Santa Clara University, Santa Clara Scholarships

Santa Clara University - [Santa Clara], California, Santa Clara - Scholarship

Santa Clara, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1851established year
8629enrollment
Private (Not for Profit)
7.5/10
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Aug 30, 2026

Santa Clara University lists 15+ scholarships, 10+ of them accessible to Indian applicants.

Presidential and Provost awards go to US citizens. Indian applicants win aid by pairing the Dean’s Scholarship, Leavey Merit or Engineering Merit with a Fulbright-Nehru or Inlaks stack.

  • Standard 2026-27 UG tuition: $65,736 (INR 62.71 Lakhs) per year, before any award
  • With SCU Dean’s Scholarship (avg $15,000): net around $50,736 (INR 48.4 Lakhs)
  • MS Engineering with Graduate Merit ($15,000) plus Inlaks Shivdasani: effectively full tuition cover for MSIS or MSBA
  • Next big scholarship deadline: April 1, 2027 (Leavey MS priority consideration, IST)

Currency Note: All INR conversions use the live rate of 1 USD = INR 95.39 as of August 2026. Dates and cycle windows are in IST.


Santa Clara University Scholarships for UG Students

Santa Clara University reserves most of its top UG merit awards (Presidential at Entry, Provost, Johnson Scholars) for US citizens. Indian undergraduates get one institutional option and a general international pool.

ScholarshipAward (USD)Award (INR)Renewal GPAIndian EligibleApplication
SCU Dean’s ScholarshipVaries (typical $8,000 to $22,000/year)INR 7.63 to 20.99 Lakhs3.0 CGPAYes, explicitlyAutomatic at admission; renewable 12 quarters
SCU Presidential at EntryFull tuition ($65,736/year)INR 62.71 Lakhs3.5 CGPANo (US citizens only)Automatic at admission; 12 quarters
SCU Provost ScholarshipHalf tuition ($32,868/year)INR 31.36 Lakhs3.0 CGPANo (US citizens only)Automatic at admission; 12 quarters
Johnson Scholars AwardFull tuition + room & board + summer stipendINR 62.71 Lakhs+ (base tuition)Not specifiedNo (US citizens only)EA or ED I applicants; Honors Program required
General International UG AwardVaries (case-by-case)Amount not publishedApplication-basedYes, only internationalsFile International Student Financial Resource Form after CommonApp

Only the Dean’s Scholarship carries a written international eligibility line. Aim for a 3.7+ high-school CGPA and 1400+ SAT to land it. File the International Student Financial Resource Form the day your Common Application status portal opens it.

Explore More: Santa Clara University Admissions | Santa Clara University Fees


Santa Clara University Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students

Santa Clara University routes graduate funding through each school. Leavey (business) and the School of Engineering carry the largest pool for Indian applicants.

ScholarshipProgramAward (USD)Award (INR)ThresholdPriority Deadline (IST)
Leavey MS Merit-BasedMSBA, MSFA, MSIS$2,000 to $8,000INR 1.91 to 7.63 LakhsGMAT 650+ or GRE 315+April 1, 2027
Leavey MS Dean’s MeritMSBA, MSFA, MSIS$1,000 to $3,000INR 0.95 to 2.86 LakhsMerit at reviewApril 1, 2027
Leavey MBA Merit-BasedEvening MBA, EMBA$3,000 to $18,000INR 2.86 to 17.17 LakhsGMAT 630+ or GRE 308+Rolling; tentative March 2027 for Fall
Leavey MBA Dean’s MeritEvening MBA, EMBA$1,000 to $6,000INR 0.95 to 5.72 LakhsApplication reviewRolling; tentative March 2027
Inclusive Excellence Diversity ScholarshipEvening MBA, EMBA, MS$10,000/year (2 awards)INR 9.54 LakhsSeparate applicationNotified after June 1, 2027
Forté FellowshipEvening MBA, EMBA$10,000/year (3 awards)INR 9.54 LakhsWomen applicants; separate essayRolling; tentative April 2027
SCU Alumni ScholarshipMBA, EMBA, MS$1,000 (guaranteed)INR 0.95 LakhsSCU UG alumniAt admission
Community Service / Non-Profit SectorEvening MBA, EMBA$2,000 to $5,000INR 1.91 to 4.77 LakhsDocumented service recordRolling
Engineering Graduate Merit ScholarshipMS Engineering (all specialisations)$2,500 to $15,000 (one-time)INR 2.38 to 14.31 LakhsTop academic tier; 50+ awards/yearAwarded with admission

Reddit Insight: Multiple Indian MSIS and MSBA admits report that graduate financial aid at Santa Clara University rarely covers more than 30 to 40 percent of tuition. Students routinely stack on-campus TA/RA roles at $16 to $22/hour with a Fulbright-Nehru or Inlaks pass-through to close the gap.

