Your high GRE score is not just an admission ticket; it is currency that can purchase your master’s degree. Every year, thousands of Indian students take the GRE, yet while one with a top score pays over $40,000 for a master’s degree, another with the same score studies for free, receiving a 100% tuition waiver and even a monthly stipend. The difference is simple: one knew how to strategically leverage their GRE score to unlock institutional funding, and the other didn’t.
Many ambitious students miss out on these substantial financial opportunities, not due to a lack of merit, but rather due to a lack of strategic guidance on where to look and what score threshold is required to trigger funding. This complexity adds immense pressure to an already stressful application process.
This strategic 2026 guide cuts through the noise, providing the definitive list of GRE scholarships for Indian students. We decode the score cut-offs, reveal the universities offering the most substantial funding, and provide the roadmap to turn your GRE score into financial security for your dream of studying abroad.
How Important is Your GRE Score for Scholarships?
Your GRE score determines your scholarship eligibility. Universities and scholarship committees use your GRE score to quickly assess your academic potential. A strong score indicates that you can handle rigorous graduate coursework successfully. Your GRE exam score also sets you apart from thousands of other applicants competing for funding.
Different scholarships have different score requirements based on their specific criteria. For instance, government programs might require a minimum GRE score for a scholarship of 310 or higher, when compared to private or university-based scholarship programs. Apart from the best GRE score for scholarship, committees also consider your academic transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and work experience.
What is a Good GRE Score for Scholarships?
The “good” GRE score is actually based on the choice of your scholarship program. Here’s a brief overview of score ranges for the GRE scholarship:
| Criteria | Minimum Score Requirement | Ideal Score |
|---|---|---|
| GRE Total Score | 300+ | 320+ |
| GRE Verbal Score | 150+ | 160+ |
| GRE Quantitative Score | 150+ | 160+ |
| GRE AWA Score | 4.0 | 5.0+ |
Top GRE Scholarships for Indian Students in 2026
GRE scholarships are broadly divided into two groups: government and trust-funded programs, and university-specific awards. Let’s discuss each category’s GRE exam scholarship criteria for Indian students.
Government & Trust-Funded Scholarships
These scholarships are from Indian government institutions, international schemes, and private trusts. They are very competitive but provide significant amounts of funding for deserving Indian students. Some of them are:
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
A prestigious fellowship program that enables exceptional Indian students to pursue master’s degree programs in the United States. This program emphasises academic excellence and cross-cultural exchange between India and the US.
Amount:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Research development support
Eligibility Highlights:
- Indian citizen with a recognised bachelor’s degree (min. 55%)
- Minimum 3 years of full-time relevant work experience
- Must return to India after completion
- High English proficiency
Application Deadline:
Expect application opening early 2026, deadline around May 2026 (or similar), selection by 2027, with start of U.S. programme in Fall 2027 (or maybe Spring 2028, depending). But you must verify when the official call is released.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
One of India’s most comprehensive scholarships supporting exceptional students pursuing postgraduate education at leading universities worldwide. The foundation focuses on nurturing future leaders across various disciplines.
Amount:
- Up to $100,000 (~₹88,25,380) – covers tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, and health allowance
Eligibility Highlights:
- An Indian passport holder residing in India
- Under 30 years of age
- Degree from a recognised Indian university or final-year student (foreign graduates must have lived/worked/studied in India for 2+ years)
- Minimum grades: 65% (Arts, Law, Humanities, Architecture) / 70% (Science, Environment, Maths)
- Confirmed admission with a valid offer letter
- English language certification
Application Deadline:
Although the exact deadline for the 2026-27 cycle is not yet published, based on past patterns, you should plan for an application deadline around late March (end of March) of the year before the programme start (i.e., likely March 2026).
Tip: It’s wise to monitor the Inlaks website closely for the formal announcement.
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
A legacy scholarship program offering interest-free loans to Indian students pursuing higher education abroad or within India. With over a century of history, it has supported thousands of students in achieving their academic dreams.
