If you have a dream university in mind, it’s worth checking if they offer scholarships for Indian students to study abroad. It’s important to research the scholarship opportunities at your target universities and understand their application processes thoroughly before applying. While there are general merit-based scholarships like the Rhodes Scholarship that cover full expenses for international students studying in the UK, specific universities may offer their own scholarships tailored to Indian students. Here are some universities worldwide known to offer scholarships for Indian students. Be sure to carefully review their requirements and procedures before making your decision.
To Study in Europe, here are some scholarship opportunities:
To Study In Ireland
- UCD Global Graduate Scholarships
These scholarships are offered by University College Dublin and are specifically for Indian students who will be charged non-EU rates. They provide financial support to eligible students pursuing graduate studies at UCD.
To Study In France
- Charpak Scholarships
Administered by the Embassy of France in India, the Charpak scholarships offer three main categories. Charpak Masters: for Master’s degree programs. Charpak Exchange Scholarship (Jan-June): for exchange programs. Charpak Research: for doctoral studies or research internships in France. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and medical insurance. Eligibility criteria vary but generally focus on academic excellence and, in some cases, proficiency in French. These scholarships aim to support Indian students pursuing higher education in France. Keep in mind that details may change, so it’s best to visit the official websites for the latest information.
To Study In The United Kingdom
- University of Lincoln India Scholarship
Exclusively available to Indian students, this scholarship provides 5,000 GBP (approximately INR 516,000) to cover tuition fees. Applications are accepted in February or September. It’s open to students pursuing a full-time master’s degree at the University of Lincoln across all postgraduate programs. To be eligible, Indian students must have achieved a minimum of 50% in their undergraduate degree. Interested applicants need to complete an International Scholarship Application Form, understanding that the scholarship is non-renewable.
To Study In Australia
- The University of Adelaide Ashok Khurana Scholarship for Indian Students
Established by Professor Ashok Khurana, this scholarship aims to support exceptional Indian students pursuing full-time postgraduate studies at the University of Adelaide.
The scholarship provides a stipend of AUD 30,000 (approximately INR 16 lakhs), which can be used for airfares, living expenses, and tuition fees.
It is applicable to specific academic courses at the university, including aerospace, education, clean technology, and more.
- University of Queensland School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences Indian Scholarship
This scholarship is offered for Indian students interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences at the University of Queensland.
It covers 25% of the tuition fees and student services for the selected candidates.
To Study In the United States
- Chicago Booth School of Business – Ramakrishnan Family Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship offered by the Chicago Booth School of Business provides full financial assistance for MBA studies abroad. Three incoming students from India are selected each year, with each recipient receiving an annual award of 25,000 USD (approximately INR 20 lakhs). The total scholarship amount for the two-year program is 50,000 USD (approximately INR 41 lakhs).
- Cornell University – Tata Scholarship
The Tata Scholarship is offered to Indian students pursuing undergraduate programs at Cornell University. It is awarded solely based on merit and is open to students from any educational stream. The maximum amount awarded is INR 10 lakhs, repayable within 10 years.
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian students:
This scholarship is available for Indian students enrolled in the Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA program. It covers approximately USD 140,000 (approximately INR 1 crore) for the two-year program, with automatic renewal for the second year based on academic performance. Recipients must return to India for at least two years post-graduation and work in the public or private sector, as the scholarship does not transition into a work visa.
In summary, following are the international scholarships available for Indian students
- UCD Global Graduate Scholarship
- Charpak Scholarships
- University of Lincoln India Scholarship
- The University of Adelaide Ashok Khurana Scholarship for Indian Students
- University of Queensland School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences Indian Scholarship
- Ramakrishnan Family Scholarship (Chicago Booth School of Business)
- Tata Scholarship (Cornell University)
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian students
General International Scholarships for Indian Students
Indian students may not have many options for scholarships from the Indian government to study abroad. However, there are many other scholarships they can apply for internationally. These scholarships are available to Indian students and can help cover the costs of studying abroad. Here are some scholarships you might want to consider applying for!
- Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious award given to exceptional students, and only five Indian students receive it. It allows them to study at Oxford University and aims to develop future leaders who prioritize serving others globally. The scholarship is open to various fields of study but is particularly popular among those pursuing MBBS abroad. Once selected, the Rhodes Trust covers the fees for studying at the University of Oxford, including the student visa fee and International Health Surcharge. This helps students access the UK’s National Healthcare Scheme.
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship is a scholarship for Indian students to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in the UK. It’s open to students from Commonwealth nations, including India. Commonwealth Scholarships are offered under six development themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity
There are no restrictions on what you can study, but priority is given to applicants whose studies align with the development criteria outlined by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
- Chevening Scholarships
The UK Government offers Chevening scholarships for outstanding international students, including those from India. These scholarships are for one-year postgraduate degrees at any UK university in the student’s chosen subject. To be eligible for Chevening scholarships, you must:
- Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
- Commit to returning to your country of citizenship for at least two years after completing your studies.
- Have completed all requirements for an undergraduate degree that allows entry into a postgraduate program at a UK university before applying.
- Have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience.
- Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from one of them.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The scholarship is awarded to deserving students planning to study at European and American universities, covering regular university courses and special programs. The maximum funding provided by the scholarship is USD 100,000 (approximately INR 83 lakhs). However, students applying to specific colleges may receive additional funding, surpassing the USD 100,000 limit. Some of the colleges where students can benefit from this scholarship include:
- Imperial College, London
- The Royal College of Art (RCA), London
- The University of Cambridge (Cambridge Trust)
- Sciences Po, Paris
- King’s College London
- Erasmus Mundus
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship program is widely sought after by Indian students seeking higher education opportunities in the UK. It collaborates with joint postgraduate courses, with the EU providing funding for these programs. Competitive scholarships are offered for a duration of 6 academic years, covering at least 4 editions of the master’s program. Individual EU scholarships amount to €1,400 per month (approximately INR 1.2 lakhs) for a maximum of 24 months.
- Felix Scholarship
The Felix scholarship stands out as it aims to assist deserving underprivileged Indian students and students from other developing countries in pursuing a postgraduate degree at selected UK universities. This scholarship is designed for academically talented, underprivileged students who hold a first-class Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in India. It’s important for applicants to note that they can only apply to one institution. For those applying to Oxford, there is no separate application process required.
- Australian Embassy Fully Funded Scholarships
This scholarship is specifically for Indian students who wish to study in Australia. The Embassy offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and MBA courses through a list of Australian universities provided on their website. Eligible students can receive up to AUD 15,000 (approximately INR 8 lakhs) in funding support.
- Orange Tulip Scholarship of the Netherlands
This scholarship is for Indian students who want to study in Europe, specifically in Dutch universities for bachelor’s or master’s degrees. The eligibility criteria are:
- Indian nationals who are not currently employed or studying in the Netherlands.
- Applicants must be currently applying to or already enrolled in one of the premier universities in the Netherlands Orange Tulip Scholarship participants.
- They should not be receiving any other scholarships in the Netherlands.
- University of Minnesota International Scholarships
This is a scholarship opportunity for Indian students in the USA. The university provides a Global Excellence Scholarship and the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship. The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is renewable and offers $15,000 (approximately INR 12 lakhs) per year.
- University of Oregon International Scholarships
This overseas graduate scholarship is targeted at international students from various countries worldwide. When applying, candidates are typically required to submit grades from academic coursework, SAT scores, and scores indicating proficiency in English.
- Harvard Medical School Scholarships
Another notable MBBS scholarship for Indian students to consider is the Harvard Medical School scholarship. Harvard enjoys global recognition for its exceptional education and networking prospects.
A fully-funded HMS scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees. Eligibility for the scholarship is determined by subtracting the institutional expected family contribution from tuition and mandatory fees. However, eligibility for institutional scholarship funding is restricted to eight semesters of full tuition charges.
