Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad – The number of students choosing to study abroad is trending rising. As per the Ministry of Education of India, the number of Indian students who travelled overseas increased by 68% in 2022. The allure of studying overseas has never diminished, yet one obstacle still exists: the expense of education. Scholarships for studying abroad can offer significant financial support, but be aware of many misconceptions about them and learn how to improve your chances of being awarded one.
Obtaining scholarships for study abroad is competitive and occasionally insufficient to cover the full cost due to the increase in applicants. Here in this article, we are sharing full information about the Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad at various locations, and what is the eligibility and benefits of it. Let’s get started.
List of Indian Government Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
- Full Bright Nehru Masters Fellowships – In this scholarship, the cost of tuition fees, living costs, travel allowance, J-1 visa support and accidents, and sickness coverage are included.
- Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships – Scholarship provides J-1 visa support, monthly stipend, accident and sickness coverage, and air travel allowance (round-trip economy class)
- National Overseas Scholarship – Given 15,400 USD one time. Also covers tuition fees, cost of books, airfare, living costs, medical insurance, and visa fees.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree – 1,100 – 1,200 EUR per month allowance, Tuition fees, library, insurance and more.
- Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship – Placed in St. Antony College, the University of Oxford London. Approx 30,000 EUR is given. Compensation for airfare
Fellowships for Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Degrees
Outstanding Indian students can apply for Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships to pursue an MS in the US. The award intends to support future philanthropists and leaders striving to improve their communities.
Study topics include: Arts and Culture Management, Public Health, Urban and Regional Planning, Women’s Studies/Gender Studies, Economics, Environmental Science/Studies, Higher Education Administration, International Affairs, International Legal Studies Journalism and Mass Communication.
Duration: 1 to 2 years.
Type: Need- and merit-based
Eligibility:
- Three years of experience
- A bachelor’s degree with a 55%
- Community service
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
The United States-India Educational Foundation provides Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships to Indian academics so they can conduct some research in a US institution.
Subject matter: Research related to the PhD program
Length: 6 to 9 months
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: PhD registered at an Indian institute
Need to submit PhD thesis
The National Overseas Program
The National Overseas Scholarship, which helps low-income students from the Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, and Traditional Artisans to improve their economic and social status through higher education abroad, is one of the most well-liked Indian government scholarships for studying abroad in 2023.
Study area: The Indian Masters and PhD students in the following subjects are eligible for this need-based overseas scholarship: Engineering and Management; Pure and Applied Sciences; Agricultural Sciences and Medicine; International Commerce, Accounting and Finance; Humanities and Social Science
Duration: 2 years
Category: Need-based
Eligibility
- Be a part of an Indian minority group
- 55% on the most recent academic exam
- Age: less than 35
- Not more than one sibling
Erasmus Master’s Joint Degree
The European Union funds the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree, a fully financed grant for Indian students studying integrated master’s programs. All qualified students, regardless of nationality, are eligible to apply for this scholarship, and the recipient is granted admission to a specific university throughout the application process.
Study areas include history, archaeology, business management, psychology, and nursing and health.
Time: 1 to 2 years
Type: Based on merit
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship, a fully financed fellowship for Indian students provided by the Government of India, is administered by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The candidate would have the same standing at the University of Oxford as a Junior Research Fellow.
Study Subjects: Political Science, Economics, and History.
Duration: One year; however, depending on performance, it may be extended to a second year.
Type: Based on merit
Eligibility
- 60% or higher up until the PhD
- Age range: 30 to 40
- 3 years of classroom experience
In addition to scholarships supported by the Indian government, international students have access to many different scholarship options for financial aid.
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad in UK
- Felix Scholarship – In this scholarship, Indian students can get a scholarship on tuition fees for 100%. You may also get 15,000 EUR – 16,000 EUR for the cost of living and book your airfare to travel to the country.
- Rhodes Scholarship – The Rhodes scholarship for Indian students to study abroad provides a monthly stipend of 1,515 EUR, and full tuition fees are covered.
- Chevening Scholarship – It covers tuition fees, accommodation, and airfare for up to a year.
- Global Study Award – The Global Study Award provides up to 10,000 EUR (one-time)
- Great Education Scholarship – With the Great Education Scholarship, Indian Students can get up to 10,000 EUR for one year.
Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarship was established to give gifted but underprivileged students from India and other developing countries the chance to pursue postgraduate study at a UK university. Students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or master’s degree full-time can apply.
Three universities provide Felix scholarships: the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Reading, and Oxford. Study up.
