California State University, San Bernardino offers 320+ scholarships, of which 15+ are accessible to Indian applicants.
Nearly all awards are need-blind on citizenship, but California residency rules exclude Indian students from two of the largest fellowships at CSUSB.
Below sits the complete UG, PG, PhD and India-origin funding map for the Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 intakes.
- Standard graduate international tuition for 2026-27: USD 16,417 (INR 15.65 Lakhs) per year
- Graduate tuition after Merit-Based Presidential Scholarship first year: USD 12,417 (INR 11.84 Lakhs) per year
- Graduate cost with Presidential award plus Graduate Assistantship wage: approximately USD 7,000 (INR 6.67 Lakhs) effective per year
- Next primary intake deadline: Fall 2027 application closes June 1, 2027
Currency Note: All INR conversions use the live rate of 1 USD = INR 95.31 as of October 2026. A "non-resident" at CSUSB means any applicant without California residency, which includes every international student from India.
Table of Contents
- California State University, San Bernardino Scholarships for UG Students
- California State University, San Bernardino Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students
- India-Specific Scholarships at California State University, San Bernardino
- California State University, San Bernardino PhD Scholarships
- External Government Scholarships for California State University, San Bernardino
- California State University, San Bernardino Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions
California State University, San Bernardino Scholarships for UG Students
Undergraduate aid at CSUSB covers merit, departmental and donor-funded awards. The flagship for Indian freshmen is the Merit-Based Presidential Scholarship, which carries into the sophomore year on GPA renewal.
| Scholarship | Award (USD / INR) | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based Presidential Scholarship (UG, Non-Resident) | USD 4,000 (INR 3.81 Lakhs) per year | New non-resident UG, 3.5 GPA, 12-unit enrollment | Tentative June 1, 2027 (Fall 2027 cycle) |
| CSUSB Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment | Varies; typically USD 1,000 (INR 95,310) | All colleges, 3.0 GPA, Student Ambassador preference | Tentative March 1, 2027 (annual cycle) |
| Aaron Burgess Social Justice and Equity Scholarship | Varies; typically USD 1,000 (INR 95,310) | All majors, 2.0 GPA, diversity essay required | Tentative March 1, 2027 (annual cycle) |
| Dr. Alexander Sokoloff Expendable Scholarship | Varies; departmental | UG Biology, sophomore or junior standing, two faculty letters | Tentative March 1, 2027 (annual cycle) |
The Presidential award renews for a second year only if the recipient maintains a 3.5 GPA across 12 units each term. Indian applicants are auto-considered through the CSUSB admission form, so no supplementary essay is required at the application stage.
Three must-dos for Indian UG applicants targeting the Presidential award:
- Submit the CSUSB admission application before June 1, 2027 to lock the auto-review window
- Hold a transcript scaled to a 3.5 GPA minimum on 4.0, roughly 85% in Indian 10-point systems
- Apply separately through the MyCoyote scholarship portal after enrollment to layer departmental awards
Explore More: CSUSB Overview | CSUSB Admission Process
California State University, San Bernardino Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students
Master’s funding at California State University, San Bernardino is modest compared to R1 research universities, with no central tuition waiver for internationals. The Presidential award and departmental Graduate Assistantships handle most of the Indian funding at the PG level.
| Scholarship | Award (USD / INR) | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based Presidential Scholarship (Graduate, Non-Resident) | USD 4,000 (INR 3.81 Lakhs) per year, max 2 years | New non-resident PG, 3.5 GPA, 6-unit enrollment | Tentative June 1, 2027 (Fall 2027 cycle) |
| Graduate Assistantship (Department-funded) | USD 4,500 to USD 5,000 per term (INR 4.29 to 4.77 Lakhs) | Admitted MS or MBA student, 3.0 GPA, department interview | Rolling; typically July for Fall start |
| Student Research and Travel Grant | Up to USD 1,000 (INR 95,310) | Enrolled graduate student, faculty-sponsored research | Rolling across the academic year |
| CSUSB Alumni Association Scholarship (Graduate track) | Varies; typically USD 1,000 (INR 95,310) | Any graduate major, 3.0 GPA, essay plus two letters | Tentative March 1, 2027 (annual cycle) |
Graduate Assistantships are the real workhorse for Indian MS Computer Science and MS Cybersecurity students. Each assistantship caps at 20 hours per week and often carries a partial fee offset decided at the departmental level.
