Scholarships in USA
Scholarships in USA for Indian Students
The United States has long been a dream destination for Indian students seeking world-class higher education. As home to thousands of globally recognized universities, the USA offers advanced academic curricula, cutting-edge research opportunities, and unparalleled access to modern facilities across all fields of study. Graduates of American universities benefit from robust post-study work options, high employability, and an international network that opens doors to top careers worldwide. The dynamic, multicultural environment also ensures that students enjoy a vibrant campus life while building valuable cross-cultural skills.
However, the prestige and quality of education in the USA often come with significant financial commitments, making it a considerable concern for many Indian families. Tuition fees and living expenses can be substantial, especially at high-ranking institutions. For this reason, securing scholarships is crucial in making an American degree both affordable and accessible for deserving students. At PFEC India, our dedicated counselors work closely with applicants to identify, apply for, and secure scholarships that can transform academic ambitions into reality—ensuring talented students can pursue their aspirations in the United States without the overwhelming burden of financial stress.
Why Apply for Scholarships in the USA?
- High tuition and living costs: US universities are known for academic excellence but can be expensive, with annual tuition ranging from $25,000 to over $60,000 before living expenses.
- Diverse support options: The US offers generous scholarships through government programs, universities, and private sources.
- Recognition of merit and need: US scholarships reward both academic achievement and financial need, helping a broad range of students.
- Life-changing opportunities: Scholarships ensure access to top-tier education, professional networking, and enhanced career prospects.
Types of Scholarships Available
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The most prestigious U.S. government-funded scholarship for international students:
- Open to Master’s and PhD students from India.
- Covers full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and more.
- Highly competitive; requires strong academics and leadership experience.
- Others:
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program – For mid-career professionals, focuses on leadership development (not degree-granting).
- Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) – For one semester of study, aimed at emerging student leaders.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: For outstanding academic achievement, leadership, or talents (music, sports, etc.).
- Need-Based Scholarships: For students with proven financial difficulties, assessed via family income and assets.
- Program-Specific Awards: Scholarships dedicated to particular disciplines (e.g., STEM, business, arts).
- Graduate Scholarships & Assistantships (Teaching/Research): Many universities offer tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for assisting with research or teaching.
- Corporate Scholarships: e.g., Ford Foundation, Microsoft, Google.
- Community/Charitable Scholarships: e.g., The Asia Foundation, AAUW International Fellowships.
- Demographic-Specific Scholarships: Some grants target developing country nationals or students from minority communities.
List of Major Scholarships for Indian Students
- Provider: U.S. Department of State
- Level: Masters and PhD
- Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance
- Eligibility: Strong academics, leadership, commitment to return to India
- Deadline: Typically May for next academic year
- Provider: Stanford University
- Level: Graduate
- Benefits: Full funding for up to three years, leadership training
- Eligibility: High academic and leadership potential, English proficiency
- Provider: American Association of University Women
- Level: Masters/Doctoral/Postdoc (women only)
- Benefits: Up to $50,000
- Deadline: November annually
- Level: High school, pre-undergraduate summer program
- Benefits: Need-based tuition waivers
- Provider: Illinois Wesleyan University
- Level: Undergraduate
- Benefits: $16,000–$30,000 per year
- Eligibility: Exceptional academic performance
- Provider: Harvard University
- Level: Undergraduate
- Benefits: 100% demonstrated need; average award over $60,000/year
University-Specific Scholarships (PFEC India Partners)
| University | Scholarship Name | Level | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University at Buffalo | Merit Based | Undergraduate | $10,000 | HSC 80%, IELTS 6 overall |
| Western Michigan University | WMU Gem Scholarship | Undergraduate | $10,000 | HSC 90% marks, IELTS 6 overall |
| University of Arizona | Global Wildcat Award | Both | Up to $22,000 | Bachelors 80%, HSC 70%, IELTS 7 for PG, 6 overall |
| William Paterson University | Pioneer Award & Trustee Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $15,000 | HSC 90%, IELTS 6 overall |
| Midwestern State University | Tier II Tuition Discount | Masters | Up to $7,000 | Bachelors 80%, IELTS 6.5 overall |
| Oregon State University | Merit Based | Both | Up to $10,000 | Bachelors 75%, HSC 80%, IELTS 6.5 |
| Arizona State University | New American University Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $14,000/year | Strong academic record, SAT/ACT optional, IELTS/TOEFL required |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) | International Undergraduate Scholarship | Undergraduate | $3,900–$23,454/year | GPA 3.5+, IELTS 6.0+, SAT/ACT optional |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) | UAB International Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $8,000/year | GPA 3.0+, IELTS 6.0+ |
| Southeast Missouri State University | International Achievement Award | Undergraduate | $2,000–$5,000/year | GPA 3.0+, IELTS 6.0+ |
| University of Bridgeport | Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship | Undergrad/Grad | Up to $22,000/year | GPA 3.0+, IELTS 6.0+, leadership/community involvement |
| Troy University | International Trojan Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $8,000/year | GPA 2.75+, IELTS 5.5+ |
| California State University – East Bay | Non-Resident Tuition Fee Waiver | Undergrad/Grad | $3,000–$8,000/year | GPA 3.0+, IELTS 6.5+ |
| University of South Florida | International Student Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $12,000/year | GPA 3.5+, SAT 1230+, IELTS 6.5+ |
| Florida International University | Ambassador Merit Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $16,000/year | GPA 4.0, SAT 1280+, IELTS 6.5+ |
| Montclair State University | Presidential/Provost Scholarships | Undergraduate | Up to $12,000/year | GPA 3.0+, IELTS 6.0+ |
| University of Central Missouri | International Student Scholarship | Undergrad/Grad | Up to $4,000/year | GPA 2.75+, IELTS 6.0+ |
| Texas State University | Graduate Merit Fellowship | Graduate | Up to $10,000/year | GPA 3.25+, IELTS 6.5+, GRE/GMAT if required |
| Post University | International Graduate Scholarship | Graduate | Up to $4,000/year | GPA 3.0+, IELTS 6.0+, Statement of Purpose |
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in the USA
1. Research early with trusted sources:
Use college search engines, EducationUSA, and check universities’ own pages.
2. Prepare documents:
Academic transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE/GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS), personal statements/SOPs, and recommendation letters.
3. Scholarship essay tips:
- Be authentic—share unique stories and ambitions.
- Clearly demonstrate need, merit, and future goals.
1. Respect application deadlines:
US scholarships fill quickly; apply 8–12 months before your intended start date.
2. Highlight all achievements:
Academic, sports, extra-curriculars, and volunteer work boost your profile.
3. Avoid common mistakes:
Incomplete forms, missing documents, and generic essays lower your chances.
PFEC India Scholarship Support
- Personalized scholarship shortlisting: We match students’ academic profiles to suitable and attainable scholarships.
- Application Assistance: Full guidance on documentation, essay reviews, and interview preparation.
- Deadline management: Automatic alerts and reminders for major scholarships and partner university application windows
- Success tracking: Many PFEC India students secure partial or full funding every year—your story could be next!
Universities
Can I get a scholarship without SAT/IELTS?
Some universities offer conditional admission or accept alternative certificates but standardized tests increase chances.
Can I stack multiple scholarships?
Most allow combining university and external/private awards, but read terms carefully.
Are scholarships renewable?
Yes, most are renewable for 2–4 years based on GPA and conduct.
Are dependent scholarships available?
Rare, but certain universities have provisions. Consult individual policies.
What’s the best time to apply?
Start a year ahead—deadlines range from November to February for the following September intake.