10 Prestigious Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
12 min read
Studying in top international universities is a dream for many Indian students, but financial constraints can sometimes be a hindrance to such dreams. This is why many national and international bodies try to ensure that our talented students are not denied quality education due to a lack of funds, offering scholarships for Indian students to study abroad.
In the last article, we shared the top scholarships for students who wish to study in India. In this segment, we aim to enlighten students who wish to continue their education abroad after class 12th or graduation.
Here are the top 10 scholarships for Indian students you can apply for if you are planning education in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, China and Singapore.
List of Content
Scholarships for Postgraduates
Scholarships for Undergraduates
Scholarships for Postgraduate Students
Scholarships for Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom
Scholarships for Undergraduates and Postgraduates
Scholarships for Postgraduate
Factors while choosing a country to study abroad?
FAQs
Scholarships for Study in the United States
1) Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
Postgraduate
The United States-India Educational Foundation, or USIEF, offers these scholarships to Indians who wish to pursue either a master’s course or research in any U.S. institution.
Scholarship Eligibility – Students should have completed the U.S. equivalent of bachelor’s (4 years of education), and should have at least 3 years of work experience in the area they wish to study in. Leadership and community service, communication skills, and motivation to pursue study and contribute to nation-building are a few areas candidates are evaluated on and thus should be highlighted in the application.The candidate should be committed to return and contribute to their communities.
Expenses Covered – The scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare (economy), textbooks, and a living stipend.
Areas of Study – The scholarship gives preference to candidates who wish to study in the areas of Arts and Culture, Environmental Science, International Legal Studies, Public Health, Gender Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, and Public Administration.
Application Time – The application time for these scholarships is May before the year of the start of the program.
No. of Seats–There is no specified number of seats. USIEF considers the applications of all candidates found deserving of the scholarship.
Country of Study – Students wishing to study in the United States of America should apply for this scholarship program.
Check it out – http://www.usief.org.in/
2) Tata Scholarship
Undergraduate
This scholarship makes it possible for Indian students to study at Cornell University, USA for their undergraduate courses.
Scholarship Eligibility – Candidates applying for this scholarship should be Indian Citizens who have secured admission to Cornell University, and require need-based financial aid.
Expenses Covered – The Tata Education and Development Trust covers the tuition fee for
undergraduate programs up to eight semesters. For programs exceeding that duration (such as Architecture), the student will need to bear the additional cost. Living expenses, food, medical, and travel expenses are also covered under the aid.
Areas of Study – Students accepted to the College of Architecture and Planning, the College of Engineering, the Applied Economics and Management major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and majors across Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, “Hard” (such as Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etc.) Sciences and Social Sciences are preferred.
Application Time – Applications for this scholarship open around the time of college applications, generally in October/November each year, and awards are given out in December.
No. of Seats – The trust supports 20 students in total studying at Cornell at once.
Country of Study – The aid is limited to students going to study in the United States of America at Cornell University.
Check it out – https://admissions.cornell.edu/apply/international-students/tata-scholarship
Scholarships for Study in the United Kingdom
1) Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
Postgraduate
The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission offers these scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries (such as India) who can make a significant contribution to their home country. The scholarship is for students applying to master’s and PhD programs in the UK.
Scholarship Eligibility– The candidate should be an Indian Citizen, and should have completed education in the English medium. Applications will be considered according to the applicants’ Academic merit, Quality of research proposal, Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s come country
Expenses Covered – The scholarship covers tuition fees, economy return airfare, and other living expenses.
Areas of Study – Candidates wanting to study Engineering and Technology, Sciences (Pure and Applied), Agriculture, and Humanities & Social Sciences should apply for the scholarship.
Application Time – Applications open in August every year for batches starting the next year.
No. of Seats – The Commission does not specify any number of seats for the scholarships, deserving candidates are shortlisted for the award.
Country of Study – The scholarship covers studies in universities in the United Kingdom.
Check it out – https://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/scholarships/commonwealth-scholarships
2) Chevening Scholarships
Postgraduate
These scholarships are an initiative of the UK government to encourage students and professionals from India to take on leadership roles in the future. It aids in completing a one-year master’s program in the country.
Scholarship Eligibility – Students and professionals who have completed their undergraduate or postgraduate studies, and wish to pursue a master’s degree in the UK are eligible to apply.
Expenses Covered – The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel costs to and from the UK, and other allowances. It provides full or partial aid, depending upon the need of the candidate.
Areas of Study – All one-year master’s programs are covered under the scheme.
Application Time – The application process takes about 6 months, starting from the second week of August and ending in July every year.
No. of Seats – 65 scholarships are offered to Indian candidates every year.
Country of Study – The scholarships cover universities in the UK that are in association with Chevening.
Check it out – http://www.chevening.org/india/
3) Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Undergraduate/Postgraduate
These scholarships are offered by Newcastle University to students who have been offered a place to study at the university. It encourages international applicants and considers every applicant who applies to the university based on merit and diversity priorities.
