• Scholarships

Top 5 PhD Scholarships in USA for Indian Students

4085 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Mar 12,2024 01:06 PM IST

Pursuing a PhD is an incredible feat on its own, but doing so from an international university is something only a few students can think of. However, it is easier said than done, as pursuing a PhD in the USA without any external help may leave students in hefty student debt and a years-long chain of loan repayment. Students can dodge this bullet with proper guidance and some help from scholarships to pursue a PhD in the USA in 2025. Read the blog for more information.

Top 5 scholarships for PhD in USA for Indian students.webp

Pursuing a Doctorate in the United States is an ambitious and intellectually rewarding endeavour, but it comes with a big bag of student loans, causing significant financial challenges for many. Fortunately, many prestigious scholarships are available for international students who wish to pursue their PhD in USA and make breakthroughs in their academic fields. These scholarships are tailor-made to encourage international students with financial constraints and help them study. However, not many students know about these scholarships. In this blog, students may find interesting and useful scholarships to pursue a PhD in the USA in 2025.

Top 5 Scholarships to Pursue PhD in USA

Financing a PhD in the USA, especially for international students, can be daunting due to the high tuition fees and living expenses. However, numerous scholarships are available for international students to help ease their financial burden and make their dream of pursuing a doctorate in the U.S. a reality. Here are some popular scholarship programs that students can consider to study in the USA:

top 5 scholarships to study phd in USA.webp

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship offers yearly scholarships to graduate students from developing countries. Aga Khan Foundation selects students with no other means of financing their postgraduate studies. This program focuses on students with strong academic records and a keen interest in pursuing development-related studies to bring positive change in their home countries.

Award	Award Conditions	Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship awards 50% grants and 50% loans to the recipient.	• This scholarship is only awarded for the first two years, after which the students are expected to manage their finances on their own. • The student's head or the guardian is supposed to co-sign the agreement with the applicant. • A five per cent annum service charge is levied on the loan amount. • The loan typically has a repayment period of 5 years. • The award only covers tuition fees and the cost of living. It doesn't cover any other expense or cost of international travel.	• This scholarship has an age criterion, as the student must be 30 years old or below. • The student must be a citizen of an eligible country. • Students must have an excellent academic record. • Those candidates who have relevant experience will be given priority. • Financial assistance will depend on the needs of the students. • Students may be asked to prove that they have applied to multiple funding sources. • Students must be admitted to reputed postgraduate institutions. • Applicant's extracurricular activities, goals, and achievements also play a crucial role in their selection.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarship initiatives in the United States. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administers this scholarship. This program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study and conduct research in the United States. This program provides around 4000 doctorate scholarships to international students who wish to pursue PhD in the USA. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers two fellowships:

2025-2026 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

Below are the awards and eligibility criteria associated with fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships:

Award

Eligibility Criteria

• This scholarship provides J-1 visa support to the students.
• Almost every expense, including tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, is covered under this scholarship.

• The applicant must have done a reasonable study about their research objectives, especially in the identification on or before November 1, 2023.
• One of the recommendation letters must be from the PhD supervisor and must comment on the applicant's research need for the fellowship. The letter must indicate the PhD registration date and topic.
• The thesis submission date should be three months after the Fullbright- Nehru end date.
• If the applicant is employed, they must follow the instructions regarding the employer's endorsement.
• The applicant must upload a copy of the original published/ presented paper or extracts from Masters'/ M.Phil. thesis on the online application form (not exceeding 20 pages).

2025-2026 Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships for Doctoral Research

The Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships are designed to help students build long-term capacity to address climate change-related issues in India and the U.S.

Award

Eligibility Criteria

• The fellowship provides J-1 visa support, a monthly stipend, an Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines, round trip economy class air travel, applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees, if any.
• No allowances are provided for dependents.
• The grant may not be sufficient to support family members.

