Table of Contents for this study abroad blog
Look, getting international scholarships for Indian students is tough, when you don’t know where to look for exactly. The problem isn’t with Masters, it’s generally with Bachelors. But you don’t have to worry, we have put down the most important list of scholarships country-wise for you.
So, even if you are an Indian study abroad student trying to apply to the USA, UK or Australia or even Europe, our list will definitely help you. This list of top international scholarships for INDIAN students particularly will also help other Asian students & international students.
Well, let’s get started.
Introduction to International Scholarships for Indian Students
Studying abroad has become a popular goal for many Indian students, with countries like the USA and UK being top choices. However, high tuition fees and living costs can be overwhelming. International scholarships offer a solution, providing financial assistance to help Indian students achieve their academic dreams. If you’re pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, securing a scholarship can significantly ease the financial burden. Early research and application are crucial to find the best scholarships tailored to your needs.
Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad
The Indian government supports students who wish to study abroad by offering various scholarships. These scholarships aim to encourage students to pursue higher education in international universities by providing financial aid that can cover tuition, accommodation, and more.
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme
This scholarship offers financial support to low-income students from India who are pursuing master’s or Ph.D. programs overseas. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare for selected students.
JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education of Indians
A unique loan scholarship, the JN Tata Endowment provides financial assistance to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. Students are expected to repay the loan with minimal interest after completing their education.
Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships
The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships support young, exceptional Indian students in studying abroad at some of the world’s top universities. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and other costs, making it highly competitive.
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
One of the most prestigious fellowships available, the Fulbright-Nehru program funds Indian students pursuing master’s or Ph.D. programs in the USA. The fellowship provides full financial support, including tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Zolve Global Scholarship
A new entrant, the Zolve Global Scholarship offers financial aid to Indian students aiming to study in the USA or UK. The scholarship focuses on academic excellence and leadership potential.
Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
This fellowship is awarded to one student every year for research in modern Indian history. It covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for research scholars at the University of Oxford.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the USA
The USA is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, and there are numerous scholarships available for Indian students. These scholarships are often merit-based and can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in the USA.
Cornell University Tata Scholarship
Specifically designed for Indian students, the Tata Scholarship covers the full tuition cost for undergraduates at Cornell University. It is awarded to academically gifted students with a strong commitment to contributing to their communities.
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships support Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields like arts, science, and public health. The fellowship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel for the duration of the program.
AAUW International Fellowship
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships for Indian women pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the USA. This fellowship aims to promote gender equality by supporting women in academia.
Microsoft Undergraduate Scholarship
Microsoft offers this scholarship to undergraduate students majoring in computer science, engineering, or related fields. It provides not only financial aid but also internship opportunities with Microsoft.
Richmond Scholars Program
This is a merit-based scholarship for students attending the University of Richmond. It covers full tuition and is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership potential.
PS The University of Richmond is one of the underdogs for international students.
We had a convo last day on this. PSS If you are an Indian reading this, join our study abroad community. It’s super helpful due to the discussion + study abroad e-newspapers + scholarship alerts we share as a bunch of Indian students helping each other.
Fill up this form and we will get back to you in 72 hours 🙂
Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the UK
The UK offers numerous scholarships to Indian students, ranging from government-funded programs to scholarships from individual universities. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic costs.
Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements and leadership potential. It covers full tuition and living expenses at the University of Oxford. This is for PG.
Chevening Scholarship
Funded by the UK government, the Chevening Scholarship offers financial support for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in any field at a UK university. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, and travel costs.
Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarship provides financial aid to Indian students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare for students attending universities like Oxford, Reading, and SOAS.
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships are offered by the British Council and UK universities. These scholarships are available to Indian students across various fields and help cover tuition costs for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Commonwealth Scholarships
This scholarship program is aimed at students from Commonwealth countries, including India. It provides full financial support for postgraduate studies in the UK, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.
