your career.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible for the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, candidates must:
- Be a citizen of India with a proven track record of academic excellence and leadership.
- Have received an unconditional offer of admission to the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, a strong commitment to making a positive impact on India, and a clear vision for their future career.
- Possess strong communication skills and a proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
- Have achieved competitive scores on the GRE or GMAT, and IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL exams.
- Be willing to return to India after completing the MBA program and contribute to the country’s development.
Common Language Proficiency Test Required By Top Universities Of USA
Besides these study abroad scholarships, many universities ask for Language proficiency tests like PTE, IELTS, CELPIP & Duolingo. To crack that, here are some common tips and tricks that you can use.
- Master the Test Format: It is crucial to have a deep understanding of the test structure, question types, and time constraints. Each test has its own unique approach, so dedicate time to familiarizing yourself with its specific format.
- Consistent Practice: Regular practice is the cornerstone of success. Aim for consistent exposure to the English language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises.
- Vocabulary Expansion: A rich vocabulary is essential for effective communication. Incorporate new words into your daily language use and create flashcards for review.
- Grammar Mastery: A strong grasp of grammar rules and sentence structure is vital. Practice applying grammar concepts in different contexts to improve accuracy.
- Time Management: Effective time management is key to completing the test within the allotted time. Practice completing tasks under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy.
- Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions by taking mock tests to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Consider enrolling in language courses or hiring a tutor for personalized support. Expert guidance can provide valuable insights and strategies.
- Immerse Yourself in English: Create an English-rich environment by watching English movies and TV shows, listening to English music, and reading English books and newspapers. This immersive approach enhances language acquisition.
After applying for study abroad scholarships, you can practice for English language exams like PTE, IELTS, CELPIP & Duolingo on Gurully. You can access full-length mock tests to practice from the comfort of your home. To help you strategize your study plan, we provide prediction files highlighting frequently asked questions. Our AI-powered scoring system delivers instant results, allowing you to track your progress effectively and identify areas for improvement. Along with that, you can also customize our practice plan for the day.
Conclusion:
Studying in top universities of the United States doesn’t have to be financially out of reach for Indian students. There’s a variety of scholarships available from government agencies, private organizations, and universities themselves. Programs like the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships, and National Overseas Scholarships offer substantial financial support to deserving candidates.
However, securing these scholarships is competitive. It requires strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and a clear understanding of the scholarship criteria. By carefully researching and applying for multiple scholarships, Indian students can increase their chances of obtaining the necessary financial aid to pursue their higher education dreams in the United States.
Remember, financial constraints should not be a barrier to your academic aspirations.