• The applicant should have done a reasonable study on their research objectives, especially in identifying resources in India and the U.S.
• Applicants must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2023.
• On the online application form, one recommendation should be from the PhD supervisor emphasizing the applicant's research and need for the fellowship. It must also indicate the Ph.D. registration date and topic.
• The expected PhD thesis submission date and end date should be at least three months after the Fulbright-Kalam grant.
• Employed applicants must follow the instructions carefully regarding the employer's endorsement, and the employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period.
• The applicant must upload a copy of the original published/ presented paper or extracts from the Master's/ M.Phil. thesis in the online application form (not exceeding 20 pages).

AAUW International Fellowships

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers international fellowships to women who aren't U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or those who intend to return to their home countries to become leaders in business, government, academia, and civil society. For this scholarship, the student showcases strong academic skills and a clear commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in their respective regions.

Award	Award Conditions	Eligibility Criteria
• Master's/first professional degree: $20,000 • Doctoral: $25,000 • Postdoctoral: $50,000	• Previous AAUW national fellowships or grant recipients are not eligible for this scholarship. It does not include branch or local awards or community action grants. • Applicants may not be eligible for this scholarship if they are on the AAUW board of directors, committees, panels, task forces, staff members, and interns. The fellowship will not be provided for the following: • Purchase of equipment • Indirect cost • Travel to or from a fellow's home country or research location • Tuition for dependent's education • Research Assistance • Previous debt, loans and expenditure • Institutional costs	• The student must not be a citizen of the USA. • The applicant should have an excellent academic record. • The applicant must be proficient in the English language. • Applicant must return to their home country after completing their degree. • The candidate must enrol in a full-time program to get the fellowship. • Applicants can reapply if they fail at their first attempt. • The applicant must have an academic degree equivalent to a USA bachelor's degree. They must've completed it within the application deadline. • Applicants are allowed to apply for the fellowship for any year of their program; however, the applicant needs to be conducting a full year of study or research.

IBM PhD Fellowship Award Program

IBM's PhD Fellowship Award Program is widely known for supporting outstanding PhD students who showcase an interest in solving problems crucial for innovation. IBM selects the awardees based on their overall potential for research excellence and their degree of alignment with IBM's technical topics of interest.

Award	Award Conditions	Eligibility Criteria
• This fellowship provides $40,000 for universities in the United States. • Recipients are also offered the chance to intern at an IBM research or development lab under the mentorship of an IBM scientist.	• Applicants will not be eligible if they are from US-embargoed countries or have attended institutions in US-embargoed countries. • Applicants receiving a comparable fellowship, internship, or support from another company or institution during the IBM PhD fellowship funding period are ineligible for this award. • Applicants transferring departments or schools cannot apply for the award. Applicants will be selected on: • Their potential for research excellence. Candidates are advised to intern during the year of their award. • All the student visas must align with the terms of the internship. • The degree to which the nomineesʼ research aligns with IBM focus areas. • Academic standing, publication, and endorsements from faculty advisors and department heads.	• Applicants must not nominate themselves for the award; they must be nominated by a doctoral faculty member. • Applicant must be enrolled full-time in a PhD program during the academic year of the award. Otherwise, they might have to forfeit the fellowship. • At the time of nomination, the applicant should have two years remaining in their program to apply for the fellowship to the last year of study.

Kala Singh Memorial Scholarship

The Kala Singh Memorial Scholarship has been established to honour the memory of its namesake. This scholarship is designed to support Indian nationals enrolling in a PhD program in the United States. This scholarship is available for students with excellent academic track records who have already secured admission to a reputable American university. The candidates for this scholarship are evaluated based on the student's potential for leadership and their commitment to contribute to their studies. This scholarship continues to represent a beacon of hope and advancement for Indian students aspiring to conduct cutting-edge research and development projects in their chosen academic fields.

Eligibility Criteria

There are certain eligibility criteria that students must meet to receive this scholarship:

• Applicants must have a graduate degree.

