How many percentage is required for a scholarship in the USA?

17 hours ago

Studying in this country is very beneficial, and you will be able to gain excellent exposure. The United States remains one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, especially Indian students looking to pursue higher education in a world-class environment. However, the cost of education in the USA can be a challenge. That’s where scholarships play a major role. If you’re planning to Study in USA, one of the most common questions is: “What percentage is required for a scholarship?” Studying in this country is very beneficial, and studying abroad is very helpful for you, and it will make your career bright.

Understanding Scholarships in the USA

Studying in this country is affordable, and you will be able to gain scholarships if you study her,e and you will then be able to gain good knowledge at affordable prices. Before we talk about percentages, it’s important to understand that scholarships to Study in USA for Indian students in the USA come in many forms:

Merit-based scholarships: Based on academic performance (grades, GPA, test scores)
Need-based scholarships: Based on financial background
Athletic scholarships: For sports achievements
Departmental or program-specific scholarships
External scholarships from foundations or private organizations

Each of these may have different eligibility criteria. For Indian students, merit-based and need-based scholarships are the most common to study in USA.

Minimum Percentage Required for a Scholarship in the USA

So, if you will be studying here then there are some guidelines which you will have to follow if you are going to study here. No fixed percentage guarantees a scholarship. However, most universities look for consistently strong academic performance. Here’s a general guideline to study in USA:

For Undergraduate Programs:

A minimum of 85% or above in your Class 12 exams significantly improves your chances for merit scholarships.
In CBSE/ICSE or state boards, students with 90%+ marks are considered top-tier candidates.
Strong SAT/ACT scores (if required) further boost your application.

For Postgraduate (Master’s) Programs:

A minimum of 65%–70% in your undergraduate degree is typically required.
For top universities and higher-value scholarships, you should aim for 75% or higher.
A high GRE/GMAT score (if required) can compensate for slightly lower academic percentages.

Note: GPA conversion also matters. Indian percentages are usually converted to a GPA on a 4.0 scale, where to study in USA:

70–100% = 3.5–4.0 GPA
60–69% = 2.7–3.4 GPA
Below 60% = less than 2.7 GPA

Other Factors That Influence Scholarship Decisions

Studying here is very helpful for you, and you will be able to gain excellent exposure. While your academic percentage is crucial to study in USA, it’s not the only factor. US universities take a holistic approach to scholarships. Here’s what else matters:

Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from professors/employers
Extracurricular activities and leadership roles
Community service or volunteer work
Relevant work or research experience
Test scores (TOEFL/IELTS, SAT, GRE, GMAT)
Financial need (for need-based scholarships)

Studying here will be able to gain excellent exposure. A well-rounded application with academic excellence and co-curricular strength increases your chances even more than just high marks.

Popular Scholarships You Can Apply For

Here are a few scholarships Indian students commonly apply for:

Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowship – For master’s programs; minimum academic excellence required.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships – For exceptional academic and creative achievements.
AAUW International Fellowships – For women pursuing graduate studies.
Tata Scholarship at Cornell University – For Indian undergraduate students at Cornell.
University-specific scholarships – Most US universities offer partial or full tuition waivers for high-performing students to study abroad

How Much Can You Save with a Scholarship?

Depending on the scholarship, students can receive:

Partial tuition waivers (10%–50%)
Full tuition waivers
Living expenses & travel costs
Health insurance coverage

This means a student could save anywhere between $5,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the award.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, while there’s no universal percentage required for a scholarship to study in USA, students with 85% or higher (for UG) and 70%+ (for PG) have much stronger chances, especially when supported by strong test scores and an impressive overall profile.

If you’re serious about studying in the USA, start building your profile early, prepare well for exams, and focus on all parts of your application, not just marks. Studying here will be able to gain excellent exposure.

Yes, you can go to the USA for study after completing 12th grade. Many Indian and international students choose to pursue their undergraduate (bachelor’s) studies in the USA right after 12th. Here’s a detailed guide:

✅ Eligibility to Study in the USA After 12th

You’ll typically need:

Academic Qualification:
- Minimum 50–60% in 12th grade (depends on the university/course).
- Subject-specific requirements (e.g., PCM for engineering, biology for pre-med, etc.).
English Proficiency Test:
- TOEFL or IELTS is mandatory.
- Minimum IELTS score: 6.0–6.5 | TOEFL: 80+
Standardized Tests (if required):
- SAT/ACT: Some universities may require it, though many are now test-optional.
Valid Passport & Student Visa (F1 Visa)
Proof of Funds:
- You must show you can cover tuition + living expenses.