How to get undergraduate Scholarships for Indian students in the USA - Get your US Student visa Today!

Mr. Parthesh Thakkar

30th June 2025

“Can I really afford to study in the USA?” If you've just finished your 12th and are dreaming of studying abroad in the USA, then you must've asked this question to yourself, and it's fair, with the costs averaging around ₹36 lakh per year for Indian students to study in the USA. But the good news is, there are plenty of scholarships available for Indian students that can make your education in the USA not just affordable, but maybe even fully covered.

In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know, from a list of available scholarships to a simple, step-by-step process for applying and expert tips by trusted student visa consultants in Ahmedabad, Angel EduNext, to help you maximise your chances.

So, let's break it down further.

Table of Content

Sr. No.	Scholarships Programs
1	Tata scholarship for Cornell university
2	Next Genius scholarship program
3	EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP)
4	United World Colleges (UWC) scholarships
5	College board India scholars program
6	AAUW International Fellowships
7	Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
8	Thomas Jefferson Prize in U.S. History
9	International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
10	UKAA (Uttarakhand Association of America) Scholarships

Types of Undergraduate Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA

There are various undergraduate scholarships for Indian students in the USA, each to support different needs and talents. From merit-based scholarships to need-based aid for students from low-income backgrounds, and even subject-specific or sports scholarships, there’s something for everyone. Understanding the types can help you target the right opportunities and increase your chances of funding your USA education.

Tata scholarship for Cornell university

Type	Fully funded, need-based
Coverage	Full tuition, living expenses, and travel
Duration	Up to 4 years (8 semesters for Architecture)
Terms & Conditions	Not valid for dual degrees or 5-year programs. Students must have financial need and should apply via the CSS Profile.
Eligibility	Indian citizens who completed secondary school in India and are admitted to Cornell as undergraduates
Link	Cornell International Financial Aid

Note: Application period is in October & November, and the award is announced in December.

Next Genius Scholarship Program

Type	Fully & Partially funded, merit-based
Coverage	30% to 100% tuition fees (does not include living or travel costs)
Duration	4 years UG at partner U.S. colleges
Terms & Conditions	Multi-stage process: critical thinking test, essays, and interviews. Students must fund their living expenses (~₹10 L/year). Only applicable to partner institutions. Registration fee (₹700 approx) required.
Eligibility	Class 12 Indian students or gap-year students studying in India
Link	Next Genius Official Site

EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP)

Type	Fully funded (pre-admission expenses), need-based
Coverage	Full tuition, living expenses, and travel
Duration	Until the student secures admission + visa
Terms & Conditions	Only available through nomination by an EducationUSA adviser. Strong academic profile and income documentation required. Must commit to applying to multiple U.S. institutions.
Eligibility	Indian students with a strong academic profile, low-income, applying to UG programs in the USA
Link	EducationUSA India Centers

United World Colleges (UWC) Scholarships

Type	Partial to full, need-based
Coverage	Tuition, accommodation, and partial living expenses based on need
Duration	2–4 years, depending on program & funding
Terms & Conditions	Scholarship based on merit + financial background. Must apply via the UWC India committee. Limited seats per cycle. Alumni get preference for certain continuation awards.
Eligibility	Indian nationals enrolled in or graduating from the UWC school
Link	UWC India Committee

College Board India Scholars Program

Type	Partially funded, merit + income-based
Coverage	Up to 90% tuition waiver at the college board India's partner universities.
Duration	4 years
Terms & Conditions	Must apply to eligible universities only. Family income proof required. Scholarships are limited and granted on a first-come, first-qualified basis.
Eligibility	Indian students scoring ≥1350 on SAT & with family income < ₹8 lakh/year
Link	SAT India Scholarship Program

AAUW International Fellowships

Type	Partially funded, merit-based
Coverage	US $20,000–$25,000
Duration	1 academic year
Terms & Conditions	Must be under 30 years old, an Indian citizen, and have an excellent academic record.
Eligibility	Indian women applying to accredited university in the USA.
Link	AAUW Fellowships