• Applicants must be students pursuing study programs in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing.

• Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time program to remain eligible for this scholarship.

• Students must submit a letter of recommendation/ reference by the application deadline.

Conclusion

Pursuing a PhD from a prestigious university in the USA guarantees a promising horizon for doctoral candidates. To help students overcome their financial constraints, students can choose from various scholarships to chase their dreams and study for the greater good of society. Students can leverage amazing scholarships like Aga Khan Foundation International Fellowships, Fulbright Student Program, Kala Singh Memorial Scholarship, AAUW International Fellowships, and IBM PhD Fellowship Award program for a bright future. These opportunities allow international students to gain top-quality education and tackle the world's most pressing challenges with their knowledge. Want more details and guidance? Contact Canam Consultants today!

FAQ

What are some of the biggest challenges international students face when pursuing a PhD in the USA?

Financing is a major hurdle due to high tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, obtaining visas, adapting to a new culture, and navigating unfamiliar academic systems can be challenging for a student wishing to pursue a PhD in the USA.

What are some key factors to consider when choosing a PhD scholarship?

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a PhD scholarship.

• The funding amount and whether it covers all of the student's needs.

• Students must also assess the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure that they qualify.

• Ensure the scholarship aligns with the chosen program and research interests.

• Research the application process and deadlines.

Does the Fulbright Foreign Student Program cover all living expenses?

Yes, it covers most expenses, including stipend for tuition, travel, and living.

Why are scholarships so important for international PhD students in the USA?

Scholarships significantly reduce financial burden, allowing students to focus on their studies. They also open doors to top universities and research opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Can I reapply for the AAUW International Fellowship if I wasn't successful the first time?

Yes, students can reapply if they meet the eligibility criteria and address any shortcomings from their previous application.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Crandall University - Moncton Campus

New Brunswick, Canada • 25 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 17500-18000 / year

Study Group - Kingston University London International Study Centre

England, UK • 66 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 14000-16000 / year

Mediadesign University of Applied Sciences - Berlin Campus

Berlin, Germany • 15 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 12600-12600 / year

Conestoga College - Waterloo Campus

Ontario, Canada • 76 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 14000-15500 / year

Navitas Group - Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) - Melbourne Campus

Victoria, Australia • 11 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 26500-27000 / year

Education Centre of Australia (ECA) Group - ECA College of Health Sciences - Brisbane Campus

Queensland, Australia • 1 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 0-0 / year

Study Group - University of Surrey International Study Centre

England, UK • 170 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 4500-18000 / year

Mohawk College - Centre for Aviation Technology at Hamilton International Airport (YHM)

Ontario, Canada • 3 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 22000-22500 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop

Study in Canada

18th Sep to 28th Sept, 24 • 10:30AM to 05:00PM

In-Person & Virtual Event

University Visit - Northern Lights College

Study in Canada • University Visit

Patiala • 04:00PM

In-Person Event

University Visit - Bay Atlantic University (MSM)

Study in USA • University Visit

Hyderabad-Kukatpally • 01:00PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Why Australia is Better Than Other Countries for Study?

In recent times Australia has emerged as one of the most favoured study-abroad destinations among Indians. As per the United Nations report, Australia...

Updated on • Sep 11,2024 05:38 PM IST • Australia

Public Universities in New Zealand for International Students

New Zealand, known for its scenic beauty and breathtaking landscapes, offers international students an equally rewarding academic experience. Moreover...

Updated on • Sep 11,2024 05:29 PM IST • New Zealand

Best Cities in Germany for Indian Students

Germany is beautiful and full of historical marvels, yet one of its most enticing features is free education at public institutions. If that's not mot...

Updated on • Sep 07,2024 05:51 PM IST • Germany

Student Accommodation in New Zealand

Are you thinking of studying in New Zealand? The country is perfect for your study abroad journey as it is known for its top-notch universities, beaut...

