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Top Scholarships in the USA for Pakistani Indian and Bangladeshi Students You Should Know About

Studying in the USA offers incredible opportunities, but the cost can be a major hurdle for many international students. For students from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, scholarships can make a huge difference in turning the dream of studying abroad into reality. This post highlights some of the top scholarships available specifically for students from these countries, with clear eligibility criteria, application links, and tips to improve your chances. You will also find inspiring stories from past recipients to motivate you on your journey.


Eye-level view of a university campus with international students walking between buildings
Top scholarships for South Asian students studying in the USA


Scholarships Available for Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi Students


1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program


Eligibility:

  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent

  • Demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence

  • Proficiency in English (TOEFL or IELTS scores required)

  • Pakistani, Indian, or Bangladeshi citizenship


Benefits:

  • Full tuition coverage

  • Monthly stipend for living expenses

  • Health insurance

  • Travel allowance


Application Link:


Notes:

The Fulbright program is highly competitive and looks for candidates with strong academic records and leadership qualities. Prepare a compelling personal statement and secure strong recommendation letters.



2. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships


Eligibility:

  • Citizens of India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh

  • Age below 30 years

  • Accepted into a top-ranked university outside India (including the USA)

  • Course duration up to two years


Benefits:

  • Tuition fees

  • Living expenses

  • One-way travel expenses


Application Link:


Notes:

This scholarship supports exceptional young people with outstanding talent. The application requires a detailed project proposal or study plan.



3. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme


Eligibility:

  • Citizens of Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh

  • Demonstrate financial need

  • Strong academic record

  • Admission to a postgraduate program in the USA


Benefits:

  • Partial funding for tuition and living expenses

  • Renewable annually based on performance


Application Link:


Notes:

This program targets students with limited financial resources but strong academic potential. The application process includes an interview.



4. The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)


Eligibility:

  • Citizens of ADB member countries including Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan

  • Admission to a graduate degree program in a participating university in the USA

  • Commitment to return to home country after studies


Benefits:

  • Tuition fees

  • Monthly subsistence allowance

  • Travel costs

  • Health insurance


Application Link:


Notes:

This scholarship supports students who want to contribute to the development of their home countries. The selection process is rigorous and includes academic and professional criteria.



5. The Tata Scholarship for Cornell University


Eligibility:

  • Indian citizens admitted to Cornell University undergraduate programs

  • Demonstrate financial need and academic excellence


Benefits:

  • Full or partial tuition support

  • Additional allowances for books and travel


Application Link:


Notes:

This scholarship is exclusive to Indian students attending Cornell. The university application doubles as the scholarship application.



Tips for Applying Effectively to Scholarships


  • Start Early: Scholarship deadlines often fall months before university admission deadlines. Begin your research and application preparation at least six months in advance.

  • Tailor Your Application: Customize your essays and personal statements to reflect the values and goals of each scholarship program. Avoid generic responses.

  • Highlight Leadership and Impact: Many scholarships look for candidates who have demonstrated leadership, community service, or a clear vision for their future impact.

  • Gather Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who know you well academically or professionally and can provide detailed, positive insights.

  • Proofread Carefully: Errors in your application can hurt your chances. Ask a mentor or counselor to review your documents.

  • Prepare for Interviews: Some scholarships require interviews. Practice common questions and be ready to discuss your goals and achievements confidently.



Stories from Past Recipients


Ayesha from Pakistan received the Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Public Health. She shares, “The scholarship changed my life. It gave me the chance to study at a top university and now I work with international health organizations to improve healthcare in rural Pakistan.”


Ravi from India was awarded the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship for his studies in Environmental Science. “The financial support allowed me to focus fully on my research without worrying about expenses. The network I built through the scholarship opened many doors.”


Farah from Bangladesh benefited from the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship. “Without this support, studying abroad would have been impossible. The scholarship not only helped financially but also gave me confidence to pursue my dreams.”



Final Thoughts


Scholarships can unlock the door to world-class education in the USA for students from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Each scholarship has its own focus and requirements, so carefully review eligibility and prepare your applications thoughtfully. Use the tips shared here to strengthen your submissions and seek advice from mentors or scholarship offices. Remember, persistence and preparation are key. Start your application journey today and take a confident step toward your academic and professional goals.


Good luck!


 
 
 

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