Scholarship Eligibility – Candidates who have been extended an offer to study at the university, for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, are eligible for this scholarship.
Expenses Covered – It covers a partial aid of £4,000 towards college tuition for one year.
Areas of Study – The scholarship covers undergraduate, postgraduate, as well as integrated master’s programs.
Application Time – The University allocates the scholarships in February, there is no need to apply separately for it. The University automatically considers international students who are accepted to the university for aid.
No. of Seats – It covers 200 awards every year.
Country of Study – Scholarships are only offered to students admitted to Newcastle University, United Kingdom.
Check it out – http://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/finance/scholarships/vcis/
Scholarships for Study in Europe, United States, and the United Kingdom
1) Inlaks Scholarship
Postgraduate
The Inlaks-Shivdasani Foundation grants this scholarship to exceptionally talented Indian Students who wish to study or gain professional training at international universities.
Scholarship Eligibility – Students applying for the scholarship should be residing, preferably holding an undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian University. Candidates admitted to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs can apply, and only candidates less than 30 years of age who have secured admission to a top-ranking University are eligible.
Expenses Covered – The aid covers tuition and living expenses up to US $100,000. If the total funding exceeds the amount, students need to show proof that they can cover the rest of their expenses.
Areas of Study – All areas of study, except for Engineering, Computer Science, Business Studies, Medicine, Hospitality and Tourism, Management Studies (i.e. MBA), Public Health, Fashion Design, Music, Film Animation, and Indian Studies without Contemporary, Relevance Medicine, Dentistry, and related therapies, etc are covered under the foundation’s scheme.
Application Time – Application for the January intake starts from 2 December to 1 June, for the August intake starts from 2 June to 1 December. And For NUS Applications commence from November for the subsequent year intake.
No. of Seats – There is no specified number of seats for the scholarship, the board that
conducts the interview and decides on the candidates to be selected.
Country of Study – The scheme covers top universities based in America, Europe and the UK.
Check it out – http://www.inlaksfoundation.org/inlaks-scholarship.aspx#University
2) Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for International Students
Postgraduate
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are funded by the European Union and are directed at students from EU and non-EU to study at European Universities under approved Erasmus Mundus Action Joint Programmes.
Scholarship Eligibility – The Award is conferred on students who are selected to attend one of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Programs at the Master’s or Doctoral Level. Each Erasmus Mundus Joint programme has its eligibility criteria, and students should consult with their representatives before applying.
Expenses Covered – The Award covers full scholarships including tuition, traveling costs, insurance costs, and living expenses for students. Non-EU students are offered higher education scholarships than EU students in most cases.
Areas of Study – The Award covers about 116 master’s courses and 29 doctoral courses. Areas of study include Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences, Mathematics and computing, Manufacturing, Health and Welfare, Social Sciences, Arts, and Business and law.
Application Time – The Application time for the next session is from October to January.
No. of Seats – There is no specific number of awards mentioned by Erasmus Mundus.
Country of Study – Scholarships can be availed for study all over Europe in the programs that are in association with Erasmus Mundus.
Check it out – http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus_mundus/funding/scholarships_students_academics_en.php
Scholarship for Study in Canada
1) Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow AwardUndergraduate
Canada is one of the best countries to study abroad. It is also known as the UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award offered by the University of British Columbia for international students applying to their undergraduate courses. Students who hold an outstanding academic record, and have achievements in the field of Sports, Performing Arts, Debating, etc. are encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Eligibility – A student (only non-Canadian students are eligible) needs to be nominated by the school which s/he currently attends. It should be the student’s first undergraduate degree, and the student should meet all requirements for the English Language as well as the program applied for. The student should also demonstrate financial need that would prevent them from pursuing a program of their choice.
Expenses Covered – The scholarship is given based on financial need, and an assessment is made by the university about the financial situation of the candidate. The scholarship can cover tuition fees, as well as living expenses. The Award can be renewed for all three years of undergraduate study provided the student displays satisfactory academic performance and financial need.
Areas of Study – The scholarship can be availed by any student who has been admitted to UBC in any undergraduate program.
Application Time – The deadline to complete applications is November for sessions starting next year.
No. of Seats – There is no specified number of scholarships mentioned by the university.
Country of Study – The Award is only given to students accepted to the University of British Columbia, Canada.
Check it out – http://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
Scholarships for Study in Singapore
1) Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
Postgraduate
The Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) is a fully-funded scholarship program designed for international students who wish to pursue doctoral studies in Singapore. The
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) represents a collaborative effort among esteemed institutions, including the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR), the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Singapore Management University (SMU).
Scholarship Eligibility: SINGA is open to applicants from any nationality worldwide. You must have completed a bachelor’s and/or postgraduate degree with excellent academic performance. Strong writing skills and fluency in English are essential. Two academic recommendation letters are required. A*STAR may introduce additional selection criteria based on prevailing scholarship policies, subject to change without notice.