Explore More: Santa Clara University Programs | Santa Clara University Overview


India-Specific Scholarships at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University does not run a named India-only scholarship in 2026-27. Indian applicants land aid through three routes.

  • Dean’s Scholarship (UG, varies year to year based on applicant profile)
  • Leavey Merit and Dean’s Merit pools (PG MS and MBA tracks)
  • Engineering Graduate Merit at $2,500 to $15,000 (one-time, awarded with admission)
Route for Indian StudentsInstitutional AwardBest Stack WithRealistic Coverage
Indian UG applicant, 3.7+ CGPADean’s Scholarship (varies)Inlaks Shivdasani or K.C. Mahindra loan40 to 60 percent of tuition
Indian PG applicant, Leavey MSBA/MSISMerit-Based ($2K to $8K) plus Dean’s MeritFulbright-Nehru + on-campus assistantshipUp to full cost with Fulbright
Indian PG applicant, Engineering MSGraduate Merit ($2.5K to $15K)J.N. Tata Endowment + TA/RA50 to 90 percent of tuition
Indian PG applicant, MBA/EMBAMBA Merit plus SCU Alumni ($1K)K.C. Mahindra loan-scholarship25 to 40 percent of tuition

Amarnath Kaushik, a 2024 Engineering Merit recipient from India, is the highest-profile publicly named Indian awardee at Santa Clara University. His award proves internationals qualify for the top engineering pool despite the university’s international aid page carrying vague wording.


Santa Clara University PhD Scholarships

Santa Clara University’s doctoral portfolio is small. Options include the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, the J.S.D. at the Law School and a limited Ph.D. in Engineering.

There is no university-wide PhD stipend package like a US R1 offers.

Doctoral ProgramFunding TypeAward DetailDeadline (IST)
Ph.D. in Engineering (limited seats)Faculty-sponsored TA or RA lineTuition remission plus stipend, case-by-caseJanuary 15, 2027 (tentative, matches prior cycle)
Ed.D. in Educational LeadershipEmployer sponsorship or partial meritCohort-based; awards from school partnersRolling; tentative April 30, 2027
J.S.D. (Law School)No stipend; tuition-only meritAssessed with LL.M. applicationMarch 1, 2027 (tentative)

Indian PhD hopefuls at Santa Clara University should target faculty-sponsored RA lines in Applied Math, Bioengineering and Computer Engineering. Cold-email prospective advisors by September 2026 IST for Fall 2027 entry.


Santa Clara University External Government Scholarships

Five India-funded external scholarships materially reduce the Santa Clara University fee bill. All are open to Indian citizens irrespective of the US host university.

External ScholarshipAmountCoverageCycle Window (IST)
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship$35,000 to $45,000/year (INR 33.39 to 42.93 Lakhs)Tuition, fees, J-1 visa, round-trip economy air, living, health coverFebruary 2027 open; May 2027 close (tentative annual cycle)
Inlaks Shivdasani ScholarshipUp to $120,000 total (INR 114.47 Lakhs)Tuition, living, one-way airfare, health, visaJanuary 15 to April 15, 2027 (tentative annual cycle)
K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for PG Studies AbroadINR 5 to 10 Lakhs (interest-free loan)Top 3 get INR 10 Lakhs; others INR 5 LakhsCloses March or April 2027 (tentative)
J.N. Tata EndowmentUp to INR 10 Lakhs (loan-scholarship plus gift)Overseas PG or research programme feesFebruary to March 2027 (tentative annual cycle)
Aga Khan Foundation International ScholarshipCase-by-case (50 percent grant + 50 percent loan)Master’s, PhD tuition and livingJanuary to March 2027 (tentative)

Reddit Insight: The Fulbright-Nehru stack is the single move that makes Santa Clara University financially rational for an Indian Master’s applicant without family funding. A 2025 Fulbright-Nehru Master’s cohort included applicants heading to Bay Area private universities in exactly the SCU tuition band.

Explore More: Santa Clara University Rankings | USA Study Scholarships


Santa Clara University Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What is the maximum scholarship stack an Indian applicant can build at Santa Clara University?

Ans. An Indian MS Engineering applicant stacks three sources. First, the $15,000 Graduate Merit Scholarship (INR 14.31 Lakhs). Second, Fulbright-Nehru at $35,000 to $45,000/year (INR 33.39 to 42.93 Lakhs). Third, an on-campus TA line at roughly $18,000 (INR 17.17 Lakhs). That fully covers MSIS tuition of $37,020 (INR 35.31 Lakhs) plus Santa Clara living costs.

