Study Abroad Content Specialist
Every international student like you have a dream of studying at a top tier US university. Some can afford to have the expensive US education, while others often struggle. The cost of tuition, living expenses, and other fees become a significant barrier to them. Grants and fellowships are essential financial resources that help Indian students pursue their educational goals without bearing the full financial burden.
Grants and fellowships slightly differ from student loans as they do not require repayment, making them an attractive option for students. These are often merit-based or need-based and are offered by US government agencies, private organizations, educational institutions, and Indian government bodies. Some of the benefits of grants and fellowships are
- Wide coverage: Grants and fellowships cover various costs, from tuition to research expenses and living costs, reducing the financial strain.
- Opportunities: Fellowships often come with the opportunity to conduct advanced research and work with esteemed professors. It gives an overall boost to your academic profile.
- Networking: Many grants and fellowships offer students a chance to connect with professionals in their field, opening doors to future career and job opportunities in USA.
Come along, as we discuss further about the grant and fellowships for Indian students in USA.
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s fellowships are designed for highly motivated individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, have at least three years professional work experience, and are committed to return and contribute to their communities in India.
Grant Details
Grant details for this fellowship are
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip economy class air travel from fellow’s home city to the host institution
- Funding for tuition and fees
- Living and related costs
- Accident and sickness coverage per US Government guidelines
Note: The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships provide no financial support for dependents.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are as follows
- A bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with 55% equivalent as per the US Education system. If the bachelor degree is not of 4 years, then
- A completed master's degree
- A full-time postgraduate diploma from a recognized Indian institution
- At least three years' full-time (paid) relevant professional work experience
- Must demonstrate experience in leadership and community service
- Must not have another degree from a US university or be enrolled in a US degree program
- Follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement, if applicable.
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru doctoral research fellowships are designed for Indian scholars who are registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution. These fellowships are for 6 to 9 months and the applicant will be affiliated with one U.S. host institution.
Grant Details
These fellowships provide
- J-1 visa support
- A monthly stipend
- Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines,
- Round-trip economy class air travel
- Applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees, if any.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for these fellowships are
- Applicant must be registered for Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2023
- One recommendation letter from Ph.D. supervisor mentioning
- Applicants’ research
- Need for the fellowship
- The Ph.D. registration date and topic
- A copy of the original published paper or extracts from the Masters’/ M.Phil thesis on the online application form (not exceeding 20 pages).
- Follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement, if applicable.
Also read: Differences Between J, M, and F Visas
Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships
It is designed for Indian faculty, researchers, and professionals the opportunity to teach, conduct research, or carry out a combination of teaching and research at a US university.
Grant Details
The fellowships provide
- J-1 visa support
- A monthly stipend
- Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines
- Round-trip economy class air travel
- A modest settling-in allowance, and a professional allowance.
Note: In case of grantees on 8 or 9 month grants, a dependent allowance and international travel may be provided for one accompanying eligible dependent for at least 80% of the grant period. Subject to availability of funds.
Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships
The Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships are designed to build long-term capacity to address climate change-related issues in India and the US. Types, grant details and eligibility criteria are tabulated below.
| Types of Fellowships | Grant Details | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Research Fellowship | J-1 visa support, a monthly stipend, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines, round-trip economy class air travel, applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees, if any | Applicants must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2023. Recommendation letter from a supervisor, mentioning Applicants’ research, Need for the fellowship, and Ph.D. registration date and topic. |
| Postdoctoral Research Fellowship | J-1 visa support, a monthly stipend, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines, round-trip economy class air travel between India and the U.S., a modest settling-in allowance, and a professional allowance. | Must have a Ph.D. or D.M. degree within the past four years. Must have a publication in reputed journals. Upload a recent significant publication (copy of paper/ article) on the online application (not exceeding 30 pages). Follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement, if applicable. |
| Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship | Faculty/researchers must have a Ph.D. degree with at least 5 years of relevant teaching/ research/ professional experience. Upload a recent significant publication (within 30 pages). Follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement, if applicable. |
Other Popular Funding Options for Indian Students
We strongly recommend you to check the Scholarships in USA for Indian students page to know more about the funding options. If you have scrolled through by this section, note the other popular funding options available
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Rotary Foundation Global Grants
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Aga Khan Foundation Fellowship program
- Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation
India ranks #2 for the number of students who apply for admission to the US and scholarships. According to the Open Doors Report published by the US Embassy and Consulates in India, there were 268,923 Indian students in USA in the last academic year. The report also says, Indian students constitute more than 25% of the over one million foreign students studying in the United States. Indian students can consider the above details while searching for grants are fellowships to study in USA. There might be some other options available, hence, it is better to consult with your university for more information.
FAQs
Ques: How to get full scholarship in USA for Indian students?
Ans: To secure a full scholarship, Indian students should aim for strong academic records, high standardized test scores (like the SAT or GRE), and relevant extracurricular achievements. Applying for scholarships from universities, private foundations, or government programs also increases the chances.
Ques: Can I get a 100% scholarship in the USA?
Ans: Yes, some universities and private organizations offer full scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and more. Examples include the Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship and the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship.
Ques: What is the Tata scholarship in USA?
Ans: The Tata Scholarship, funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust, provides financial aid to Indian undergraduates at Cornell University, covering their tuition, living expenses, and travel for up to eight semesters.
Ques: How to get a fully funded scholarship in the USA?
Ans: To receive a fully funded scholarship, Indian students should research and apply to programs like the Fulbright Program, Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford, or the AAUW International Fellowships for women, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria.
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