Overseas education can be made more affordable if you get financial aid. We bring you the 15 best scholarships to study abroad so you can get going on the requirements right away.
Whether provided by the government of India, the government of the host nation, the university, or a private organization, there are many scholarship and financial aid options, especially for students from developing countries to secure financial aid.
In this article, we will be looking at…
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Scholarships are typically merit-based or merit and need based. It can have several eligibility criteria along with it such as gender, race, country, field of study, etc. It can be a one-time payout or a renewable stipend. It can be fully or partially funded. Our focus here is on fully funded scholarships.
As the name suggests, a fully funded scholarship, when awarded, covers your entire tuition fees. Many of them also include the cost of travel and living abroad. It covers accommodation and insurance. It essentially takes almost the entire financial burden of your international education onto itself.
It is not just one or a few countries that provide fully funded scholarships to Indian students. The UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, China, Japan and most of the EU member states (The Netherlands in particular has a ton of scholarship programs) offer unique scholarships for international students that Indian students can apply for. Whichever country you are applying to, it is good to research what kind of scholarship options are available.
To get a scholarship abroad to study abroad, applicants must have a minimum of 3.4 – 4.0 GPA along with an IELTS/TOEFL score of 6.5 – 7(IELTS) or around 100 in the TOEFL iBT. Typically, an applicant must not be older than 30 years of age (for an undergraduate program). These are average figures and each scholarship has its own criteria. Here are some additional tips to boost your eligibility.
Applying for a scholarship can certainly not be a last-minute thing. If this is even a remote idea, you start working towards it, a few years in advance.
- The first thing you do is boost your academic credentials. Increase your GPA, take a few extra courses, anything that will make you stand out academically.
- Add value with extracurriculars. Showcase your leadership, creativity, social sensitivity and problem-solving skills.
- Practice and ace your entrance tests such as GRE, GMAT, and your language proficiency tests (IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE, etc.)
These are some essential eligibility criteria that you cannot pad up at the last minute.
Meanwhile, research is your best friend. Look at all possible angles from which you can receive funding — home government, host government, the university or private organizations. While conducting your research, keep track of the scholarship’s deadlines. Ensure you submit your scholarship application form and documents well before the last day.
Some scholarships are quite particular and exclusive, in the sense that, you cannot apply for another while being considered for one. While some have direct criteria, some of them can have complexities that can be overwhelming. So, instead of investing so much of your own time in this research and tracking (you can be using this time to boost your resume), you sign up with TC Global.
A one-stop-shop for all your international education needs, we are here to help you every step of the way, from choosing the right course, applications and to find the right scholarships for you. Our student portal is a one-look summary of application statuses and deadlines. Log into tcglobal.com to get a detailed idea.
The best scholarships for Indian students are:
- In the UK:
- Commonwealth scholarship and fellowship
- Chevening Scholarship
- Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Rhodes Scholarships
- Inlaks Shivadasani Foundation Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus
- Felix Scholarships
- In the US:
- Fulbright- Nehru fellowships
- Tata Scholarship
- In China
- Chinese government fellowships
- In Canada
- UBC Leader of Tomorrow Award
- In Australia
- Australia Awards Scholarship
- Australian Embassy fully funded scholarships
- University of Melbourne Scholarships
- Adelaide Scholarship International (ASI)
The following section will look at these countries — The UK, The USA, China, Canada and Australia and the best scholarships that each of them offer. Let’s delve right in…
Scholarships for Indian Students in the United Kingdom
Indian students are offered a wide range of scholarships and fellowships by both the UK Government and Universities, important ones highlighted below.
1. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship, a Master’s and Ph.D. programme in the UK, offered by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, distributed through the British Council, to deserving students from the Commonwealth nations, of which India is a member, who has the potential to contribute significantly to their nations.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- The student has to be an Indian citizen
- English has to be the medium of education
- Secure a minimum of 60% marks in Social Sciences and Humanities or a minimum of 65% marks in the field of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture
- Preliminary interviews conducted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development for shortlisting deserving students
|
Covered Expenses |
Maximum scholarship amount is 31,60,764 INR which covers
- Tuition fee
- Economy class return airfare
- Living expenses
|
Field of Study |
- Engineering and Technology
- Pure and Applied Science
- Agriculture
- Social Sciences and Humanities
|
Time of Application |
- In August for batches starting the next academic year
|
Scholarships |
- No specific Scholarships, depending on deserving candidates.