Type: Need- and merit-based
Eligibility:
- Indian Citizenship
- Not registered at any foreign university yet
- A bachelor’s degree from an Indian college
The Rhodes Scholarship
The program, administered by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, provides more than 100 fully-funded scholarships per year for full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, one of the best universities in the world. Young leaders with outstanding intelligence and moral character motivated to address global issues and committed to helping others are given Rhodes Scholarships.
The selection criteria are as follows:
- Your Academic achievement
- Zeal to fully utilize your talents (as seen by accomplishments in various contexts, including teamwork-intensive artistic endeavors, athletics, music, debate, dance, and theatre).
- Integrity, bravery, commitment to duty, compassion and defense of the defenceless, generosity, and selflessness
- Strength in moral character and the desire to take charge and show concern for others
Type: Based on merit
Eligibility:
- Indian Citizenship
- Indian formal education
- Strong academic standing in the UG course
Scholarship from Chevening
Outstanding overseas students, including those from India, can apply for Chevening scholarships from the UK government to study a one-year postgraduate degree in any topic at any UK university.
Type: Based on merit
Eligibility
- Only Chevening eligible nations’ citizens
- After the scholarship period has ended, return home.
- Work experience: 2 years
- Offer from UK university
- MS Course
The Global Study Award
The Global Study Award encourages students to discover new nations, cultures, and languages by acknowledging that studying abroad may change a person’s life. The maximum reward value is £10,000. It was initiated and is managed by the British Council IELTS, StudyPortals, and the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The applicant may use the remaining money for living expenses up to 52 weeks from the institution’s registration date if the tuition charge is less than the amount.
Type: Based on merit
Eligibility
- IELTS certificate
- Possess a current International Youth Travel Card or International Student Identity Card at the time of application.
Great Education Scholarship
Through the GREAT Scholarships, students from 14 countries can receive up to £10,000 toward their tuition for various one-year taught postgraduate programmes. For the 2023–2024 academic year, 49 universities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are giving 200 scholarships through this program. Study up.
Type: University-specific & merit-based
Eligibility
- Have Indian Citizenship
- Exhibit leadership
- Must come from the universities on the provided list.
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad in USA
- Cornell University Tata Scholarship – This scholarship provides Tuition Fees, which can be renewed yearly based on the student’s performance.
- AAUW International Fellowship – This fellowship grants 20,000 USD for a Master’s or first professional degree. For a doctoral, you can receive 20,000 USD; for Post Doctoral, it’s 50,000 USD.
- Richmond Scholars Program – Under this program, students can get coverage on tuition fees, living expenses, and healthcare.
- Microsoft Scholarships (Undergraduate) – Under the Microsoft scholarships program, only undergraduates can get partial tuition fees.
Cornell University Scholarship from Tata
Cornell College The Tata Scholarship is a need-based financial aid program offered by the Tata Education and Development Trust solely to Indian students enrolled at Cornell University. Each year, about 20 scholars are chosen to receive the award. Undergraduate students are granted merit up to a maximum of eight semesters of study, by which time most undergraduate courses would have concluded. The scholarship amount varies based on the college and course and needs to be renewed annually.
Type: College-specific & need-based
Eligibility:
- UG degree admission for Indian citizens at Cornell University
- 70% marks in school
- No lapse of years
- TOEFL score 100
- IELTS score 7
International Fellowship of AAUW
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is offering this scholarship exclusively to women in order to support educational parity and girls’ education. It is available to women seeking full-time study or research who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the United States. Over the past few years, this scholarship has been awarded to more than 3,600 women from more than 150 countries. This might be among the greatest MS scholarships in the USA for Indian women to apply for.
Type: Based on merit
Eligibility:
- Women should be Non-US
- Should not have previously been awarded an AAUW grant for evidence of fluency in English
Scholars Program at Richmond
The University’s most distinguished academic prize, the Richmond Scholars Program, is given to exceptional new domestic and international students who have excelled academically. Study up.
Type: College-specific and merit-based
Eligibility:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Evidence of volunteerism and leadership
Microsoft Undergraduate Scholarship
Microsoft grants tuition scholarships for undergraduate students wishing to study computer science and related STEM subjects in the US, Canada, or Mexico. The candidate must demonstrate extraordinary academic achievement and dedication to the software sector. The application’s merit determines whether the scholarship pays the entire or a portion of the tuition.
Type: Based on merit
Eligibility:
- Admission to a four-year bachelor’s degree
- A strong CGPA on academic records
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad in Canada
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships – This scholarship provides around 5,000 CAD – 15,000 CAD over the period of course tenure.
- York University International Student Scholarship – It provides around 35,000 CAD per annum.