Amount: Loan up to INR 10L
Eligibility Highlights:
- Indian citizen
- Under 45 years of age
- Graduated from a recognised Indian university with at least 60%
- Students studying abroad are eligible if one full academic year remains (by July)
Application Deadline:
- The deadline for 2026-27 has not yet announced.
- Based on past cycles (e.g., 23 March 2025 for one cycle), you should plan to apply by March of the year before your programme start (i.e., likely March 2026).
Tip: Keep monitoring the official website: jntataendowment.org for updates.
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
A generous scholarship program supporting meritorious Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at top global universities. The foundation emphasises academic excellence and leadership potential in selecting scholars.
Amount: Up to INR 20,00,000 annually
Eligibility Highlights:
- An Indian national residing in India
- Below 30 years of age
- Graduated from an accredited Indian university, or final-year/awaiting results students
- Candidates awaiting university acceptance can apply (scholarship granted only after admission)
Application Deadline:
- If the pattern holds, expect the application for the 2026-27 admission cycle to open in early January 2026 and close in mid-March 2026.
Tip: Since the official call is not yet published, these are tentative dates, and you should monitor the foundation’s website for exact details.
University-Specific Scholarships
Most universities provide scholarships to admitted students on a merit basis. These awards are often merit-based and don’t require separate applications from students. Let’s take a look at them:
| University | Scholarship Name | Amount | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University (USA) | Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | Full tuition + stipend | Leadership experience, graduate admission |
| Cornell University (USA) | Graduate School Fellowships | USD 30,000-60,000 (~₹26-52 Lakhs) | High GPA, strong research potential |
| University of Oxford (UK) | Clarendon Fund | Full tuition + grant | Academic excellence, all subjects |
| NYU (USA) | Dean’s Graduate Award | USD 35,000 for the first year | Varies by program, automatic consideration |
GRE Scholarships for Indian Students by Field of Study
You’ll have better chances of winning scholarships when you apply to programs that specifically support your field of study. Here’s how scholarships break down by discipline:
GRE Scholarships for Engineering & STEM
STEM fields receive the most scholarship funding globally from universities and organisations. Universities and governments recognise the critical need for skilled engineers and scientists. Some top options include:
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| AAUW International Fellowships | – Master’s Degree: $20,000 (~₹17,65,076) – Doctoral Program: $25,000 (~₹22,06,345) | – Must be or identify as a woman – Admitted/enrolled in first master’s or doctorate (M.A., M.S., M.B.A., PhD, J.D., M.D., etc.) – Program starts by September 1, 2026 and ends on/after April 30, 2027 – Hold at least one bachelor’s degree – Minimum GPA 3.5/4.0 – Must reside in the U.S. or the country of research during the fellowship – For study outside home/U.S.: Graduate Women International member at an internationally recognised institution – Must be a non-U.S. citizen |
| Google Lime Scholarship | $10,000 (~₹8,82,538) | – Current or prospective undergraduate, graduate, or PhD student at a U.S. or Canadian university – Pursuing Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering – Have a visible or invisible disability Show commitment and passion for computer science and technology – Previous Google Lime Scholars are not eligible |
| SWE Scholarships | $1,000 – $20,000 (~₹88,254 – ~₹17,65,076) | – Full-time First-year engineering graduate students – Program accredited by ABET or the Washington Accord in engineering, technology, or computing |
| IEEE Graduate Fellowships | $10,000 (~₹8,82,538) | – Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognised institution – First-year graduate student pursuing or accepted into: –Master’s degree program, or — Doctoral degree program (first graduate degree) |
GRE Scholarship for MBA Applicants
MBA scholarships follow different criteria than traditional graduate programs in other fields. Business schools value professional experience, leadership potential, and career clarity alongside GRE scores. Some notable MBA scholarships based on GRE scores are,
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | $150,000 (~₹1,32,38,070) | – Bachelor’s degree – English proficiency test – Work experience (optional) |
| Fulbright Master’s Program | – Full tuition coverage – Monthly living stipend – Research development support | – Bachelor’s degree (55% minimum) – Minimum 3 years of full-time paid work experience – Must commit to returning to India after fellowship completion – High English proficiency required |
