Updated On: 19 November 2024

Scholarships to Study in USA

Are you planning to study in one of the top colleges in the USA but do not have enough funds to pay for the tuition fees? If so, don't worry because we have got you covered. In this blog, we will share with you some of the best scholarships that can help you study in USA. What's more, we will also discuss major USA Universities where you can consider pursuing your degree or diploma. So what are we waiting for? Let's delve right into the details.

Understanding Scholarships for Indian Students

What are Scholarships?

Scholarships are financial awards given to students based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. They can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even provide stipends for research or extracurricular activities.

Types of Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships
- Awarded to students with exceptional academic achievements.
- Examples: Fulbright Scholarship, Rhodes Scholarship.
Need-Based Scholarships
- Offered to students from low-income backgrounds.
- Examples: Gates Millennium Scholarship, Tata Trusts Scholarship.
Specific Program Scholarships
- Targeted scholarships for students pursuing specific fields of study.
- Examples: STEM Scholarships, Fine Arts Scholarships.
Country-Specific Scholarships
- Scholarships designed for students from particular countries.
- Examples: Quad Fellowship for Stem Scholarships, USIEF Scholarships.

Finding the Right Scholarship

Researching Scholarships

Before applying, conduct thorough research on available scholarships using online platforms, university websites, and scholarship databases. Consider factors such as eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documents.

Key Considerations

Eligibility Criteria
- Check if you meet the academic, financial, and nationality requirements.
- Ensure you fulfill any specific criteria, such as language proficiency or GPA.
Application Deadlines
- Note important dates for scholarship applications.
- Plan ahead to gather necessary documents and submit applications on time.
Required Documents
- Prepare documents like transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays.
- Tailor your application to highlight your achievements and aspirations.

Scholarships for Indian students to Study in USA

There are ample resources accessible to students willing to apply for Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in USA. Moreover, there are a number of services that charge them for either gaining access to the database of scholarships or for performing a search on the behalf of students. However, in case you do not have enough time or money to conduct such research, then all you need to do is read this blog because below, we have mentioned all the major scholarships that can help you study in the USA. But before we get to it, the question is, are you eligible for the scholarship?

Well, scholarship eligibility is entirely dependent on the scholarship itself. There is no specific rule that decides a student's eligibility overall - each scholarship has different eligibility criteria and thus, your eligibility is based on that particular scholarship. The factors include TOEFL score, country of origin, average grade point, etc. Ideally, the organization or the college offering financial aid decides the criteria.

University-Specific Scholarships

Whether you wish to study masters in USA or a bachelor's, several universities offer scholarships to students seeking financial aid. Some of the major ones include:

Merit-Based Scholarships at Stony Brook University: The university provides freshmen with a chance to avail of scholarships based on merit. The students then receive a letter via email for being notified regarding financial aid through scholarships.
Harvard University Scholarships: One of the most renowned universities globally, Harvard University provides a wide variety of scholarships to international students that are highly competitive.
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: To students of high leadership potential willing to study abroad in USA, Washington DC University offers undergraduate scholarships.
Clark University Global Scholars Program: International freshmen applicants can avail of scholarships of a minimum of US$10,000. Further, the program also offers a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for paid internships.
Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program: Students with great academic excellence are the ones who have high chance of availing of this scholarship.

Other Scholarship Programs

Apart from university-specific scholarship programs, there are other programs that help global students study abroad USA by offering financial aid. These are:

US Government Scholarships for International Students

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A program for experienced, international experts who want to study for 10 months in the US.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program: This program is ideal for young, graduate artists and professionals who wish to study in the US for a minimum of one year.

Non-governmental US Scholarships for Global Students

Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
Preply Scholarship
David P. Shapiro Autism Scholarship
Civil Society Leadership Awards
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

US Scholarships for Students from Asia

Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program
Japan-United States Friendship Commission
East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships

US Scholarships for Female Students

MIT-Zaragoza Women in Logistics and SCM Scholarship
Bat and Ball Game Women's Sports Scholarship
AAUW International Fellowships

US Scholarships for Students from Developing Nations

MasterCard Foundation Scholarships: Scholarship programs for students from Africa who wish to pursue a degree in Africa or the US.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program: Scholarship programs for global students pursuing postgraduate studies in the US and originating from an African nation.

US Scholarships for Graduates

Rotary Peace Fellowships: Scholarships for studying in the United States are offered to postgraduate students who study in one of Rotary's Peace Centers, like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Duke University.

Conclusion

Studying in the US at one of the top colleges along with being awarded a scholarship can sound difficult but if you're determined, you can be the one. All you need to do is find the right scholarship - the one that has such criteria that match your abilities and you're all set for studying abroad in US.

Attend Virtual Applications Day & Meet University Delegates from Stony Brook University - officially the State University of New York.

Reach out to SIEC for applications and queries.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can international students apply for scholarships in the USA?
- Yes, many scholarships are open to international students, including those from India.
What GPA is required for scholarships?
- GPA requirements vary depending on the scholarship. Some may require a minimum GPA, while others focus more on holistic criteria.
Are there scholarships specifically for Indian students in the USA?
- Yes, several scholarships cater to Indian students, ranging from government-sponsored programs to university-specific awards.
How can I increase my chances of receiving a scholarship?
- Focus on academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, community service, and strong application materials.
Do scholarships cover living expenses as well?
- Some scholarships may include living expenses along with tuition fees, but it varies by scholarship.
What should I include in my scholarship application essay?
- Highlight your achievements, aspirations, personal experiences, and why you are a deserving candidate for the scholarship.