Expenses Covered: The SINGA Scholarship award offers several benefits to shortlisted students:
Tuition fee exemption
A monthly stipend of 2200 SGD, increased to 2,700 SGD after passing the Qualifying Examination.
One-time airfare up to 1,500 SGD
Settling-in allowance up to 1,000 SGD
Guidance from international researchers to build a global research career, gain hands-on experience, and foster goodwill among fellows.
Area of Study: Biomedical Sciences, Physical Science, Engineering, Computing and Information Science
Country of Study – The scheme covers top universities based in Singapore
Check it out – https://www.a-star.edu.sg/Scholarships/for-graduate-studies/singapore-international-graduate-award-singa
Factors while choosing a country to study abroad?
The most crucial aspect in selecting a university abroad is the course you wish to pursue. Start by identifying your passion, strengths, and weaknesses, and then choose a course that aligns with your interests.
Examine the course curriculum, including its duration, modules, electives, and relevance to the subject matter. After finalizing your interest regarding the course then you can narrow down your university.
Analysis of all expenses:
As you finalize the country and universities based on your preferences, it’s crucial to consider the financial aspects while pursuing overseas education. Education costs, living expenses, accommodation, and other miscellaneous outlays, become a pivotal factor, especially if you have financial constraints.
Conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of all expenses to make an informed decision. This will help you manage your finances effectively and ensure a smooth study abroad experience.
Part-time work allows you to earn while learning and becoming self-reliant, easing the financial burden and enhancing your overall study abroad experience. Therefore, it is better to be aware of the rules and policies of different universities to make a more informed decision..
Internships provide valuable practical exposure in your field of study, offering numerous benefits. Beyond gaining hands-on experience, they also provide international work exposure, fostering adaptability and relevant skill development. Whether paid or unpaid, the real value lies in the experience gained.
Also, internships enhance your profile and give you an advantage over other job applicants after completing your studies. They add a feather to your cap and boost your employability, making them a valuable aspect to consider while choosing a study destination.
Safety and security rank as crucial factors for Indian students when selecting a country to study abroad. Students and their families prioritize a secure environment, free from significant security concerns, to ensure a protected educational experience.
For Indian students, it is very important to weigh the cultural fit of the country. They seek countries known for their welcoming and inclusive nature towards international students, boasting a diverse student community that facilitates learning about various cultures.
Stay Back Opportunities:
Many folks don’t give much attention to this factor while picking the right country. However, stay-back opportunities offer the chance to work and earn before returning to your home country, and in some cases, employers may sponsor a job visa.
Some countries may grant extensions of only three to four months, while others may allow a maximum extension of up to 36 months. It’s essential to be aware of these variations to align your future career prospects accordingly.
For those interested in Permanent Residence, exploring countries that offer this option is advisable. Keep in mind that each country has its own rules and regulations for obtaining Permanent Residence. To make an informed decision, carefully analyze all crucial factors. You can seek further insight and guidance from our career experts, ensuring you select the best country to study abroad.
It’s vital to review the country’s immigration rules and regulations. Check for post-study work visas and part-time job opportunities for international students.
It’s an important step to gain valuable insights into university life by exploring the study and work fields of its alumni. You can reach out to former and current students through platforms like LinkedIn or social media.
Well, there you go, folks! Don’t let your dreams of flying away to a foreign destination for education wither away due to financial constraints. With these scholarships for degree students, you will get through your education years smoothly, and will never have to look back.
If you require more extensive overseas admissions help, like choosing the right university and country, and creating the perfect application to target your dream universities, our experts can help.
FAQs
How to get international scholarships for Indian students?
To secure an international scholarship, utilize diverse resources such as university websites, online scholarship databases, and official study abroad scholarship pages to apply for scholarships online.
Scholarships come in various forms, including academic or merit-based, need-based, athletic-based, region-specific, and those for minority groups. By exploring these options, you can increase your chances of finding a suitable scholarship to support your study abroad journey.
Is MBBS in abroad for Indian students at low cost possible?
No doubt, pursuing an MBBS degree in India is extremely expensive, ranging from 50 lakhs to 1.5 crores INR. However, looking beyond borders, aspiring medical students have exciting opportunities to study MBBS abroad at lower costs. Countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, the Philippines, and Kyrgyzstan offer budget-friendly options.
Can I study abroad for free?
To pursue a study abroad experience without the financial burden, conducting thorough research on grants and scholarships is essential. Universities, charities, foundations, and government organizations generously assist thousands of international students annually by offering financial support for tuition fees and living expenses.
How much IELTS score is required for a scholarship?
To be eligible for the GREAT Scholarship for Indian Students by the British Council, candidates should ideally achieve an average score of 6.5 on the band scale. Scoring higher than this threshold can further enhance their chances of selection for the prestigious scholarship opportunity.
