The Cornell University Tata Scholarship is a need-based financial aid program for Indian undergraduate students at Cornell University, co-established by the Tata Education and Development Trust. It covers tuition, room and board, books, and personal expenses for up to four years, requiring applicants to meet admission and financial aid deadlines, be an Indian citizen, and demonstrate financial need. To apply, you must complete the university's undergraduate application, the CSS Profile, and provide income verification documents.
Key Highlights:
Feature
Details
Funded By
Tata Education and Development Trust + Cornell University
Total Endowment
USD 25 million
Who It’s For
Indian undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need
Number of Recipients
Around 20 Indian students each year
Coverage
Tuition, room & board, books, personal expenses
Duration
Up to 4 years (8 semesters)
Programs Covered
Most undergraduate majors at Cornell; funding capped for longer programs like Architecture
Eligibility Requirements
Indian citizenship, admission to Cornell UG programs, and financial need
Application Components
Cornell UG application, CSS Profile, and income verification documents
Deadline
Same as Cornell’s international financial aid deadlines
Type of Aid
Need-based, renewable yearly upon meeting criteria
What Does Cornell Tata Scholarship Cover?
Cornell Tata Scholarship covers 100% tuition & fees + bridges full financial need up to $85,000/₹72 Lakh per year for 20 Indian undergrads, room, board, books, travel included. Tata's $25M/₹210 Cr endowment funds debt-free Ivy League study, renews 8 semesters (3.0 GPA min).
Tata Scholarship Coverage
Details
2025-26 Cost (USD/INR)
Tuition & Fees
Fully Covered
$65,200/₹55 Lakh
Room & Board
Need-based included
$18,000/₹15.2 Lakh
Books & Supplies
Need-based included
$1,200/₹1 Lakh
Personal Expenses/Travel
Gap to full need
$2,500+/₹2.1 Lakh+
TOTAL ANNUAL
Fully demonstrated need
$85,000/₹72 Lakh
Eligibility for the Cornell Tata Scholarship?
Cornell University Tata Scholarship eligibility is strictly for Indian citizens with no dual citizenship, who must have completed Class 12 in India (with preference for CBSE/ICSE boards), be admitted to a full-time Cornell undergraduate program, and demonstrate financial need via the CSS Profile. Funded for ~20 scholars/year at ₹72 Lakh ($85K), it prioritizes 95%+ academics, national-level leadership, and English proficiency for Ivy League readiness.
Eligibility Criteria
Detailed Requirements
Required Proof/Documents
Citizenship
Indian passport holders only; no dual citizenship permitted; OCI/PIO ineligible
Valid Indian passport copy
Secondary Education
Class 12 completed in India; international school applicants considered case-by-case
Eligible Courses and Majors at Cornell for Tata Scholarship
The Tata Scholarship gives selection preference to qualified Indian applicants accepted into specific Cornell undergraduate colleges and majors at the Ithaca campus. While open to all undergrad programs, priority focuses on STEM-heavy fields and applied disciplines to maximize impact for Indian scholars.
Automatic consideration upon Cornell admission + CSS Profile submission
Tata Scholarship Application Process & Deadlines 2026
Tata Scholarship applications are automatic for all admitted Indian students who submit the CSS Profile (001175) with Cornell undergrad admission. No separate Tata form exists; eligibility is confirmed via financial aid review post-acceptance.
Step
Action
Deadline
1. Apply to Cornell
Common App + Cornell Supplement (target Engineering/CALS)
Property docs, business financials (if applicable)
Important Deadlines for the Tata Scholarship Application
Fall Transfer remains open (Mar 15, 2026 deadline); REA/RD closed for Fall 2026 entry.
Round
Deadline
Status
REA
Nov 1, 2025
Closed
RD
Jan 2, 2026
Closed
Fall Transfer
Mar 15, 2026
OPEN
Tips to Maximise Your Chances for the Tata Scholarship
Securing the Tata Scholarship at Cornell University is highly competitive, with only about 20 scholarships awarded annually. To improve your chances, focus on both academic excellence and demonstrating financial need clearly and timely.
Excel Academically: Aim for a Class 12 score of 95% or higher from CBSE/ICSE or equivalent boards. Strong performance in relevant STEM subjects (especially for engineering applicants) and participation in national/international Olympiads or research projects can set you apart.
Submit Early: File your Common App and CSS Profile (code 001175) well before the deadlines, ideally by the Restrictive Early Action date (November 1). Early submission greatly increases your chances of award consideration.
