Ratan Tata, the visionary industrialist who passed away at the age of 86 on October 9 2024, firmly believed that education was the key to unlocking human potential and driving societal progress. This deep conviction guided his philanthropic endeavors, especially in the realm of education. An alumnus of Cornell University, Tata’s connection to his alma mater remained strong throughout his life.In 2008, he furthered his vision by instituting the Tata Scholarship at Cornell University. This scholarship aims to provide Indian students with access to world-class education, regardless of financial limitations, and has since supported numerous deserving students in pursuing their academic dreams at one of the world’s top universities. Here, we explore the Tata Scholarship, its eligibility, benefits and more.
What is the Tata Scholarship for students from India?
The Tata Scholarship for Indian students is funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust, a philanthropic initiative of the Tata Group. With a $25 million endowment, the scholarship covers tuition and other annual expenses for undergraduate students from India. Each year, 20 students are selected, ensuring that talented individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances, have the opportunity to pursue their education at Cornell University.
Tata Scholarship at Cornell University: Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the prestigious Tata Scholarship for Indian students at Cornell University, applicants must meet certain key criteria that reflect both their academic journey and financial need.
The student must be a citizen of India: This scholarship is specifically designed to support Indian nationals, ensuring that the country’s brightest minds have access to world-class education at Cornell, regardless of their financial background.
The student must have attended secondary school in India: By focussing on students who completed their schooling in India, the scholarship ensures that those deeply rooted in the Indian education system have the opportunity to study at an international institution.
The student must have received an offer of admission to Cornell as an undergraduate: Admission to Cornell is already a testament to a student’s academic excellence and potential, and this scholarship is available only to those who have successfully navigated the competitive admissions process.
The student must be eligible for need-based financial aid: This scholarship is aimed at students who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that deserving students with limited financial resources can pursue their dreams at Cornell University.
Further, the following documents are required for the admissions process and the scholarship:
English language proficiency test scores are mandatory for Indian students, with TOEFL and IELTS being the accepted tests. All academic records and transcripts must be uploaded as original scanned copies. Financial proof and statements are crucial when applying for the scholarship, along with proof of citizenship or permanent residency in India. Additionally, a minimum of two letters of recommendation is required. A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining the student’s goals and intentions regarding admission to Cornell University is essential for the scholarship panel’s evaluation. Finally, passport-sized photographs must also be submitted.
Tata Scholarship: Who are most likely to be selected for this financial aid?
The Tata Scholarship selection process gives preference to qualified students accepted to the following programs:
- College of Architecture, Art and Planning
- College of Engineering
- Applied Economics and Management major in the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
- Majors across colleges in the biological sciences, physical sciences, and other sciences, as well as the social sciences.
Duration of the Tata Scholarship
According to the official website of Cornell University, as long as Tata Scholars demonstrate financial need, the university is committed to providing them with Tata Scholarship funding. However, there is an exception for students enrolled in the five-year architecture program, which consists of ten full semesters. In this case, the university will provide funding for up to eight semesters only.
Tata Scholarship at Cornell University: How to apply?
All the Undergraduate applicants that are eligible for the Tata Scholarship will be considered for if they complete the admission process and apply for the financial aid. These applicants need to apply for financial aid by completing their CSS profile. For the same, students need to visit the CSS profile homepage.
Step 1: Visit the official CSS profile homepage of Cornell University, i.e., cssprofile.collegeboard.org/complete-application.
Step 2: On the homage, register yourself and login to your account.
Step 3; Fill in your CSS profile application with all the necessary information.
Step 4: Review your application and make corrections if any.
Step 5: Click on the submit.
Tata Scholarship: Check important details
Cornell’s undergraduate admission process for international students is “need-aware,” meaning that the applicant’s interest in or need for financial aid is one of the factors considered when making admission decisions. To apply for the 2025-26 academic year, students must complete the CSS Profile application, which is available from October 1, 2024, to November 1, 2024. Regular admission decisions will be announced on January 2, 2025, and transfer admission results will be released by March 15, 2025, for the Fall 2025 intake.
For more information, students can visit the official website of Cornell University or can click here.
What is the tuition fee at Cornell University for Undergraduate students?
Here is an overview of the cost of attending an undergraduate course for students of 2024-25.
Total (billed + non-billed): $92,150
