Q.Why should an Indian student want to study at Purdue University?

A: We have a great combination of excellent academic programmes and outstanding support services, not the least of which is the Office of International Students and Scholars.

This particular programme offers numerous special services for international students including, but not limited to, cultural/historical trips, orientation programmes and special events. Purdue has a long and rich history of welcoming international students, particularly Indian students.

Q.How many Indian students do you have on campus now?

A:During the 2006-07 academic year at Purdue, India topped international enrolment with 1,085 students. There are more than 1,000 Indian students in each of our academic colleges/schools.

Q.Which courses is the university renowned for?

A:We have gained fame in the fields of engineering, management, science and information technology. Purdue also has a solid reputation in agriculture, consumer and family sciences, education, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.

Q.Which courses are popular among Indian students?

A:Historically, enrolment has generally been evenly split between undergraduate, graduate and professional programmes. Top enrolment areas for Indian students are the College of Engineering, the College of Science and the Krannert School of Management.

Q.What is the selection of students based on?

A:Admission is based on a holistic review of applications. Previous academic performance is generally the best predictor of future performance. Standardised test score results are also important.

Q.What research facilities do you offer?

A:For more than a century, Purdue has been a leading research institution, especially in the areas of engineering, science, technology and agriculture. We were the first US university to offer a degree in computer science. We have developed some of the most advanced research facilities on a university campus anywhere in the world. That, in turn, has helped us attract top-notch faculty. Discovery Park facilities are helping our researchers seek solutions to the growing global demand for alternative fuels. Also, advancements in nanotechnology, quality health care solutions and environment conservation are some of the other thrust areas.

Q.Can you give us an idea of the fees and the scholarships available?

A:Total cost for one academic year is approximately $33,000. There is no need-based financial aid for international undergraduate students. International graduate students compete for staff appointments and fellowships alongside their US peers. Close to 70 per cent of all international graduate students at Purdue have some kind of award.

There are two merit-based awards for undergraduate students, the Academic Success Award and the Valedictorian Scholarship. To be eligible for the first one, a student has to be a freshman, must apply for the fall semester, have a combined SAT score of at least 1,360 and an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 out of 4.0 in all secondary school subjects.

The award for the first year will be $5,250. Recipients who maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 at Purdue will receive $2,950 for each of the next three years. The Valedictorian Scholarship is for students who topped their graduating class. It provides $2,250 for the first year at Purdue and is not renewable.