In the third consecutive year, a record-breaking number of Indian students have chosen to pursue higher education in the United States. The Open Doors Report (ODR) released today reveals a 35 percent increase in the number of Indian students studying in the United States, reaching an all-time high of 268,923 students in the academic year 2022-23.
Indian students now make up more than 25 percent of the over one million international students enrolled in U.S. institutions. The release of the Open Doors Report also marks the commencement of International Education Week (IEW), a global celebration of the advantages of international education and exchange.
In the most recent Open Doors Report, it was revealed that India has overtaken China as the largest contributor of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009/10.
The number of Indian graduate students has surged by 63 percent to reach 165,936 students, marking an increase of almost 64,000 students compared to the previous year.
The number of Indian undergraduate students has also seen a 16 percent increase. The data from Open Doors Report also highlights that India is at the forefront in the number of individuals (69,062) who have pursued optional practical training (OPT), which is a temporary work permission allowing eligible students to gain practical experience in their field of study.
Source: https://in.usembassy.gov/the-united-states-remains-the-top-choice-for-indian-students-pursuing-higher-education-abroad/
It costs a lot to go to college in the United States, but if you plan, you can cut costs by a lot. Universities and other colleges in the United States put a lot of effort into making room for foreign students and giving them access to world-class facilities that will help them succeed in school. If you get the right grant, you can study abroad and have a life-changing experience.
There are many agencies, from top universities and colleges to NGOs and government organizations, that will give money to deserving foreign students like you. There are scholarships in the US that will pay for all or part of your schooling. Find one that fits your needs and course standards.
Types of Scholarships in the USA
In the United States, there are different kinds of scholarships for Indian students.
- Government-funded scholarships: The US government gives some scholarships to foreign students, and there are also grants just for Indian students who want to study in the US. Some well-known grants are the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program, and others.
- Non-government scholarships: Some private groups and trusts may give Indian students grants to study in the US. Some of these are AAUW International Fellowships, International Student Financial Aid (ISFA), and so on.
- University-funded scholarships: Most of the best colleges in the US give grants to students who meet certain requirements. Scholarships from the University of New Haven, the University of Minnesota, and other places are some examples.
- Merit-based scholarships: If you have good grades, you can find grants that pay for all or part of your fees and living costs. The Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students and the Berea College Scholarships for International Students are a few awards you can apply for.
How to Get Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA
A good GPA is the most important requirement for most scholarships, but it also relies on things like where you want to go to college, what you are studying, and what level you are at. For some scholarships, things like charity work and hobbies outside of school can also be used to your benefit.
Many universities have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 – 4.0 for high school students seeking admission. Additionally, they may also require a band score of 6.0 or higher in IELTS, or a TOEFL score ranging from 80 to 100.
Remember that each scholarship in the USA has its own rules about who can get it. In some cases, just applying may be enough. In others, you may need to meet several other requirements as well. For example, you might have to turn in written tasks in schools that focus on study. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to call the university admissions office.
Different colleges offer different amounts of grants and types of awards. Some study programs will pay up to 100% of your tuition and help pay for some of your living costs. When you apply for government scholarships compared to educational grants, you may face more competition. So, we recommend that you start the process eight to twelve months before the start of the entry you want in the USA.
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Top Scholarships in the USA
Inlaks Scholarships
One of the most well-known grants for Indian students in the US is the Inlaks Scholarship. This USA grant for Indian students helps students who have been accepted to the best colleges in the USA by giving them money. There are grants available to help students pay for their education, health care, living costs, and one-way travel. Students working on their master's, PhD, or doctoral degrees are the only ones who can get this scholarship.
Eligibility
- Only valid for Indian students with an Indian passport.
- Students must have a UG degree from a recognized university in India
- Students must have applied for a master’s or PhD program at a US university.
- Students should score good marks on the tests like the IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT.
- Candidates must be born on and after 1st January 1992.
- For subjects like Humanities, Law, Social science, and Fine arts, students should have at least 65% academic grades
- For subjects like Science, Mathematical, and Environmental, students should have at least 70% of academic grades.
