Top International Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
Unlock global potential with the top 2026–2027 study abroad scholarships for Indian students. From the USA to New Zealand, explore fully funded and merit-based awards to finance your studies abroad today.
IELTS, Courses and Application Expert | 15 Years Advising Students from India
International scholarships for Indian students can be the best way to offset the heavy expenses involved in studying abroad. The prestigious ones include merit-based and fully funded options like the US's Fulbright-Nehru fellowship, UK's Chevening Scholarship, Germany's DAAD Scholarship, Europe's Erasmus+ Programme, and many more programmes. Other notable options include Commonwealth Scholarships in New Zealand, Rhodes Scholarships in the UK, and university-specific merit awards.
The path to a global degree is paved with opportunities, and overseas scholarships for Indian students are the best ones to explore. While the Indian government and private trusts offer great support, many of the world's most prestigious awards come directly from your host country. In this destination guide, we will explore the most popular study abroad scholarships for Indian students to study abroad offered by the major countries.
Scholarships to Study in Australia for Indian Students
Australia has significantly ramped up funding for Indian students through new bilateral agreements. Top scholarships to study in Australia for Indian aspirants are as follows:
| Scholarship Name | What it Covers? | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Maitri Scholarships | High-value funding for Indian STEM researchers, including full tuition fees, living stipend, and dedicated research support | Apply directly via the Australian hosting institution or the designated federal SmartyGrants portal |
| Source: Centre for Australia-India Relations - Maitri Scholarships | ||
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Fully funded scholarships for students of PhD and Master’s degrees covering 100% of tuition, return airfares, establishment allowances, cost-of-living stipend, and health insurance | Apply online through the secure, centralised Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS) |
| Source: Australia Awards - South Asia & Mongolia Scholarships | ||
| Research Training Program (RTP) | Complete tuition fee offset (waiver) and tax-free annual living stipends for high-performing candidates enrolled in Master’s by Research and PhD courses | The Australian Government does not accept direct applications for the RTP; instead, they distribute 'block grant' funding to 42 eligible Australian universities |
| Source: Department of Education - Research Training Program FAQs for Students | ||
Wondering which is the right kind of scholarship for you? Get in touch with our counsellors, share your preferences with them, and let them identify the best options for your profile.
Scholarships to Study in UK for Indian Students
The UK is known for high-value postgraduate scholarships that include a monthly stipend/salary for living costs. Given below are the common UK scholarships for Indian students:
| Scholarship Name | What it Covers? | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Fully funded 1-year Master’s package covering 100% tuition fees, approved economy return flights, single entry clearance visa costs, and a monthly personal cost-of-living stipend | Apply online via the centralised, country-specific secure portal hosted by the Chevening Secretariat India |
| Source: Chevening Secretariat - What does a Chevening Scholarship cover? | ||
| GREAT Scholarships | A minimum contribution of £10,000 deducted directly from postgraduate tuition fees for a wide array of one-year taught Master's programmes | Apply individually through the scholarship administration office of the participating UK higher education institution |
| Source: British Council India - GREAT Scholarships India | ||
| UK Commonwealth Scholarships Program | Full tuition fee coverage, return airfare, clothing allowances, and a monthly living stipend of £1,652 inside London; £1,347 outside London for students enrolled in Master's degrees and PhD tracks | Submit a formal application via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's online application system alongside designated nominating agencies |
| Source: British Council India - Commonwealth Scholarships | ||
| Felix Scholarship | 100% tuition coverage, a dedicated living cost stipend of up to £16,164 per year, and return air travel for academically outstanding, underprivileged Indian postgraduate students | Apply directly through the postgraduate admissions portals at one of the three partner universities: Oxford, Reading, or SOAS London |
| Source: SOAS University of London - Felix Scholarships | ||
Scholarships to Study in New Zealand for Indian Students
New Zealand offers a mix of full government funding and high-value university entrance awards for Indian students. Popular New Zealand scholarships for Indian students include:
| Scholarship Scheme | What it Covers? | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Government Student Visa for Scholarship Holders | Grants an official fee-paying student visa pathway, with conditions aligned with approved New Zealand government aid schemes; offers a streamlined application track that matches your funding timeline | Apply online directly via the secure portal managed by Immigration New Zealand, uploading your official scholarship letter of offer as primary financial evidence |
| Source: New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa | ||
| Study with New Zealand Scholarships Portal | A comprehensive, centralised directory hosting all institutional, faculty-specific, and public university awards open to international applicants, including Indian nationals | Filter listings by country of origin and course level on the government database, then apply individually to each university's financial aid office |