|
Applicable to |
|
Link |
https://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/scholarships/commonwealth-scholarships |
2. Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships offered by the Government of UK for exceptional international students, including Indian students, to pursue a one-year postgraduate degree at any UK university in the subject of their choice. This scholarship program aims at developing future global leaders.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- Either a graduate or postgraduate
- Pursue a master’s degree in the UK
- At least 2 years of work experience preferred
|
Covered Expenses |
Fully funded includes
- Tuition
- Living expenses
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- Other allowances, including full or partial support based on candidate requirements
|
Field of Study |
- All one-year master’s programs
|
Time of Application |
- August second week till July every year
|
Scholarships |
- Yearly 65 scholarships for Indian students
|
Applicable to |
- UK universities affiliated with Chevening
|
Link |
https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/ |
3. Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships by Newcastle University are offered to undergraduates and postgraduates, including international students.
4. Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards given to outstanding students, including five Indian students to study at Oxford University with the intention to promote selfless future global leaders.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- Candidates should be an Indian citizen
- Formal education in India for at least 4 out of the last 10 years
- Either passed 10th or 12th standard or Be a final year student of an undergraduate degree of an Indian University
- Should be of 19 years and not more than 25 years of age
- Should have secured First Class
|
Covered Expenses |
The maximum scholarship provided is 64,26,240/- INR covers
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
|
Field of Study |
- MBA
- Any full-time post graduation degree
|
Time of Application |
|
Scholarships |
- 5 scholarships for Indian students
|
Applicable to |
|
Link |
https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/the-rhodes-scholarship/ |
5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are offered to deserving students for studying in European and American universities. It includes university courses and special programs.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- Indian Citizens who hold an undergraduate degree from a recognised Indian university
- At least 2 years of work experience
- Prior admission to the institute or course
- Below age 30 at application time
|
Covered Expenses |
Maximum scholarship provided is $1,00,000 covers
- Tuition fees
- Living Expense
- Air travel
|
Field of Study |
- Masters Degree
- Masters Diploma,
- Masters Certificate Postgraduate programs
|
Time of Application |
|
Scholarships |
|
Applicable to |
- Universities in the UK, Europe, and the USA
|
Link |
https://www.inlaksfoundation.org/scholarships/how-to-apply/ |
6. Erasmus Mundus
Erasmus Mundus is one of the popular scholarship programs for Indian students in the UK for providing higher education opportunities by partnering joint programmes of postgraduate courses.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- B.Sc in either mathematics, physics, computer sciences, or similar fields
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 180 ECTS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and closely related fields
- Computer networking, programming, and operating systems knowledge preferred
|
Covered Expenses |
- Travel expenses up to 1000€ per year
- Tuition and Insurance coverage at 4000 € yearly
- Other costs at 1000 € per month for the duration of the course
|
Field of Study |
- Masters
- Joint Degree Programs
|
Time of Application |
- September – January every year
|
Scholarships |
- ~ 22 scholarships are awarded every year
|
Applicable to |
- Universities in the UK, Europe and the USA
|
Link |
https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-master-degrees_en |
7. Felix Scholarship
Felix Scholarship was established to aid deserving underprivileged Indian students and students from other developing countries to pursue a postgraduate degree in a UK university.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- Underprivileged Indian students
- First class Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university
- Below 30 years of age
|
Covered Expenses |
The maximum scholarship provided is £ 71,700 and covers
- Living expenses of around £14,500
- One to and from a flight from India to the UK
|
Field of Study |
- Full-time Master’s degree or Full-time DPhil degree
|
Time of Application |
|
Scholarships |
|
Applicable to |
University of Oxford |
Link |
https://www.felixscholarship.org/ |
Scholarships for Indian Students in the United States
1. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) to Indian students who want to pursue a master’s degree or do research in a US educational institution.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- Candidates should have completed 4 years of education or an equivalent bachelor’s degree in the US.
