Latest Update: The application process for the Cornell University Tata Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year will open soon.
The Cornell University Tata Scholarship is a prestigious financial aid program that supports Indian students pursuing undergraduate studies at Cornell University. Established in 2000, it provides full tuition and living expenses to talented students who demonstrate financial need. Each year, up to 20 students are awarded this scholarship, helping them access world-class education without the burden of financial constraints.
To apply, students must meet the admission requirements and submit the CSS Profile by the respective deadlines. This scholarship empowers students to excel academically while focusing on their education and career growth at Cornell.
Key Highlights of Cornell University Tata Scholarship
Feature
Details
Scholarship Type
College-Specific, Tuition-Focused, Need-Based
Offered By
Tata Education and Development Trust
Application Deadline
January 2, 2026, for Regular Decision (CSS Profile by November 1, 2025, for Early Decision) (Tentative)
Number of Scholarships
20
Scholarship Amount
Full tuition and fees (approx. USD 65,000/year, depending on program)
Renewability
Yes, renewed yearly for up to 4 years (8 semesters)
Note: Preference is given to students in engineering, applied economics, biological sciences, physical sciences, architecture, and social sciences. Applications open October 1, 2025, for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Eligibility criteria for Cornell University Tata Scholarship
The Cornell University Tata Scholarship is a need-based financial aid program, with merit assessed through Cornell’s undergraduate admission process. It supports Indian high school graduates pursuing undergraduate programs, requiring them to meet specific eligibility criteria.
Citizenship & Residency:
Must be a permanent citizen of India with a valid residence in the country; who attended secondary school in India.
Educational Qualifications:
Must have completed formal secondary education (10+2) in India without any study gaps.
Should have scored a minimum of 70% in high school in the relevant field of study.
Must have a confirmed admission offer for a full-time undergraduate program (3–5 years).
Admission must be secured through the general admission process; students using a quota-based admission are not eligible.
Financial Need:
Must demonstrate financial need, as assessed by Cornell University through the CSS Profile and supporting financial documents.
Applicants must have secured admission to an undergraduate program at Cornell University. Explore the available Cornell University Courses to find a suitable program.
Benefits of Cornell University Tata Scholarship
The Cornell University Tata Scholarship is a prestigious financial aid program that supports Indian undergraduate students pursuing higher education at Cornell University. This scholarship ensures that deserving students can access world-class education without financial constraints. Here are the key benefits:
Comprehensive Financial Support: The scholarship covers the full tuition and annual course fees for the entire duration of the undergraduate program, typically four years.
Renewable Funding: Recipients receive annual scholarship awards that are renewable for the length of their undergraduate studies, provided they maintain satisfactory academic performance.
Merit and Need-Based Assistance: The scholarship is designed to support outstanding Indian students who demonstrate both exceptional academic achievements and financial need, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education.
Exclusive Opportunity: Each year, approximately 20 Indian students are selected for this prestigious scholarship, highlighting its competitive nature and the emphasis on attracting top talent from India.
Documents required for Cornell University Tata Scholarship
Indian students need to submit a list of documents to complete the application process at the time of application. There is an online background verification check with the complete list of documents submitted by the applicant and the application form. Students need to be careful that the information stated in the application form should be similar to the documents submitted. Here’s the complete list of documents that applicants need to upload along with the application form –
1. English Language Proficiency Test Scores
Applicants must submit valid scorecards for either IELTS or TOEFL, as proof of English language proficiency.
2. Academic Records and Transcripts
All relevant academic documents, including degree certificates and transcripts from previous institutions, must be uploaded as original scanned copies.
3. Financial Documents
Students must provide financial proof to demonstrate their need for aid. This includes:
Income statements
Bank statements
Affidavit of financial support (if applicable)
4. Proof of Indian Citizenship
Applicants must submit documents that verify they are permanent residents and citizens of India.
A minimum of two letters of recommendation is required. These should come from teachers or professors familiar with the student’s academic performance.
A well-written SOP outlining the student’s goals, academic interests, and reasons for applying to Cornell is crucial for scholarship consideration.
7. Passport-sized Photograph
A recent passport-size photo must be submitted as part of the application.
8. Updated Resume or CV
An up-to-date resume should include personal details, academic achievements, extracurriculars, and contact information.
9. Medical Fitness Certificate
A health report confirming that the student is medically fit to travel and study abroad.
How to apply for Cornell University Tata Scholarship?
Indian students need to complete the Cornell University Tata Scholarship application program online through the official website. Applicants need to complete the college scholarship service profile. The scholarship form is available online which the students need to fill by creating a student profile. In the application process, students need to complete two application forms online for the scholarship.
