Top 10 American Universities Offering Scholarships to Indian and Pakistani Students

Introduction

Let’s get one thing straight—studying in the USA isn’t cheap. But that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. In fact, many of the top universities in the United States offer generous scholarships—some even fully funded—to international students from countries like India and Pakistan.

Now, I know applying to study abroad can feel overwhelming. The forms, the essays, the visa stuff… and then there’s the financial part. That’s the elephant in the room, right?

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to carry that elephant on your own.

In this article, I’ve gathered 10 of the best U.S. universities that actively support Indian and Pakistani students through scholarships. These aren’t just “apply and hope” scholarships. These are real opportunities that students from South Asia have won before—and so can you.

1. Harvard University

Harvard is intimidating, yes—but it’s also surprisingly generous.

📚 Scholarships: Harvard Financial Aid Initiative
💰 Covers: Full need-based aid for students from families making under ~$85,000
🌍 International students: Treated the same as U.S. students for financial aid
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t let the Ivy League name scare you off—apply if you qualify!

📌 financialaid.harvard.edu

2. Stanford University

Stanford is not just for tech geniuses. It’s for dreamers—and they help fund those dreams.

🎓 Scholarship: Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Graduate level)
💰 Covers: Full tuition, stipend, travel, and academic enrichment
✅ Eligibility: Open to Indian and Pakistani students in any Stanford grad program
📅 Apply by: September

📌 knight-hennessy.stanford.edu

3. Yale University

Yale offers need-blind admission for all undergraduates, including international students (yes, even from South Asia!).

💸 Covers: 100% of demonstrated financial need
✍️ No separate scholarship form—your application is your financial aid application
🧠 Tip: Focus on your personal story in your application essay—it matters here

📌 finaid.yale.edu

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT isn’t just about robots and space missions. It’s about helping brilliant students shine—no matter where they come from.

🎯 Financial Aid: Need-based aid for international students
💰 Covers: Up to full cost, depending on financial need
📌 Popular programs: Engineering, AI, Business, Physics

📌 sfs.mit.edu

5. Columbia University

Columbia University is located in the heart of New York City—and they know how to invest in talent.

📚 Scholarships: Need-based financial aid and several merit awards
🏆 Program: International merit awards for outstanding applicants
✨ Pro Tip: Their School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) offers special fellowships for South Asians

📌 sfs.columbia.edu

6. University of Chicago

Known for its academic rigor and brilliant faculty, UChicago also offers serious scholarships.

💵 Scholarships: UChicago Empower Initiative
🌍 Open to: All first-year applicants, including international students
💰 Covers: Full tuition in many cases
📅 Apply by: Early action deadlines for better chances

📌 college.uchicago.edu

7. New York University (NYU)

NYU is expensive, sure. But they’re also one of the few big-name schools offering merit scholarships specifically for international students.

🧾 Scholarships: AnBryce Scholars Program, Global Pathways, and more
📚 Eligible Programs: Mostly undergraduate, some graduate
💡 Tip: Strong essays and extra-curriculars make a difference here

📌 nyu.edu/admissions

8. Duke University

Duke is rising fast among global universities and they want you—yes, you—to be part of it.

🎓 Scholarships: Karsh International Scholarship
💰 Covers: Full tuition, room & board, and research grants
🌏 Open to: Outstanding international students, especially from underrepresented regions

📌 financialaid.duke.edu

9. University of Southern California (USC)

USC is in sunny California and offers a range of scholarships for international grad and undergrad students.

🏆 Scholarships: Merit-based (Trustee, Presidential, etc.)
💼 Bonus: Good for business, film, and tech majors
🎯 Tip: Apply early—some scholarships have December deadlines!

📌 financialaid.usc.edu

10. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

UIUC might not be Ivy League, but it’s elite when it comes to engineering and computer science—and surprisingly generous with aid.

📊 Scholarships: Departmental fellowships + graduate assistantships
💰 Covers: Tuition waivers, stipends, health insurance
🧪 Great for: STEM-focused Master’s students from India and Pakistan

📌 grad.illinois.edu

Final Tips to Win a University Scholarship

Here’s what I’ve learned from helping others—and going through the process myself:

Start early. Deadlines can creep up fast, especially if you’re juggling multiple applications.
Tell your story. Don’t just focus on grades. Talk about your background, your goals, and why this scholarship would change your life.
Ask for help. Talk to current students, professors, even past scholarship recipients.
Be authentic. Don’t fake what you think they want to hear. Your voice matters more than you realize.
Apply to multiple places. Don’t put all your hopes on one dream university. Give yourself options.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be rich to study in the USA. You don’t even have to be a genius. You just have to be persistent, passionate, and smart about your options.

These 10 universities have opened doors for Indian and Pakistani students before—and they’ll do it again. Maybe even for you.

So apply. Even if it feels like a long shot. Because sometimes, the biggest dreams come true when you take the first brave step.

Would you like me to continue with Title #6: “Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for USA Scholarships for Indian and Pakistani Students”?