Cornell University Tata Scholarship: A Gateway for Indian Students to World-Class Education
Cornell University: every year, a select group of talented Indian students gain access to one of the world’s top universities through the Cornell University Tata Scholarship. This prestigious program was established in 2008 through a generous $25 million endowment from the Tata Education and Development Trust, led by philanthropist Ratan Tata. The goal: to ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of academically gifted Indian students attending Cornell University in the U.S.
Under this scholarship, 20 students are selected each year to receive comprehensive financial support for their undergraduate studies at Cornell. Here’s everything you need to know—from eligibility to the application process and what the scholarship covers.
Who Is Eligible?
The scholarship is exclusively open to Indian citizens. Applicants must:
- Hold Indian citizenship and a valid Indian passport. Dual citizens or holders of non-Indian nationality are not eligible.
- Have completed or be completing secondary education in India—preference is given to students who’ve studied within the Indian school system.
- Apply to Cornell University’s Ithaca campus for full-time undergraduate programs. This includes first-year applicants, transfer students, and visiting undergraduates.
Cornell remains test-optional for admissions until 2025. However, submitting strong SAT or ACT scores is recommended to strengthen your application. Moreover, for Indian students whose medium of instruction wasn’t English, a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 is required.
How to Apply?
The application process is twofold and must be followed carefully:
Step 1: Apply to Cornell University
Start by submitting your undergraduate application to Cornell. You’ll also need to complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, which is required for all applicants seeking financial aid.
Step 2: Submit Financial Documentation
Once you’ve completed the CSS Profile, you must upload supporting documents that demonstrate financial need. These typically include:
- Family income statements
- Bank statements
- Tax returns or employer letters
Alongside financial records, your application should also include:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Letters of recommendation
- A compelling personal essay
- Records of extracurricular achievements
Cornell’s holistic admissions process considers not just grades but also your overall profile, life experiences, and academic potential.
Your submitted financial information is reviewed by the Cornell Financial Aid Office, which collaborates with the admissions team to determine your aid eligibility.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Cornell University Tata Scholarship is comprehensive and tailored to meet the full financial needs of the student. It covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Required books and supplies
- Additional personal expenses
- All mandatory university fees
The scholarship is renewable for up to four years (eight semesters), provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress and a minimum GPA of 3.0. For longer programs such as Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), support is extended for ten semesters.
Which Programs Are Eligible?
The scholarship applies to a broad range of disciplines. Students can pursue majors in:
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Architecture, Art, and Planning
- Applied Economics and Management
- Programs under the SC Johnson College of Business, and more
Cornell’s interdisciplinary environment offers flexibility for students to tailor their studies based on evolving interests and career goals.
Need Help?
If you have questions during the process, you can reach out to the following Cornell contacts:
- General Admissions: admissions@cornell.edu
- International Applicants: international@admissions.cornell.edu
- Tata Scholars Program: tatascholars@cornell.edu
- Financial Aid: finaid@cornell.edu
For driven Indian students dreaming of studying at Cornell but held back by financial concerns, the Tata Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity. With its generous support, strong legacy, and a commitment to excellence, the scholarship helps bridge the gap between aspiration and access—one deserving student at a time.
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