The USA is one of the great destinations for studying abroad. With its leading universities, wide range of programs, and high standard of education, the USA manages to lure students from all over the world. However, the cost of studying in the USA can be a financial disadvantage. Luckily, you can make use of several scholarships to study in the USA. Let’s learn more about the same.
Table of Contents:
- Top 10 Scholarships in USA for International Students
- Overview Table for Scholarships in USA
- Detailed Breakdown of the Top 10 USA Scholarships
- Understanding the Costs and Funding Options for Studying in the USA
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top 10 Scholarships in USA for International Students
The USA offers some of the most competitive scholarships for international students. These scholarships come from top universities, government programs, and private institutions. They are mostly awarded based on merit, need, or areas of study. With the scholarships, studying in the USA can be more affordable.
Overview Table for Scholarships in USA
Let’s learn about the top 10 scholarships for international students in the USA:
| Scholarship | Level of Study | Amount |
| Fulbright Fellowship | Master’s and PhD | Variable Amount |
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | Master’s | Variable Amount |
| National Overseas Scholarship | Master’s and PhD | Variable Amount |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Master’s and PhD | Variable Amount |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Master’s and PhD | $20,000 for Master’s or Professional and $25,000 for PhD |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Master’s and PhD | Up to $100,000 |
| Yale University Scholarships | Bachelors | A few hundred dollars to $70,000 per year |
| The Next Genius University Scholarships | Bachelors | Variable Amount |
| Global Scholarship, Boise State University | Bachelors | Up to $9,370 – $18,740 per year |
| Cornell University Tata Scholarship | Bachelors | Variable Amount |
Detailed Breakdown of the Top 10 USA Scholarships
With several top universities and numerous funding opportunities in the USA, it becomes hard to find a scholarship that fits your goals. To help you make a better and informed decision, here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 10 scholarships for USA:
Fulbright Fellowship
The Fulbright Fellowship is offered by USIEF. The scholarship is offered to highly motivated students who show leadership qualities. Students must have 3 years of full-time work experience in a related field of study.
Eligibility:
Must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Deadline:
Application closes in May
Amount / Benefits:
J-1 visa support, round-trip airfare, funding for tuition and fees, living costs, and accident and sickness coverage.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, offered by the US Department of State, is a competitive scholarship for masters in USA. Students will need to show that they have leadership skills, have help out in their community, and have worked for at least 5 years before they can apply for the fellowship. Essay, 2 letters of reference, and official transcripts in English are things you’ll need to put together your application.
Eligibility:
Must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Deadline:
Application varies by country
Amount / Benefits:
Funding for tuition and fees, monthly maintenance allowance, accident and sickness coverage, round-trip airfare, domestic travel to Washington, D.C., and allowances for professional activities.
National Overseas Scholarship
National Overseas Scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The scholarship aims to empower low students from marginalized communities. The scholarship is offered to students who are pursuing Master’s or PhD program.
Eligibility:
Must have a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) and a Master’s degree (for PhD)
Deadline:
Application closes in April
Amount / Benefits:
Tuition fees, maintenance & equipment allowance, contingency, visa fees, medical insurance, airfare
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is offered by the Aga Khan Foundation. The scholarship is for students from selected countries who have no other means of financing their education. Students are selected through a global, annual, and competitive application process. Student must have excellent academic records, must show genuine financial need, strong leadership potential, professional experience, and must be starting the first year of their program.
Eligibility:
Must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Deadline:
Application opens in January
Amount / Benefits:
Half grant & half loan
AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women offers AAUW International Fellowships. The scholarship is offered to women who are pursuing studies in the USA. Student must be pursuing their first master’s, professional, or academic doctorate to be eligible for the scholarship.
Eligibility:
Must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Deadline:
Application opens in September and closes in November
Amount / Benefits:
$20,000 for Master’s or Professional and $25,000 for PhD
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is offered by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation. The scholarship is for Indian students who secure admission to top universities in the US for Master’s, Phil, or Ph.D courses. The scholarship duration can be between 9 months to 4 years.
Eligibility:
Must be Indian with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Deadline:
Application closes in March
Amount / Benefits:
Up to $100,000
Yale University Scholarships
Yale University Scholarships are offered by Yale University. Students receive the scholarship based on their performance in academics, sports, music, or another field of special interest.
Eligibility:
Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at the university
Deadline:
Application closes in December
Amount / Benefits:
A few hundred dollars to $70,000 per year
The Next Genius University Scholarships
The Next Genius Foundation offers the Next Genius University Scholarships. Students who can show the financial ability to pay for travel and living expenses in the USA are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Eligibility:
Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree
Deadline:
Application opens in May
Amount / Benefits:
75% – 100% of tuition fees
Global Scholarship, Boise State University
Global Scholarship, Boise State University is offered by Boise State University. Students must have great academic achievement and demonstrate ambitious academic or professional goals.
Eligibility:
Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at the university
Deadline:
Application closes in March (for Fall intake) and October (for Spring intake)
Amount / Benefits:
Up to $9,370 – $18,740 per year
Cornell University Tata Scholarship
Cornell University Tata Scholarship is offered jointly by Cornell University and Tata Education and Development Trust. The scholarship supports 20 Indian students at a time. The student must be Indian and have attended secondary school in India.
Eligibility:
Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at the university
Deadline:
Application closes in January
Amount / Benefits:
Full cost of tuition
Understanding the Costs and Funding Options for Studying in the USA
Studying in the USA costs more than just paying for classes, because there are other bills you’ll have to handle, like rent, food, and transportation. Housing, health insurance, textbooks, and daily cost of living are some of the expenses students have to cover even if they want to cut back. When you know what these costs are, you can plan your budget and prevent unwanted spending.
Fortunately, you can apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and education loans to study in the USA. To navigate these choices, several students opt for personalized expert advice. At Nomad Credit, we make it easy for students to choose the best way to pay for their studies, so they can pursue their dream of studying abroad in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of scholarships are available for Indian students in the USA?
Indian students can apply for several scholarships in the USA. Merit-based, need-based, university-specific grants, government-funded scholarships, private or foundation-based scholarships.
When should I apply for a scholarship for MBA in the USA?
You should start preparing for scholarships 1 year before your program. Most scholarships for an MBA in the USA are considered during the application process, so try to apply in the first round for better chances of approval.
Are there full scholarships for MS in the USA?
Yes, there are fully funded MS scholarships in the USA. However, they are competitive, so apply to as many as possible.
How to get scholarship to study abroad in the USA?
Start by researching scholarship options that fit your program and goals. Prepare your documents thoroughly and apply early to maximize your chances of approval.
What documents are required for overseas education scholarships?
Commonly required documents for overseas education scholarships are academic transcripts, test scores (like IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT), a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and proof of financial need (if applicable).
