ScholarshipmaponlineEvery year, thousands of Indian students aspire to study in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany. But international education comes with a high cost. That’s where scholarships for Indian students to study abroad play a crucial role.
Whether you’re planning to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, this article lists the best scholarships for Indian students, including fully funded, merit-based, and government-backed options.
Why Scholarships Matter for Indian Students
Studying abroad is expensive. Tuition fees range from ₹10 lakh to ₹40 lakh per year, and that doesn’t include living expenses. Scholarships help:
- Cover tuition, airfare, housing, and books
- Reduce the need for student loans
- Improve access to top global universities
- Promote diversity in international education
With the right scholarship, your dream of studying abroad can be completely free.
Top Government Scholarships for Indian Students
These scholarships are either offered by the Indian government or foreign governments and support full-time study abroad.
1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) – India
- For: SC/ST students pursuing Master’s or PhD abroad
- Benefits: Tuition, living expenses, airfare, visa fees
- Eligibility: Annual family income < ₹8 lakh, age <35
- Countries Covered: USA, UK, Germany, Australia, etc.
- Website: nosmsje.gov.in
2. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships – USA
- For: Master’s programs in USA (STEM, Public Health, Journalism, etc.)
- Benefits: Tuition, airfare, living costs, insurance
- Eligibility: Indian citizenship, 3+ years work experience
- Website: usief.org.in
3. Chevening Scholarships – UK
- For: One-year Master’s in the UK
- Benefits: Tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, visa fees
- Eligibility: Leadership potential, professional experience
- Website: chevening.org
4. Commonwealth Scholarships – UK
- For: Indian students with strong academics and need
- Benefits: Tuition, airfare, living allowance
- Fields: STEM, development, education
- Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) – Europe
- For: Joint Master’s programs in multiple EU countries
- Benefits: Full tuition, travel, monthly stipend
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with excellent academic record
- Website: erasmusplus.in
Top Indian Private Scholarships to Study Abroad
6. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- For: PG courses at top-ranked international institutions
- Fields: Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences
- Benefits: Up to $100,000
- Website: inlaksfoundation.org
7. J. N. Tata Endowment Scholarship
- For: Indian students pursuing PG/PhD abroad
- Loan Scholarship: ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh
- Website: jntataendowment.org
8. Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
- For: High-achieving Indian students in engineering, law, science
- Type: Interest-free loan up to ₹20 lakh
- Eligibility: Admission to top global universities
- Website: pg.nsfoundation.co.in
9. KC Mahindra Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies
- For: PG programs in foreign universities
- Amount: Up to ₹8 lakh
- Website: kcmet.org
10. Reliance Foundation Scholarships
- For: Indian students admitted to world’s top 50 universities
- Benefits: Full tuition + living stipend
- Fields: STEM, Public Policy, Law, Education
- Website: reliancefoundation.org
Top Country-Specific Scholarships for Indian Students
USA
- Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars
- Harvard University Need-Based Aid
- Yale Young Global Scholars (Pre-UG)
UK
- Oxford Clarendon Fund
- Rhodes Scholarships (India-specific)
- University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
Canada
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (UG)
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD)
- University of Toronto International Student Awards
Australia
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship
- Deakin Vice Chancellor’s Merit Scholarships
Germany
- DAAD Scholarships (for Master’s/PhD)
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
- Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
Best Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students
| Scholarship | Country | Funding Coverage |
| Chevening | UK | Full tuition + living |
| Fulbright-Nehru | USA | Full tuition, travel |
| DAAD | Germany | Full tuition, stipend |
| Erasmus Mundus | EU | All expenses |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Fully funded |
| Reliance Foundation | Global Top 50 | Full ride |
Eligibility Criteria (General)
- Indian citizenship and valid passport
- Excellent academic record (CGPA ≥ 7.0 or 70%)
- Letter of Admission or Offer from international university
- Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Statement of purpose or scholarship essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Income proof (for need-based awards)
Tips to Win a Scholarship to Study Abroad
- Apply early – Most deadlines fall 6–12 months before classes begin
- Target multiple scholarships – Don’t depend on just one
- Tailor your SOP – Show impact, leadership, and vision
- Prepare strong LORs – From professors or professional mentors
- Keep documents organized – Transcripts, passport, test scores, CV
Apply for 5–10 scholarships minimum to improve chances.
How to Apply
- Research scholarships specific to your destination and field
- Prepare all necessary documents (check official sites)
- Fill out online applications carefully
- Upload essays, LORs, transcripts
- Submit before the deadline and track application status
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can Indian undergraduates apply for study abroad scholarships?
Yes. Scholarships like Lester B. Pearson, Yale Young Global Scholars, and Clarendon Fund are open to undergrads.
Q2: Are there scholarships for Indian students without IELTS?
Yes. Some scholarships waive English tests if the medium of instruction in your previous degree was English.
Q3: Can I apply without an admission letter?
Some scholarships require conditional offers; others accept applications before admission.
Q4: Is there a limit to how many scholarships I can apply for?
No. Apply to as many as you qualify for, but read terms—some restrict dual funding.
Your Global Future Starts Here
The path to a global degree doesn’t have to come with massive debt. With these scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, you can unlock world-class education opportunities without draining your finances.
Start today. List your dream universities, match them with the scholarships above, and start preparing your applications. The world is ready for your talent.
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