USA scholarships for Indian students 2027 include undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, research awards, and professional development programs. Indian students can find funding through U.S. universities, international exchange programs, and independent scholarship organizations. The funding rules differ by program, so applicants must check the eligibility requirements before applying.
Five major opportunities for Indian students include the Tata Scholarship at Cornell University, Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University, the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, and the AAUW International Fellowship. These programs cover different study levels and academic fields. Knight-Hennessy provides funding for up to 3 years, while the Tata Scholarship can provide up to 8 semesters for eligible undergraduate students.
This article is based on current information published by official universities, USIEF, and scholarship organizations. It focuses on the 2027 study cycle and gives applicants the key facts they need before starting an application. Scholarship deadlines and requirements can change, so applicants should verify the final information on the official website before submitting an application.
Top 5 Scholarships
1. Tata Scholarship at Cornell University
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Location: United States
Institution: Cornell University
Program Period: Up to 8 semesters. The architecture program can receive up to 10 semesters because it requires 5 years of full-time study.
Courses Offered: Cornell undergraduate programs. The scholarship gives preference to qualified students in architecture, engineering, applied economics and management, biological sciences, physical sciences, other sciences, and social sciences.
Deadline: January 7, 2027, for Regular Decision applicants. Cornell also lists November 6 for Early Decision applicants. Applicants must complete the required financial-aid application by the applicable deadline.
Scholarship Coverage: The Tata Scholarship provides financial aid for eligible Indian undergraduate students. Cornell maintains the scholarship while the student continues to demonstrate financial need. The scholarship supports approximately 20 scholars at a time.
2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Level of Study: Graduate
Location: Stanford, California, USA
Institution: Stanford University
Program Period: Up to 3 years of funding.
Courses Offered: Eligible Stanford graduate degree programs, including master’s, MBA, MFA, MPP, MS, JD, LLM, MD, PhD, DMA, and selected joint or dual-degree programs.
Deadline: October 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. Pacific Time for the 2027 cohort. Stanford also requires the applicable graduate degree application by its stated deadline. For Knight-Hennessy eligibility, the graduate program application must be submitted by December 1, 2026.
Scholarship Coverage: Knight-Hennessy provides tuition and associated fees, a living and academic stipend, and an annual travel stipend. New scholars can also receive a one-time relocation stipend.
3. Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship
Level of Study: Research, teaching, or research and teaching fellowship
Location: United States
Institution(s): One U.S. host institution selected through the Fulbright process
Program Period: 4 to 9 months
Courses and Fields: The 2027-2028 program includes fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, data science, quantum computing, semiconductor engineering, aerospace engineering, energy engineering, astrophysics, and public policy.
Deadline: July 1, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. India Standard Time for the 2027-2028 cycle.
Scholarship Coverage: The fellowship provides J-1 visa support, a monthly stipend, accident and sickness coverage, round-trip economy-class air travel, a settling-in allowance, and a professional allowance. An eligible dependent allowance and international travel can be available for qualifying 8- or 9-month grants, subject to funding.
4. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Level of Study: Non-degree graduate-level professional fellowship
Location: United States
Institution(s): Approximately 8 U.S. host campuses
Program Period: One academic year beginning in August 2027
Courses and Fields: The program covers communications and journalism, law and governance, natural resources policy, public and economic policy, public health policy and management, and technology policy and management.
Deadline: July 9, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. India Standard Time for the 2027-2028 award cycle.
Scholarship Coverage: The fellowship covers tuition and fees, a monthly maintenance allowance, accident and sickness coverage, books and supplies, round-trip international travel, and professional activity allowances.
5. AAUW International Fellowship
Level of Study: Master’s and doctoral
Location: United States
Institution(s): Accredited U.S. institutions
Program Period: The 2027-2028 fellowship period begins by September 15, 2027. Fellows completing their program during the award year must finish on or after April 30, 2028.
Courses and Fields: STEM fields, including computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, and other eligible science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.
Deadline: September 17, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Scholarship Coverage: The fellowship provides $20,000 for a master’s degree and $25,000 for a doctoral degree. The award is paid in 2 equal installments.
Scholarship Coverage
The 5 scholarships listed above provide different types of financial support. Students should not assume that every program is a full scholarship.
The Tata Scholarship provides financial aid to eligible Indian undergraduate students at Cornell University. Cornell states that recipients can receive the scholarship for up to 8 semesters, while eligible architecture students can receive funding for up to 10 semesters.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program provides funding for up to 3 years. The funding includes tuition and fees, living and academic expenses, and one annual economy-class travel allowance. New scholars can also receive relocation support.
The Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship provides a monthly stipend, J-1 visa support, health coverage, international airfare, settling-in support, and professional support.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship provides tuition and fees, a maintenance allowance, health coverage, books and supplies, international travel, and professional activity funding. The program does not award a U.S. academic degree.
The AAUW International Fellowship provides $20,000 for master’s study and $25,000 for doctoral study. The award supports eligible women pursuing full-time STEM graduate study in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
Tata Scholarship
Applicants must have attended secondary school in India, receive undergraduate admission to Cornell University, and qualify for need-based financial aid. Cornell gives preference to qualified students in specific academic areas, including engineering, architecture, applied economics and management, biological sciences, physical sciences, other sciences, and social sciences.
Applicants must complete the Cornell undergraduate admission application. Applicants seeking financial aid must also complete the required CSS Profile.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Knight-Hennessy accepts applicants from all countries for eligible Stanford graduate programs. Applicants must meet the program’s degree-timing requirement and gain admission to an eligible Stanford graduate program.
For the 2027 cohort, applicants who already hold a graduate degree remain eligible when their first bachelor’s degree was earned in 2020 or later. Applicants who served in their country’s military receive 2 additional years of eligibility.
