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Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students

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  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Jul 05,2023 05:25 PM IST

Learn everything there is to know about the different types of scholarships available for Indian students to study abroad. Explore the best scholarship options based on individual profiles, and discover fully funded scholarships in the UK, Canada, Australia and the US.

Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students.jpeg
Scholarships are a form of financial aid provided to students to help them cover their education costs and other expenses. These are awarded based on merit, need or a combination of both. They can come from various sources, such as the government, universities, private organizations, corporations, foundations and individuals. Some scholarships cover the full cost of tuition fee and living expenses. They are generally known as fully funded scholarships.

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad

Two of the best grants for Indian students to study abroad include Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships and Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships. Additionally, there are several countries that offer fully funded scholarships for Indians in particular. These include the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, China, Japan and most of the EU member states.

Steps to Get a Scholarship for Indian Students

Obtaining a scholarship is easy if one goes about the process strategically. Mentioned below are some tips:

  • Research scholarships: Finding the perfect scholarship and applying for it is time-consuming. Thus, one should start researching scholarships in advance so as to find the best options that suit their academic profile and interests.
  • Check eligibility: It is necessary to check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship since it varies based on the country or university one is applying to.
  • Prepare for standardized tests: Applicants require standardized test scores, such as the IELTS or TOEFL for English language proficiency or the GRE, GMAT, or SAT as proof of academic proficiency. Start preparing for these as soon as possible in order to get a good score.
  • Contact universities: Check the official website of universities or contact them directly via email to learn more about the financial aid options they offer.
  • Apply early: More often than not, scholarship deadlines are well before the start of the academic term. It is vital to keep oneself up to date about the timeline.
  • Write a strong application: Use the application essay as an opportunity to highlight any scholastic and co-scholastic achievements, personal strengths and career goals.

How can students increase their chances of being awarded scholarships?

Students can apply for various scholarships whilst studying abroad to decrease their financial burden. Although the process is highly competitive there are certain strategies and methods they can use in order to significantly increase their chances of being selected to receive a grant. Mentioned below are some examples:

  • Prepare and Follow a Schedule: Numerous scholarships have early deadlines which need to be checked by the students themselves. Make sure all documents are ready to go once the portals open up.
  • Thorough Research: Students should make sure they have a list of every single scholarship they might be eligible for regardless of how well-known they are along with their requirements. They should apply to as many of them as they can to increase their chances of getting one. Smaller scholarships frequently have less competition, enhancing one’s chances of winning.
  • Multiple Drafts: One should aim to create multiple drafts and play around with the structure in addition to writing different introductions and conclusions to pick one that is best suited at the end.
  • Individuality and Expression: Students should use an anecdote that sets their essay apart from the competition. One must showcase their passion, be clear about their objectives and most importantly be themselves.
  • Word Limit: Every word counts. Ensure that the essay does not go over the limit and there aren’t any unnecessary tangents in it.
  • Grammar and Formatting: There is no room for error when it comes to spelling, grammar or the essay’s formatting. Proofread it multiple times and get second opinions.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Many scholarships favour students who are interested in their communities and are well-rounded. Join sports teams and engage in volunteer work.
  • LORs: Request school teachers for strong letters of recommendation and give them plenty of time to draft them.
  • Tailored Application: Change the application to reflect the objectives of each scholarship. To learn what the scholarship provider values, do some research about the organisation.

What are the best Scholarships for Indian Students?

Mentioned below are some of the best scholarships for Indian students in the UK, Canada, Australia and the US respectively.

