Top 5 Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad in the USA
Here are the top 5 scholarships offered by the Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad for Indian Students in the United States:
1. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
This scholarship is for Indian residents with an outstanding academic or professional history and English language proficiency.
| Scholarship Details | |
| Eligibility Criteria | Indian citizen residing in India Completed bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian University (an equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree) with a minimum of 55% marks) 3 years of full-time paid professional work experience relevant to your field of study Demonstrated experience in leadership and community service Must not have another degree from a U.S. university or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program If the candidate is employed, the employer’s endorsement instructions should be carefully followed. |
| Expenses Covered | J-1 visa support Round-trip economy class air travel from fellow’s home city to the host institution in the US Tuition and fees Living & related costs Accident & sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines |
| Field of Study | Economics Environmental Science/Studies Higher Education Administration International Affairs International Legal Studies Journalism & Mass Communication Public Administration Public Health Urban & Regional Planning Women’s Studies/Gender Studies |
| Time of Application | Deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year: 15 May, 2024 |
| Scholarships | 8000 Scholarships are awarded every year to applicants from over 160 countries |
| Applicable to | US Colleges & Universities |
Note: The details are subject to change by the relevant authorities. Last updated on 17/05/24.
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2. Tata Scholarship
This scholarship is a need-based foreign scholarship for Indian students who have been admitted to Cornell University for undergraduate studies.
| Scholarship Details | |
| Eligibility Criteria | Indian citizen residing in India Completed any Indian senior secondary school Qualified for need-based financial aid Submit either one English Language Proficiency Exam Score: TOEFL-iBT: 100 IELTS: 7.0 Candidate must have an admission offer from Cornell University for any undergraduate program |
| Expenses Covered | Covers the full cost of tuition, fees, room, and board for 4 years of study at the University Living & related costs of living in the US are not covered. |
| Field of Study | Applicable for all undergraduate programs; however, preference is given to the following: College of Architecture, Art and Planning College of Engineering Applied Economics and Management major Majors in the biological sciences, physical sciences, and other sciences |
| Time of Application | Session starts from 1 November, 2023, to 2 January, 2024. |
| Scholarships | 20 Scholarships are awarded every year to deserving Indian applicants |
| Applicable to | Cornell University |
Note: The details are subject to change by the relevant authorities. Last updated on 17/05/24.
3. Inlaks Scholarship
This scholarship is for Indian citizens and residents at the time of application.
| Scholarship Details | |
| Eligibility Criteria | Indian citizen holding an Indian passport Completed bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian University. Minimum percentage: Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture and related subjects: Minimum academic grade of 65%, CGPA 6.8/10, or GPA 2.6/4 Mathematics, Sciences, Environment and related subjects: Minimum academic grade of 70%, CGPA 7.2/10, or GPA 2.8/4 Candidates with an undergraduate degree from a recognised university abroad must be employed or studying in India for 2 years continuously after completing an undergraduate degree Must have an admission offer to the institute Proof of English Language Proficiency Exam certificate Note: Candidates with a postgraduate qualification or those who have started their post-graduation at any university abroad are not eligible to apply. |
| Expenses Covered | Worth up to USD 1,00,000 (INR 75 lakh) Tuition fees Living costs Healthcare One-way air travel |
| Field of Study | Funding is offered for many subject areas BUT NOT for the following: Business and Finance Computer Science Engineering (except Engineering and Natural Sciences at Imperial College, London) Fashion Design Film and Film Animation (Except Documentary filmmaking) Hospitality and Tourism Indian Studies without Contemporary Relevance Management Studies (i.e. MBA) Medicine, Dentistry, and related therapies Music (Except Western Classical singing) Public Health |
| Time of Application | Deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year: 22 March, 2024 |
| Scholarships | Exact number of scholarships awarded every year is not specified |
| Applicable to | Full-time Masters degree, MPhil or PhD at a University in the USA |
Note: The details are subject to change by the relevant authorities. Last updated on 17/05/24.
4. SN Bose Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students
The S.N. Bose Scholars Program is a dynamic student exchange program between premier institutions in India and the United States.
| Scholarship Details | |
| Eligibility Criteria | Indian citizen Candidate must be pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognised Indian University |
| Expenses Covered | Stipend Health Insurance Airfare |
| Field of Study | Atmospheric and Earth Sciences Chemical Sciences Engineering Sciences Mathematical and Computational Sciences Physical Sciences |
| Time of Application | Starts in the last week of September and ends at the end of October |
| Scholarships | Exact number of scholarships awarded every year is not specified |
| Applicable to | Student exchange program between premier Indian institutions and US institutions |
Note: The details are subject to change by the relevant authorities. Last updated on 17/05/24.
5. KC Mahindra Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students
Since 1956, K. C. Mahindra Education Trust has granted interest-free loan scholarships to deserving students to pursue post-graduate studies abroad in various fields.
| Scholarship Details | |
| Eligibility Criteria | Indian National Secured admission for a postgraduate course in any recognised international university Good academic record First Class degree or equivalent diploma |
| Expenses Covered | Awarded in the form of an interest-free loan that is repayable within 24 months of completing their course or within 48 months of receiving the scholarship Maximum INR 10 lakh per scholar to the top 3 Maximum INR 5 lakh per scholar to the remaining successful applicants |
| Field of Study | Open to various fields |
| Time of Application | Deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year: August, 2024 |
| Scholarships | Exact number of scholarships awarded every year is not specified |
| Applicable to | Any recognised international university |
Note: The details are subject to change by the relevant authorities. Last updated on 17/05/24.
