Unlocking Global Opportunities_ Scholarships for Indian Students with a Focus on the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.pdf

Explore the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship and other top scholarships designed to help Indian students study abroad, especially in the USA. The Inlaks Scholarship, one of India’s most prestigious international scholarships, supports talented students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as humanities, social sciences, architecture, fine arts, and law at top global universities. With funding up to USD 100,000, it covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel, empowering bright minds to achieve academic and professional excellence.

For Indian students aspiring to study in the USA, numerous scholarship opportunities are available, including merit-based, need-based, and university-specific awards. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership qualities, research potential, and community involvement. Whether you’re planning to pursue a Master’s, Ph.D., or undergraduate program, applying for the right scholarship can significantly reduce financial burdens and open doors to world-class education.

Engineering and BTech students can also benefit from a wide range of scholarships focused on STEM disciplines. While the Inlaks Scholarship generally excludes technical fields, BTech graduates can explore other fully and partially funded opportunities such as Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford, Tata Scholarship at Cornell, and various STEM-focused grants from U.S. universities. These programs encourage innovation, research, and cross-border collaboration in technology and engineering.

Applicants are encouraged to plan early, maintain strong academic performance, and prepare a compelling statement of purpose that reflects their motivation and long-term vision. Scholarship committees value candidates who demonstrate not only intellectual excellence but also a clear sense of social responsibility and leadership potential. For Inlaks applicants, securing admission to a foreign university and showcasing originality in thought, creativity, and commitment to making a difference are crucial.

By combining academic merit, strategic planning, and authentic purpose, Indian students can successfully earn scholarships that make global education accessible. Whether through the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation or other international programs, these opportunities offer more than financial aid—they are platforms for growth, innovation, and global impact. Pursue your dream of studying abroad confidently and make the most of the scholarships available for Indian students in 2025 and beyond.

1. Unlocking Global Opportunities: Scholarships
for Indian Students with a Focus on the Inlaks
Shivdasani Foundation​
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2. For many Indian students, studying abroad, especially in the United States, is a life-changing
aspiration. However, the high cost of education often becomes a barrier. Scholarships serve as
a bridge, helping talented students achieve global education without financial strain. Among these, the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship stands out as one of the most
prestigious awards available to Indian students. This article explores the Inlaks Scholarship,
other scholarships for Indian students in the USA, and opportunities specifically for BTech
students
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship: A Legacy of Empowerment
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is one of India’s oldest and most respected
international scholarships. Established in 1976, it has supported more than a thousand students
in achieving higher education at top universities worldwide. The foundation provides financial
support of up to USD 100,000 for postgraduate studies (Master’s, MPhil, or Ph.D.) in the USA,
UK, and European universities. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance,
one-way travel, and other related costs. This scholarship is awarded to Indian citizens with exceptional academic and personal
achievements. It focuses on students who demonstrate leadership potential, creativity, and a
desire to contribute meaningfully to their fields and communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold an Indian passport and reside in India during the time of application. The
age limit for most applicants is 30 years, and they must hold a first-class undergraduate degree
from a recognized Indian institution. Fields like engineering, computer science, business
studies, medicine, and fashion design are typically not covered. The scholarship instead
prioritizes fields in the humanities, social sciences, law, fine arts, architecture, and
environmental studies. Candidates must have an admission offer from a recognized institution abroad before applying.
Those applying for research-based or creative programs should submit portfolios, research
proposals, or academic work samples.
Application Process
The process is competitive and unfolds in multiple stages. It begins with an online application
that includes academic transcripts, proof of admission, a detailed curriculum vitae, letters of
recommendation, and a statement of purpose. After an initial screening, shortlisted candidates
are invited for interviews, usually conducted in cities like Mumbai or Delhi. The interview panel
assesses the applicant’s clarity of thought, vision, and how effectively they plan to use their
education for personal and societal impact.

3. Applicants are encouraged to focus on the originality of their goals and their potential to
contribute to India’s development after completing their studies. The selection process is
rigorous, and only a few candidates are awarded the scholarship each year, making it one of the
most prestigious honors for Indian students.
Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA
Beyond Inlaks, there are numerous scholarships available for Indian students aspiring to study
in the United States. The USA hosts a wide range of merit-based and need-based scholarships
designed to support outstanding international students. Many universities provide institutional
scholarships that reduce tuition or living costs, depending on academic excellence, leadership
qualities, and extracurricular achievements.
Some well-known scholarships for Indian students include the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, Tata
Scholarship at Cornell University, Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, and the American
Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships. In addition to these, many
universities offer automatic merit awards upon admission, while others have special
scholarships for graduate research or teaching assistantships.
To maximize success, students should begin researching scholarships at least a year before
applying. Each scholarship has unique eligibility criteria, such as minimum GPA, standardized
test scores, or leadership experiences. Creating a calendar of deadlines and preparing strong
recommendation letters and essays are essential steps in securing funding.
Scholarships for BTech Students
For Indian engineering (BTech) students, the scholarship landscape is particularly dynamic.
Although Inlaks does not generally support engineering or technology disciplines, there are
several other opportunities available. Students pursuing fields such as mechanical, electrical,
computer science, or civil engineering can apply for specialized STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Mathematics) scholarships.
Engineering students aiming for postgraduate studies abroad can explore scholarships like the
Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University, the Global Study Awards, the AAUW
International Fellowships for Women in STEM, and institutional awards from universities such as
MIT, Purdue, or Georgia Tech. Many of these awards focus on innovation, academic
performance, and contribution to technological advancement.
To be competitive, BTech students should focus on building strong academic records, gaining
relevant project or internship experience, publishing research papers if possible, and engaging
in community or leadership activities. These experiences not only strengthen applications but
also reflect the kind of global mindset and technical competence scholarship panels seek.
Key Application Tips for All Scholarships

4. 1.​Start Early: Begin your scholarship research well before university application
deadlines.​

2.​Be Organized: Maintain a document checklist including transcripts, test scores, essays,
and financial information.​

3.​Highlight Impact: In your essays or interviews, emphasize how your studies will create
real-world value and how you plan to contribute to India upon returning.​

4.​Customize Applications: Tailor each scholarship application to align with its mission
and criteria.​

5.​Seek Guidance: Consult mentors, professors, or alumni who have previously received
scholarships to refine your essays and strategy.​

6.​Prepare for Interviews: Practice confidently expressing your purpose, research
interests, and long-term goals.​

Strategy for Building a Strong Profile
A strong profile reflects more than grades. Scholarship committees look for evidence of
curiosity, initiative, leadership, and the ability to adapt to new environments. Students should
focus on building a narrative that connects their past achievements with future aspirations. For
instance, if a student from a BTech background wishes to pursue sustainable technology
research, they should demonstrate how their technical expertise aligns with global challenges
like climate change. Networking also plays an important role. Reaching out to university departments, scholarship
offices, and alumni can offer valuable insights and recommendations. Attending education fairs,
webinars, and workshops can help identify scholarships that are lesser-known but highly
relevant.
Conclusion
Inlaks Scholarships like the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship represent more than just
financial aid—they are investments in India’s intellectual and creative potential. For students
from diverse backgrounds, whether in the arts, sciences, or technology, these opportunities
serve as gateways to global exposure, research, and collaboration.
While Inlaks primarily supports non-technical disciplines, Indian students, including those from
engineering backgrounds, have a wide array of other scholarships to explore in the USA and
beyond. The key to success lies in thorough research, preparation, and a clear sense of
purpose. By aligning personal passion with a global academic vision, Indian students can unlock

5. new horizons and become contributors to innovation, culture, and knowledge on the world
stage.