Dreaming of studying in the USA but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. With tuition fees in the U.S. ranging between $20,000–$60,000 per year, many Indian students rely on scholarships to make this dream a reality.
Luckily, there are several scholarships for college students in the USA—specifically tailored or open to Indian applicants. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential, and your field of study.
In this blog, we explore the top U.S. scholarships for Indian students for the 2025–26 academic session. From Fulbright-Nehru to Tata-Cornell, Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai, and community-specific ones like Upakar and DMA, these programs open doors to some of the world’s best universities.
🇺🇸 1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Offered By: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
- Level: Master’s (in selected fields: STEM, Public Policy, Environment, etc.)
- Eligibility:
- Indian citizen with UG degree
- 3+ years of work/research experience
- Strong academic/professional background
- Award Includes:
- Full tuition
- Living stipend
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip airfare
- Accident and sickness coverage
- Test Requirement: TOEFL required; no GRE for many programs
- Apply At: www.usief.org.in
- Deadline: May 2025 (already closed; reopen for 2026–27)
✅ One of the most prestigious scholarships for Indian students heading to the U.S., covering full costs and offering networking with top global leaders.
🌽 2. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University (Tata Education and Development Trust)
- Offered By: Tata Trusts in collaboration with Cornell
- Level: Undergraduate (UG)
- Eligibility:
- Indian citizen admitted to Cornell as a UG student
- Demonstrated financial need
- Award: Full tuition and living expenses for the entire 4-year course
- Fields Covered: Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Life Sciences, etc.
- Apply At: admissions.cornell.edu + Financial Aid Office
- Deadline: Same as Cornell application (January 2026 for Fall intake)
🎓 Ideal for high-achieving Indian UG students aiming to study in Ivy League institutions.
🏛️ 3. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Offered By: Reliance Industries in collaboration with Stanford GSB
- Level: MBA (Stanford Graduate School of Business)
- Eligibility:
- Indian citizen admitted to Stanford MBA
- Commitment to return to India after graduation
- Award: Up to $150,000 (covers tuition + fees)
- Application Via: gsb.stanford.edu
- Pre-application opens in March 2026 for Fall 2026 intake
💡 A highly selective fellowship empowering future Indian leaders to get an elite MBA education and bring that knowledge back home.
🧧 4. Upakar Indian-American Scholarship
- Offered By: Upakar Foundation (U.S.-based)
- Level: Undergraduate (for Indian-American students in the U.S.)
- Eligibility:
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Indian origin
- Household income < $90,000/year
- GPA ≥ 3.3
- Award: $2,000/year (renewable up to 4 years)
- Apply At: upakarfoundation.org
- Deadline: April 2026
🌍 While not for Indian residents, this is perfect for Indian-origin students already living in the U.S., especially first-generation college aspirants.
🧑🎓 5. DMA Scholarship (Desis Mentoring Desis)
- Offered By: DMA (Desis Mentoring Desis) — a nonprofit by Indian professionals
- Level: Undergraduate or Master’s
- Eligibility:
- Indian nationals pursuing UG/PG in the U.S.
- Financial need + community involvement
- Award: Varies; often mentorship + funding of $1,000–$5,000
- Apply At: desismentoring.org (check for updates)
💬 This scholarship is community-driven and provides personalized mentorship, often missing from mainstream funding.
💰 Bonus Scholarships Open to Indian Students in the USA (No Country Restriction)
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|
| MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship | U.S. university students (no GRE/IELTS needed) | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship | Indian PG students in top U.S. schools | Up to $100,000 |
| AAUW International Fellowship | Female PG/PhD applicants | $20,000–$50,000 |
| Knight-Hennessy (Stanford) | PG students across disciplines | Full ride |
| AAI Foundation Scholarships | UG/PG in aviation, STEM | Varies |
🗂️ Documents You’ll Likely Need
- Academic transcripts
- Admission letter from a U.S. university
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Recommendation Letters
- Financial documents (for need-based grants)
- Passport and Photo
- Resume/CV (for MBA programs)
📌 Final Thoughts
With tuition and living costs rising, these scholarships for college students in the USA are a lifeline for talented Indians. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer at Cornell, a future MBA at Stanford, or a STEM researcher under Fulbright—these opportunities are worth every application hour.
🔍 Apply early, gather strong essays, and tailor your applications. With the right scholarship, your American dream is well within reach.
