Studying abroad can be a financial challenge for many deserving students who often drop out due to high course fees, visa fees, accommodation and food costs. Therefore, scholarships help many to pursue their dreams.
News18 ‘Scholarship Guide’ offers the best and most prestigious scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA, most of which cover airfare, accommodation and course fees; and some also provide a stipend.
The US remains the most sought-after study destination for students worldwide, including Indians. While studying at the prestigious Ivy League colleges is a goal of thousands of Indian students, who enroll in these higher education institutions every year, not everyone can score a seat. Merit aside, the lack of funds to support their education is also one of the main reasons why America is an elusive study abroad destination.
“Many students fail to thoroughly research available scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application requirements. It is critical to invest time in exploring different scholarship opportunities and understanding their specific requirements to ensure a well-targeted application,” suggests Karunn Kandoi, Chief Experience Officer at ApplyBoard – an online platform that connects international students, recruitment partners and academic institutions. ApplyBoard also offers direct scholarships to students to study abroad.
Almost every university offers a range of scholarships based on need, merit, and extracurricular activities. Some colleges offer cluster scholarships while others offer scholarships from both the US and Indian governments. There are many private groups or organizations that fund students.
News18 Scholarship Guide provides you with the list of scholarships, their offerings and ways to increase your chances of studying in the USA.
Scholarships offered by the government
Fulbright
The Fulbright Program is the United States government’s initiative for international educational and cultural exchange. A range of scholarships in different levels of education and core areas is offered to students and scholars in more than 160 countries, including India. The scholarships under the banner are available to candidates who wish to study, teach and conduct research in the USA.
Where to apply: Interested candidates can check the appropriate fellowship according to their need on the official website, fulbrightscholars.org.
Who can apply: Anyone who wants to study postgraduate can apply for PhD courses. Those interested in exchanging ideas or research can also register.
Selection procedure: The Fulbright Scholar Program for academics and professionals awards more than 1,700 scholarships each year, enabling 800 U.S. scholars to go abroad and 900 visiting scholars to come to the U.S.
Applications for this year close on September 15. While details for selection and procedure vary based on the core area one is applying for, all applicants must submit a detailed resume, project statement, references, essays, and letters of recommendation. Language proficiency test and portfolio may also be required.
SN Bose scholarship
The SN Bose Scholars Program, a joint program offered by the Indian and US governments, enables Indian students to study in the US. The Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) and WINStep Forward, USA, jointly admit Indian students interested in research internships in the USA. Selected scientists receive a $2,000 stipend, health insurance and airfare.
Who can apply: The scholarship is available at both RUG and PG level. Those interested in working in focus areas of atmospheric and earth sciences, chemical sciences, engineering sciences, mathematical and computational sciences, and physical sciences can apply.
Where to apply: Both Indian and US citizens studying science at undergraduate or postgraduate level from recognized institutes can apply through indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in or www.iusstf.org.
Selection procedure: Indian students must complete a separate application form for each program they apply for. Students must also provide a statement of purpose and research experience with supporting documents. Letters of recommendation on official letterheads are also needed. One of the referees must be a teacher or tutor. For those who have completed their research, internship or training, a recommendation from the supervisor is also required.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Humphrey Fellowship is part of the Nehru-Fulbright Program and is a 10-month program, which allows fellows to select their individual program goal. One of the core components of the program is a six-week professional affiliation experience with the US-based organizations. Selected fellows are also placed in 13 host universities in the US. It is a non-degree program for general development professionals.
Who can apply: The program targets mid-career professionals with experience in leadership and public service. Fields of study include law and human rights, communications and journalism, public policy, technology policy, finance and banking, economic development, agriculture, natural resources, urban planning, public health, education administration, among others.
Where to apply: Interested persons can apply at humphreyfellowship.org, usief.org.in
Selection process: Fulbright committee submits nominations to the Institute of International Education in Washington in October. Selected fellows will be announced in March. Selected fellows must submit their TOFEL score. Along with the applications, candidates must submit two letters of reference, official transcripts in English, English proficiency scores, an essay and detailed answers to questions in the application.