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
Commonwealth Scholarships are given to qualified individuals who have the potential to make a positive impact globally. Around 800 students are allowed annually to pursue postgraduate degrees with UK universities as per their ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth. Students from India, a Commonwealth country, who can’t afford to fund their studies on their own can apply for this scholarship.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • Permanent citizen of Commonwealth Countries
  • Pursued their studies in English
  • Scored a minimum of 60% in Social Sciences and Humanities or 65% in Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture
  • Passes the preliminary interviews conducted by Ministry of Human Resource Development
Covered Expenses
  • Tuition fee
  • Economy class return airfare
  • Living expenses
Field of Study
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Pure and Applied Science
  • Agriculture
Time of ApplicationAugust
Applicable toUniversities in the UK


Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarships program. Chevening Scholarships are offered to candidates with passion, vision and skills that are needed to shape a better world. These awards are offered to study in the UK for one year for a fully funded master’s degree course.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • Must have graduation or a post-graduation degree
  • Must be pursuing a master’s degree in the UK
  • 2 years of work experience preferred
Covered Expenses
  • Tuition
  • Living expenses
  • Travel costs to and from the UK
  • Other allowances, including full or partial support based on candidate requirements
Field of StudyAll one year master’s programs
Time of ApplicationAugust - July
Applicable toUK universities affiliated with Chevening


Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships

Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships are offered on the commencement of a coursework degree. These are offered to undergraduates and postgraduates, including international students.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria Candidates who have been accepted in undergraduate or postgraduate courses
Covered ExpensesCollege tuition fee
Field of Study
  • Undergraduate courses
  • Postgraduate courses
  • Integrated master’s programs
Time of ApplicationFebruary - every year
Applicable toNewcastle University, UK


Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is an international postgraduate award given to students to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • Indian citizen
  • Should be 19 years and no more than 25 years of age
  • A minimum of four out of the last ten years of formal education in India
  • Either passed 10th or 12th standard or be a final year student of an undergraduate degree at an Indian University
  • Should have secured First Class
Covered Expenses
  • Tuition fee
  • Accommodation
  • Living expenses
Field of Study
  • MBA
  • Any full-time post-graduation degree
Time of ApplicationSeptember
Applicable toOxford University, UK


Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are offered to deserving Indian students to study in universities in the US, UK and other European countries. It is one of the best scholarships for Indian students to study in Europe and includes university courses and special programs. It is given to students doing full-time Masters, M.Phil., or Doctoral degree courses.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria•    Indian Citizen with an undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian university
•    At least 2 years of work experience
•    Prior admission to the institute or course
•    Below the age of 30 while applying
Covered Expenses•    Tuition fees
•    Living Expenses
•    Air travel
Field of Study•    Master’s Degree
•    Master’s Diploma
•    Master’s Certificate
Time of Application•    January
Applicable to•    Universities in the UK, Europe, and the USA


Erasmus Mundus

Erasmus Mundus scholarship is for Indian students in the UK who want to pursue a master’s degree. A student must have a bachelor's degree or be in their last year of bachelor’s studies and graduate before the master's program starts.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • B.Sc. in either mathematics, physics, computer sciences or related fields
  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 180 ECTS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and related fields
  • Knowledge of computer networking, programming, and operating systems is preferred
  • Fluent English speaker
Covered Expenses
  • Travel expenses
  •  Yearly Tuition and Insurance coverage
  • Other costs covered for the duration of the course at 1000 € per month
Field of Study
  • Masters
  • Joint Degree Programs
Time of ApplicationSeptember – January
Applicable toUniversities in UK, USA and Europe


Felix Scholarship

Felix Scholarship is for unprivileged students from India and other developing countries who want to pursue post-graduation education in the Universities in the UK.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • Underprivileged students from India
  • Bachelor’s degree from an Indian university
  • Below 30 years of age
Covered Expenses
  • Full course fees
  • Living expenses
  • One to and from a flight from India to the UK
Field of Study
  • MBA
  • Full-time Master’s degree or Full-time DPhil degree
Time of ApplicationSeptember
Applicable toUniversity of Oxford


Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are for those students who want to pursue a master’s degree or research in a US educational institution. The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) offers these scholarships to the most outstanding students, academics and professionals in India.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria•    4 years of education or an equivalent bachelor’s degree in the US
•    3 years of work experience preferred
Covered Expenses•    Tuition fee
•    Economy Air Ticket
•    Expenses of Living
•    Books
Field of Study•    Arts and Culture
•    Environmental Science
•    Gender Studies
•    Urban and Regional Planning
•    Public Administration
•    International Legal Studies
•    Public Health
Time of ApplicationJune
Applicable toUS Universities


Tata Scholarship

Tata Scholarship is given to highly talented Indian students to do their Bachelor’s degree at Cornell University.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • Candidates should be Indian citizens
  • Should have applied to Cornell University
Covered Expenses
  • Tuition Fee for Eight semesters
  • Travel expenses
  • Medical
  • Living cost
  • Food
Field of Study
  • Architecture and Planning
  • Engineering
  • Applied Economics
  • Biological Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  •  Agriculture and Life Sciences
Time of ApplicationOctober/November
Applicable toCornell University


UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award

UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award is for those international students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and want to apply to British Columbia University for undergraduate programs.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • International student’s first undergraduate degree
  • Meets program requirements
  • Need-based financial support should be evidenced
Covered Expenses
  • Need-based financial support provided
  • Tuition
  • Living expenses
Field of StudyUndergraduate course
Time of ApplicationNovember
Applicable toStudying at British Columbia University


Australia Awards Scholarship

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) offers fully funded scholarships to students who want to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study. These are given to students from 50 developing countries particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region, including India.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility CriteriaCandidate should a recent graduate be from an Indian university
Covered Expenses
  • Tuition fee
  • Expenses of living
  • Return Air ticket
  • Establishment Allowance
  • Other expenses
Field of Study
  • Undergraduate program
  • Post-graduate program
Time of ApplicationFebruary
Applicable to
International students studying in Australia


Australian Embassy Fully Funded Scholarships

These scholarships offered by the Australian Embassy are for undergraduate, master’s, PhD and MBA courses and are given to international students, including students from India.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility CriteriaAt least 50% of the academic score in the previous exam
Covered Expenses
  • Free student visa for 4 years
  • Weekly/Travel allowance
  • Tuition fee
  • Family Allowance for Married candidates
  • Health Insurance
Field of Study
  • Undergraduate course
  • Master’s
  • PhD
  • MBA
Applicable toStudying in Australian-listed Universities

University of Melbourne Scholarships
The University of Melbourne Scholarships are given to deserving local and overseas students to study and do research work at Melbourne University.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility CriteriaAcademic excellence in the last completed degree
Covered Expenses
  • Living expenses
  • Relocation grant for international students
  • Health Insurance
Field of Study
  • Graduate Research
  • Research Training
  • Melbourne Research
Time of ApplicationOctober
Applicable toStudy at Melbourne University


Adelaide Scholarship International (ASI)

The University of Adelaide grants Adelaide Scholarship International (ASI), a fully funded scholarship for international students who want to pursue 2-year master’s degrees and 3-year doctoral research degrees.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • International students who have applied at the Adelaide University
  • Proof of English Proficiency
  • Completion of a first-class Australian degree
  • One should not have prior research qualification
Covered Expenses
  • Tuition fee
  • Living expenses
  • Relocation grant
  • Health Insurance
Field of Study
  • 2 years master’s degree
  • 3 years doctoral research degree
Applicable toStudying at Melbourne University

Canam Consultants is India’s leading study abroad consultant group, where students can get the proper career guidance.  Contact us to learn more today!

FAQ

•    Choose a country where the cost of living is affordable
•    Work part-time
•    Opt for a cheap study abroad program
•    Apply for scholarships & grants
Candidates must earn good grades in order to pursue higher education overseas after their matriculation. In order to qualify for scholarships, students must have a grade point average of at least 60% to 85% in 12th grade.
Students can easily get scholarships in the US, UK and Canada with good portfolios.
A candidate should receive a band average of 6.5 or above. Any amount of points above that improves their prospects of being chosen.

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