| INSEAD Deepak and Sunita Gupta Endowed Scholarship | €25,000 (~₹25,68,975) | From emerging/developing countries with proven financial need. |
GRE Scholarship for Arts & Humanities
Arts and humanities students face tougher funding odds compared to STEM fields. You need to be strategic and persistent in your scholarship search. These fields receive less overall funding, but targeted scholarships and assistantships exist. The scholarship includes:
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship | – Duration: 4–9 months – Round-trip airfare (up to 3 trips for flex grants) – Stipend and allowances (varies by grant type) – One regional travel grant per scholar to other South & Central Asia countries | – Faculty/researchers: PhD with ≥5 years of relevant teaching/research/professional experience – Professionals outside academia: master’s degree with ≥5 years of relevant experience – Upload a recent significant publication (≤30 pages) – Include title, abstract, and link to the publication; employed applicants must secure the employer’s endorsement for leave |
| FLAS Fellowships | $20,000 (~₹17,65,076) stipend Up to $18,000 (~₹15,88,568) for fees/tuition | – Intended for intermediate and advanced language study (beginning-level applications) – Must be engaged in full-time study |
| Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship | $90,000 (~₹79,42,842) | – 30 years old or younger – New American: immigrant or child of immigrants – If immigrant: naturalised US citizen, green card holder, asylee/refugee, or completed high school and college in the U.S. – Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellowships | $30,000 (~₹26,47,614) stipend $1,500 (INR 1.3L) grant for research, travel or publication | – In the third year of a tenure-track teaching appointment – Able to accept the fellowship in the upcoming academic year – Teach in an eligible field |
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students for GRE Scholarship
Most great scholarship criteria for Indian students share a common baseline with some program-specific variations. Here’s a brief look at some of the eligibility criteria:
1. Academic Requirements
Most competitive GRE scholarships expect a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. For instance, top-tier scholarships like Fulbright or Inlaks require even higher academic standards. They typically require a 3.5+ GPA (75%+ in Indian universities) for consideration. The minimum GRE score to get a scholarship varies, so make sure to have a score above 310 to secure highly competitive programs and prestigious scholarships.
2. Language Proficiency
Nearly all international scholarships require English proficiency from Indian students. You’ll need TOEFL or IELTS scores. Some universities even accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative option. Check specific requirements for each program before taking tests unnecessarily.
3. Professional Experience
Work experience also varies widely by scholarship type and program level you’re targeting. For instance, 3+ years of post-graduation work experience is mandatory for Government fellowships. University scholarships for master’s programs often don’t require work experience at all. Fresh graduates can apply directly without professional experience in most cases.
4. Documents to Prepare
To be eligible for the GRE scholarship amount, make sure to gather the following documents,
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A 500-1,000 word essay explaining your academic goals clearly. Adapt each SOP to suit the mission and values of the scholarship.
- Letters of Recommendation: Usually two to three letters from professors, employers, or mentors. Choose people who know your capabilities well and can provide examples.
- Academic Transcripts: Official records from all universities attended during your education.
- CV/Resume: A detailed document outlining academic achievements, work experience, publications, and extra-curricular activities.
- Financial Statements: Certain need-based scholarships offered to Indian students demand evidence of financial insufficiency of the families, including bank statements and income certificates.
How to Find and Apply for a GRE Scholarship?
After ensuring that you fit into the eligibility criteria of a GRE scholarship, follow the step-by-step procedure below to apply for the program.
Step 1: Research Early
Start your scholarship search at least a year before your start date. Use multiple resources to find opportunities that match your profile. Check GRE-accepting university webpages, study abroad platforms, and Indian government portals like the National Scholarship Portal to check the GRE stipend.