| Source: Study with New Zealand - Scholarships for Indians | ||
Scholarships to Study in Germany for Indian Students
While public universities in Germany are tuition-free, these scholarships help cover the high cost of living. Major German scholarships for Indian applicants include:
| Scholarship Name | What it Covers? | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarships | Monthly living stipends of €992 for graduates of Master’s courses; up to €1,400 for PhD researchers, full health/liability insurance, travel allowances, and flat-rate research funding | Select your target programme via the official funding database, then submit your dossier directly through the centralised online DAAD Scholarships Application Portal |
| Source: German Academic Exchange Service - DAAD Scholarships | ||
| Deutschlandstipendium German Public-Private Scholarship | Merit-based stipend providing €300 per month for at least one year, funded in equal measure by private donors and the German Federal Government | Open to high-achieving students of all nationalities; apply directly to the financial aid or international office of your enrolled German university |
| Source: Deutschlandstipendium - German Public-Private Scholarship | ||
| Erasmus Mundus Scholarships | High-level joint European Master’s package covering 100% of university participation costs, international travel, visa clearances, and a continuous living allowance of nearly €1,400 per month | Explore active consortia on the Erasmus+ multi-university database, then submit an application directly to the specific programme coordinator |
| Source: European Commission - Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students) | ||
Student Insight: It is common for Indian students in Germany to find that while the DAAD covers living costs, finding student housing can take months. So, it is recommended that you start your search early.
Scholarships to Study in USA for Indian Students
The US offers a mix of prestigious federal fellowships and massive institutional grants. The top US scholarships for Indian aspirants are listed below:
| Scholarship Name | What it Covers? | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships | Fully funded Master’s, doctoral, and professional research fellowships covering J-1 visa support, 100% tuition, cost-of-living stipends, airfare, and health insurance | Submit an online application through the secure, centralised application portal managed directly by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) |
| Source: Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships | ||
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | 10 months of non-degree graduate-level study and professional development, covering full tuition fees, living stipends, accident/sickness coverage, and air travel | Apply locally via the U.S. Embassy or the binational Fulbright Commission (USIEF in India) during the country-specific open application window |
| Source: Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | ||
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Up to 3 years of full financial support for any graduate degree at Stanford University, including full tuition, living/academic stipends, and an annual travel stipend | Submit two separate applications concurrently: one to your chosen Stanford graduate degree programme and one directly to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars portal |
| Source: Stanford University - Knight-Hennessy Scholars Funding | ||
| Tata Scholarship at Cornell University | Need-based funding that covers 100% of demonstrated financial need for students enrolled in undergraduate courses, including full tuition, housing, meals, and books, for up to 8 semesters | Complete the standard first-year undergraduate application via the Common App, and select 'Yes' on the international financial aid section to complete your CSS Profile |
| Source: Cornell University - Tata Scholarship for Indian Students | ||
Scholarships to Study in Canada for Indian Students
Canadian universities prioritise research and undergraduate excellence through several awards. Major Canadian scholarships for Indian students include the following:
| Scholarship Name | What it Covers? | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Evaluated at CA $50,000 annually for up to three years, targeting doctoral programmes or joint MD/PhD pathways | Eligible Canadian institutions formally nominate students; independent applications are not accepted |
| Source: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | ||
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Provides CA $70,000 annually for exactly 2 years to support elite researchers in health, natural sciences, and engineering | Complete and submit an application packet via the secure ResearchNet portal following a formal institutional endorsement |
| Source: Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | ||
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Full coverage of undergraduate tuition fees, textbooks, incidental student fees, and institutional campus residence fees for 4 years | Secure a formal nomination from your high school guidance office, then submit a separate application to the University of Toronto |
| Source: University of Toronto - Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships | ||
| Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program | Short-term academic exchanges and specialised research support for students enrolled in graduate programmes from developing Commonwealth nations | Applications are managed via institutional collaboration; the hosting Canadian university must apply to Global Affairs Canada on your behalf |
| Source: Global Affairs Canada - International Scholarships for Non-Canadians | ||
Overwhelmed by the non-exhaustive list of scholarships? Do not worry. Our experts will help you shortlist the best award for your profile and help you identify and bridge any gaps.