- Canada Memorial Scholarship – It gives a one-time 10,000 CAD for education.
Graduate Scholarships in Ontario
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program encourages graduate study excellence at publicly funded universities in Ontario. Since 1975, the OGS program has provided merit-based scholarships to Ontario’s top graduate students across all academic disciplines. The Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto work together to provide funding for the university’s scholarship program. Universities get OGS awards from the Province and a maximum number of awards each can give its students each year.
Type: Based on merit
Eligibility:
- The program is offered full-time by the University of Toronto
- Having a strong prior academic record
International Student Scholarship at York University
International students enrolled at York University are qualified for bursaries and scholarships. A Student Financial Profile (SFP) must be electronically submitted to be considered for various York University scholarships, bursaries, and on-campus employment opportunities.
Category: Need-based
Eligibility:
- Over 70% on the academic scale on the TOEFL or IELTS
- Enrolled in a university program in Canada
Memorial Scholarship for Canada
Scholarships are awarded to international graduates or students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies at Canadian universities or other appropriate establishments yearly. The main objective of this research is to identify future leaders—individuals who can inspire others via their choices and actions.
Type: Based on merit
Eligibility:
- Deliver a written report.
- Social contribution
- Strong academic achievement
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad in Australia
- John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) – This fellowship provides variable benefits depending on the needs and resources.
- Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship – With this scholarship, you can get help up to 272,500 AUD
- Griffith Remarkable Scholarship – It covers 50% of tuition fees.
The JAF, or John Allwright Fellowship
Scientists from partner country institutions engaging in ACIAR research projects are eligible to apply for the John Allwright Fellowship offered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). The recipients of this fellowship would have the chance to pursue postgraduate study in Australia with regular cost reimbursement. Research on agriculture, forests, and agribusiness in India is the main focus of ACIAR. Study up.
Type: Research & Fellowship
Eligibility:
- Enrolled in a PhD course
- Strong academic achievement
- Interested in ACIAR
Postgraduate Scholarship for Endeavour
The Australian government funds the Endeavour postgraduate scholarships which are available to both Australians who aspire to study overseas and non-Australians who merit the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Australia. The scholarship program, called Endeavour Leadership, is supported by the Australian government’s Department of Education, Skills, and Employment and denotes that its recipients are future global leaders.
Type: Fellowship and merit-based
Eligibility:
- Strong academic achievement
- Age must be above 18
The Griffith Outstanding Scholarship
The Griffith Remarkable Scholarship honours deserving applicants to Griffith University’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It facilitates the application process for financial aid for tuition and other educational costs. Study up.
Type: University-specific & merit-based
Eligibility:
- 70% or above in school
- Applying requirements for Griffith University
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad for Multiple Target Countries
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme offers financial assistance to students from developing countries, including India, who wish to pursue a master’s degree in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, or Portugal. This scholarship covers 50% of the expenses as a grant and the remaining 50% as a loan. It includes coverage for tuition fees and living expenses. Applicants must be under 30 and demonstrate strong academic performance to be eligible.
Inlaks Scholarship
The Inlaks Scholarship is a merit-based opportunity for Indian students aspiring to study in the USA, UK, or various European countries. This scholarship provides a one-time sum of $100,000 USD to assist with expenses such as tuition fees, health allowances, one-way airfare, and a portion of living expenses. Eligible applicants must be Indian citizens under 30 and hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university.
Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship
The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust offers scholarships to Indian women graduates from reputable universities who aspire to pursue higher education abroad, particularly to assist with their tuition fees. This scholarship is awarded based on merit and presents an opportunity for furthering education at prestigious universities in the USA, UK, or Europe. To be eligible, candidates must have at least two years of work experience and a strong academic record during their bachelor’s degree program (as evidenced by their academic transcript). They must have gained admission to a recognized university in the US, UK, or Europe.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
The Commonwealth Scholarship scheme is designed to benefit students from countries within the Commonwealth who might not otherwise have the means to study in the UK. This scholarship is awarded based on merit and supports studies in various subject areas, including Engineering and Technology, Pure and Applied Science, Agriculture & Allied Fields, and Humanities & Social Sciences. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be under 40, and the required minimum marks are 60% for those with arts-related backgrounds and 65% for those with STEM-related backgrounds in their previous degree programs.
Other Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
- Scholarship by the University of Waikato – With this scholarship, students can get up to 500,000 NZD
- Great Wall Program – This program covers tuition fees, medical insurance, and cost of living.
- Orange Tulip Scholarship – The scholarship will waive partial tuition fees of up to 50%
- The Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship – This scholarship can provide up to 850 EUR per month.