Ques. When should Indian students apply for Santa Clara University scholarships for the 2027 intake?

Ans. Submit the Leavey MS or Engineering MS admission application by the April 1, 2027 priority deadline (IST) for institutional merit consideration. There is no separate scholarship form. Aid decisions arrive with the admit packet within four to six weeks. External India fellowships open earlier: Inlaks by January 15, 2027 and Fulbright-Nehru by February 2027 (tentative).

Ques. How do I apply for scholarships at Santa Clara University?

Ans. For UG, submit the Common Application plus the International Student Financial Resource Form once your status portal opens it. The Dean’s Scholarship is auto-considered at admission. For Leavey MS or MBA, complete the admission application by the priority deadline. For School of Engineering Graduate Merit, no separate form is needed. Awards go out with admission decisions. Diversity and Forté fellowships need a separate essay.

Ques. What GPA and test score threshold do I need for Santa Clara University merit awards?

Ans. UG Dean’s Scholarship consideration realistically starts at a 3.7 high-school CGPA and 1400+ SAT. Leavey MS Merit-Based needs GMAT 650+ or GRE 315+; MBA Merit-Based needs GMAT 630+ or GRE 308+. Engineering Merit recipients typically hold a 3.5+ undergraduate CGPA and strong quant scores. The school issues 50+ awards a year across all MS specialisations.

Ques. Is the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship the best India-funded route for Santa Clara University?

Ans. Yes for the eight designated fields (Economics, Environmental Science, Public Health, Journalism, Urban Planning and related). Fulbright-Nehru covers tuition, J-1 visa, round-trip air, living and health for the full Master’s. The award is worth $35,000 to $45,000 per year (INR 33.39 to 42.93 Lakhs). Applicants outside those fields should target Inlaks Shivdasani ($120,000 total) or K.C. Mahindra (INR 10 Lakhs interest-free loan).

Ques. Do Santa Clara University scholarships cover Silicon Valley living costs?

Ans. No institutional scholarship covers rent in Santa Clara or San Jose. The Dean’s, Leavey Merit and Engineering Merit awards are tuition-offset only. Expect $2,000 to $2,600/month (INR 1.91 to 2.48 Lakhs) for a shared apartment within a 15-minute drive of campus. Only Fulbright-Nehru and Inlaks Shivdasani cover living costs directly.

Ques. Can Indian undergraduates get the SCU Presidential or Provost Scholarship?

Ans. No. Santa Clara University’s Presidential at Entry, Provost and Johnson Scholars awards are restricted to US citizens and eligible non-citizens as of 2026-27. Presidential at Entry covers full tuition of $65,736 (INR 62.71 Lakhs); Provost covers half at $32,868 (INR 31.36 Lakhs). Indian undergraduates should target the Dean’s Scholarship, which is explicitly international-eligible.

Scholarships offered

VueVille Future Technology Scholarship


  • International Student Eligible: Yes
  • Amount: $1,000
  • Type: Merit-Based
  • Level of Study: Bachelor
  • Number of Scholarships: 1

R&D Systems Scholarship


  • International Student Eligible: Yes
  • Amount: $1,500
  • Type: Merit-Based
  • Level of Study: Bachelor
  • Number of Scholarships: 2

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
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Reviews


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11 Reviews Found

Scholarship

  • There were lot of scholarships awarded at the university I studied at; for example, the vice chancellor's scholarship for 12,000 pounds
  • £7000, I received a scholarship.
  • Yeah, most of them, but I can't exactly pinpoint the number.
  • On average it is £2000-3000, and I can't roughly say the number of students who have received scholarships.

  • I find accommodation through my relatives already living in the UK.
  • My monthly rent was £320 per month, including all the bills like boiler, water, and power.
  • Thankfully I didn't encounter any problems while searching for accommodation, for future students who are on a budget, try to find WhatsApp groups of universities or residents; in that way, we can find accommodation easily and securely.
  • My Accommodation was a 30 min drive by bus to the university. Most of the Indians stay in either student accommodations by the university or private student accommodation, or they stay as PG like me
     

academic: 8/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 6/10
extracurricular: 10/10

Scholarship

  • I did not receive any scholarship for this course and don’t know of people who received one. Although I am sure some of them might have received it. Scholarships are usually provided by professors who also expect that student to work as their assistant and lab technician.  But I know for sure that very few people receive scholarships at US universities.

