Scholarships in USA for Indian Students for 2025-26: Explore the Top Choices

The United States of America (USA) is known worldwide as the Land of the Brave and the Free, but it is also the land of opportunity and new avenues for international students. The USA has around 25% of the world’s top Universities as per QS World University Rankings 2025, and excellent internship/co-op opportunities alongside studies. With its cutting-edge academic and technological infrastructure, the American higher education system was created to prepare students for successful futures ahead.

A Master’s or Bachelor’s degree from an American University launches people to a new stratosphere in terms of global recognition and career opportunities. However, the investment in this education is also considerable, if one adds up the tuition fees, cost of living, travel, health insurance, and other costs.

This is where scholarships play a big role, helping talented students reach their academic goals. There are many special scholarships in USA for Indian students, based on Merit, Need, Talent, and other criteria. Let us get a brief look at some popular scholarship in this article.

Cost to Study in USA in 2025

Before we dive into the best scholarships for Indian students, it is important to get an aggregate range of the major costs to account for. The estimate can help students plan their budget.

• Aggregate Tuition Fee Range for a Master’s Degree in USA: $10,000 to $55,000 per year
• Aggregate Tuition Fee Range for a Bachelor’s Degree in USA: $8,000 to $50,000 per year
• Aggregate Cost of Living in USA: Between $2,115 and $3,175 per month, depending on the city

Now that we have understood the major expenditures to account for as an international student in USA, we know which scholarships to aim for. Read on to get a closer look at the most interesting options.

Best Scholarships in USA for Indian Students in Upcoming Intakes

Study abroad scholarships in USA can be funded by the government, the state, the University, and external organizations, depending on the student’s chosen course, level, and University. Some of them are mentioned below.

1. The Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship: Merit-Based Scholarship
• Level of Scholarship: Applies only to Master’s students
• Scholarship Amount: Full funding for tuition fees, living expenses, travel, visa support, etc.
• Description: To be eligible for this scholarship, students must have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or a 3-year Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree, as well as 3 years’ work experience in a field related to their chosen field. Students must also display leadership and community service experience.

2. The Tata Scholarship at Cornell University

• Type of Scholarship: Merit-Based and Need-Based Scholarship
• Level of Scholarship: Applies only to Bachelor’s students
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition fees for the duration of the course
• Description: Students applying for Bachelor’s degrees at Cornell University can apply for this scholarship established through the Tata Education and Development Trust. Each year, the Trust releases around 20 awards to deserving students from diverse financial backgrounds.

3. KC Mahindra Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies

• Type of Scholarship: Merit-Based and Need-Based Scholarship
• Level of Scholarship: Applies only to Master’s students
• Scholarship Amount: INR 10 lakhs for the top 3 scholars and INR 5 lakhs for the remaining successful applicants
• Description: This loan scholarship was started by KC Mahindra to encourage social and economic development among Indian students. Students must hold a First-Class Degree or Diploma from a recognized Indian University.

4. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship: Merit-Based Scholarships
• Level of Scholarship: Applies only to Master’s students
• Scholarship Amount: Up to $100,000 that can go towards tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses.
• Description: The Inlaks Foundation recognizes talented young Indian students aiming for Master’s or doctoral programs in USA, UK, and Europe. Students must have a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 70% marks for STEM programs and at least 65% marks for Social Sciences and Humanities programs.

5. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship: Need-Based Scholarship
• Level of Scholarship: Applies only to Master’s students
• Scholarship Amount: Full or partial tuition fees, living expenses, travel, etc.
• Description: The Aga Khan Foundation offers a unique opportunity for Indian students, with a 50% grant and 50% loan structure so that students can chase their drams with lesser student debt.

Ultimately, scholarships in USA for Indian students give students access to a bright academic and professional trajectory beyond their wildest dreams. Students wondering how and why study in USA often see these scholarships as more accessible options, especially ones which cover all the expenses of living in USA. For the nest chances of winning these competitive scholarships, students can get in touch with the top overseas education consultants and use their expertise to chart a course to USA in the upcoming intakes.