Virginia Commonwealth University offers 25+ scholarships, of which 12 are accessible to Indian applicants at UG, master’s and PhD levels.
Awards range from partial tuition support of USD 2,000 to full graduate assistantships worth USD 25,000 plus tuition waiver.
- Standard international tuition (Fall 2026, UG): USD 36,048 (INR 34.06 Lakhs) per year.
- With Global Education Office award: USD 31,048 (INR 29.34 Lakhs) per year.
- With graduate assistantship (PG): USD 3,000 (INR 2.84 Lakhs) tuition co-pay plus USD 20,000 (INR 18.9 Lakhs) annual stipend.
- Next major deadline: February 1, 2027 (Fall 2027 priority scholarship deadline, tentative).
Currency Note: All INR conversions use the live rate of 1 USD = INR 94.50 as of September 2026. VCU splits aid into internal awards (university-funded) and external awards (Indian government or trust); both are described below.
Table of Contents
- Virginia Commonwealth University Scholarships for UG Students
- Virginia Commonwealth University Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students
- India-Specific Scholarships at Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Commonwealth University PhD Scholarships
- External Government Scholarships for Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Commonwealth University Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia Commonwealth University Scholarships for UG Students
VCU awards five major internal scholarships to international undergraduate applicants. Most are reviewed automatically at admission with no separate form.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline (Fall 2027) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Education Office International Undergraduate Scholarship | USD 4,000 to 5,000 per year (INR 3.78 to 4.73 Lakhs) | Admitted international freshmen with strong academics; renewable up to four years | February 1, 2027 (tentative, priority) |
| Dean’s International Study Scholarship | USD 5,000 per year (INR 4.73 Lakhs) | Freshmen with 3.5+ high school GPA admitted to a College of Humanities and Sciences programme | February 15, 2027 (tentative) |
| Provost Scholarship | USD 2,000 to 4,000 per year (INR 1.89 to 3.78 Lakhs) | Admitted freshmen with academic merit; automatic review | January 15, 2027 (tentative, early action) |
| Honors College Award | USD 3,000 per year (INR 2.84 Lakhs) | Admission to VCU Honors College; minimum 3.5 GPA and SAT 1300 or equivalent | November 1, 2026 (tentative, Honors deadline) |
| International Partial Tuition Award | USD 2,500 per year (INR 2.36 Lakhs) | Financial need plus 3.0 GPA; separate application | March 1, 2027 (tentative) |
Indian applicants qualify for all five awards. The Global Education Office scholarship is the most widely granted, with recipients picked during admission review.
Honors College admission opens the door to the highest merit awards. Applicants submit one additional essay. The Honors award stacks with the Dean’s scholarship to reach USD 8,000 (INR 7.56 Lakhs) per year.
For a full breakdown of costs and how these awards offset them, see the VCU programs page.
Virginia Commonwealth University Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students
VCU funds master’s students mainly through graduate assistantships. Each combines a stipend, tuition remission and health insurance.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline (Fall 2027) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) | USD 18,000 to 22,000 stipend plus full tuition waiver (INR 17.01 to 20.79 Lakhs stipend) | Admitted master’s students with 3.0+ GPA and teaching capacity in the host department | January 15, 2027 (tentative, priority) |
| Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) | USD 20,000 to 25,000 stipend plus tuition waiver (INR 18.9 to 23.63 Lakhs) | Research fit with a faculty advisor; prior research or publication preferred | Rolling; contact faculty by January 2027 (tentative) |
| School of Business Merit Scholarship | USD 5,000 to 10,000 (INR 4.73 to 9.45 Lakhs) | MBA and MS Business admits with GMAT 650+ or GRE 320+ | March 1, 2027 (tentative, Round 2) |
| College of Engineering Fellowship | USD 5,000 to 12,000 (INR 4.73 to 11.34 Lakhs) | MS Engineering and Computer Science admits with a strong technical CGPA | February 1, 2027 (tentative) |
| Wilder School Public Service Fellowship | USD 6,000 to 10,000 (INR 5.67 to 9.45 Lakhs) | MPA and MURP admits with a public service focus | February 15, 2027 (tentative) |
| Health Sciences Graduate Award | USD 3,000 to 8,000 (INR 2.84 to 7.56 Lakhs) | MHA, MPH or MS Health Sciences admits | February 1, 2027 (tentative) |
Master’s applicants should apply early. Priority scholarship review closes in February and most departmental funds run out by March.
Reddit Insight: Indian students in the r/vcu subreddit report that MS Computer Science assistantships are competitive. Successful applicants usually hold a CGPA above 8.0 and a GRE quant score above 165.
Paired with a departmental award, an assistantship can bring the net cost of an MS at VCU close to zero. See the VCU admission page for programme-wise entry timelines.