In summary, here are general scholarships available for Indian students to study abroad:
- Rhodes Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
- Chevening Scholarship
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus
- Felix Scholarship
- Australian Embassy Fully Funded Scholarship
- Orange Tulip Scholarship of the Netherlands
- University of Minnesota International Scholarship
- University of Oregon International Scholarship
- Harvard Medical School Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for Abroad Studies by the Indian Government
When selecting from partly and fully funded scholarships for Indian students, keep an eye out for the following details:
- Degree: Determine if the scholarship is for pursuing an undergraduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., or research opportunity. Be mindful of the duration and funding associated with each type of opportunity.
- Performance: Your academic performance, extracurricular activities, and work experience can all influence your eligibility. Scholarships often consider your overall merit.
- Merit or Need: Some scholarships are merit-based, while others are need-based. Merit-based scholarships focus on academic excellence and achievements, while need-based scholarships consider financial circumstances.
- Age: Many scholarships have an upper age limit, typically ranging from 30 to 35 years old.
- Citizenship Criteria: Ensure you meet the citizenship requirements, especially for scholarships targeted at Indian students. However, consider the scope of the ‘international’ tag, as some scholarships may be available to students from specific regions or countries.
- Visa Application Requirements: Understand the visa requirements, which can vary based on country, nationality, and course of study. Consider aspects such as student visa duration and post-graduation work opportunities.
- Field of Study: Some scholarships may have restrictions on the field of study. For example, certain scholarships may be specific to science and technology-related fields, while others may be open to various disciplines.
To secure your scholarship and streamline your financial transactions, consider using the Niyo global card for your international transactions. The Niyo global card offers convenient and hassle-free ways to manage your finances while studying abroad. With the Niyo card, you can enjoy benefits such as easy fund transfers, currency conversion at competitive rates, and secure online transactions. It’s a reliable option to ensure smooth and efficient handling of your financial needs while focusing on your academic pursuits and scholarship requirements.
Tips to Apply for International Scholarships for Indian Students
Getting ready for a scholarship can feel hard, but here are some tips to help you get ahead. It’s important to start early. The scholarship application might take a lot of time and effort! So make sure to know the timeline and give yourself plenty of time to gather all your documents, like report cards and certificates, ready! Here are some tips to help Indian students secure scholarships for studying abroad:
- Build a Well-Rounded Profile: Engage in internships, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities to showcase a diverse skill set. Highlight achievements outside academics to demonstrate your potential for benefiting from overseas opportunities.
- Write Compelling Essays: Craft essays that tell your story and aspirations effectively. Seek feedback from professors, mentors, and previous scholarship winners to refine your essays and understand the application process better.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice communication skills and rehearse potential interview questions. Learn negotiation tactics for securing scholarships. Stay calm and professional during interviews, and address any anxiety triggers effectively.
- Utilize Resources: Seek guidance from educational consultants and explore scholarship-specific websites and portals for information. Attend scholarship workshops, and webinars, and watch YouTube videos for valuable insights into the application process.
- Network: Connect with current scholarship recipients and alumni to gain tips, guidance, and inspiration. Their experiences can offer valuable perspectives and motivate you to present your best self during the application process.
In summary, here are tips for applying for international scholarships for Indian students:
- Build a well-rounded profile with extracurricular activities and practical experiences.
- Write a compelling essay to express your story and aspirations effectively.
- Prepare for interviews by rehearsing potential questions and answers.
- Utilize available resources, consult counselors, and research your scholarship options thoroughly.
- Network with current recipients and alumni to gain insights into the scholarship application process.
Final Word
There are numerous scholarship opportunities tailored specifically for Indian students seeking to pursue higher education abroad, spanning a wide array of fields including MBBS, MBAs, undergraduate, Masters, PhDs, and research programs. Noteworthy international scholarships available to Indian students encompass the UCD Global Graduate Scholarship, Charpak Scholarships, University of Lincoln India Scholarship, The University of Adelaide Ashok Khurana Scholarship, among others.
Additionally, Indian students can explore general scholarships such as the Rhodes Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship, Chevening Scholarship, and more. Each scholarship comes with its own set of eligibility criteria and requirements, highlighting the importance of thorough research before embarking on the application process. By initiating applications early, maintaining academic excellence, crafting compelling essays, seeking guidance, and networking with relevant contacts, Indian students can greatly enhance their prospects of securing scholarships and fulfilling their academic ambitions abroad.