Financing a higher education in the USA is a major consideration for Indian students. Beyond the prestigious need-based programs at Ivy League institutions like Yale, numerous government and non-governmental scholarships provide critical funding for undergraduate, graduate, and professional pursuits.
Government and Non-Governmental Scholarships
These broad-based programs often provide full funding, including tuition, stipends, and travel:
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships: This flagship program supports Indian students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees in specific fields. It provides J-1 visa support, round-trip airfare, full tuition, and a living stipend.
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship: Designed for mid-career professionals, this 10-month non-degree program provides graduate-level coursework and professional development. It covers tuition, a monthly maintenance allowance, and travel costs.
- National Overseas Scholarship (NOS): A government-backed scheme for students from underprivileged backgrounds (SC/ST/DNT) pursuing masters or PhD programs. It covers tuition, living costs, and visa fees.
- AAUW International Fellowships: These support women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S. who intend to return to their home country. Award amounts are $20,000 for Master’s, $25,000 for Doctoral, and $50,000 for Postdoctoral studies. Learn more for USA Scholarships Requirements.
Yale University Financial Aid
Yale operates a need-blind admissions policy for all undergraduate applicants, meaning ability to pay does not impact admission decisions.
- Need-Based Support: Yale meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. The average need-based award for international students is over $50,000.
- Full Coverage: Families with a gross annual income below $75,000 (with typical assets) generally receive financial aid that covers the full cost of tuition, housing, and meals.
- Merit-Based Awards: Yale does not offer any merit-based or academic scholarships. However, students can apply for external merit-based awards, such as those from the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation or Tata Trusts, to reduce their “Student Share” contribution. Click here to check application process to Yale University Scholarrship.
University-Specific Merit Scholarships
Many U.S. universities offer significant merit-based aid directly to international applicants:
- University of Tulsa (TU) Presidential Scholarship: A prestigious award covering full tuition for up to five years. To be eligible for the 2026 intake, applicants must apply by February 1, 2026, have a minimum 4.0 weighted GPA, and an SAT score of 1300+ or ACT of 28+.
- Tata Scholarship (Cornell University): Established by the Tata Education and Development Trust, this supports roughly 20 Indian undergraduate students annually with full tuition coverage for up to four years.
- Arizona State University (ASU): Offers “New American University” awards for bachelors students, providing up to $16,000 per year.
You May Read: University-Specific Merit Scholarships
Application Checklist for Fully Funded Awards
Typical documentation required for high-value scholarships includes:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).
- Standardized test scores (GRE or GMAT if applicable).
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Personal Statement or research proposal.