Scholarships to Study in Ireland for Indian Students
Ireland has become a top choice for Indian tech and pharma students, backed by a ₹75 lakh scholarship pool. Top Irish scholarships for Indian applicants include, but are not limited to, the following:
| Scholarship Scheme | What it Covers? | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) | Provides a flat-rate €10,000 stipend for one year of living costs, paired with a mandatory 100% tuition fee waiver from your hosting university | Secure an official, unconditional offer from an eligible Irish higher education institution first, then apply online via the centralised HEA portal |
| Source: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships | ||
| Research Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme | Grants a comprehensive package worth up to €34,000 per annum, including an annual €25,000 living stipend, up to €5,750 for tuition fees, and a €3,250 direct allowance for research expenses | Identify an institutional academic supervisor, formulate a rigorous research thesis proposal, and submit an application via the secure online system |
| Source: Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme | ||
| Enterprise Partnership Scheme Postgraduate | Provides an enterprise co-funded package worth up to €34,000 per annum, including an annual €25,000 living stipend, up to €5,750 for tuition fees, and a €3,250 allowance for research expenses | Align your research with an eligible enterprise partner (business, charity, or public body) alongside your academic supervisor, and apply through the Research Ireland Enterprise Hub |
| Source: Enterprise Partnership Scheme (Postgraduate) | ||
Scholarships to Study in Dubai for Indian Students
Dubai is emerging as a regional hub with world-class satellite campuses and generous local funding. The popular scholarships to study in Dubai for Indian students are given below:
| Scholarship Name | What it Covers? | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University Scholarships | Fully funded tier-based packages for Master's degrees and PhD tracks covering up to 100% tuition fees, textbooks, campus housing, medical insurance, UAE visa fees, and flights | Indicate your interest in financial aid directly on your standard application via the centralised postgraduate admissions portal; no separate form is required |
| Source: Khalifa University - Postgraduate Scholarships | ||
| MBZUAI Scholarship Programme | Full tuition fee waivers, monthly cost-of-living stipends, free on-campus accommodation, health insurance, and UAE student visa sponsorship for full-time AI research students | Submit a comprehensive digital dossier including a CV, statement of purpose (SOP), and reference letters (LORs) directly via the university's graduate application system. |
| Source: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Dubai Government Scholarships | Government-supported scholarship and tuition support opportunities for international students in Dubai institutions | Research approved institutional funding pathways on the official portal, then apply individually through your chosen university's financial aid office |
| Source: Invest in Dubai - Schooling, Higher Education & Enrollment Info | ||
Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government & Private Organisations
Host countries are not the only source of attaining financial aid. Beyond standard government-sponsored merit grants, Indian students can leverage private philanthropic foundations, non-banking financial corporations (NBFCs), and peer-funded alumni frameworks to secure overseas education support.
| Funding Organisation & Scheme | Award Value & Key Benefits | Target Destination & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships | Up to US $120,000 covering 100% of tuition, living expenses, health allowance, visa costs, and one-way travel | For exceptional Indian graduates under 30 pursuing Master’s or PhD tracks in the US, UK, or Europe, not for MBAs, CS, and Medicine students |
| Source: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation - Scholarships | ||
| MPOWER Financing Scholarships | Annual awards ranging from US $2,000 to US $10,000 designed to directly reduce academic tuition balances | Open to international students pursuing full-time STEM or MBA degrees at over 400 approved universities in the USA and Canada |
| Source: MPOWER Financing - International Student Scholarships | ||
| Education Future International Scholarship | Partial funding grants valued between INR 2 Lakh and INR 10 Lakh are disbursed directly toward international university tuition | Awarded strictly to meritorious Indian nationals who hold a valid passport and have secured a minimum of 60% in 10th and 12th standards |
| Source: Education Future - International Scholarship Application | ||
The list is non-exhaustive. Visit the complete list of top scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government, for more.
How to Get Scholarship to Study Abroad from India?
To get a scholarship to study abroad from India, refer to the step-by-step application guide, suitable timelines, tips to increase your chances of winning, and a roadmap to a successful application for Indian students.
Step 1: Preliminary Testing & Profiling: Identify target funding options, verify absolute eligibility criteria, and clear your required English or aptitude exams, such as PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, GMAT, or GRE.
Step 2: Core Academic Document Assembly: Finalise a tailored Statement of Purpose (SOP), secure 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from university mentors, and obtain verified academic transcripts.
Step 3: High-Priority Application Filing: Apply for Early Bird university admissions while concurrently submitting comprehensive documentation for major national or government awards, such as Fulbright and Chevening.
