Tata Scholarship for Students from South Asia
Established in 2008 from a USD 25 million endowment by the Tata Education and Development Trust, the Tata Scholarship Fund supports undergraduate students from South Asia at Cornell University who would otherwise be unable to afford the cost. Up to 20 scholars are funded at any one time across all four years. Sri Lankan citizens, alongside Indian, Bangladeshi, and Nepali applicants, are eligible. The scholarship effectively guarantees a 100% need-met package for the small group of South Asian admits with the most demonstrated financial need — bridging the gap between Cornell's standard aid budget and the full cost of attendance.
Cornell University
External Organization-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Coverage
100% of Demonstrated Need
Duration
4-Year Bachelor's
Eligibility
South Asian Citizens (Sri Lanka Included)
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
South Asian Citizenship
You must be a citizen of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, or Bhutan. Sri Lankan citizens are explicitly eligible since the fund's establishment.
Admitted to Cornell University
You must first be admitted to Cornell's undergraduate class. Cornell is need-aware for international applicants, so demonstrated financial need is considered alongside academic credentials.
High Demonstrated Need
The Tata Scholarship specifically targets the most financially constrained South Asian admits. Household income generally well under USD 100,000/year and limited family assets are typical.
Indian Secondary Education or Equivalent
Originally designed for Indian school-leavers but extended to other South Asian citizens — including Sri Lankan A/L, IB, and Cambridge International A Levels graduates. International school qualifications are equally accepted.
account_tree Application Process
Apply to Cornell
Submit your Cornell undergraduate application via the Common App or QuestBridge by the relevant deadline. Indicate clearly that you intend to apply for financial aid (this triggers Tata consideration).
Submit aid forms (CSS Profile + ISFAA equivalent)
Complete the CSS Profile, Cornell's International Student Certification of Finances, parent income documents (translated if needed), and tax returns or bank statements. Submit by the financial-aid deadline that mirrors your admission deadline.
Admission + aid review
Cornell's admissions and financial aid offices review applications. South Asian admits with high demonstrated need are automatically considered for Tata — no separate Tata application.
Award notification
Tata recipients are notified alongside the admission and aid decisions in March-April for Regular Decision, or mid-December for Early Decision. The award is renewable annually based on family circumstances.
Why Tata at Cornell?
Cornell is an Ivy League university ranked in the world top 20, with one of the largest US graduate research programmes. The Tata Scholarship turns Cornell from one of the most expensive options into one of the most affordable — for a tiny, highly competitive South Asian cohort.
#16
QS World Ranking 2026
~20
Tata Scholars in Residence at Any Time
USD 25M
Initial Endowment from Tata Trusts
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