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

Type	Fully funded, merit + service-based
Coverage	Tuition, travel, living stipend (amount set by local Rotary Club)
Duration	1–4 years
Terms & Conditions	Must be endorsed by a local Rotary Club. Grantee is expected to act as a goodwill ambassador. Funds & requirements vary across chapters.
Eligibility	Indian students with excellent academics and leadership/service background
Link	Rotary Scholarships Info – Contact your local club directly

Thomas Jefferson Prize in U.S. History

Type	Merit-based, academic prize
Coverage	One-time cash award (amount varies)
Duration	One-time
Terms & Conditions	University-nominated based on academic performance in U.S. History. Mostly awarded at institutions like UVA, not an external scholarship.
Eligibility	UG students studying the USA history
Link	Example – UVA History Dept (check with your enrolled university)

International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)

Type	Merit-based, need-based, and other
Coverage	$20,000 per year
Duration	Varies (from one-time awards to multi-year coverage, depending on the listing)
Terms & Conditions	High school students aged 14 to 18 who excel in extracurricular activities.
Eligibility	Must be an Indian citizen, have completed high school, and have gained admission to an undergraduate program. Must also be eligible for a need-based scholarship.
Link	IEFA Website

UKAA (Uttarakhand Association of America) Scholarships

Type	Partial, need + merit-based
Coverage	Variable tuition support
Duration	1–4 years
Terms & Conditions	The application requires academic records, proof of Uttarakhand origin, and income documentation. Continuation depends on annual academic performance.
Eligibility	Indian origin students (preference to Uttarakhand state)
Link	UKAA Scholarship Portal

Finding the right scholarship can seem a bit challenging with so many options and rules to keep track of. If you're not sure where to start or want some expert advice to help narrow down your choices and get your applications on track, connect with trusted usa student visa consultants in Ahmedabad, Angel EduNext.

How to get Scholarships for Indian students in the USA

Getting a scholarship to study in the USA isn't just about having good grades; it’s about showing a full picture of who you are. Universities want to see beyond your academics; they’re interested in your community work, sports participation, leadership, and potential.

To improve your chances and stand out, you'll need to prepare certain documents and meet some basic criteria. Here's a quick rundown of what you’ll typically need:

Letter of Recommendation – From teachers or mentors highlighting your academic strengths and character.
Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter – Clearly outlines your goals, background, and why you deserve the scholarship.
Financial Documents – For need-based scholarships, submit proof of family income or financial hardship.
University Acceptance Letter – Many scholarships require you to have secured admission before applying.
Proof of Achievements – Include certificates or recognitions from academics, competitions, or projects.
Academic Records – A strong 12th-grade performance, especially in core subjects, increases your eligibility.
Extracurriculars and Volunteering – Active participation shows you're a well-rounded candidate who can contribute to campus life.

Scholarship Application Process: What Indian Students Must Know

Feeling a bit overwhelmed about how to apply for scholarships in the USA?

Here's a step-by-step breakdown every Indian student should follow:

Start with research – Explore various undergraduate scholarships for Indian students in the USA (merit-based, need-based, etc.).
Check eligibility – Each scholarship has specific academic, financial, or profile-based requirements.
Gather documents – Prepare your SOP, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, financial proof, and achievements in advance.
Craft your application – Personalize each application with attention to detail and avoid copy-paste essays.
Apply before deadlines – Most scholarship deadlines close months before your course begins.
Follow up – After submitting, check your status with the university or provider.

Want your scholarship process to be smooth and error-free? Reach out to trusted study abroad consultants in Ahmedabad - Angel EduNext for expert guidance.

Student Visa Consultants in Ahmedabad for Maximizing Your Scholarship Success

Getting an undergraduate scholarship is a game-changer. It not only eases the financial pressure but also helps you focus more on your studies in the USA.

But to truly maximise your chances, you need more than just good grades; you need strategy, preparation, and the right support. That’s where trusted student visa consultants in Ahmedabad, Angel EduNext come in. From shortlisting the right scholarships for Indian students in the USA to preparing applications that stand out and guiding you through the visa process, expert help can make all the difference.

Contact Angel EduNext today.