Applicants must also meet the admission requirements of their selected Stanford graduate program.
Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship
Applicants must be Indian citizens who meet the academic and professional requirements of the selected fellowship category. The program is designed for Indian faculty, researchers, and professionals who want to teach, conduct research, or combine teaching and research at a U.S. institution.
Applicants must develop a clear proposal. The proposal should explain the research or teaching activity, its relevance to India and/or the United States, and the reason the work requires a U.S. host institution.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, at least 5 years of full-time professional experience, leadership potential, and a record of public service. Applicants must also be proficient in English and must commit to returning to India after completing the fellowship.
The fellowship is intended for mid-career professionals. It does not provide a degree. Fellows complete graduate-level academic work and professional development activities at U.S. host campuses.
AAUW International Fellowship
Applicants must identify as women, hold non-U.S. citizenship, and not hold U.S. permanent resident status. Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in their first master’s or academic/professional doctoral degree in an eligible STEM discipline.
Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The highest earned degree must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must study full-time at an accredited U.S. institution.
Application Process
Start your application by selecting a scholarship that matches your academic level, field, experience, and eligibility status. Each program uses a different application process.
Tata Scholarship Application Process
First, select an eligible undergraduate program at Cornell University.
Second, complete the Cornell undergraduate admission application.
Third, request the required academic documents. These documents can include official transcripts, school records, and other admission materials.
Fourth, complete the Cornell financial-aid application. International students who need financial aid must apply for financial aid when they apply for admission. Cornell states that students who fail to apply for aid by the required deadline cannot apply for undergraduate financial aid later.
Fifth, complete the CSS Profile because Cornell requires eligible international applicants to use this financial-aid process.
Sixth, submit the application before the applicable Cornell admission deadline.
Knight-Hennessy Application Process
First, select an eligible Stanford graduate degree program.
Second, review the Stanford graduate program requirements.
Third, prepare your academic documents, resume, recommendation letters, and required essays.
Fourth, create the Knight-Hennessy application.
Fifth, complete the Knight-Hennessy application separately from the Stanford graduate application.
Sixth, explain your leadership experience, goals, values, and future plans in the required application responses.
Seventh, submit the Knight-Hennessy application by October 6, 2026.
Eighth, submit the Stanford graduate program application by the required deadline. For the 2027 Knight-Hennessy cycle, Stanford states that the graduate degree application must be submitted by December 1, 2026 to remain eligible for Knight-Hennessy consideration.
Fulbright-Nehru Application Process
First, select the Fulbright-Nehru category that matches your academic or professional background.
Second, identify a research or teaching project that fits the fellowship fields.
Third, prepare a project statement that explains your objectives, methods, expected results, and relevance to India and/or the United States.
Fourth, identify a suitable U.S. host institution. USIEF strongly recommends contacting potential U.S. host institutions before submitting the application. Applicants who already have an invitation letter must include it with the application.
Fifth, prepare academic records, professional documents, recommendation letters, and other required materials.
Sixth, complete the online USIEF application.
Seventh, submit the complete application before the deadline.
Eighth, monitor your application email for screening, interview, and selection information.
Hubert H. Humphrey Application Process
First, check whether your professional experience matches the Humphrey requirements.
Second, select an eligible field of study.
Third, prepare your professional CV and academic documents.
Fourth, prepare your leadership and public-service information.
Fifth, complete the online Humphrey application through the official application system.
Sixth, upload the Employer’s Endorsement Form when applicable.
Seventh, invite 2 referees through the online application system.
Eighth, ensure that both referees submit their recommendations before the deadline.
Ninth, submit the application by July 9, 2026.
Tenth, shortlisted candidates complete the national interview process. USIEF expects nominees to take the TOEFL after nomination. The 2027-2028 program is scheduled to begin in August or September 2027.
AAUW International Fellowship Application Process
First, secure admission to an eligible U.S. master’s or doctoral STEM program. AAUW requires applicants to be admitted to or enrolled in the program when they apply.
Second, verify that the U.S. institution is accredited.
Third, prepare proof of your highest academic degree.
Fourth, prepare transcripts and GPA documentation.
Fifth, prepare proof of admission or current enrollment.
Sixth, prepare recommendation letters and the required application narratives.
Seventh, provide certified English translations for required academic documents that are not in English.
Eighth, complete the online AAUW application.
Ninth, review every uploaded document before submission.
Tenth, submit the application before September 17, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
AAUW reviews complete applications against its eligibility and selection criteria. An independent review panel evaluates eligible applications.
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Deadline
The 5 scholarships have different deadlines for the 2027 study cycle. Applicants should check the official website immediately before submitting an application.
Tata Scholarship: January 7, 2027, for Cornell Regular Decision applicants. Cornell lists November 6 for Early Decision applicants.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars: October 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. The Stanford graduate application must also meet the applicable deadline, with December 1, 2026 being the stated deadline for Knight-Hennessy eligibility.
Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship: July 1, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. India Standard Time.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship: July 9, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. India Standard Time.
AAUW International Fellowship: September 17, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Because the current date is August 17, 2026, the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence and Hubert H. Humphrey deadlines have already passed for the 2027-2028 cycle. The AAUW and Knight-Hennessy deadlines remain upcoming, while the Tata Scholarship deadline applies to Cornell’s 2027 undergraduate admission cycle.
Apply Now
Tata Scholarship
Apply through Cornell University’s official undergraduate admissions and financial-aid information.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Apply through the official Knight-Hennessy Scholars application.
Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship
Review the official USIEF Fulbright-Nehru fellowship page.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Review the official USIEF Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship page.
AAUW International Fellowship
Apply through the official AAUW International Fellowship page.
