Many prestigious universities worldwide offer specialised programmes and research opportunities that can significantly enrich a student’s academic journey. Access to global expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, innovative teaching methods etc. provide a win-win situation for career advancement for Indian students willing to pursue their studies abroad. There is no doubt that international education in the emerging context enhances employability, adaptability, resilience, and global awareness and at the same time it brings forth precious international experience that is valued by employers worldwide.
In a nutshell, international education opens the door to a wide range of enriching experiences, deeper understanding of global issues which are crucial skills for personal and professional growth.
Data released by the Ministry of External Affairs states that in 2022, more than 13 lakh Indian students were studying in 79 countries worldwide. The countries that have found favours among Indian students include the following:
- United Kingdom
- USA
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- UAE
- Germany
Many governments worldwide offer scholarships to international students, fostering diplomatic and educational ties. Some of the most popular and relevant opportunities for the benefit of our students planning their higher studies in the US are listed hereafter.
India and the United States
United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) offers academic guidance, fellowship support and facilitates academic dialogue between the U.S. and India. The USIEF since its inception has awarded around 20,000 Fulbright, Fulbright-Nehru, and other prestigious grants and scholarships in almost every academic domain. The Fulbright Program is now the largest educational scholarship program in the world and operates between the US and more than 150 countries. It not only works as an important forum for interfacing with the civil society but also offers collaboration through lectures and communication through e-enabled platforms.
India has been one of the largest recipients of the Fulbright Programs worldwide.
EducationUSA
EducationUSA is the official source of information on US higher education. It is the United States Department of State network that promotes higher education in the US. It has over 430 international student advising centers located in more than 175 countries and territories. It provides most accurate, comprehensive, and current information on available opportunities.
Interested applicants can reach out to an EducationUSA advising center either in-person or virtually. They can engage with the centers through phone, email, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms. EducationUSA services in India are located at six centers across five cities viz. New Delhi (headquarters), Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai. It is administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) – the Fulbright Commission in India.
Some of the other notable scholarships for students to study in USA include the following:
- Tata Scholarships for Cornell University: This scholarship is for undergraduate students from India who are accepted for admission to Cornell University and need financial support.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: Inlaks Scholarships Foundation focuses on providing scholarships, grants and awards in various fields for the development of professional, scientific, artistic and cultural abilities of young Indians, both abroad as well as in India.
- AAUW International Fellowships: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the US. The programme provides support to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents.
- Humphrey Fellowship Programme: This fellowship programme is meant for experienced professionals interested in strengthening their leadership skills through a mutual exchange of knowledge and understanding about issues of common concern in the US and their home countries.
- Rotary Peace Fellowship: Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and up to 80 for certificate studies at premier universities.
- MITACS Globalink Research Internship: While not a direct scholarship, this program allows Indian students to undertake research internships at Canadian universities, including some collaborations with US institutions.
In conclusion, it must be acknowledged that timely, correct, and relevant information on available scholarship and fellowship opportunities serve as the gateways for navigating the world of study abroad scholarship meant for Indian students. It has the potential to transform aspirations of studying abroad into tangible realities without worrying about the financial implications.
(The writer is the chief content strategist at Buddy4Study)