University Scholarship · PhD, Masters

Cornell University Graduate Fellowships

Cornell University · All India

Annual Award$59,029/mo (approx. ₹58.1 Lakh+)
Deadline15 Dec
Scheme NameCornell University Graduate Fellowships
Provided ByCornell University
Eligibility SummaryClass 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income)

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About the Program

Comprehensive guide for Cornell University Graduate Fellowships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.

Benefits & Financial Support

$59,029/mo (approx. ₹58.1 Lakh+)

Cornell University Graduate Fellowships, primarily for doctoral students, typically provide comprehensive funding packages. These generally include full tuition, fees, individual student health insurance, and a living allowance or stipend. For example, some fellowships may offer a nine-month stipend of approximately $59,029 (USD). These funds are disbursed in USD by Cornell University for expenses incurred while studying in the U.S. and are not provided in INR in India. Stipends are usually paid semi-monthly through the Cornell payroll system.

  • Target Degree Levels:Primarily Ph.D. programs and research-oriented Master's programs. While Master's students may receive limited funding, the comprehensive fellowships are predominantly for doctoral candidates.

  • Nationality:Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and international students for general Cornell Fellowships. Specific fellowships like the Founder's Excellence Fellowships are for nominated domestic doctoral students (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or Indigenous peoples of Canada).

  • Admission Status:Must be an incoming student applying for admission to a Cornell University graduate program. Continuing students are generally ineligible for new student fellowships.

  • Academic Requirements:Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their chosen graduate field. There is no specific minimum GPA cutoff, but undergraduate coursework and grades are thoroughly considered in the admissions review process.

  • English Language Proficiency:All international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically by submitting official TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores, unless exempted.

Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit

Education LevelPhD, Masters
Course / StreamPhD, Masters
Income LimitNo income bar
Category / CasteGeneral, OBC, SC, ST
Domicile StateAll India

Mandatory Documents Checklist

  • Completed Cornell's Online Graduate School Application
  • Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts (official transcripts required upon admission)
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, if required by the specific graduate field (official scores to Cornell University code 2098)
  • Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores, if required by the specific graduate field
  • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Official English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS Academic), if applicable

Selection Process

  • Cornell University Fellowships are merit-based awards primarily offered to doctoral students at the time of admission

  • Approximately 20% of doctoral students on campus receive these competitive Cornell University Fellowships (including Cornell Fellowships or Sage Fellowships)

  • Nearly 97% of Ph.D. students are fully funded through a combination of competitive internal and external fellowships and research and teaching assistantships

  • While no specific minimum percentage marks are universally published for fellowship selection, an outstanding academic record is crucial for competitiveness

  • All applicants must also meet English language proficiency requirements, typically demonstrated by minimum scores such as IELTS Academic 7.0 or TOEFL iBT (writing 20, listening 15, reading 20, speaking 22).

Renewal Policy

  • All graduate funding, including fellowships, is conditional upon the student remaining in good academic standing, making satisfactory academic progress toward their degree, and, if applicable, performing satisfactorily in any assistantship responsibilities

  • While Cornell University Fellowships are typically awarded at the time of admission, the continuation of general financial aid for international students usually requires reapplication each academic year.

How to Apply Online

Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.

  • 1
    Meet Admission Requirements

    Ensure you fulfill all admission criteria for your chosen graduate program at Cornell University. This includes demonstrating a strong academic background and meeting the English language proficiency requirements by submitting official TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic scores.

  • 2
    Complete Online Application

    Submit the comprehensive online application for graduate admission to Cornell University. This application will require details about your academic history, research experience, statement of purpose, and professional goals. A non-refundable application fee of $105 (USD) is required, though fee waivers may be available based on financial hardship.

  • 3
    Fellowship Consideration

    Prospective students are automatically considered for internal Cornell University Fellowships (such as Cornell Fellowships or Sage Fellowships) as part of their graduate admissions application; a separate fellowship application is generally not required for these internal awards.

  • 4
    Certify Funds (for International Students)

    If you receive an offer of admission, international students will be required to complete an online Admission Supplement to certify their financial resources for visa processing.

  • 5
    Track Application Status

    While there isn't a specific tracking guide solely for fellowships, you can typically monitor the status of your admission application through the online application portal. Financial aid decisions are generally posted to the Student Center.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Are Cornell University Graduate Fellowships specifically for Indian students to study in India?

No, Cornell University Graduate Fellowships are primarily awarded to graduate students (mostly doctoral) admitted to Cornell University's academic programs in the United States. These fellowships cover tuition, fees, health insurance, and a living stipend for study at Cornell's campus in the U.S., not for programs located in India.

What expenses do Cornell University Graduate Fellowships typically cover?

Cornell University Graduate Fellowships usually provide comprehensive financial support, which includes full tuition, mandatory fees, individual student health insurance, and a living allowance or stipend to cover living expenses during the academic year.

How do I apply for a Cornell University Graduate Fellowship for the 2025-26 or 2026 academic year?

Prospective students applying for graduate admission to Cornell University are automatically considered for many internal Cornell University Fellowships. There is generally no separate application form specifically for these fellowships; your admission application serves as your application for fellowship consideration.

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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Cornell University website before final submission.