The Presidential Scholarship pays USD 4,000 (INR 3.81 Lakhs) per year and permanently terminates if GPA falls below 3.5. That means it offsets roughly 25% of annual grad tuition in year one before renewal risk kicks in.
Reddit Insight: Threads on r/CSUSB and r/gradadmissions consistently note that CSUSB offers no dedicated international-student merit award for graduate applicants. The Presidential Scholarship is the only automatic USD 4,000 cushion before departmental assistantship offers land in late July.
Explore More: CSUSB Programs | MS Computer Science Page
India-Specific Scholarships at California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, San Bernardino does not run a scholarship exclusively for Indian passport holders. Indian applicants instead tap India-based private trusts and foundations that fund study at CSUSB abroad.
| Scholarship | Award | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Full tuition plus stipend USD 1,800 to USD 2,500 per month (INR 1.72 to 2.38 Lakhs per month) | Four-year Bachelor’s plus 3 years paid work experience, 55% marks minimum | Tentative July 1, 2027 (2028-29 cycle) |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Up to USD 120,000 (INR 114.37 Lakhs) total package | Indian citizen under 30, Master’s or MPhil applicant, strong academic record | Tentative March 31, 2027 (annual cycle) |
| JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | Interest-free loan up to INR 10 Lakhs plus gift up to INR 7.5 Lakhs plus INR 50,000 travel grant | Indian citizen under 45, consistent academic record (typically 60% or higher) | Tentative March 2027 (annual Fall cycle) |
| AAUW International Fellowship (women only) | USD 20,000 to USD 50,000 (INR 19.06 to 47.66 Lakhs) | Non-US woman pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate at an accredited US institution | Confirmed November 15, 2026 (2027-28 cycle) |
Fulbright-Nehru is the heaviest single award here, but its 3-year work experience filter rules out fresh graduates. Inlaks is more selective on university prestige and may not approve CSUSB specifically given its US News national rank of 171.
JN Tata Endowment lists CSUSB among its eligible US universities. It remains the most commonly stacked India-origin award for Cal State San Bernardino admits.
Explore More: Study MBA in the USA Guide
California State University, San Bernardino PhD Scholarships
California State University, San Bernardino operates one terminal doctorate, the EdD in Educational Leadership, so dedicated PhD funding is thin. Doctoral tuition for internationals totals USD 21,963 (INR 20.94 Lakhs) per year before any aid.
| Scholarship | Award (USD / INR) | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP) | Interest-free loan up to USD 10,000 (INR 9.53 Lakhs) per year | CSU doctoral applicants aiming for a CSU faculty role; loan forgiven on hire | Tentative March 15, 2027 (annual cycle) |
| California Pre-Doctoral Program (Sally Casanova) | Up to USD 5,000 (INR 4.77 Lakhs) for doctoral preparation activities | Current CSUSB master’s student planning a US PhD; faculty mentor required | Tentative February 12, 2027 (annual cycle) |
| EdD Departmental Fellowship | Varies; partial fee offset for enrolled EdD students | Admitted EdD cohort member with an educator profile | Rolling with Fall admission |
| Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship | Grant USD 1,800 to USD 2,500 per month (INR 1.72 to 2.38 Lakhs per month) plus travel and health | Pre-PhD registered Indian scholar, 55% marks minimum, approved US host | Tentative July 1, 2027 (2028-29 cycle) |
Sally Casanova is technically a master’s-level doctoral preparation award rather than a direct PhD scholarship. Indian students in a CSUSB MS program can use it for GRE prep, campus visits and application fees. The funds support entry to a US doctorate at a different institution later.
CDIP requires a commitment to apply for CSU faculty positions after PhD completion. Indian students planning to return to India should budget this award as a repayable loan rather than a grant.