  • I found my accommodation through a WhatsApp group meant for university students. Monthly rent was about 750-775$ for a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment with five people in the house. Facilities included central AC, oven, microwave, induction stove, washing machine, dryer, exhaust fan, closet in each bedroom, smoke detectors, parking spot, patio, trash room, lift, gym, pool, jacuzzi and Amazon parcel box.
  • Utilities like sewage, water and trash was separate and the electricity bill was separate too.
  • Finding decent inmates was the biggest problem, as people have habits like consuming alcohol and drugs, not keeping the house clean and other disgusting habits.
  • Recommendation for future students: if you can afford it, go for university housing or a private room with <=3 residents in the house. Or, it is all up to luck what kind of inmates you get.
  • Most Indian students stay in off-campus housing close to the university. I stayed in a similar apartment tooand it was ~1 km away from the main campus

academic: 6/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 6/10
extracurricular: 8/10

Scholarship

  • During the time of first enrolment of courses for the fall 2024 quarter, based on my undergrad grades, I was awarded a merit scholarship of $2,000, which was processed during the fee payment of the first quarter.
  • Some of my batchmates have received the same merit-based scholarships, but there is no other financial aid given to international students. Around 20%–30% of students receive one-time merit-based scholarships.

  • I opted for off-campus housing as the housing (dorm) offered by the university was a bit more expensive, which came around $2300 per month for a dorm room. I found my roommates through a WhatsApp group and we leased an apartment near the university. Monthly rent comes around 1000$ and utilities around 100$ (just the apartment is included, nothing else)
  • Since the cohort size is small for Santa Clara Uni, it was hard to find like-minded roommates. Advise future students for accommodation: start early as there are very few options you can choose from and keep reposting in different groups to find roommates. It is around 0.7 miles from our college

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 6/10
extracurricular: 10/10

Scholarship

  • Unfortunately, no scholarships provided by school of engineering (that I have heard of)
  • There is a possibility of you receiving a tuition-cover from a professor if you can get a research assistant position but it can be super rare
  • I have received financial aid from my professor (which is different from a scholarship provided by the university)

  • I live with my cousin so it wasn't difficult to find off-campus living,usually, just joining the university WhatsApp groups is enough to find roommates
  • There are many apartment complexes around the university - Domicilio, Park Central, Normandy, Timberleaf etc. It's super easy to find housing and all of them have similar costs
  • Most of the indian students live on the complex mentioned above

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 6/10
extracurricular: 8/10

Scholarship

  • Scholarships are very rare as this is a private institution
  • I didn’t receive any scholarships
  • Some of my friends have scholarships, which is 2000–3000 dollars on average
  • But I have heard students getting scholarships worth $10,000; that is the maximum I know of
  • I don’t think there is a criteria to get a scholarship but it might be based on gre score

  • Off campus, I used WhatsApps groups of last batch to reach out to seniors to get my accommodation
  • Monthly rent is 4000$ for a 2b2b apartment. The society has a swimming pool, a hot water pool to relax in, and a small gym.
  • Reach out to seniors on LinkedIn; they would have a spot for incoming students, or the apartments have a website and students can book their flat from india.
  • My apartment is 500-600 m from college

+1 more
academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 8/10
extracurricular: 8/10

I opted this university because of the area it was situated in. Bay area is known for its technology industry so it was easier for me to settle down here. The admission process was purely online. Once you meet the requirements provided by the university which is IELTS and your score in bachelors degree, then you are set to get into the university.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 9/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 9/10
extracurricular: 9/10

RS
6.8 /10

Scholarship

Yes, 5k$.

Overall I would say it’s a win win situation as my university is very well recognised here in the Silicon Valley & the alumni’s help a lot! The location is pretty good with almost similar weather conditions as in India, it is a bit exorbitant in terms of location but other than that everything seems to be fine.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 9/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 7/10

It's a nice university but little bit on an expensive side. but location wise and reviews it's good. can consider and get ROIs.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 9/10

MG
6.2 /10

Scholarship

I hadn’t applied for scholarships but I was given one anyway, the scholarship didn’t have a name and amounted to $4000 for 2 years.

My overall experience is good so far, there’s a good learning curve- both personally and professionally, when you are in a foreign country with limited resources at your disposal. This makes us creative, hard-working and pro-active. The approach to education in USA is different than what I experienced in India, in the way that it’s more practical, can be tailored to your interest and fun indeed.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 6/10

Scholarship

I haven't receive any scholarship but once you enroll in the university you can enroll in Teaching Assistance program which then pays for your tuitions.

Overall experience at the university was great. I learned a lot and the faculty and staff was also very helpful. The university has the best infrastructure compare to other universities. There are many clubs and events to support students coming in every quarter.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 8/10

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