Scholarships to Study in USA 2026
Get comprehensive scholarship guidance from experts and turn your dream of studying in the USA into reality.
One of the best reasons and facilitators for international students to study abroad is the scholarship opportunities available across the world. The USA, being a top study abroad destination, offers numerous scholarships, not only at the university-level but also at the federal government level. Most top universities across the US have large endowment funds, which allow them to offer financial aid and scholarships to academically meritorious and financially challenged students.
US scholarships for international students have been designed to encourage international students from weaker economic backgrounds to achieve their dream of acquiring a US degree that can subsequently help them change their financial status as well. Moreover, such scholarships open up doors to those candidates who display unending perseverance in achieving their goals and success.
Let us check out some of the popular US scholarships for international students offered across the best universities in the country.
Types of Scholarships for International Students in USA
One of the first things you will encounter when researching scholarships is the different types of scholarships in USA for international students. Not just by name but also by what they offer, the eligibility criteria, the application process, the duration and even the renewability of the scholarships. Listed here are the common types of scholarships in USA for international students:
- Merit-based Scholarships: Designed specifically to award academically meritorious students from around the world, these scholarships, offered by governments, private organisations and universities alike, are limited and often have high competition.
- While some universities may offer merit-based scholarships automatically, students will need to apply for merit-based scholarships offered by federal and state governments and private companies.
- Merit-based scholarships in USA are often fully-funded scholarships. However, some scholarships will be partially funded with additional financial benefits like living and transportation expenses coverage, health insurance, and more.
- Need-based Scholarships: Primarily offered by the federal and state governments, and universities, need-based scholarships are designed to help students from around the world access world-class education at a cheaper cost.
- Applications for need-based US scholarships for international students are often either automatically offered to eligible students, or students will be required to submit an application form with their family’s financials to confirm their eligibility for the scholarship.
- Need-based scholarships can be offered as either full or partially funded scholarships. Additionally, these scholarships can either cover the tuition fees or the living expenses or a blend of partial tuition with partial living costs that international students will incur while studying in USA.
- Fellowships/Assistantships: These are scholarships specifically designed for doctoral candidates wishing to undertake crucial research in the USA. These US scholarships for international students cover a range of costs, including costs associated with conducting the study, living expenses like accommodation and transportation costs.
Top 10 Government Scholarships in USA
You can apply to the following well-known US scholarships for international students studying across different degree levels and academic disciplines.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Nehru Fellowships (Master’s and Doctoral Fellowships) | Master’s: Indian Citizen with a bachelor’s/master’s degree and 55% marks Doctoral: PhD Scholars with a strong research record | Full Funding, including tuition Stipend for living expenses Fare for a round-trip Health insurance. |
| Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship | Indian citizen looking for mid-career enhancement with a bachelor’s degree A minimum of 5 years of full-time work experience Candidates should display leadership potential and a commitment to public service | A monthly stipend Tuition fee coverage Allowance for books and Study materials Round-trip fare Health insurance |
| East-West Centre for Graduate Degree Fellowship | Citizen of the Asia-Pacific Region (including India) Should be enrolling in the University of Hawai’i at Manoa with a strong academic record | Tuition fees coverage at the University of Hawai’i A living expenses stipend On-campus housing Health Insurance Book allowance |
| Foreign Fulbright Student Programme | Be an Indian citizen with a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree Qualify the country and programme-specific eligibility criteria Display a commitment to their field of study | Country and Programme-specific Funding Typically covers: Tuition Fees Monthly Stipend Travel Fees Health Insurance |
Top Non-Government Scholarships in USA
Choosing to study in the USA comes with several benefits, among which are a host of scholarships for Indian students studying in the country. Here is a list of US scholarships for international students offered by non-government agencies:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Scholarships at Cornell University | Be an Indian citizen Have completed their secondary school from an Indian board of education Be enrolled in an undergraduate programme offered by Cornell University | Need-based Funding. Can cover: Full tuition fees Accommodation fees Food expenses |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme | Be an Indian citizen Have an excellent academic record Demonstrate a genuine financial need Have a confirmed admission to a reputable graduate institution For graduate programmes: candidates under 30 are preferred For doctoral programmes: Candidates under 35 are preferred | A Grant and a Loan, which must be repaid Covers: Tuition Fees and Living Expenses only |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Be an Indian Citizen Under the age of 30 Undergraduate degree with first-class distinction from an Indian university | A maximum of US $100,000 funding covering: Tuition Fees Living Expenses One-way Travel Expense |