Explore More: CSUSB Ranking
External Government Scholarships for California State University, San Bernardino
Indian government and state schemes offer the largest single transfers for Cal State San Bernardino admits. These are stackable with the Presidential award and a departmental Graduate Assistantship.
| Scholarship | Award (INR) | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Overseas Scholarship for SC (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) | Full funding up to INR 20 Lakhs plus tuition, maintenance, visa and medical cover | SC, DNT or SNT category; landless agricultural labourer sub-category; family income under INR 8 Lakhs | Tentative March 31, 2027 (annual cycle) |
| National Overseas Scholarship for ST (Ministry of Tribal Affairs) | Full tuition plus annual maintenance, travel and visa fees | ST category student with family income under INR 6 Lakhs | Tentative April 2027 (annual cycle) |
| Dr. Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi (Telangana state) | Up to USD 20,000 (INR 19.06 Lakhs) | SC, ST or BC Telangana domicile with family income under INR 5 Lakhs | Tentative May 2027 (annual cycle) |
| Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Overseas Scholarship (Maharashtra OBC) | Full tuition plus living allowance for up to 2 years | OBC Maharashtra domicile with family income under INR 8 Lakhs | Tentative March 2027 (annual cycle) |
CSUSB qualifies under the National Overseas Scholarship because it sits inside the US News top 200 national universities. Indian applicants must submit the CSUSB admission letter plus category and income certificates to the sanctioning ministry.
Reddit Insight: r/IndianStudentsAbroad users flag that the National Overseas Scholarship first disbursement often lands after the F-1 visa interview. Indian CSUSB admits should keep INR 5 to 7 Lakhs liquid for the Fall 2027 visa and arrival window.
Explore More: US F-1 Visa Guide
California State University, San Bernardino Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What is the maximum scholarship stack an Indian student can secure at California State University, San Bernardino?
Ans. A fully funded Fulbright-Nehru Master’s grant covers 100% tuition plus a stipend of INR 1.72 to 2.38 Lakhs per month. Stacking the CSUSB Merit-Based Presidential Scholarship is not permitted because Fulbright-Nehru pays tuition directly. The real ceiling for a non-Fulbright applicant is Presidential plus Graduate Assistantship plus JN Tata Endowment, worth roughly INR 25 Lakhs per year combined.
Ques. When should Indian applicants apply for California State University, San Bernardino scholarships for Fall 2027?
Ans. Submit the CSUSB admission application by June 1, 2027 to be auto-considered for the Merit-Based Presidential Scholarship. For external awards, file Fulbright-Nehru by July 1, 2027. Submit Inlaks and the National Overseas Scholarship by March 31, 2027 of the application year.
Ques. Do California State University, San Bernardino scholarships require a separate application?
Ans. The Merit-Based Presidential Scholarship is automatic for admitted non-resident applicants, with no supplementary form required. Departmental awards and the CSUSB Alumni Association Scholarship need a separate application via the MyCoyote scholarship portal. The portal opens for enrolled students only in late fall.
Ques. What GPA do Indian students need for the Presidential Scholarship at California State University, San Bernardino?
Ans. Applicants must enter with a transcript showing 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, which maps to roughly 85% in Indian 10-point systems. The scholarship terminates permanently if the cumulative CSUSB GPA falls below 3.5 during enrollment.
Ques. Does the Presidential Scholarship cover living costs in San Bernardino?
Ans. No. The USD 4,000 (INR 3.81 Lakhs) award offsets about 25% of annual tuition. It does not cover the USD 29,942 (INR 28.54 Lakhs) 9-month cost-of-attendance budget. Indian students typically bridge this gap with a Graduate Assistantship wage or a JN Tata loan.
Ques. Is the Graduate Equity Fellowship available to Indian students at California State University, San Bernardino?
Ans. No. The Graduate Equity Fellowship, worth USD 500 to USD 2,000 per recipient, requires California residency or an AB540 affidavit (state-level dreamer eligibility). Indian F-1 visa holders are not eligible under the published residency rules at CSUSB.
Scholarships offered
Claes Isacson Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $20,000
- Type: Need-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
TEC Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $1,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 1
BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $2,500
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 2
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: No
- Amount: $1,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: Variable Amount
- Type: College-Specific
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
Bharat Petroleum Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: Variable Amount
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Master
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
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I have mainly received loans that I may or may not have accepted. Otherwise, the only grants I've received have been through the government
I decided to pick this particular university mainly due to the fact that it was way more affordable compared to other southern California colleges. Also, it allowed me to stay locally and not have to spend much money on living expenses.
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