Show Leadership and Impact: Highlight your extracurricular achievements, leadership roles, community service, or projects in your essays and recommendation letters. The scholarship values applicants who demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and a potential for future impact.
Complete Financial Documentation Accurately: Provide thorough and valid financial documents in the CSS Profile IDOC portal, including parental tax returns, bank statements, and property proofs, to clearly substantiate your financial need.
Prepare Strong English Proficiency Scores: Obtain the required TOEFL (100+) or IELTS (7.0+) scores, as English proficiency is vital for admission and scholarship consideration.
Target Priority Majors: Apply to majors with higher Tata Scholarship allocation, such as Engineering, Architecture, Agriculture, and Sciences.
Maintain GPA for Renewal: After award, sustain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for scholarship renewal for all undergraduate semesters.
Conclusion
The Cornell Tata Scholarship provides ₹72 Lakh ($85K)/year full funding to ~20 exceptional Indian undergrads, covering tuition, room/board, books, and all demonstrated financial need for up to 8 semesters (3.0 GPA required). Indian citizens completing Class 12 in India receive automatic consideration through Common App + CSS Profile (001175), no separate application needed. Target Engineering/Architecture/CALS majors with 95%+ academics + leadership for the best odds in this ultra-competitive ~2% acceptance rate award.
If you are still unsure about your options, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.
FAQs
Does Cornell University give 100% scholarships to international students?
Cornell does offer full financial aid to some international students, but it’s based strictly on demonstrated need rather than fixed scholarship amounts. The support varies from student to student depending on their financial situation. Only a handful qualify for full coverage each year. It’s competitive, but absolutely possible.
What did Ratan Tata study at Cornell University?
Ratan Tata first attended Cornell to study architecture before later moving into business leadership roles in India. His time at Cornell shaped many of his values around design, ethics, and community impact. It’s one of the reasons he stayed closely connected to the university. His later philanthropy reflects that bond.
What is the eligibility for the Tata Scholarship at Cornell?
The scholarship is meant for Indian students who can show strong academic potential and genuine financial need. Applicants should have completed their schooling in India and be applying for an undergraduate degree at Cornell. The scholarship also evaluates overall readiness to thrive academically. It’s a mix of merit and need.
How much did Tata donate to Cornell University?
The Tata Trust committed a significant endowment to Cornell to support Indian students long term. The amount was large enough to generate annual funding for multiple scholars every year. The donation reflects a strategic investment in global education access. It’s one of Cornell’s most notable international gifts.
How many students get the Tata Scholarship each year?
Only a limited number of Indian students receive this scholarship annually, which keeps the selection extremely competitive. The number isn’t fixed and can shift depending on the financial need of accepted students. Because it’s an endowed fund, disbursements depend on the returns generated. Each year looks a little different.
Is there an income limit for applying to the Tata Scholarship?
There isn’t a strict income cutoff, but the process is designed to identify students who genuinely cannot afford Cornell’s costs. Families still need to provide detailed financial documents to show their situation. The evaluation looks beyond just income numbers. It considers overall financial responsibilities and available resources.
Do you need SAT or ACT scores to qualify for the scholarship?
Cornell’s testing policies change from year to year, so the need for SAT/ACT scores depends on the application cycle. The scholarship itself doesn’t demand test scores, but Cornell’s admissions requirements apply to everyone. If Cornell requires tests in a given year, applicants must follow that guideline. Always check the latest criteria.
Can postgraduate students apply for the Tata Scholarship?
No, the scholarship is structured only for undergraduate studies at Cornell. Graduate applicants need to explore other university scholarships or external funding options. Cornell has separate fellowships and assistantships for master’s and PhD students. The Tata program is intentionally limited in scope.
Does the Tata Scholarship cover travel and visa expenses?
Travel and visa costs are usually not included, and students should be prepared to handle those separately. However, some students manage these through personal savings or small education loans. Planning early helps take the pressure off. Always double-check with Cornell’s financial aid office for any updates.
Can students reapply if they do not receive the scholarship the first time?
Since the scholarship is tied to undergraduate admission, reapplying usually means reapplying to Cornell itself. Students who take a gap year or strengthen their profile can try again the following cycle. There’s no penalty for reapplying. Just make sure the new application shows clear growth.
Is the Tata Scholarship automatically renewed each year?
Renewal isn’t automatic, but it’s straightforward as long as the student meets academic expectations and continues to demonstrate financial need. Students update their aid application each year, and Cornell reassesses their situation. Most recipients stay covered for the full duration of their program. Consistency matters.
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