Step 2: Assess Your Eligibility
Review requirements carefully before starting any scholarship application process. Pay attention to the minimum GRE score for full scholarship, age restrictions, experience, and citizenship requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Request official transcripts from your university well in advance of deadlines. Ask for letters of recommendation early from suitable individuals who know you. Ask your professors, senior students, or study abroad consultants to check your documents.
Step 4: Take Required Tests
Apply for your GRE at least six months before application deadlines. Book TOEFL/IELTS tests, since most scholarships mandate recent scores within two years. But never take the tests within the same week or month.
Step 5: Complete Applications
Send the GRE scholarship program application at least two to four weeks in advance if possible. Adhere to instructions precisely, with specified document types, formats, and word lengths. Check and proofread for mistakes and errors before submitting. Keep all confirmation emails and application reference numbers for later use.
Step 6: Follow Up
Follow up with the scholarship offices to ensure your application is received. Monitor your application status frequently through online platforms for updates.
Step 7: Prepare for the Interview
Some high-profile scholarships include interview sessions as part of the evaluation process. Prepare yourself to talk about your discipline and recent trends in interview discussions with committees.
GRE Scholarship: Make Your Study Abroad Dream Affordable
The GRE scholarship makes studying abroad achievable for thousands of Indian students facing financial struggles. Start planning early and always aim for a GRE score above 320 to maximise scholarship options. Don’t let financial concerns stop your educational dreams from becoming reality. The funding exists for deserving Indian students pursuing graduate education abroad. You just need to claim it strategically with proper planning.
However, if you are just starting, you may feel overwhelmed by the process. LeapScholar simplifies this entire journey for you with our study abroad counselling. From preparing your application to conducting mock interview sessions, we will support you every step of the way.
Book a free consultation today to turn your study abroad dream into a fully funded reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How much GRE score is required for a scholarship in the USA?
Most scholarships require a 300–310 minimum GRE score for basic eligibility consideration. Competitive scholarships expect 315–320+ for serious consideration from committees. Aim for 320+ to maximise your scholarship options across programs.
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Can I get a full scholarship with the GRE?
Yes, full scholarships are possible with strong GRE scores and applications. Scores above 325 significantly improve full-ride chances for Indian students. Programs like Knight-Hennessy, Fulbright-Nehru, and Inlaks offer complete funding packages.
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Do Canadian universities offer GRE scholarships?
Yes, Canadian universities offer various scholarships for international students with a GRE. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships provide substantial funding.
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Is the GRE enough for scholarships?
No, the GRE alone isn’t sufficient for winning scholarships from committees. Committees evaluate complete profiles, including GPA, SOP, letters of recommendation, and work experience.
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Which universities offer GRE scholarships to Indian students?
Most top U.S., U.K., and Canadian universities like Stanford, MIT, Cornell, Columbia, NYU, Oxford, and USC offer merit-based awards for Indian students with strong GRE scores.
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Are GRE scholarships available for an MBA abroad?
Yes, several MBA scholarship programs like Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship and Forté Foundation Fellowships consider GRE scores for admission and funding. School-specific awards at top business schools also accept GRE scores.
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When should I apply for GRE scholarships?
Start researching 12–18 months before your intended start date for programs. Most deadlines fall between November and March for fall intake programs abroad. Take the GRE 6–8 months before applications to allow retake time.
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Do all GRE scholarships require IELTS/TOEFL?
Most international scholarships require English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. Some waive requirements for students who completed English-medium undergraduate programs.
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Are there scholarships for a 310 GRE score?
Of course, several scholarship programs like JN Tata Endowment, partial scholarships by universities consider 310 GRE scores for Indian students.
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How can I apply for GRE-based scholarships?
Research on scholarships through university websites and databases for the latest opportunities. Collect required documents, such as transcripts, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.
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