How many Types are Available to Get Scholarship in USA

When considering higher education in the USA, it's important to explore the various type of scholarships to study in USA. These include merit-based scholarships, which recognize academic, athletic, or artistic achievements, and need-based scholarships, which assist students from low-income families. Additionally, there are types of scholarships in USA for Indian students offered by universities and government programs, specifically designed to support students from abroad. Understanding these type of scholarships to study in USA can help ease the financial burden of studying in the US. 

• Merit-based scholarships

• Need-based scholarships

• Government-funded scholarships

• Non-government scholarships

• University-funded scholarships

Merit-based scholarships, a prominent type of scholarships to study in USA, are awarded to students who exhibit exceptional academic achievements, talents, or abilities. These scholarships are often offered by universities, private organizations, and government. The selection criteria for this type of scholarships in USA for international students usually include academic performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and leadership qualities.

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship: The Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship is a merit-based, non-government program offering up to INR 2 million for Indian students pursuing higher education both in India and abroad. This interest-free loan award is available to Indian residents under 30 with a consistent academic record.

Eligibility:

• Citizenship: Indian national residing in India.

• Education: Graduated or final-year student from an accredited Indian university.

• Postgraduate Studies: Planning to start at a top institution in Fall 2024 or have applied and are awaiting acceptance.

• Admission: Scholarship is awarded upon securing admission.

• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates must attend interviews.

The Gates Scholarship: The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive type of scholarships to study in the USA, designed to support outstanding, minority high school seniors, including Indian students, who have financial need and maintain good academic standing with a cumulative weighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (87%).

Eligibility Criteria:

• High School Status: Must be a senior in high school.

• Ethnicity: Must be a member of one of the specified racial or ethnic groups.

• Citizenship: Must be a US citizen or long-term resident.

• Academic Standing: Must have a cumulative weighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (87%).

• Enrollment: Must intend to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a US-accredited, private, public, or not-for-profit college or university.

Need-based scholarships are a type of scholarships to study in the USA awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships aim to make education accessible to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The different need-based types of scholarships to study in the USA are as follows:

National Overseas Scholarship: The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a type of scholarship for Indian students offered by India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It covers tuition, medical insurance, travel, and other expenses for studying abroad. This scholarship is available to students from socially and economically backward classes, with 30% reserved for female students.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Educational Qualification:

  • Masters: Minimum of 55% or equivalent at the undergraduate level.

  • Doctorate: Minimum of 55% or equivalent at the master’s level.

• Age Limit: Must be under 35 years old as of April 1.

• Income Limit: Total family income should not exceed 6,00,000 INR.

• Children Criteria: Only two children from the same parents can benefit from the National Overseas Scholarship.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship: The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is a prominent type of scholarship in the USA for international students. It provides financial aid through a combination of 50% grant and 50% loan, with a preference for those applying to master’s programs, thus offering significant support for studying abroad.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Excellent academic records

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

• Strong leadership potential

• Relevant professional experience

• Achievements in extracurricular activities, entrepreneurship, or volunteer work

The US government, along with other countries, offers various types of scholarships in the USA for Indian students, aimed at promoting international education and cultural exchange. These type of scholarships to study in the USA are typically highly competitive and provide substantial financial support.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: This program provides funding for US undergraduate students to study abroad, with preference given to students with high financial need.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or national.

• Academic Status: Undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited U.S. institution.

• Financial Aid: Must be receiving or eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

• Program: Must be applying to or accepted into a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program, with proof of acceptance required.

• Travel Advisory: The program must be in a country or location with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2. Travel to areas within these locations designated as Level 3 or 4 is not allowed.

Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships: The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are awarded to exceptional Indian students and cover up to two years, depending on the length of the master’s program. The fellowship does not extend beyond the duration of the study. Additionally, support for a J-1 USA student visa is provided.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic Qualification: Minimum of 55% in an undergraduate degree.

• Skills: Demonstrated leadership skills and community service experience.

• Professional Experience: At least 3 years of full-time (paid) experience in the relevant field of study.

