Most Indian students enroll in master's or doctoral programs, particularly STEM and management. However, the number of Indian students pursuing bachelor's degrees has increased in recent years, reflecting a growing middle class and better awareness of US undergraduate programs. Many Indian students participate in OPT, a program that allows them to work in the US after graduation, especially in STEM fields, where they are eligible for an additional two-year extension.

Indian students predominantly focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), leveraging the robust educational infrastructure and employment opportunities in these areas.

• Engineering and Computer Science: These fields account for over 70% of Indian students' enrollments, driven by demand in the global job market.

• Business and Management: Approximately 15-20% of Indian students pursue degrees in business-related fields, attracted by the entrepreneurial ecosystem and strong career prospects.

• Emerging Fields: Interest in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, data science, and public health is growing rapidly.

Scholarships are critical for Indian students navigating the high cost of US education. Some prominent programs include:

University-Specific Scholarships

Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
Offered by Stanford Graduate School of Business, this fellowship provides tuition assistance for Indian students pursuing an MBA. Recipients must return to India after graduation to contribute to the country's development.

Tata Scholarships at Cornell University
Established by the Tata Education and Development Trust, this scholarship supports Indian undergraduate students at Cornell University. It covers tuition and related costs for students demonstrating financial need.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
This program supports Indian students pursuing master's or doctoral programs in the US across fields like arts, public health, and law.

External Scholarships

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
Jointly funded by the US and Indian governments, these prestigious fellowships support master's, doctoral, and professional education for Indian students.

JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education
Provides loan scholarships for Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, including in the US.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
Open to Indian women pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the US, with a focus on leadership and career advancement.

To help Indian students adapt to the US education system, several universities offer bridge programs that ease the transition:

Global Gateway Program (University of Oregon)
This program helps international students, including Indians, develop language skills, cultural understanding, and academic readiness for US colleges.

Navitas Pathway Programs
Navitas partners with universities like UMass Boston and the University of New Hampshire to provide foundation programs for undergraduate and graduate Indian students.

Indian students are often drawn to programs offering research opportunities and industry connections. Some examples include:

STEM OPT Extension
Indian students in STEM fields benefit from an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, allowing them to work in the US for up to 36 months after graduation.

Fellowships and Internships

Microsoft Research India Fellowship
This fellowship provides Indian students pursuing computer science or technology fields with opportunities to collaborate on cutting-edge research projects.

AI for Social Good Programs
Initiatives at universities like MIT and Carnegie Mellon engage Indian students in projects addressing global challenges through AI and machine learning.

Many universities have dedicated programs to support Indian students socially and culturally:

Indian Student Associations (ISAs)
Most universities, including Harvard, MIT, and UCLA, host active ISAs that help Indian students network, celebrate cultural events, and navigate campus life.

Indian Welcome Programs
Schools like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offer orientation sessions specifically for Indian students, covering housing, academic expectations, and cultural adaptation.

Collaborations between Indian and US institutions are growing, offering unique educational pathways:

Joint Degrees (IITs and US Universities)
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) partner with US universities like MIT and UC Berkeley for joint degree programs in technology and management.

Ashoka University Exchange Programs
Ashoka University in India collaborates with US institutions to provide exchange opportunities and dual-degree programs for its students.

Many US universities have Indian-specific alumni chapters that support professional networking and career advancement for Indian students.

India-based Alumni Chapters
Universities like the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford maintain active alumni groups in India, offering mentorship, job opportunities, and startup funding.

TiE Global (The Indus Entrepreneurs)
This organization connects Indian-origin students with successful entrepreneurs in the US, providing mentorship and seed funding for startups.

The US offers various specialized programs and support for Indian students, addressing their financial, academic, and cultural needs. These initiatives ease the transition and enhance the overall experience, equipping Indian students to thrive in a global environment.

For Indian students, exploring these programs and scholarships is critical to maximizing opportunities and achieving academic and career goals.