India-Specific Scholarships at Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU has no scholarship reserved exclusively for Indian passport holders. Indians still qualify for every international award and for several external India-linked funds listed later.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility for Indians | Deadline (Fall 2027) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCU Global Diversity Award | USD 3,000 per year (INR 2.84 Lakhs) | Indian nationals in undergraduate programmes; cross-cultural engagement essay required | March 1, 2027 (tentative) |
| India Merit Recognition Grant | USD 2,500 per year (INR 2.36 Lakhs) | Applicants from India with 90%+ in Class 12 or 8.5+ CGPA in bachelor’s | February 1, 2027 (tentative) |
| South Asian Student Association Scholarship | USD 500 to 1,500 (INR 47,250 to 1.42 Lakhs) | Continuing Indian and South Asian students at VCU active in cultural events | April 15, 2027 (tentative) |
Indian applicants should combine internal awards with external funding. The strongest stack pairs a VCU merit award with a JN Tata Endowment loan-scholarship. Together they often cover tuition and half of living costs.
For fee comparisons across US universities that admit Indians, review the USA universities list.
Virginia Commonwealth University PhD Scholarships
VCU funds most PhD students fully for five years. The package bundles tuition remission, stipend and health insurance.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline (Fall 2027) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate School Doctoral Assistantship | USD 22,000 to 30,000 stipend plus full tuition waiver (INR 20.79 to 28.35 Lakhs stipend) | Admitted PhD candidates in participating departments; five-year support | December 15, 2026 (tentative, priority round) |
| Presidential Doctoral Fellowship | USD 30,000 stipend plus tuition waiver plus USD 4,000 travel grant (INR 28.35 Lakhs) | Top-ranked PhD admits nominated by department; one to two awards per year | January 15, 2027 (tentative, by nomination) |
| Massey Cancer Center Fellowship | USD 32,000 stipend plus tuition waiver (INR 30.24 Lakhs) | Biomedical PhD candidates in oncology research groups | February 1, 2027 (tentative) |
| School of Medicine Dean’s Doctoral Fellowship | USD 28,000 to 33,000 stipend plus tuition (INR 26.46 to 31.19 Lakhs) | PhD admits in biomedical sciences, neuroscience or biochemistry | December 1, 2026 (tentative) |
Indian PhD applicants should identify a faculty advisor before applying. Assistantship funding depends on the professor’s active grants. Early email contact by August 2026 improves the chance of a match.
The Presidential Fellowship is the most competitive award. Departments nominate one to two candidates per PhD intake. A strong statement of purpose and matched research profile are decisive.
For QS subject rank context on VCU’s PhD strengths, see the VCU ranking page.
External Government Scholarships for Virginia Commonwealth University
Indian students at VCU frequently combine internal aid with six external India-linked funds. All are open to VCU admits and applied through separate portals.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline (2026-27 cycle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Full tuition, stipend, air travel, health insurance (worth USD 60,000+ or INR 56.7 Lakhs) | Indian nationals with three years of professional experience and a bachelor’s degree; US master’s admit required | May 15, 2026 (tentative, for Fall 2027 start) |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Up to USD 100,000 (INR 94.5 Lakhs) covering tuition, living and travel | Indian nationals under 30 admitted to a top US university including VCU for select programmes | April 12, 2026 (tentative, annual cycle) |
| JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | INR 10 Lakhs interest-free loan plus INR 1 to 7.5 Lakhs gift scholarship | Indian graduates admitted to overseas master’s or PhD; no field restriction | March 31, 2026 (tentative, annual) |
| KC Mahindra Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad | INR 8 Lakhs interest-free loan; top three receive INR 10 Lakhs outright | Indian graduates admitted to overseas master’s; need- and merit-based | March 31, 2026 (tentative) |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan for full tuition and living | Indian nationals under 30 admitted to master’s or PhD; financial need required | March 31, 2026 (tentative) |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | Up to INR 20 Lakhs interest-free loan | Indian graduates under 30 admitted to select overseas master’s programmes | April 30, 2026 (tentative) |
Reddit Insight: Users on r/IndiansAbroad note that the JN Tata Endowment is the most Indian-friendly stack for VCU. The interest-free loan is repayable over five years after graduation. It also does not require a US co-signer.
Applicants should time these carefully. Most external deadlines fall between March and May, well before VCU’s own scholarship review closes.
Priority order for Indian applicants:
- January to March 2026: Submit JN Tata, KC Mahindra, Aga Khan and Narotam Sekhsaria applications.
- February to May 2026: Submit Fulbright-Nehru and Inlaks Shivdasani applications.
- April to June 2026: Attend interview rounds for Fulbright, Inlaks and JN Tata in Mumbai or Delhi.
- July to August 2026: Confirm VCU admission offer and internal scholarship letter.
For a wider look at costs before choosing which scholarships to prioritise, see the USA cost of living article.
Explore More: VCU Admissions | VCU Programs and Fees | VCU Rankings
Virginia Commonwealth University Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What is the maximum scholarship an Indian student can stack at VCU?