Cluster grants
There are a variety of scholarships offered by communities, organizations, and groups that can be used to study, work, or conduct research in not just one, but a wide variety of colleges and institutions across America.
AAUW International Scholarships
American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers a range of scholarships and grants to support women working, studying and researching in the US. Selected professional scholarships for women pursuing a full-time masters or professional degree, US scholarships for women pursuing full-time studies or preparing a dissertation, career development scholarships are just a few. For non-US citizens, international fellowship and international project grants are the most suitable bet.
Where to apply: Applicants can search for their most suitable scholarship and apply for it at aauw.org.
Who can apply: Women pursuing full-time or postgraduate studies in the US can apply for an international fellowship. Alumni of the fellowship who live in their home countries and work for social advancement and economic development of women can also apply for international project grants.
Selection procedure: Applicants must submit a proposal, recommendations, a document proving educational qualification and proof of English proficiency. Financial need, position on return to the home country, proposed timetable, quality and feasibility of the proposal determine, among other things, the qualification of the proposal.
You are welcome here
The scholarship is offered to international students including Indians to study in US universities. The campaign started in 2019 with 50 colleges and now nearly 400 colleges are accepting the colleges, including Miami, University of Ohio, Michigan State University, University of Wisconsin-Stout, State University of New York at New Paltz, among others.
Who can apply: Students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate courses can apply for the scholarships.
Where to apply: Students must choose from the list of colleges they wish to apply to and submit their application on the college or university website. The scholarship application can be submitted after admission.
Selection procedure: Universities decide on the scholarship based on the documents submitted, essay and required English language.
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
The highly competitive scholarship provides full tuition fees to one international student each year to study in the USA. Students who are not selected for a full scholarship may still be selected for a partial scholarship.
Who can apply: Students outside America who want to study in the US can apply. Students must have a minimum of 3.8 GPA out of 4.0 GPA. Students must also meet English language proficiency requirements, demonstrate volunteerism.
Where to apply: Interested students can register at american.edu. Applications will begin from September 15.
Admission procedure: Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of documents including academic transcripts, language proficiency. Other candidates will also be asked to submit essays and called for zoom interviews.
University Specific Scholarships
Almost every university in the United States offers scholarships or fundraisers or grants. Many higher education institutions also accept scholarships offered by other organizations upon admission. Here are some examples of different types of scholarships offered at the university level.
Yale University Scholarships
The prestigious Yale University does not offer a merit-based scholarship, but students who have obtained admission to the university can get a need-based assistant. Yale Scholarship can range from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year. According to the university, Yale’s average need-based scholarship is over $50,000. Students at Yale can also receive merit-based scholarships from many private organizations and trusts; for example, Gates Millennium Scholarship and NCAA Grant offered by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
ICSP Scholarships at the University of Oregon
The International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) provides tuition scholarship to the students of the University of Oregon. Selected students will be required to perform 66-80 hours of cultural service per year. This may include speaking or demonstrating to schools or community groups about the heritage and culture of the host country.
Who can apply: Students who have been accepted into the university and are not permanent residents of the US can apply.
Where to apply: Candidates can apply at isss.uoregon.edu.
Application procedure: Students must demonstrate financial need, a strong academic record, communication skills, and experience participating in cultural activities in order to benefit from the scholarship.
Other scholarship options
Other notable scholarships include Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, Ramakrishnan Family Scholarship, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, Aga Foundation Scholarship, Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarship, National Overseas Scholarship, KC Mahindra Scholarship, Uka Tarsadia University International Student Scholarships, Bhagavad Gita National Scholarship and Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship.
There are many co-curricular activity-based scholarships, which are offered based on the talent of the applicant. These include and are not limited to vocal scholarship, athletic scholarship, Esports, orchestra and theater. Essay submission, English proficiency, letters of recommendation, proof of employment and other details are required.