Updated on • Sep 06,2024 05:01 PM IST • New Zealand

Transportation for Students in Germany

Ever missed that crucial first lecture because the bus decided to vanish into thin air? Or maybe you showed up for an interview flustered and sweaty a...

Updated on • Sep 05,2024 11:37 AM IST • Germany

IELTS for UK: Scores, Universities & Visa Requirements

For those aiming to study or relocate to the United Kingdom, understanding the intricacies of IELTS for UK becomes crucial. As an internationally reco...

Updated on • Sep 03,2024 10:54 AM IST • UK

New Rules & Regulations in Canada for International Students

Canada has always been a favoured choice among students worldwide who are looking for an excellent education and a friendly atmosphere. However, with ...

Updated on • Aug 31,2024 03:19 PM IST • Study in Canada

Best Cities to Study in Switzerland

Europe's one of the most preferred study destinations, Switzerland is known for having the most acclaimed higher education system. The country provi...

Updated on • Aug 29,2024 05:21 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

Public Transportation in Canada for International students

Travelling will be an everyday experience for an international student while studying in Canada. That is why it's essential to figure out the public t...

Updated on • Aug 29,2024 05:08 PM IST • Study in Canada

Masters in Health Informatics in USA- Top Universities, Courses & Eligibility Criteria

Health Informatics is a growing field that combines healthcare, technology, and data analysis to improve patient care and outcomes. Pursuing an MS in ...

Updated on • Aug 28,2024 05:48 PM IST • USA

Healthcare in Canada for international students

While studying in Canada, international students have to figure out several things, one of which is healthcare services. Due to academic pressure and ...

Updated on • Aug 27,2024 05:12 PM IST • Study in Canada

विदेश में पढाई के बाद करियर के अवसर

विदेश में शिक्षा प्राप्त करना उन छात्रों के लिए एक लोकप्�...

Updated on • Aug 26,2024 11:54 AM IST • Hindi Blogs

Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic

The IELTS Speaking part 1 topic ‘Describe your Hometown’ is one of the most often asked and easiest topics to answer in an IELTS test. In this top...

Updated on • Aug 19,2024 04:19 PM IST • IELTS

PTE Score Chart 2024: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While...

Updated on • Aug 17,2024 05:22 PM IST • PTE

Describe a law on Environmental Protection - IELTS Cue Card Sample 24

You can conquer the "Describe a law on environment protection" IELTS CUE card like a pro with some practice, planning, and technique! As you quickly a...

Updated on • Aug 16,2024 03:13 PM IST • IELTS

How can I Master TOEFL Vocabulary?

Vocabulary is an essential part of the TOEFL exam. Look at the thick dictionary lying on your table. It has more than thousands of TOEFL Exam essentia...

Updated on • Aug 16,2024 01:06 PM IST • TOEFL

Study in UK After 12th

Do you wish to study in a supportive academic environment where your professors are approachable and your classrooms reflect multiculturalis...

Updated on • Aug 14,2024 03:03 PM IST • UK

Tips for TOEFL Reading Module

The English native speakers read for pleasure and information, but non-English speakers read and try to understand the meaning of every word in a se...

Updated on • Aug 13,2024 04:15 PM IST • TOEFL

Courses in Canada for International Students

Canada is one of the most popular countries to study abroad, for both undergraduate and graduate students. This is because there are thousan...

Updated on • Aug 10,2024 01:29 PM IST • Study in Canada

Master of Social Work (MSW) in Australia

Here’s a fascinating fact about Australia: it was founded by delinquents. This might explain the rising demand for social work graduates. Jokes apar...

Updated on • Aug 10,2024 11:26 AM IST • Australia

Top 5 PhD Scholarships in USA for Indian Students

Table of Contents

Top 5 Scholarships to Pursue PhD in USA

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

2025-2026 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

2025-2026 Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships for Doctoral Research

AAUW International Fellowships

IBM PhD Fellowship Award Program

Kala Singh Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams