Top 5 Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the USA & UK
- Krishna
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
You are reading this because you are willing to study abroad. The USA and the UK are renowned for their high-quality education, with Ivy League and Russell Group universities. However, the tuition fees are not always pocket-friendly. Scholarships are a way to ease the monetary burden. At Education and You, we have guided students to wins with major awards and under-the-radar gems alike. Here, we unpack five top scholarships, share why each one matters, and offer tips to make your application stand out.
1. Fulbright‑Nehru Master’s Fellowships (USA)
Fulbright‑Nehru is a recognition of leadership, potential, and purpose. The Government of India finances it through the Ministry of External Affairs and the US Department of State. Fulbright-Nehru scholars are expected to engage in real-world challenges and contribute to India's growth through their work and research. It includes-
Full tuition
Monthly living stipend
Health insurance
Who’s suitable:
An Indian bachelor's degree holder with 3 years of work experience.
Demonstrated leadership in any field
How to apply smartly:
This fellowship rewards vision. So, your SOP should clarify how you will use the skills you gain to address India’s demands, whether in education, health, or STEM. Include concrete accomplishments, like community projects or workplace leadership.
Timeline:
Deadlines typically fall in May-June. For example, this cycle closed on May 14, 2025, so mark it on your calendar early.
Link:
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
This scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This scholarship is designed to support individuals with outstanding leadership potential and a strong vision for driving change. Many of the alums have gone on to become ministers, CEOs, diplomats, and changemakers. A fact: each scholarship recipient becomes a part of an alumni network that spans over 160 nations.
What you get:
Full tuition and maintenance stipend
Airfare and visa coverage
Who’s eligible:
Bachelor’s degree holders
Minimum 2 years of work experience
Proven leadership potential
How to stand out:
Be precise in explaining your goals. Chevening wants to know: How will your UK study push your career forward? What change are you committed to making in India? Highlight any leadership quality, even those outside of work, like community involvement or mentoring.
Timeline:
Applications open in August and close around November.
Link:
3. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships (USA/UK)
Inlaks prizes creativity, ambition, and a bold strategy to learning. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation established it. This scholarship is for individuals with strong intellectual curiosity, creative vision, and a dream to bring new viewpoints to public policy, fine arts, design, film, environmental studies, and emerging interdisciplinary fields.
What you get:
Tuition and living costs
Health insurance—up to USD 100,000 total funding
Who’s eligible:
Indian citizens under 30
First-class undergraduate degree
Admission to a reputable foreign university
How to apply smartly:
Make your application memorable. Inlaks loves personal stories and fresh perspectives. Share what drives you, whether it’s a policy reform idea or a cultural initiative. Passionate, original statements beat polished but generic ones.
Timeline:
Applications usually open between January and March.
Link:
4. GREAT Scholarships (UK)
GREAT Scholarships are associations between the UK government and universities. They champion fields critical to future global needs like health, digital innovation, and sustainability. Winning one signals your program is both excellent and aligned with big-picture priorities.
What you get:
At least £10,000 off tuition for a one-year postgraduate course
Who’s suitable:
Indian nationals with UG degrees
Admission offer from a participating UK university
How to stand out:
Each participating university picks winners based on its values. If you are applying to numerous schools, read their criteria carefully. Tailor your SOP to reflect why their specific program strengthens your career goals and goals for India.
Timeline:
Deadlines vary, usually between March and May, so keep your eye on each university’s site.
Link:
5. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University (USA)
The Tata Scholarship is rare. It is full funding for Indian students to attend a top-tier university like Cornell. It’s not just a financial gift, but it signals that India is committing to developing future leaders in engineering, agriculture, and science at elite levels.
What you get:
Full tuition
Possible living costs support, based on need
Who’s suitable:
Indian students admitted to Cornell undergrad programs
Must demonstrate financial need
How to apply smartly:
You must apply for financial aid at the same time as admission. Complete the CSS Profile accurately. Show that you need funding and that you will use your Cornell degree to make a difference afterwards.
Timeline:
Tied to Cornell’s admissions cycle, usually from October to January.
Link:
Other Scholarships: Worth a Look
If you are exploring other options, here are a few with strong reputations:
Rhodes Scholarships (UK): It is for outstanding student‑leaders.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK): It assists subjects aligned with their goals.
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (USA): It is specifically for India‑bound grads at Stanford University.
Oxford & Cambridge Society of India Scholarships: These are university-specific awards.
AAUW International Fellowships (USA): It is focused on women pursuing full degrees overseas.
Each has its focus, whether based on gender, academics, leadership, or need, so match them based on your profile.
At a glance:
Tips to Nail Your Application
Start Early: Set up early alerts. Missed deadlines are an opportunity overlooked.
Define your "WHY": Be transparent about why this degree, why at this particular institution, and why now? The 3 essential "WHYs."
Show depth: Talk about your leadership and volunteering work, even if it's small; do not hesitate.
Stay organized: Track various deadlines and list all the documents required.
Apply broadly: Do not overlook the lesser-known scholarships; less competition often indicates bigger chances.
Want to Get Started?
Let’s discuss your profile and your challenges, and then plan a roadmap to your study abroad dreams.
Email us at info@educationandyou.in