Global Study Award
The Global Study Award encourages Indian students to study abroad by providing financial support. The scholarship helps cover tuition fees and living expenses and is open to students heading to any country for their higher education.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada
Canada is becoming a popular destination for Indian students, known for its quality education and welcoming environment. There are several scholarships available for Indian undergraduates and postgraduates to help ease the financial burden.
Ontario Graduate Scholarships
This scholarship is for Indian students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at one of Ontario’s universities. It offers partial funding based on academic excellence.
Canada Memorial Scholarship
A fully funded scholarship covering tuition and living expenses for Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in Canada. The selection is based on academic merit and leadership skills.
York University International Student Scholarship
York University offers scholarships to international students, including Indians, who have demonstrated excellent academic performance. It helps cover a portion of the tuition fees for undergraduate programs.
PS If you are an Indian reading this, join our study abroad community. It’s super helpful due to the discussion + study abroad e-newspapers + scholarship alerts we share as a bunch of Indian students helping each other.
Fill up this form and we will get back to you in 72 hours 🙂.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Australia
Australia’s world-class universities and diverse culture make it an attractive destination for Indian students. Several scholarships help make education more affordable, especially in STEM fields.
John Allwright Fellowship (JAF)
This scholarship is offered to Indian students involved in agricultural research. It provides full financial support for master’s or doctoral degrees in Australian universities.
Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship
The Endeavour Scholarship supports Indian students pursuing postgraduate degrees in any field. It covers tuition, travel, and a monthly stipend for the duration of the program.
Griffith Remarkable Scholarship
Griffith University offers this scholarship to high-achieving Indian students, covering 50% of their tuition fees for undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Europe
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree
This prestigious scholarship funds Indian students pursuing a joint master’s degree across multiple European universities. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for the entire duration of the program.
DAAD Undergraduate Scholarships (Germany)
Germany’s DAAD scholarships are well-known for supporting international students. Indian students can apply for these scholarships to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.
Campus France Charpak Scholarship (France)
Named after Nobel laureate Georges Charpak, this scholarship supports Indian students pursuing master’s programs in France. It offers financial aid, including tuition fee waivers and monthly stipends.
How to Apply for Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for scholarships can seem like a daunting process, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make it much easier. Here’s a simple guide for Indian students looking to apply for international scholarships:
- Start with Research: Identify scholarships that match your profile. Look for scholarships specific to your destination, field of study, or academic background.
- Prepare Required Documents: This typically includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of language proficiency (like TOEFL/IELTS scores/DET scores). Ensure your documents are up to date.
- Tailor Your Application: Each scholarship has unique requirements, so it’s essential to tailor your application. Customize your essays and statements to reflect the scholarship’s mission and how you align with it.
- Meet the Deadlines: Stay organized by keeping a calendar of all scholarship deadlines. Missing a deadline can cost you the opportunity, no matter how strong your application is.
- Submit Your Application: Once everything is in place, review your application thoroughly and submit it. Double-check for any errors or missing documents before submission.
- Prepare for Interviews (If Required): Some scholarships might require an interview. If shortlisted, practice common questions and present your goals, achievements, and why you deserve the scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria for International Scholarships
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the scholarship program, but most international scholarships for Indian students require the following:
- Academic Qualifications: Most scholarships require a strong academic background. Some programs require a specific percentage (often above 70%) or GPA.
- Extracurricular Involvement: Scholarships often favor students with significant extracurricular achievements, especially those in leadership roles or social service.
- Financial Need: Some scholarships are need-based, requiring proof of financial necessity, especially for fully funded programs.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the destination country’s language is crucial, with many scholarships requiring IELTS/TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers.
- Program-specific Criteria: Some scholarships focus on particular fields of study or regions, so make sure to check all specific eligibility conditions of the scholarship you’re applying for.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships
- Incomplete Applications:
One of the most common mistakes is submitting incomplete applications. Make sure all required documents are included before submission.