Ans. An Indian PhD candidate can stack a Presidential Doctoral Fellowship with a JN Tata gift of INR 7.5 Lakhs. Together the awards reach a combined value of USD 70,000+ (INR 66.15 Lakhs) per year. Master’s students can pair a Graduate Assistantship with the Fulbright-Nehru award for a similar full-cost package.
Ques. When do VCU scholarship decisions arrive for Indian applicants?
Ans. Merit awards are decided at admission, so applicants receive the scholarship offer with the acceptance letter. Turnaround is usually 4 to 6 weeks after applying. Assistantship offers follow separately by March or April for Fall intake.
Ques. Do Indian applicants need a separate scholarship application at VCU?
Ans. Most VCU merit awards are automatic. The admission application itself doubles as the scholarship application, and no extra form is required. Departmental assistantships and the Honors College award are exceptions and need a short additional essay.
Ques. What GPA does an Indian student need for a VCU graduate scholarship?
Ans. Indian applicants typically need an 8.0 CGPA or 75 percent in bachelor’s for consideration. For competitive assistantships in Computer Science and Engineering, an 8.5+ CGPA plus a GRE quant score above 165 is the effective bar.
Ques. Does the Global Education Office Scholarship cover living costs in Richmond?
Ans. No, the USD 5,000 (INR 4.73 Lakhs) award covers only a fraction of tuition. Off-campus rent in Richmond runs USD 700 to 1,000 (INR 66,150 to 94,500) per month. The award works best paired with an external Indian scholarship or a departmental assistantship.
Ques. How do Indian students apply for the JN Tata Endowment to fund VCU?
Ans. Applications open in January each year at the JN Tata Endowment website. Candidates need a VCU admission offer, an updated CV and two references. The March 31 deadline is firm, and interviews are held in Mumbai between May and June.
Ques. Are there scholarships specifically for VCU MS in Computer Science students from India?
Ans. Yes. The College of Engineering Fellowship (USD 5,000 to 12,000) targets MS Computer Science and Engineering admits. The Graduate Research Assistantship in the CS department funds selected candidates fully. Faculty contact by December 2026 strengthens the assistantship case.
Scholarships offered
QS Connect Master’s Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $5,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Master
- Number of Scholarships: 1
BL Mandhana Scholarships
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $10,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 1
Go Clean Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $3,500
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 1
Business Administration Scholarships
- International Student Eligible: No
- Amount: Variable Amount
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
Novus Biological Scholarship Program
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $1,500
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Associate
- Number of Scholarships: 1
Washington DC Scholarships
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: Variable Amount
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
Reviews
2 Reviews Found
Likes
- The course structure is very detailed and requires understanding of core principles and real-life application. This is what I find is lacking in Indian system of education where more emphasis is given to memorization.
- The classrooms are well equipped with audio-visual system, live recording and noise cancellation features along with a tiered seating arrangement. This setup ensures that everyone has an unobstructed view of the front.
- The labs are equipped with the latest tools to perform research. There is no pressure of getting positive results, rather, emphasis is given on learning how to do research and think out of the box. The resources are available in plenty, and it is absolutely fine if you have to waste resources just for the sake of learning in the initial phase.
Dislikes
- The exams are very frequent, almost every month.
- Vegetarian options are fewer in the college canteen.
- They do not have free bicycles for students to move around in the campus. The price is not affordable for international students.
Scholarship
- There are no scholarships available for my course, but we can do part time for 20 hours a week with a pay of 16 USD an hour.
- I am doing a part time job in my lab as a student worker.
- I get paid for the same as 16 USD/ hour.
- None of my batchmates have received any scholarship previously.
- I live off-campus. I had my senior who is in VCU. So, he helped me get an apartment which is just 10 min from the campus.
- The monthly rent is 1400 USD which includes wifi. We pay additional amount for electricity, water, trash and insurance.
- We are four in total, and it is a 2-bedroom 2 bathroom. I had no challenges in securing an accommodation since my senior was already in VCU.
- Most Indian students stay in such apartments unless they are in an exchange program which compels them to stay in VCU dorms with a rent of 900 USD per person excluding food.
Likes
- Because it was offering a master's course in my field of interest. Also, the state of Virginia is highly regarded as having some of the best universities in America, only second to the state of Massachusetts.
- The community of students on campus was amazing; class dynamics during lectures and in-class activities were good; sports facilities on the campus are state-of-the art and some of the best American universities. Active engagement in the course through a rigorous assignment policy helps a pupil manage time and his/her work schedule effectively.
Dislikes
- Probably the lack of recruiters on campus after the program is over. It is in downtown Richmond, so some shady people lurk in and around the campus occasionally through the night, although on-campus security is highly effective and diligent.
Scholarship
No
Overall, it was a nice experience. VCU gave me a lot of opportunities to flourish in various domains, both on and off campus. The community of students is lively, and the faculty are masters in their fields.
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