| American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship | F-1 Visa Holder enrolled in secondary or high school at the time of application. Must have achieved 3.8-4.0 GPA (or be in the top 10% of their class) A commitment to leadership and community service in their home country must be demonstrated | Full-comprehensive Coverage: Tuition Fees Room and Board |
| American Association of University Women International Fellowship | Must be a non-US female candidate Must have an Undergraduate degree equivalent to a US Bachelor’s degree Must display an intent to return to the home country | Master’s/Professional Fellowship: US $20,000 Doctoral Fellowship: US $25,000 Postdoctoral Fellowship: US $50,000 |
University-Specific US Scholarships for International Students
Apart from government and non-government-funded scholarships, several universities across the country offer numerous university-specific scholarships for international students in the USA. Here is a list of the top-ranking universities and their individual US scholarships for Indian students:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | Be an Indian Citizen Display strong ties to India and a commitment to contribute to the Indian economy. Qualify the Stanford MBA admission criteria | US $150,000 Coverage for: Tuition Fees Living Expenses For the 2-year MBA programme only |
| MIT’s Need-blind Scholarships | All undergraduate students, regardless of citizenship or immigration status A proof of family financials must be provided to qualify for the need-based scholarship | 100% of demonstrated need. Students are expected to cover what they can, and the rest will be covered by MIT. Families with a total income of less than US $100,000 are not expected to cover expenses. |
| Harvard University Need-based Scholarships | All undergraduate students, regardless of citizenship or immigration status Proof of family finances must be provided to qualify | 100% of demonstrated need. Students are expected to cover what they can, and the rest will be covered by MIT. Families with a total income of less than US $100,000 are not expected to cover expenses. |
| University of Southern California Merit-Based Scholarships | All applicants, regardless of citizenship/immigration status Automatic consideration is applied to eligible candidates displaying academic merit | Varies depending on scholarship Presidential Scholarship covers partial tuition Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition |
| Yale University Need-blind Scholarships | All undergraduate students, regardless of citizenship/immigration status Proof of family finances must be provided to qualify An evaluation of family finances, considering the US economy with the candidate’s home country, will be done. | Average of US $50,000 per year 100% of the demonstrated need |
Note: It is advisable to visit the official government websites for scholarship opportunities tailored specifically to you and your academic and career goals. Some universities may also assist in helping you find the right scholarships; however, we recommend connecting with AECC Counsellors to get the best scholarship guidance to study in USA this year.
How to Apply for US Scholarships for International Students?
Although studying in the US can change your life, it can also be slightly confusing to apply. Nonetheless, with numerous opportunities for US scholarships available to international students, understanding the application process can significantly help reduce your financial commitment.
Begin Early
You should begin your scholarship quest as soon as you can. In fact, when shortlisting different universities, the rule of thumb should be to research scholarships as well.
Research Scholarships
Find out the best US Scholarships for international students at the universities you have shortlisted. Learn about the eligibility criteria, funding scope, the duration and the application process.
Verify the Requirements for Eligibility
Depending on the type of scholarship available, it is important to ensure you qualify for the scholarship. Some universities may automatically select candidates for a specific scholarship, while others may require you to apply separately.
Get Ready for Standardized Examinations
Some scholarships may require you to submit valid standardised test scores, including English Language Proficiency test scores. Since you would have recently applied to the university, you would possess valid scores in tests like SAT/ACT, GRE/GMAT, or TOEFL iBT/IELTS Academic.
Be ready with the Necessary Paperwork
The majority of scholarship applications call for essays, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts. Prepare these materials as much in advance as possible.
Make Several Scholarship Applications
If you qualify for more than one US scholarship for international students, then it is advisable to apply to those scholarships as well. Make sure you read the fine print on all the scholarships you qualify for and ensure you meet all the conditions for the award recipient set by the institution awarding the scholarship.
Keeping track
Once applied, it is important to follow up with the scholarship application. Get in touch with a representative of the scholarship award from time to time to have an idea of the scholarship status.
Scholarships in USA for international students can greatly reduce financial constraints and open doors for several students from different backgrounds to achieve their dream of acquiring a world-renowned academic qualification. To maximise success, conduct in-depth research, adhere to application deadlines, and customise each submission. Scholarships promote academic and professional development and increase access to higher education by recognising excellence, need, and special talents. Or, connect with AECC Counsellors and get expert guidance on applying to the right US scholarship for international students today.