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Which documents do I need to apply for scholarships in the USA as an Indian student?

15 Oct 2026 · Answered by Hardika Gautam · 1 min read
Quick Answer verified

To apply for scholarships in the USA you typically need academic scores, SAT or ACT for undergraduate or GRE or GMAT for postgraduate study, a passport or photo ID, English proficiency proof, a statement of purpose and recommendation letters. Requirements differ by scholarship, so check each one.

Hardika Gautam
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You typically need a core set of documents for any USA scholarship, though some grants ask for more. Prepare these early so you can apply without delay.

Common Documents for USA Scholarships

DocumentDetails
Academic scoresCopy of your GPA
Test scoresSAT or ACT for undergraduate, GRE or GMAT for postgraduate
Identity proofPhoto ID or passport (Aadhaar card in certain cases)
Language proofIELTS or TOEFL score
Motivation letterStatement of Purpose
Recommendation letterFrom teachers or mentors

What Scholarships Usually Cover

  • The amount varies between organisations and institutions.
  • Some universities give a 100 percent tuition waiver, while others offer a partial waiver.
  • Some awards cover tuition and living costs only, while others also include airfare and other expenses.

My Advice

Create a checklist per scholarship, since requirements differ. Start collecting recommendations and test scores early, and confirm the exact list on the official scholarship page.

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