- Missing Deadlines:
Missing the scholarship deadline is a critical error. Set reminders and ensure all materials are ready for submission well in advance.
- Generic Essays:
Many applicants fail to customize their essays to the scholarship’s specific requirements. Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach and tailor your personal statement for each application.
- Not Proofreading:
Spelling or grammar mistakes can give a negative impression. Triple-check your application materials to ensure they are error-free.
Conclusion: Start Your Scholarship Journey Today
Getting a scholarship that pays for everything is HARD. This journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset and preparation, it’s an achievable dream.
Just think it rationally, you are one of the millions of international students who are applying to study abroad. It’s an international competition now. You need to get very competitive and work hard if you are actually interested in getting the burden lifted off.
Remember, applying early, doing thorough research, and staying organized are crucial to improving your chances. Whether you’re aiming for a prestigious scholarship or just exploring options, there’s something out there for everyone.
Take one step at a time, remain persistent, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help or guidance when needed. Your dream to study abroad can be closer than you think. Begin today, and who knows? You could be the next success story!
PS If you are an Indian reading this, join our study abroad community. It’s super helpful due to the discussion + study abroad e-newspapers + scholarship alerts we share as a bunch of Indian students helping each other.
Fill up this form and we will get back to you in 72 hours 🙂.
FAQ on International Scholarships for Asian Students
Which country provides 100% scholarships for Indian students?
Countries like Germany, Norway, and some European nations offer tuition-free education to international students, making them popular for students seeking 100% scholarships.
Can I get a 100% scholarship to study abroad?
Yes, many programs offer fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel. Examples include the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships and Rhodes Scholarship.
How to get a 100% scholarship?
Research available scholarships, meet their eligibility requirements, and submit a strong application that highlights your academic achievements, extracurriculars, and leadership qualities.
How much percentage is required for a foreign scholarship?
While it varies by program, most scholarships require a minimum of 60-70% in previous academic qualifications, though prestigious scholarships may demand higher scores.
Which country is easiest to get a scholarship?
Countries like Germany, Australia, and Canada are often considered accessible for scholarships due to a range of available options and easier application processes.
Which country pays you to study?
Germany offers tuition-free education, and countries like Norway and Finland provide nearly free education with options for stipends to cover living costs.
Which country gives full free scholarships?
Countries like Germany and Norway, and scholarships such as Erasmus Mundus, offer full scholarships, making education practically free for international students.
Can I study abroad with 40%?
It’s challenging to get a scholarship with a 40% score. Most scholarships require higher academic performance, though some financial aid options may still be available.
How can Indian students study abroad for free?
By applying for fully funded scholarships, tuition-free programs, or through government initiatives such as the National Overseas Scholarship or Erasmus Mundus.
Can I get a 1 lakh scholarship?
Yes, many scholarships for Indian students, such as the JN Tata Endowment, offer scholarships in the range of ₹1 lakh or more.
What is the highest paid scholarship?
Scholarships like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship or the Rhodes Scholarship offer generous financial packages covering tuition, living costs, and more.
Can a poor student study abroad?
Yes, scholarships like the National Overseas Scholarship and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation are designed to support students from low-income backgrounds.
Which exam is required to study abroad?
Exams like the SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL are common requirements for studying abroad, depending on the destination and program.
What is the cheapest English-speaking country to study in?
Countries like Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada are affordable options for English-speaking international students.
What is the hardest type of scholarship to get?
Merit-based scholarships with a large pool of applicants, such as the Rhodes or Fulbright, are often the most competitive and hardest to secure.
How to get a 100% scholarship in the USA?
To secure a full scholarship in the USA, you need excellent academic scores, a strong application, and a demonstrated commitment to leadership and extracurricular activities. Programs like the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships or Tata Scholarship can help.
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Feel free to read this next: Solutions for High Cost of AP Exams.
And also this: How Chirag Falor got into MIT?
Hope your study abroad dreams get fulfilled and you stay connected with family for Indian students
