Scholarships for India
Experience the Clash Between Ultra High-Tech and Old World
In recent years India has been at the center of culture shock. Many of our high-tech jobs have gone to professionals in India, and their contemporary entertainment world has taken the shape of a Bollywood, in contrast to our Hollywood. Regardless of these rapid growth spurts, India remains steeped in conservative traditions and strict religious values.
Students not only have opportunities to engage with peers at Indian universities, but they also may experience some of the most arresting natural beauty in the form of the Himalayas.
Government Scholarships
Up for a really good scholarship competition? Get in on the race for a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Wouldn’t you like a few thousand bucks to take the edge off your tuition and help out with some expenses in India? Unless you’re a Pell Grant recipient do not bother filling out an application. The over 700 scholarships are reserved for academic whiz kids from disadvantaged backgrounds either financially, socially or a combination of the two. Minorities who fit the bill are given preference as well as students with disabilities that challenge them. Gilman Scholars typically take on programs that are bit untraditional. Applicants who are pursuing programs in engineering, the sciences, math or technology will also be favored. The purpose of all this to build a more diverse global leadership for the coming generations; that means balancing the scales. Maybe a $5,000 scholarship will balance your scale.
Study Abroad Organizations
The School for International Training (SIT) provides thought-provoking and challenging study abroad programs in India such as Indian art, culture, and the architecture of Himalayan Buddhist monasteries. Besides many general scholarships awarded through SIT, the Workum Fund provides specially designed scholarships for students engaged in studies in one of the SIT India programs. The scholarship, named in memory of a dedicated anthropologist who specialized in Indian studies, works hard to solicit applicants with similar pursuits and characteristics. Students applying for the Workum Fund must be passionate about studying in India. Awards also take academic merit and financial need into account and offer funds accordingly.
Rotary International, purveyor of huge scholarship opps, is one of the world’s most well known humanitarian organizations. Thanks to their international scope, students interested in going to India for a term of study may benefit from the Rotarians generosity. Ambassadorial Scholarships are awarded to students who embody the spirit of the Rotary. Eligible applicants will be academically heads and shoulder above their peers and taking up programs of study in India that engage them in humanitarian topics or peace studies. Once they are done and back on U.S. soil, recipients are required to make a presentation on their Indian experience to an audience of Rotarians. These scholarships are cutthroat and award up to $26,000.
College Scholarships
Pitt in India is the University of Pittsburgh’s aptly named summer program in India. Students are treated to the sights and sounds of Hyderabad one of India’s most intriguing cities. Students seeking scholarship support may apply for the Vira Heinz Scholarship, which awards impressive $5,000 scholarships. These very competitive awards are given only to the most accomplished scholars and students devoted to international studies. Candidates are nominated and finally chosen based not only on academic excellence but other factors that are more akin to personal character.
Students at the State University of New York-Stony Brook have the opportunity to explore Bangalore, India in a popular abroad program. The intent is to offer a condensed taste of cosmopolitan ultra-high-tech blended with old world India. Scholarships specially designed for this program are made possible through the Center for India Studies. Awards are up to $1,000 and are meted out based on various factors including academic standing and proof of financial need.
The Ecology of the Mountains in India is Michigan State’s nod to an India program. Sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, student participants are engaged in Himalayan natural resources, geology and forestry. Further examinations are made into the relationship between old-world agricultural communities and modern-day eco-tourism. Scholarships that may help offset the cost for the program include:
- Kellogg Foundation Scholarships are specially developed for students involved in a College of Agriculture and Natural Resources program. Because this is a summer program, students may only earn $500, but that already covers a third of the program fees.
- Students who do not quite qualify for Pell Grants, but whose financial situation demands scholarship funding may qualify for the Forest Akers Scholarships.
- MSU Federal Credit Union offers almost double the amount of aid. This is a well-endowed program designed to provide a more affordable international experience to a wider group of students. Up to $1,000 for the summer program.
Rutgers University students wishing to study in India may do so at St. Stephen’s in Delhi. There the program covers everything from Hindi language to arts and literature, history and civilization with generous helpings of excursions for a hands-on experience. Students who are graced with both good academic standing and require some financial need may apply for the Shanti Tangri Scholarship for studies in India.
