Building community for Indian students in the United States

Join the oldest and largest association for Indian-origin students. Whether you’re Indian-American or an Indian international student—we’re building collective power, and we need you with us. Join us as a member, patron, or affiliate as a club.

Focus

NAAIS offers membership services to ensure our community stays informed, engaged, and equipped with the resources they need to navigate today’s rapidly evolving world.

Membership
Services

As an umbrella organization, we have an extensive network of local Indian Student Associations in campuses across the United States and provide community, funding, and other resources.

Club
Affiliates

Through our advocacy efforts, we amplify voices, address key societal challenges, and champion policies that create an ecosystem for Indian-origin students at a local, state, and federal level. 

Advocacy

We curate engaging events and tours that bring thousands of people together in over 80 different campuses. We also hold workshops for admitted students in India.

Events and
Tours

NAAIS is a non-partisan umbrella organization that seeks to represent the 800,000+ students of Indian origin studying in the United States and Canada with an aim to bring a unified voice for them.

Learn more about the areas of focus for Indian-origin students:

Voter Registration

NAAIS empowers Indian-origin students to participate in democracy by organizing voter registration drives, educating students about their voting rights, and encouraging civic engagement in both U.S. and Indian elections.

Indian-American advocacy

We amplify the voices of Indian-American students by advocating for issues that impact their communities, from representation in leadership roles to addressing cultural and societal challenges faced on campuses.

International student rights

NAAIS works tirelessly to protect the rights of international students, advocating for fair visa policies, access to on-campus opportunities, and safeguards against discriminatory practices.

International student rights

NAAIS works tirelessly to protect the rights of international students, advocating for fair visa policies, access to on-campus opportunities, and safeguards against discriminatory practices.

Mentorship

Through our mentorship programs, we connect students with experienced professionals and alumni to guide them in their academic, personal, and career journeys.

Job Referrals

We partner with leading companies, startups, and recruiters to provide job referral opportunities, bridging the gap between talented Indian-origin students and potential employers.

Resources for International Students

From navigating visa requirements to finding housing, we provide tailored resources that address the unique needs of international students during their time in North America.

Pro-Bono Legal Aid

NAAIS offers free legal assistance to students facing immigration, employment, or academic disputes, ensuring they have access to justice when they need it most.

Mental Health

Recognizing the pressures faced by Indian-origin students, we provide access to mental health resources, peer support groups, and counseling services to promote well-being.

Career Development Programs

We host skill-building workshops, resume reviews, and networking events to help students succeed in their careers and prepare for a competitive global job market.

Cultural Integration Support

NAAIS helps students navigate cultural differences and adapt to life in North America, offering resources and events that celebrate diversity while fostering inclusion.

Scholarship Opportunities

We guide students in identifying and applying for scholarships and financial aid to ease the burden of tuition and other expenses.

Community Building

Through events, student chapters, and virtual platforms, we foster a sense of belonging among Indian-origin students, creating a supportive and vibrant community.

Civic Engagement

NAAIS encourages students to contribute to their communities through volunteering, advocacy, and education about civic responsibilities in their host countries.

Crisis Support and Resources

We provide immediate assistance and resources for students facing emergencies such as financial hardship, health crises, or legal issues.

Entrepreneurship Support

NAAIS supports aspiring entrepreneurs by offering mentorship, workshops, and connections to funding opportunities for startup ventures.

Policy Advocacy for Education Reforms

We engage with policymakers to advocate for reforms that improve access, equity, and opportunities for international and Indian-origin students.

ISA Leadership Support

NAAIS collaborates with Indian Student Associations (ISAs) across North America, offering leadership training, event sponsorships, and resources to strengthen their impact on campuses.

Find Your Local NAAIS

350,000

students in-person reach

4 Million

digital reach annually

NAAIS has over 150 affiliates across the country working with college students, university administration, local officials, and state and national elected representatives.

Our Programming

For over five years, NAAIS has cultivated vibrant communities across the United States by hosting a diverse array of workshops, events, happy hours, and conferences inside university campuses and within communities of young professionals. From celebrating Diwali in Montana to fintech happy hours in San Francisco, from Ohio State University sponsoring the nation’s largest Indian dance festival to organizing the largest Indian student conference in New York, our events have engaged over 130,000 students. In India, we also host annual workshops for students admitted to U.S. universities, helping them prepare for their journey abroad. We’re always eager to collaborate with partners to further expand our reach and support this dynamic and thriving demographic. Learn more about our India programming here.

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Get involved

Students and young professionals are critical to the success of NAAIS. We work with volunteers and patrons in every corner of the United States to help build communities and advocacy for Indian students.

Student Young Professional Patron Club

Donate

Content for donate platform for grassroots action. We work with volunteers and supporters in every corner of the country to defend civil liberties and civil rights. Join us.

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Our History

The late 1800s brought the first Indian students to study in North America. We take root and are inspired from The Hindusthanee Student by the Hindusthan Association of America (HAA) which was formed with the mission to "further the interests of Hindustani students, [and] to interpret India to America and America to India". Since 2020, NAAIS aims to carry on the traditions, values, and spirit of the movement for Indian-origin students. We stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way.

1868
Dr. Anandibai Joshee became the first Indian student to graduate from a US Institution. Dr. Joshee graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania.
1893
Swami Vivekananda, a young fluent English speaking Hindu monk, addressed the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago
1906
Two of the biggest Indian student organizers arrive in the United States: Taraknath Das and Har Dayal.1906
1907
The Cornell Cosmopolitan Club becomes the first club on a university campus to allow Indian students to join. I.B. De Majumdar and J.N. Chakravarti became the first.1909
1912
The first recorded freedom fighters from India attend university in the United States: Gobind Behari Lal at UC-Berkeley
1914
The Hindusthanee Students is created to cater to the interests of Indian students.
2018
The number of Indian national students studying in the United States crosses 200,000
2020
The North American Association of Indian Students is Established