Cornell University Tata Scholarship Application
Need-based Financial Aid Form for International Students
The online application forms mentioned above will require some information details at the time of application. Applicants need to be very careful while offering the information which should resemble the supporting documents that are submitted along with the online application form –
Indian citizenship documents
Permanent resident documents
Photocopy of a valid passport
Self income proof
Non-custodial asset and income proofs of parents
School and academic records till 10 + 2
Counselor recommendation. Cornell University requires a personal statement from the school counselor or advisor from the past education institution of the student.
Evaluation and recommendation from past faculties
Degree certificate with high school marks
Language proficiency scorecards
Important Dates for Cornell University Tata Scholarship 2025–2026
Please Note: Current Cycle (2024–2025) has Ended
If you were hoping to apply for the Cornell University Tata Scholarship for the current 2024–2025 academic year, the deadlines have already passed:
Early Decision Deadline: November 1, 2024
Regular Decision Deadline: January 2, 2025
However, if you're planning to apply for the 2025–2026 academic year, the important deadlines are as follows:
Key Dates for 2025–2026 Academic Year (Tentative)
Early Decision Deadline: November 1, 2025 (Application & CSS Profile)
Regular Decision Deadline: January 2, 2026 (Application & CSS Profile)
Selection criteria of Cornell University Tata Scholarship
The selection criteria of Cornell University Tata Scholarship are completely based on need and merit-based. Undergraduate Indian students from weak economic backgrounds are eligible for this scholarship program. Based on academic proficiency and academic merit, 20 scholars are chosen for this scholarship program every academic year.
The academic records and English language test proficiency test scores along with soft skills are evaluated by the scholarship trust association. Indian students need to be brilliant with their academic records as the acceptance rate is very low. Almost 10 times, application forms are submitted with regards to the actual intake capacity of the scholarship.
The Cornell University Tata Scholarship is a game-changer for Indian students aspiring to study at Cornell University but facing financial constraints. By covering tuition and essential costs, this scholarship enables deserving students to pursue their academic dreams at a world-class Ivy League institution.
With its merit and need-based approach, it ensures that financial limitations do not stand in the way of talent and ambition.
For those looking to explore global education opportunities beyond this scholarship, upGrad offers comprehensivestudy-abroad programs, expert guidance, and tailored learning solutions to help students achieve their academic and career goals.
How to get a Tata Scholarship for Cornell University?
To apply for the Cornell University Tata Scholarship, students must first secure admission to an undergraduate program at Cornell. They must then apply for need-based financial aid through the university’s financial aid process. The scholarship is awarded based on financial need and academic excellence.
Does Cornell give a 100% scholarship?
Cornell University offers need-based financial aid, which can cover up to 100% of tuition and other costs for eligible students. The Tata Scholarship specifically provides full tuition support for selected Indian undergraduate students.
How can an Indian get into Cornell?
Indian students must meet Cornell’s admission requirements, including a strong academic record, competitive SAT/ACT scores (if required), and English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS). They also need to submit essays, recommendation letters, and participate in interviews if required.
How many marks are required for the Tata Scholarship?
Applicants should have scored at least 70% in their high school (10+2) exams in the relevant field of study. Additionally, they must meet Cornell’s admission criteria and demonstrate financial need.
What are the fees of Cornell University in Indian rupees?
Cornell’s undergraduate tuition for international students is around $66,000 per year, which is approximately INR 55,00,000 (based on exchange rates). Additional expenses include accommodation, food, and other fees.
Who is eligible for the Tata Cornell Scholarship?
The scholarship is exclusively for Indian students who:
Have secured admission to an undergraduate program at Cornell University.
Demonstrate financial need.
Have completed secondary education in India without gaps.
Meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100).
Does Cornell University offer scholarships to international students?
Yes, Cornell provides need-based financial aid to international students, including Indian applicants. The Tata Scholarship is specifically for Indian students, but other funding options are available for students from different countries.
Who is the Cornell University Tata Scholarship designed for?
This scholarship is designed for financially disadvantaged Indian students with exceptional academic records who wish to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree at Cornell University. It supports students who gain admission through the general admission process without any quota-based benefits.
Can I apply for the Tata Scholarship before getting admission to Cornell?
No, you must first receive an admission offer from Cornell University for an undergraduate program. Once admitted, you can apply for the Tata Scholarship as part of the need-based financial aid process.
Is the Tata Scholarship available for master’s programs at Cornell?
No, the Tata Scholarship is only for undergraduate programs at Cornell University. If you're looking for postgraduate scholarships, you can explore other funding options offered by Cornell or external organizations.
How competitive is the Tata Scholarship at Cornell?
The Tata Scholarship is highly competitive, as only 20 Indian students are awarded this scholarship each year. To improve your chances, maintain excellent academic records, demonstrate financial need, and ensure a strong application to Cornell.
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