Step 4: University Merit Grant Activation: Submit applications for institution-specific bursaries and departmental fee concessions once you receive your official Offer of Admission.
Step 5: Liquidity Verification: Arrange for additional liquid cash assets via certified bank statements or approved education loans to cover any costs not covered by partial scholarships.
Step 6: Priority Visa Filing: Submit your official Student Visa application dossier, embedding your formal scholarship confirmation letter as primary financial proof to streamline processing.
Step 7: Pre-Departure Finalisation: Attend mandatory orientation briefings, secure student airfares, and coordinate campus-adjacent housing accommodations.
Proven Tips to Secure a Scholarship for Indian Students
Securing funding requires a strategic approach rather than relying on chance. Follow these proven tips to increase your chances of winning a scholarship to study abroad:
- Start 12 Months Early: Elite funding options, such as Fulbright-Nehru or Chevening, wrap up their selection windows nearly a year before corporate terms or classes begin.
- Optimise Academic GPAs: While selected foundation awards evaluate economic need, destination-based funding models remain heavily merit-dependent.
- Draft a Distinctive Essay: Avoid repetitive templates in your scholarship essay. Selection panels favour narratives that explicitly connect your international study goals with a clear plan to benefit India upon your return.
- Secure Recommendations Promptly: Approach professional managers or university professors early. Choose individuals who can validate your personal leadership and problem-solving skills rather than simply confirming your final grades.
Scholarship Document Checklist for Indian Students
Keep the following supporting documentation structured cleanly in high-resolution PDF formats well ahead of open deadlines:
- Standardised Testing Records: Authenticated copies of IELTS Academic or TOEFL and GRE or GMAT score sheets, cleared at least 14 months before your intended course intake.
- Letter of Motivation (LOM): A highly personalised narrative detailing your academic focus; selection boards evaluate a clear purpose over pure test metrics.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Signed academic or professional references (testimonials) validating your leadership capabilities and character.
- Certified Financial Proof: Documented liquid cash profiles or approved bank loan certificates, ensuring your visa route remains valid if partial funding is awarded.
- Detailed Research Proposal: A mandatory requirement for PhD and post-graduate fellowship candidates to confirm their research compatibility with the hosting faculty.
- Valid Passport Identification: A high-resolution scan of your valid Indian passport alongside standard passport-sized biometric photographs.
AECC Roadmap to a Successful Scholarship Application
To ensure you do not miss the window for those prestigious, fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad that close very early in the cycle, follow this timeline.
| Timeline Before Orientation | Action Required |
|---|---|
| 12 – 14 Months Early | Research Universities & Prepare for Exams |
| 10 – 12 Months Early | Profile Building & Documentation Phase |
| 8 – 10 Months Early | Primary Application Window Opens |
| 6 – 8 Months Early | Apply for Internal & External Scholarships |
| 4 – 6 Months Early | Prepare Your Financial Proofing |
| 3 – 4 Months Early | Visa Filing & Final Paperwork |
| 1 – 2 Months Early | Pre-Departure Preparations Time |
| 2 Weeks Before Orientation | Reach the Study Destination |
AECC Expert Tip: Do not wait to receive an admission offer to begin searching for your ideal scholarship. Deadlines for popular scholarships, like Fulbright and Chevening, close almost a year before the course begins. Waiting for an admission offer can significantly affect your chances of receiving a scholarship.
Do not let the heavy expenses of studying abroad, with high tuition fees and living costs, set you off track. Register with AECC now to get end-to-end application guidance on scholarships, university, and visa applications to study abroad.
Sources & References
Australian Scholarships for Indian Students
- Centre for Australia-India Relations - Maitri Scholarships - target priority STEM disciplines, application timelines, and recipient residency criteria for elite Indian PhD researchers.
- Australia Awards - South Asia & Mongolia Scholarships - mandatory two-year return-home commitments, application windows, and baseline financial coverage elements for regional development leaders.
- Department of Education - Research Training Program FAQs for Students - official eligibility rules, two-thirds research load minimums, and statutory two-to-four-year funding timelines for higher degrees by research.
UK Scholarships for Indian Students
- Chevening Secretariat - What does a Chevening Scholarship cover? - official parameters detailing mandatory tuition fee contributions, flight routing allocations, entry clearance cost reclaims, and London vs. non-London stipend tiers.
- British Council India - GREAT Scholarships India - national criteria defining the £10,000 minimal award structure, permanent residency mandates, and specific participating university allocations for Indian nationals.