• Language Proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score. Students seeking a waiver must contact USIEF

Non-government scholarships represent a significant type of scholarships to study in USA, funded by private organizations, foundations, and corporations rather than government entities. These scholarships often cater to specific fields of study, academic achievements, or financial needs. These types of scholarships in USA for international students are designed to provide support based on various criteria such as academic performance, financial need, or special talents.

The Tata Scholarship for Cornell University: The Tata Scholarship for Cornell University, recognized as a fully funded scholarship in USA for undergraduate Indian students, is one of the prominent types of scholarships in USA for Indian students, funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust. Its $25 million endowment supports students in building a successful future.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Nationality: Indian citizen or resident.

• Education: Graduate of an Indian senior secondary school.

• Financial Need: Eligible for need-based financial aid.

• English Proficiency: TOEFL-iBT score of 100 or IELTS score of 7.0.

• Admission: Must have an offer from Cornell University for an undergraduate program.

AAUW International Fellowships: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers International Fellowships, a distinguished scholarship supporting women pursuing full-time graduate studies in the USA. The award amounts range from $20,000 for master’s or first professional degrees to $50,000 for postdoctoral research. Among these fellowships, only five for master’s or first professional degrees are renewable for a second year, providing substantial financial support.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Visa Status: Must be an international student with a U.S. student visa.

• Academic Degree: Hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution or a globally recognized university.

• Program Enrollment: Must start a full-time graduate or doctoral program at a U.S. institution.

• Degree Completion: Must have an academic degree (U.S. or international) equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.

• Career Commitment: Must return to their home country to pursue a professional career.

US universities provide various type of scholarships to study in the USA to attract talented international students. These can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination. Typically, university-specific scholarships can be renewed if you maintain strong academic performance. The different University-Specific types of scholarships in USA for international students are as follows:

Stanford University Scholarships: Stanford University offers various types of scholarships in USA for international students. These include need-based financial aid, which covers the difference between a student's financial resources and the cost of attendance. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• Financial Need: Scholarships may be awarded based on the applicant's financial situation.

• Academic Performance: Strong academic records and achievements are considered.

• Extracurricular Achievements: Involvement and accomplishments in extracurricular activities are taken into account.

Robertson Scholars Leadership Program: The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, a notable type of scholarship to study in USA, is offered jointly by Duke University and the University of North Carolina. This program offers a fully funded scholarship for UG students, covering all tuition, fees, and living costs. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Application Timing: Apply for undergraduate admission to Duke University or UNC-Chapel Hill in the same year as the Robertson Scholars application, meeting Early or Regular deadlines.

• Citizenship: U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

• Documentation: Must possess a valid passport and student visa for the USA.

Yale University Scholarships: Yale University offers several types of scholarships in USA for Indian students, including need-based financial aid that covers tuition and expenses based on a family's financial situation. Yale's financial aid program ensures that admitted students can attend regardless of their ability to pay.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Financial Need: Scholarships may be awarded based on the applicant's financial situation.

• Academic Performance: Strong academic records and achievements are considered.

• Extracurricular Achievements: Involvement and accomplishments in extracurricular activities are taken into account

Q1. What are the different types of scholarships in the US?

Answer: Types of scholarships to study in the USA include merit-based scholarships for academic or extracurricular achievements, need-based scholarships for financial assistance, and government, non-government, and university-funded scholarships.

Q2. What is the best scholarship in the USA?

Answer: The best scholarship in the USA depends on your goals: Fulbright Scholarships offer full funding for various research and studies, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is excellent for professional development and the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship provides full funding for any graduate degree at Stanford University.

Q3. How can you get a scholarship for the USA?

Answer: To secure a scholarship for studying in the USA, start your search early and research available opportunities. Ensure you meet eligibility criteria and prepare for any required standardized tests. Collect necessary documents like transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays.

Q4. Can you study in the USA for free?

Answer: Yes, it is possible to study in the USA for free. Consider attending tuition-free universities, applying for different type of scholarships to study in USA, and seeking part-time job opportunities. Ensure your application is strong by showcasing excellent academic records and entrance exam performance.

Q5. What is a full-ride scholarship?

Answer - A full-ride scholarship is a type of scholarship to study in USA that covers all college-related expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, and fees.