Less-Known Scholarships in the USA for International Students

This blog on Less-Known Scholarships in the USA will help you find scholarships that many students don’t know about. These scholarships can save you a lot of money and make studying abroad easier. From university awards to special programs, there are many options. In this blog, we will explain who can apply, what benefits you get, and how to apply, so you can get the help you need to study in the USA.

Less-Known Scholarships in the USA: Quick Overview 

Many international students miss out on great opportunities because they only focus on well-known scholarships. So here is a quick overview of less-known scholarships in the USA for International students.

Scholarship Name	Eligible Students	Benefits	Application Deadline
Kent State University Global Scholarship	Undergraduate international students	Partial tuition & renewable up to 8 semesters	Fall: July 1Spring: Nov 1 Summer: Mar 1
University of Dayton International Merit Scholarships	Undergraduate international students	Up to USD 33,000 per year	Early Action: Nov 1 Regular: Feb 1
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships	Indian citizens for master’s programs	Tuition, living stipend, travel, J-1 visa	May 14, 2025
Tata Scholarship at Cornell University	Indian undergraduate students	Full cost of attendance;	Early Decision: Nov 1 Regular: Jan 2, 2026

Less-Known Scholarships for International Students in the USA 

There are several less-known scholarships that offer significant financial support for international students, including those from India. These scholarships help cover tuition fees and sometimes also include living expenses, travel costs, and other benefits.

Kent State University Global Scholarship

The Kent State University Global Scholarship is designed to support international undergraduate students, including those from India, who wish to pursue their studies at Kent State University’s Kent campus in Ohio. This scholarship reflects Kent State’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment by attracting high-quality international students.

• Annual Scholarship Amount: The scholarship amount varies based on academic performance and other factors.
  
• Renewability: The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters for first-year students and transfer students, contingent upon maintaining full-time enrollment and good academic standing.
  
• Coverage: While the scholarship significantly reduces tuition costs, it does not cover full tuition, fees, and living expenses. International students should plan accordingly for additional financial requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Global Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be an incoming undergraduate international student admitted to the Kent campus.
  
• Hold an F-1 visa status.
  
• Be a first-year or transfer student seeking to enroll in undergraduate coursework.

Note: English as a Second Language only students and visiting students are eligible for a reduced scholarship amount of USD 4,300 per year, provided they enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. 

Application Process

No separate application is required for the Global Scholarship. All admitted international undergraduate students are automatically considered for this award upon acceptance to Kent State University.

• Admission Deadlines:
  
  • Fall Semester (August start): July 1st
    
  • Spring Semester (January start): November 1st
    
  • Summer Semester (May start): March 1st

University of Dayton International Merit Scholarships

The University of Dayton International Merit Scholarships are designed to support international undergraduate students, including those from India, who wish to pursue their studies at the University of Dayton in Ohio, USA. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievements and help make higher education more accessible.

• Scholarship Amount: Up to USD 33,000 per year towards tuition costs.
  
• Renewability: The scholarship is renewable for up to four years (eight semesters), provided the student maintains full-time enrollment and good academic standing.
  
• Coverage: While the scholarship significantly reduces tuition costs, it does not cover full tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the International Merit Scholarships, applicants must:

• Be an incoming undergraduate international student admitted to a full-time, degree-seeking program at the University of Dayton.
  
• Submit all required application materials, including transcripts, standardized test scores (if available), and proof of English proficiency.
  
• Meet the academic requirements as determined by the admissions office.

Note: There is no separate application process for these scholarships; all eligible students are automatically considered upon admission.

Application Process

• Application Deadline: The application deadlines for international students are as follows:
  
  • Early Action: November 1
    
  • Regular Decision: February 1
    
• Application Requirements: Applicants must submit the following:
  
  • Completed application form
    
  • Official high school transcripts
    
  • Standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), if available
    
  • Proof of English proficiency
    
  • Financial documentation to demonstrate the ability to pay for education and living expenses.

Also Read: How To Study in Ireland for Free?

Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships offer Indian citizens an exceptional opportunity to pursue a master’s degree at select U.S. universities. These fellowships are designed for individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, possess at least three years of professional work experience, and are committed to returning to India to contribute to their communities. 

Fields of Study

The fellowships are awarded for up to two years to pursue a master’s degree in the following fields:

• Economics
  
• Environmental Science/Studies
  
• Higher Education Administration
  
• International Affairs
  
• International Legal Studies
  
• Journalism and Mass Communication
  
• Public Administration
  
• Public Health
  
• Urban and Regional Planning
  
• Women’s Studies/Gender Studies

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, applicants must:

• Be Indian citizens.
  
• Have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university with at least 55% marks.
  
• Possess at least three years of full-time (paid) professional work experience relevant to the proposed field of study by the application deadline.
  
• Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to return and contribute to their communities in India.

Grant Benefits

The fellowship provides:

• J-1 visa support.
  
• Round-trip economy class air travel from the fellow’s home city to the host institution in the U.S.
  
• Funding for tuition and fees.
  
• Living and related costs.
  
• Accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines.

Note: The fellowship does not provide financial support for dependents.

Application Process

• Application Deadline: May 14, 2025
  
• Application Portal: USIEF Application Portal
  
• Required Documents: Completed application form, academic transcripts, professional experience details, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Tata Scholarship at Cornell University

The Tata Scholarship at Cornell University is a prestigious financial aid program established by the Tata Education and Development Trust to support Indian undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. This scholarship aims to provide access to a world-class education at Cornell University, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented students from pursuing their academic aspirations.

• Coverage: The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance at Cornell University, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other associated costs.
  
• Renewability: The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continues to demonstrate financial need.
  
• Number of Awards: Approximately 20 students are selected annually to receive the Tata Scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Tata Scholarship, applicants must:

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of India with a valid passport.
  
• Academic Admission: Apply for and gain admission to a full-time undergraduate program at Cornell University’s Ithaca campus.
  
• Financial Need: Demonstrate significant financial need through the completion of the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.
  
• Academic Excellence: Show a strong academic record and potential for success at Cornell.
  
• English Proficiency: Submit standardized test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Note: Preference is given to students who have completed their secondary education in India. 

Application Process

1. Apply for Admission: Submit a completed application for undergraduate admission to Cornell University by the specified deadlines.
   
2. Complete the CSS Profile: Fill out the CSS Profile to apply for financial aid. This must be done by the financial aid application deadlines:
   
   • Early Decision: November 1, 2025
     
   • Regular Decision: January 2, 2026
     
3. Submit Required Documents: Provide all necessary documentation, including academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and financial information as specified in the CSS Profile.
   
4. Demonstrate Financial Need: Ensure that the information provided in the CSS Profile accurately reflects your financial situation to qualify for need-based aid.

Note: There is no separate application for the Tata Scholarship; it is awarded based on the information provided in the admission and financial aid applications. 

Also Read: How to Shortlist Universities For MS in USA?

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Funded

Scholarships are competitive. Preparing your application carefully and showing strengths can increase your chances of getting funded. Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting funded:

• Leadership experiences can be highlighted by showing projects or activities you have led.
  
• Academic consistency can be shown by maintaining good grades over time.
  
• A personal statement can explain your goals and why you deserve the scholarship.
  
• Recommendation letters from teachers or mentors can support your achievements.
  
• Community work or volunteer projects can show you contribute beyond academics.
  
• Research about each scholarship can help make your application match what it wants.
  
• Meeting all deadlines and submitting documents on time ensures consideration.
  
• Financial need can be clearly shown if the scholarship requires it.
  
• Practice for interviews can help you explain your goals and experiences confidently.
  
• Organization and neatness in your application can make a strong impression.

Also Read: Dean’s Impact Scholarship 2025: Eligibility, Benefits & Deadlines

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That was everything you needed to know about Less-Known Scholarships in the USA for International Students, including benefits, eligibility, and application tips to boost your chances. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.