University of Waikato Scholarship
The University of Waikato has announced scholarships for Indian students, available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies starting in 2023. These scholarships are specific to the university and are open to Indian residents who have demonstrated strong academic performance.
Target Country: New Zealand
Type: Institution-specific
Eligibility: Indian residents with a strong academic record
Great Wall Program
The Great Wall Program, sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Education in collaboration with UNESCO, offers fully funded scholarships to students and scholars from developing countries for studying and conducting research in China. This program is open to both general and senior research scholars, with a requirement to demonstrate proficiency in the Chinese language if the chosen program is taught in Chinese.
Target Country: China
Eligibility: Applicants under the age of 45 with a bachelor’s or master’s degree
Orange Tulip Scholarship
The Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) program enables Indian students to pursue studies in the Netherlands with a partial tuition fee waiver, resulting in a tuition fee of €4,530. Administered by Nesos (Netherlands Education Support Offices), the scholarship criteria, available courses, and the total scholarship amount vary among institutions and students from different countries. Approximately 50 OTS scholarships are awarded to Indian students annually, with a preference for those who exhibit excellent academic performance and work experience.
Target Country: Netherlands
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: Indian citizens admitted to a Dutch university
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
The Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship supports graduate, master’s, or Ph.D. studies in Germany. Each year, approximately 1500 scholarships are granted to students with outstanding academic records who are also actively engaged in social and political issues aligned with the foundation’s core values, including ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, as well as self-determination and justice.
Target Country: Germany
Type: Merit-based
Eligibility: Exceptional academic performance and proficiency in the German language must be demonstrated to qualify for this scholarship.
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad from SecureMyScholarship
Early Bird Fee Waivers
As an Indian Student, you can enrol in any of the universities of your choice, and if the intake dates are six months to a year away, we will provide you with an early bird fee waiver. This will give you huge discounts on your admission.
Tuition Fee Disbursed
You can get disbursed or discounts on your tuition fee from our end. We will provide you with exclusive and guaranteed scholarships for your dream course.
How to Apply for Study Abroad Scholarship?
To apply for studying abroad with a scholarship, you can follow these general steps:
Research Scholarships
Start by researching scholarships available for international students in the country you want to study. Many universities, governments, and organizations offer scholarships.
We have simplified your task and provided you with a list of all the universities where you can get the scholarship.
Check Eligibility Criteria
Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. Scholarships may have specific requirements based on factors like academic performance, nationality, field of study, and more.
Select Suitable Programs and Universities
Choose the programs and universities that align with your academic and career goals. Ensure that the institutions you’re interested in offer scholarships for international students.
Prepare Application Documents
Gather the necessary application documents, typically including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a CV or resume, and standardised test scores (such as the GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS).
Search for Additional Funding Sources
Explore other funding sources, such as government scholarships, private scholarships, and research assistantships. Different countries and institutions may have their own scholarship programs.
Meet Application Deadlines
Pay close attention to application deadlines. Scholarships often have early deadlines, so prepare your application well in advance.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Craft a compelling personal statement or essay that highlights your academic achievements, career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship. Tailor your essay to each scholarship’s specific requirements.
Request Letters of Recommendation
Approach professors, employers, or mentors for recommendation letters well before the application deadline. Provide them with ample time to write strong, personalized letters.
Complete Scholarship Applications
Fill out scholarship application forms accurately and thoroughly. Double-check all information to ensure accuracy.
Proofread and Edit
Review your application materials, including essays and forms, for errors, clarity, and coherence. Consider seeking feedback from teachers or advisors.
Submit Applications
Submit your scholarship applications by the specified deadlines. Make sure all required documents are included.
Follow Up
After submitting your applications, periodically check your email for updates or requests for additional information. Respond promptly to any correspondence from scholarship committees.
Interview (if required)
Some scholarships may require interviews as part of the selection process. Prepare for interviews by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses.
Accept the Scholarship
If you’re awarded a scholarship, follow the instructions provided by the scholarship committee to accept and secure your funding.
Plan for Your Study Abroad Journey
Once you’ve secured a scholarship, start planning for your study abroad experience, including visa applications, accommodation, and travel arrangements.
Are you looking to Study Abroad?
At SecureMyScholarship, we envision making education accessible and affordable for every student. Our admission counsellors can help you select your university depending on your aptitude; if you need career counselling, you can join our SMS plus platform, which provides you with total insight into your career path. We have a set of activities, questionnaires, and phone calls with admissions counsellors and further, with the right guidance, we will suggest universities and courses for you. Why wait? Contact us today!