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Application Procedure for Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students
The application procedure for Indian scholarships to study abroad varies. However, here are the general steps involved:
- Visit the website and check the eligibility criteria and documents required for the scholarship.
- Register on the portal by filling in the required information.
- Fill out the application form and attach the required documents.
- Submit the application.
Documents Required of Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students
Here are the documents required for Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students:
- Photograph
- Caste/Community Certificate
- Your Address proof (current & permanent)
- Aadhar Card
- Scanned Signature
- Qualifying Degree/Provisional Certificate
- Mark sheet of qualifying examination
- Class 10th Board Certificate
- Valid Document regarding admission to a Foreign University (Application, Registration or Admission related document)
- NOC Certificate if the applicant is employed
- Income Certificate
- Gap certificate (If applicable)
- ITR acceptance document.
Note: The exact documents required may vary depending on the specific scholarship. Do check the official website for the most accurate information.
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Difference Between Scholarships & Student Loan
| Basis | Scholarships | Student Loan |
| Concept | They are merit-based gift aid. | They are financial assistance offered by financial institutions. |
| Expenses Covered | It usually covers part of studying expenses like tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, etc. However, there are also some fully-funded scholarships. | It covers more than a scholarship, including tuition, books, supplies, housing, transportation, insurance, and living costs. The exact list may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the loans. |
| Changes in Expenses Covered | Its terms and conditions are usually fixed and can’t be changed. | Usually, its terms and conditions can be changed to meet your needs. Check with the bank before signing. |
| Time of Application | There is a fixed deadline for application submission. | There isn’t typically a fixed deadline to apply for a student loan to study abroad in India. However, you should start the process as soon as you receive your admission letter. |
| Repayment | They don’t need to be fully repaid after you graduate. | They need to be fully repaid with interest after you graduate. |
| Eligibility Criteria | The eligibility criteria for scholarships include academic interest, financial need, academic achievement, background, location, and extracurricular achievement. | Loans require credit checks and formal loan applications. The student’s academic achievement is not a factor at all. |
| Given by | They are awarded by universities, foundations, corporations, or other organisations. | They are given by banks and non-banking financial institutions. |
Tips for Scoring Financial Aid for Study Abroad
Here are some tips to help you secure financial aid for studying abroad:
- Start Early: Begin looking for financial aid as soon as you can. The sooner you start, the more choices you will have.
- Research: Search for scholarships, grants, and loans that you might qualify for. There are many resources, so take your time to explore all your options.
- Apply for Multiple Programs: Don’t stick to just one source of funding. Apply for as many scholarships, grants, and loans as possible to increase your chances of getting financial aid.
- Keep Your Grades Up: Many scholarships and grants are based on academic performance. Good grades can boost your chances of receiving financial aid.
- Write a Strong Essay: If an application requires an essay, make sure it is well-written and engaging. This is your opportunity to stand out.
- Check with Your School: Contact your school’s financial aid office. They might have specific resources for students looking to study abroad.
Understand the Terms: Make sure you understand the terms of any financial aid you receive. For instance, loans need to be repaid, often with interest.
FAQ for Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students
What is the duration of the Fulbright- Kalam Climate Fellowship?
The Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships are designed for Indian scholars who are registered for a PhD at an Indian institution. The duration is six to nine months.
Do I need to learn the Chinese language to be eligible for the Great Wall Program?
Yes, you must learn the Chinese language to be eligible for the Great Wall Program.
Will the Aga Khan Foundation support my postgraduate diploma education?
No, the Aga Khan Foundation does not support degrees other than Master’s degrees.
Are there private scholarships to study abroad?
Yes, there are numerous private scholarships available for students who wish to study abroad. These are provided by NGOs, companies, and foundations like Leverage Edu, Go Overseas, IED Istituto Europa di Design, API, and many more.
What are the scholarships for studying in Canada?
There are several scholarships available for students who wish to study in Canada like government, institutional, privately funded, and discipline-specific scholarships.
Which country has fully funded scholarships for Indian students?
Several countries offer fully funded scholarships for Indian students, allowing them to pursue higher education without financial burdens. Here are some notable options:
1. USA
2. UK
3. Canada
References:
Works Cited
“2024-2025 Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships.” Usief.org.in, usief.org.in/Fulbright-Nehru-Fellowships.aspx. Accessed 17 May 2024.
How to Apply – Inlaks Foundation. www.inlaksfoundation.org/scholarships/how-to-apply/. Accessed 17 May 2024.
“KC Mahindra Scholarship.” College Dunia . Accessed 17 May 2024.
“S.N Bose Scholars Program – Iusstf.” Iusstf.org, iusstf.org/s-n-bose-scholars-program. Accessed 17 May 2024.
“Tata Scholarship – Cornell University.” College Dunia . Accessed 17 May 2024.
“TC Global 15 Best Scholarships to Study Abroad in 2024 |.” TC Global, 27 Feb. 2024, tcglobal.com/5-best-scholarships-to-study-abroad-in-2023/. Accessed 17 May 2024.
“Top 5 Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad!” Leap Scholar, 6 Nov. 2023, leapscholar.com/blog/indian-government-scholarships-to-study-abroad/. Accessed 18 May 2024.