- British Council India - Commonwealth Scholarships - statutory framework establishing academic honours requirements, developmental themes, monthly stipend baselines, and country-level eligibility limits.
- SOAS University of London - Felix Scholarships - mandatory first-class degree expectations, age parameters, financial need criteria, and operational rules across the three participating UK institutions.
US Scholarships for Indian Students
- United States-India Educational Foundation - Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships - official J-1 visa requirements, minimum 3-year professional work history mandates, and specific approved STEM/humanities fields of study for Indian citizens.
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program - At-a-Glance - statutory parameters establishing candidate eligibility, including the 5-year full-time public service experience minimum and the 10-month non-degree timeline.
- Stanford University - Knight-Hennessy Scholars Funding - 3-year graduate tuition coverage caps, living stipend disbursement policies, and leadership portfolio evaluation frameworks for international applicants.
- Cornell University - International Financial Aid and Tata Scholarship - need-based evaluation protocols, secondary schooling history mandates in India, preferred degree pathways (STEM/Architecture), and the 8-semester funding limitation rule.
Canadian Scholarships for Indian Students
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships - About the Program - mandatory quota structures, tri-agency evaluation frameworks, and doctoral enrollment requirements for international applicants.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships - Eligibility - strict institutional review parameters, postdoctoral degree completion windows, and annual CA $70,000 stipend taxation protocols.
- University of Toronto - Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships - high school nomination caps, first-entry undergraduate course eligibility, and annual funding renewal requirements.
- Global Affairs Canada - International Scholarships for Non-Canadians - bilateral research allocation rules, country-specific eligibility matrices for short-term fellowships, and institutional fund disbursement pathways.
New Zealand Scholarships for Indian Students
- Immigration New Zealand - New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa - statutory student visa application tracks, document validation protocols, and immigration conditions for state-funded international scholars.
- Study with New Zealand - Find Scholarships for Indian Students - centralised government directory for university merit awards, regional criteria filters, and application timeline guidelines for international students.
German Scholarships for Indian Students
- German Academic Exchange Service - DAAD Scholarships - official statutory definitions for graduate funding, €992 to €1,400 monthly allowance tiers, health insurance integration, and application portal parameters.
- Federal Ministry of Education and Research - The Deutschlandstipendium - public-private co-funding rules, non-repayable €300 monthly cash baseline parameters, and multi-disciplinary university allocation criteria for international students.
- European Commission - Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Students) - open application windows, ECTS credit structures, joint degree frameworks, and entry prerequisite rules for international bachelor holders.
Irish Scholarships for Indian Students
- Higher Education Authority - Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships - official 2026 application windows, candidate quotas, institutional eligibility, and statutory €10,000 stipend disbursement rules.
- Research Ireland - Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme - academic assessment matrices, supervisor endorsement protocols, and expense guidelines for the standard €34,000 research track.
- Research Ireland - Enterprise Partnership Scheme (Postgraduate) - co-funding allocation rules, industry mentor criteria, and specialised evaluation workflows for the €34,000 fellowship track.
Dubai Scholarships for Indian Students
- Khalifa University - Postgraduate Scholarships - tier-based qualification guidelines, textbook provisions, medical insurance integration rules, and visa fee coverage mechanics for international graduate tracks.
- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence - Graduate Admission Process - full tuition coverage rules, international student stipend rates, health insurance integration, and application deadlines for AI research tracks.
- Invest in Dubai - Schooling, Higher Education & Enrollment Info - institutional regulatory frameworks, KHDA-approved branch campus directories, and cross-border higher education funding provisions under the D33 economic strategy.
Indian Government & Private Scholarships to Study Abroad
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation - Scholarships - age thresholds, first-class graduation prerequisites, specific programme exclusions, and the US $120,000 international funding cap parameters.
- Education Future - International Scholarship Application - merit requirements, mandatory education loan integration ratios, and the ₹2 – ₹10 Lakh financial award metrics for Indian nationals.
- MPOWER Financing - International Student Scholarships - STEM and MBA programme allocations, monthly selection windows, and institution compatibility matrices for North American visa applicants.
Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students FAQs
Yes, there are various full scholarships to study abroad for Indian students. The top fully funded options include government-funded programmes like Chevening Scholarships in the UK, Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships in the USA, DAAD Scholarships in Germany, and university-specific merit scholarships. These awards cover tuition, living expenses, and travel, though they are highly competitive.
IELTS, Courses and Application Expert | 15 Years Advising Students from India