Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students. The opportunity to gain global exposure, experience diverse cultures, and access high-quality education is unmatched. However, the cost of education abroad can be a significant hurdle. This is where scholarships play a crucial role. Scholarships can reduce the financial burden and make your dream of studying abroad a reality. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top scholarships available for Indian students to study abroad.
1. The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship is one of the most prestigious scholarships for Indian students. It is offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) and supports Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in the United States. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, living allowances, and other expenses.
Eligibility: Indian students with a strong academic record, leadership potential, and commitment to the public sector are eligible. This scholarship is available for various fields of study, including arts, sciences, social sciences, and education.
Application Deadline: Typically in May (for the next academic year).
2. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, is one of the most sought-after scholarships for Indian students wishing to study in the UK. It offers a fully-funded opportunity for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
Eligibility: Applicants must have an undergraduate degree and a minimum of two years of work experience. Candidates should also demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their home country.
Application Deadline: Annually, usually in November.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship is another highly regarded scholarship for Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and cover full tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses for students from developing Commonwealth countries, including India.
Eligibility: Applicants must be Indian citizens, have a first-class degree in their relevant field, and meet the specific eligibility requirements for the course they intend to study.
Application Deadline: The application period typically starts in June or July and ends in October.
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany offers a wide range of scholarships to Indian students through the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). These scholarships are available for students who wish to pursue postgraduate courses, research, or Ph.D. programs in Germany. DAAD scholarships are highly competitive and cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, and other related expenses.
Eligibility: Indian students with a strong academic record, preferably in engineering, sciences, or economics, are encouraged to apply. The scholarships are available for both general degree programs and research-focused opportunities.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary, but typically, the application window is open from June to September.
5. Inlaks Scholarships
The Inlaks Scholarships are one of the most prominent scholarships for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. These scholarships are available for students who wish to study in the United States, the UK, or Europe. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Eligibility: The Inlaks Scholarships are open to Indian citizens who have completed their undergraduate degree and are looking to pursue a full-time postgraduate course in any field, except for business studies.
Application Deadline: The application period typically opens in January and closes in March.
6. Rhodes Scholarships (Oxford University)
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships. It offers full financial support for students from India and other countries to pursue a degree at the University of Oxford. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Indian students who are under 24 years old, with an excellent academic record and strong leadership potential, are eligible to apply. Rhodes Scholars are selected for their academic achievements, character, and commitment to public service.
Application Deadline: Usually in July.
7. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation offers interest-free loans and scholarships to Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. This scholarship is available for students across various fields, including engineering, management, and social sciences. It provides financial assistance for tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Applicants should have an excellent academic record, and they must have a postgraduate degree offer from a renowned university abroad.
Application Deadline: Typically in March.
8. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
The Tata Scholarship for Cornell University is a generous scholarship that allows Indian students to study at Cornell University in the United States. It is available for undergraduate students and covers up to 100% of the tuition fees.
Eligibility: Indian students with strong academic performance, financial need, and a passion for academic excellence are eligible for this scholarship.
Application Deadline: The scholarship application deadline is the same as Cornell University’s application deadline for international students.
9. MEXT Scholarships (Japan)
The Japanese Government’s MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is offered to Indian students who wish to study in Japan at undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral levels. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and a living stipend.
Eligibility: Indian students who have completed 12 years of schooling for undergraduate programs or hold a bachelor’s degree for postgraduate courses can apply for the MEXT scholarship.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in April and close by June.
10. University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities around the world offer their own scholarships for international students, including those from India. Some universities, such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and others, provide partial to full scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. These scholarships vary in terms of coverage, so students should directly check with their target universities for available scholarships.
Eligibility: Eligibility criteria vary based on the specific scholarship offered by the university.
Application Deadline: Varies according to the university’s academic calendar.