Tata Scholarship
One of the best scholarships for Indian students who want to go to Cornell University in the US is the TATA scholarship. This is one of those awards for Indian students in the US that pays for the whole first-year course, so they can get the best education without having to worry about money. This grant has helped more than 5,000 Indian students, and they are now taking their first year of college at Cornell University.
Eligibility
- Only Indian Students can apply for this scholarship.
- Students must apply for a UG course at Cornell University.
- The minimum IELTS score required is 7.0.
- The minimum TOEFL score required is 100.
- Students’ family income should be less than INR 25L.
- The candidate must have an excellent academic record and should have scored above 90% in their high school.
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program
The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program is a great chance for Indian students who want to work in scam detection and prevention. ACFE gives this grant to students who are working in criminal justice, accounting, business administration, or finance. More than 1,200 students around the world, including Indian students, have been given Ritchie Jennigs grants. The grant money ranges from INR 4L to INR 8L.
Eligibility
- Declared significant or minor in accounting, business administration, finance, criminal justice or similar fraud-related discipline required.
- Must be currently enrolled at an accredited, 4-year college or university.
- Must be enrolled through the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Undergraduates must be a junior, senior, or at least in the second half of their sophomore year when applying.
- Graduates must be registered in 6 semester hours (or equivalent) per term.
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Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship
The Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship is a great way for Indian students from poor families or homes to get financial help to go to college. It is run by the government of India. In India, this chance to get Master's and Doctoral degrees at universities in the US is only open to a few people. This grant makes it possible for Indian students from low-income families to go to top colleges abroad for free.
Eligibility
- To be eligible for the scholarship, at least 60% marks in the qualifying examination are required.
- For PhD courses, the qualifying exam would be a Master’s Degree, and for Master’s Degree courses, it would be a Bachelor’s Degree.
- The age limit is 35 years as of the first day of April
- The total family income from all sources should not exceed INR 8L per annum.
- An income certificate issued by a Revenue Officer not below the rank of “Tehsildar” and ITR/ITRs of the family members should be submitted.
University of Cincinnati Scholarship
Indian and other foreign students can get scholarships from the University of Cincinnati, which lets them study in the United States without having to worry about money. Students who have done very well on tests can apply for a scholarship at this university based on their performance. The university has a lot of students from around the world, and this grant helps students from all walks of life get a good education. Since its start in 2023, this grant has helped more than 800 students.
Eligibility
- Student must have completed their high school education outside the USA.
- Students must come to UC from a foreign university.
- Students must get into UC with Conditional Admission.
- International students must have completed their Associate degree from a recognized university in the USA or from outside the USA.
- Students must have earned at least 24 semester hours of university-level courses from outside of the USA.
- A minimum score of 79 is required for the TOEFL exam
- Minimum of 6.5 overall IELTS exam score is required
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Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship
Rotary Clubs give the Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship to college and graduate students who want to go to school in the United States. Through this program, three different kinds of awards are given out:
- Academic Year Ambassadorial Scholarship: INR 20.82 Lakhs
- Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship: INR 9.90 Lakhs
- Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship: INR 9.90 Lakhs – INR 15.80 Lakhs
Eligibility
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate
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Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
Reliance Industries Limited gives the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship to Indian students who want to get an MBA from Stanford Business School. It is based on ability. Five students are chosen each year to receive INR 1.24 Crores from this grant.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate
- GRE/GMAT and IELTS/PTE/TOEFL

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is a merit-based award given to students who want to go to college in the United States. This award gives out a grant of 50% and a loan of 50%. The amount of the award changes for each lesson.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate
- Minimum work experience of 1 year
There are many reasons why Indian students prefer to go to the USA for higher studies. American colleges and universities offer a wide range of programs and are known for having some of the best academics in the world. The US education system also puts a lot of stress on hands-on learning and gives students access to advanced tools and chances to study. Don't miss out on your shot at your dream college.





