Key Highlights
- Cornell University provides numerous scholarships and financial aid programs to Indian students for both undergraduate and graduate-level studies.
- The Tata Scholarship, established by the Tata Education and Development Trust, is a leading initiative offering full tuition support to 20 deserving Indian undergraduate students annually.
- Scholarships include merit-based awards, need-based aid, endowed scholarships, and external funding opportunities.
- Applicants must complete the CSS Profile and submit required documentation through the College Scholarship Service platform.
- Financial assistance covers tuition and, in some cases, living expenses, but certain costs like accommodation and travel are excluded.
- The application and selection processes vary, with strict eligibility requirements and deadlines based on program type.
Introduction
Cornell University is in New York, USA. It is an Ivy League institution known for being good at academics and welcoming different people from various countries & continents. Indian students who want a great education can find many scholarships here to help with costs. The Tata Scholarship is made for Indian students. This help is based on your financial need and how well you do in your studies.
Overview of Cornell University Scholarships for Indian Students
Cornell University opens its doors to people from around the world, including many international students from India. The school helps with financial aid and scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate studies. These support programs help break down barriers that keep students from getting an education. There is help for those who show need, as well as for those who do well in their studies. This way, more talented people from all over can come and learn at Cornell.
🎓 Why Should Indian Students Choose Cornell University?
Cornell University is not only a member of the Ivy League but also one of the most inclusive, globally recognized institutions. Here’s why it stands out for Indian students:
- 🌍 Diverse student body with strong international community support
- 📚 World-class faculty across disciplines from engineering to business and life sciences
- 💼 Career support and internship opportunities with top global recruiters
- 🧠 Emphasis on research, innovation, and experiential learning
- 🤝 Dedicated resources for international students, including the Tata Scholars Program
🌟 What Is the Tata Scholarship at Cornell?
Funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust (established by Ratan Tata, a Cornell alumnus) to support talented Indian students who are financially lacking, this scholarship was created in 2008 to ensure that the very best Indian students—regardless of their financial background—can study at Cornell.
Each year, up to 20 students from India are awarded this scholarship, covering the full cost of undergraduate education at Cornell University.
💰 What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Tata Scholarship is a need-based, full-ride scholarship that covers:
- Tuition and mandatory university fees
- Room and board (housing + meals)
- Books and other academic supplies
- Personal and living expenses
⏳ Duration: Up to 8 semesters (4 years). If your program is longer (like a 10-semester B.Arch), only the first 8 semesters are funded.
Application Process for Scholarships at Cornell University
Indian students wanting to study at Cornell need to first finish all the admission steps before they can try for scholarships. You have to start by filling out the CSS Profile and other financial aid forms. It is very important to meet every deadline.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Scholarship
Applying for scholarships at Cornell University is a simple process you can follow.
- You need to send in your general admission application for the Cornell program you want.
- You will have to fill out the CSS Profile and add all needed money documents.
- Give your academic records, which will include your transcripts and any letters that people write to say good things about you.
- Check your application status often on Cornell’s online portal to see updates.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Tata Scholarship at Cornell, you must:
- Be a citizen of India (studying or residing in India).
- Have completed secondary education in India.
- Be offered admission to a full-time undergraduate program at Cornell’s main campus.
- Demonstrate financial need via the CSS Profile.
- Show strong academic potential (SAT/ACT scores recommended).
- Meet English language requirements (IELTS score of 7.5 or equivalent).
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout your program to retain the scholarship.
Priority Fields of Study
The scholarship is open to all undergraduate fields, but preference is given to students pursuing:
- Engineering
- Applied Economics and Management (SC Johnson College of Business)
- Architecture, Art, and Planning
- Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences
How to Apply for the Tata Scholarship at Cornell
- Apply to Cornell University via the Common App by the undergraduate admissions deadline.
- Indicate in your application that you are applying for financial aid.
- Complete the CSS Profile and list Cornell University as a recipient.
- Submit all supporting documents (income proofs, tax returns, academic transcripts, etc.).
- Check your email and Cornell portal regularly for any updates or requests for additional documents.
🗓️ Important: Cornell’s undergraduate application deadline is typically January 2, and financial aid documents (including the CSS Profile) should be submitted by early January.
🧾 What Is the CSS Profile?
Many students and parents ask: “What is the CSS Profile and why is it needed?”
The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is an online financial aid application used by U.S. colleges to assess how much financial support a student needs.
✅ Key facts about the CSS Profile:
- Required only for international students at U.S. universities like Cornell.
- Collects detailed information about family income, assets, expenses, and financial obligations.
- Must be submitted online at cssprofile.collegeboard.org.
- You need to select Cornell University when filling it out.
- A submission fee is charged, but fee waivers are available for students who qualify.
📌 Without the CSS Profile, Cornell will not be able to evaluate your financial need—and you will not be considered for the Tata Scholarship.
Important Dates
📝 To Summarize
| Status | Info |
| Scholarship Active? | ✅ Yes, accepting applicants for Fall 2025 intake |
| Intake | Undergraduate students from India |
| CSS Profile Opens | October 1, 2024 |
| Early Decision Deadline | November 1, 2024 |
| Regular Decision Deadline | January 2, 2025 |
| Postgraduate Eligibility | ❌ Not eligible; Tata Scholarship limited to UG only |
🧠 Tips to Boost Your Chances
- 🥇 Maintain strong academics—Cornell is highly competitive.
- ✍️ Write compelling personal statements and essays.
- 🗣️ Get impactful letters of recommendation from your teachers.
- 💬 Prepare for interviews, if required.
- 🕐 Start early! Gathering financial documents and completing the CSS Profile can take time.
📬 Important contact points
If you have questions during your application, you can reach out to:
- 📧 Cornell Admissions: admissions@cornell.edu
- 📧 International Student Office: international@admissions.cornell.edu
- 📧 Tata Scholars Program: tatascholars@cornell.edu
- 📧 Financial Aid Office: finaid@cornell.edu
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to apply separately for to avail Tata Scholarship?
No, you wont need separate application form for the Tata Scholarship. You must apply for undergraduate admission to Cornell University and submit your CSS Profile by the financial aid deadline. If you’re eligible, Cornell will automatically consider you for the scholarship.
Can I apply for the Tata Scholarship if I’m applying for a master’s degree?
No, the Tata Scholarship is only for undergraduate programs at Cornell University. It does not cover master’s or PhD-level programs.
What documents need to submit to prove financial need?
You’ll need to submit the CSS Profile, which includes information about your family’s income, assets, and expenses. Cornell may also request supporting financial documents such as tax returns or income certificates.
How many Indian students get the Tata Scholarship each year?
While there’s no fixed number, but according to some sources about 20 Indian students at Cornell benefit from this scholarship at any given time. The scholarship is awarded based on need and admission merit, so early and strong applications are key.
