Scholarships and Education Loans for STEM Programs in the USA: A Complete Guide

Studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in the USA offers great career opportunities for international students. However, the cost of studying STEM in the USA tends to be very expensive. Thankfully, several scholarships and loans are provided to help international students. This quick guide will show you the best scholarships and education loans for STEM programs in the USA. Let’s begin!

Table of Contents:

1. Scholarship for STEM Programs in USA
2. Education Loans for STEM Programs in USA
3. Tips for Securing Scholarships and Education Loans for STEM Programs in USA
4. Frequently Asked Questions

Scholarship for STEM Programs in USA

Several scholarships support students pursuing STEM courses in the USA. These scholarships are usually available through the government, universities, and other sources. Some of the top STEM programs scholarships for the USA are:

Scholarship	Details
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program	Must be a citizen of an eligible country Must have a UG or Bachelor’s degree Must have a minimum of 5 years of full-time work experience Demonstrated leadership qualities and record of public service English language proficiency
National Overseas Scholarship	For low-income students from marginalized communities Must be below 35 as of April 1 of the selection year Family income should be less than INR 8 LPA Must have 60% marks in a Bachelor’s
Fulbright Fellowships	Must have a US equivalent bachelor’s degree with 55% marks Must have 3 years full-time work experience Must not have another US degree
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship	Must have excellent academic records with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training / professional experience Must demonstrate genuine financial need Must be admitted to a reputable postgraduate university and starting 1st year of the program
AAUW International Fellowships	Must have an equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.5 scale Must be a woman pursuing studies in the USA

Education Loans for STEM Programs in USA

You can opt for a secured or unsecured loan option to study STEM in the USA. There are various lenders, banks, and NBFCs who provide US education loans. If you are searching for student loan to study in the USA, then you should compare several terms like interest rates, repayment, grace period, and so on.

Bank	Loan Amount	Interest Rates
State Bank of India (SBI)	Up to INR 3 Crores	9.15% – 9.65%
Bank of Baroda (BOB)	Up to INR 1.5 Crores	Starting from 9.20%
ICICI Bank	Up to INR 3 Crores	10.25% – 13.75%
Axis Bank	Unsecured Loan up to INR 1 Crores	13.70% – 15.20%
Union Bank of India	Up to INR 1.5 Crores	Starting from 9.00%
Bank of India (BOI)	Up to INR 1.5 Crores	Floating: RBLR + 1.70% presently 10.35% – 10.55%Fixed: 12.20% – 12.40%
Prodigy Finance	Up to 100% Cost of Attendance	Starting from 8.35%

Tips for Securing Scholarships and Education Loans for STEM Programs in USA

In order to get a scholarship and an education loan for your STEM program in the USA, you have to start early, research well, and pay attention to your profile. Given below are some of the tips for you to successfully secure scholarships and US educational loans:

Tip	Details
Start Early	Start researching scholarship & loan options at least a year before your admission
Target STEM-Specific Opportunities	Apply for scholarships or loans made specially for STEM courses in USA
Academic Profile	Build a strong GPA, gain experience, or participate in competitions to build a strong academic profile
Personal Statement	Highlight your career goals and prepare a compelling personal statement
Letter of Recommendations	Secure LoRs from professors who can speak about your skills
Scholarship Portals	Use government portals, university websites, or websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, to find scholarships
Understand Loan Terms	Compare interest rates, repayment, processing fees, and grace periods

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Indian student get a scholarship in the USA?

Yes, an Indian student can get a scholarship in the USA. The student can apply for university scholarships, government program scholarships, and others.

How can I get a scholarship as an international student in the USA?

As an international student, you should focus on building a strong profile to get a scholarship in the USA and explore various funding opportunities to study there.

How to get a US educational loan for an international student?

If you are an international student planning to get a US educational loan, you would likely require a US citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer.

Can I get a 100% student loan to study in USA?

Yes, you can get a 100% student loan to study in the USA. Several banks and lenders offer loans covering tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, transportation, etc.

What is a STEM course in the USA?

In the USA, a STEM course refers to programs focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.