- At least 3 years of work experience
- Evaluation is done on communication skills, service to the community, leadership skills, etc.
|
Covered Expenses |
|
Field of Study |
- International Legal Studies
- Urban and Regional Planning
|
Time of Application |
|
Scholarships |
About 8000 Fullbright scholarships are awarded every year for applicants from over 160 countries |
Applicable to |
US Universities |
Link |
http://www.usief.org.in/ |
2. Tata Scholarship
Tata Scholarship helps Indian students to do their Bachelor’s degree at Cornell University.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- Candidates should be an Indian citizen
- Should have applied to Cornell University
- Need-based financial support provided
|
Covered Expenses |
- Tuition Fee for Eight semesters
- Living cost
- Travel expenses
- Medical
- Food
|
Field of Study |
- Architecture and Planning
- Engineering
- Applied Economics
- Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Social Sciences
|
Time of Application |
- October/November every year
|
Scholarships |
- 20 scholarships every year
|
Applicable to |
Cornell University |
Link |
https://admissions.cornell.edu/apply/international-students/tata-scholarship |
Scholarship to Study in China for Indian Students
Chinese Government Scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarships are given by the India-China Cultural Exchange Program for students applying to China Universities for undergraduate, postgraduate doctoral and postdoctoral courses.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- Score at least 60% marks in their last degree
- Adequately informed about China
- Undergo one-year training in the Chinese language before admission
|
Covered Expenses |
- Tuition Fee for Eight semesters
- Living cost
- Travel expenses
- Airfare to and from China is given by the Indian Government
|
Field of Study |
16 various fields in
- Science
- Literature & Language
- Humanities & Social Sciences
|
Time of Application |
|
Scholarships |
- 20 scholarships every year
|
Applicable to |
All students in China |
Link |
http://www.csc.edu.cn/laihua/ |
Scholarship for Indian Students in Canada
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award given to international students who apply to British Columbia University for undergraduate programs.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- International student’s first undergraduate degree
- Requirements of the program and English language to be satisfied
- Need-based financial support should be evidenced
|
Covered Expenses |
- Need-based financial support provided
- Tuition
- Living expenses
- Renewal after three years of undergraduate study after meeting certain criteria
|
Field of Study |
|
Time of Application |
- November every year for courses starting next year
|
Scholarships |
|
Applicable to |
Studying at British Columbia University |
Link |
http://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/ |
Scholarship for Indian Students in Australia
Australia is a treasure trove when it comes to the universities to which one can apply for. The best scholarship schemes for Indian students offered by the region are:
1. Australia Awards Scholarship
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has plans of offering various fully funded scholarships to students from 50 developing countries, including India.Read: Top 10 Study Abroad Consultants in India
2. Australian Embassy Fully Funded Scholarships
Australian Embassy offers scholarships for Undergraduates, Masters, PhD and MBA courses through the list of Australian universities provided.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- Candidates with at least 50% of academic score
|
Covered Expenses |
- Tuition fees
- Free student visa for 4 years
- Weekly/Travel allowance
- Family Allowance for Married candidates
- Health Insurance
|
Field of Study |
- Undergraduate course
- Masters Scholarship
- PhD
- MBA
|
Time of Application |
- Should be checked with the Australian Embassy
|
Scholarships |
|
Applicable to |
Study in Australian-listed Universities |
Link |
https://india.embassy.gov.au/ndli/study.html |
3. University of Melbourne Scholarships
University of Melbourne Scholarships are provided to deserving local and overseas students for undertaking research work at Melbourne University.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- Academic excellence in last completed degree
|
Covered Expenses |
refundable fee up to $11000
- Living expenses up to $30,600 per year on pro rata
- Relocation grant for international students up to $3000
- Health Insurance
|
Field of Study |
- Graduate Research
- Research Training
- Melbourne Research
|
Time of Application |
|
Scholarships |
|
Applicable to |
Study in Melbourne University |
Link |
https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au |
4. Adelaide Scholarship International (ASI)
University of Adelaide is granting fully funded scholarships for international students for pursuing 2-year master degrees and 3-year doctoral research degrees.
|
Scholarship Details |
Eligibility Criteria |
- International students who have applied at the Adelaide University
- English Proficiency test cleared
- Completion of a First-Class Australian degree
- Candidate should not have prior research qualification
|
Covered Expenses |
- Fully funded Tuition fee
- Living expenses up to $28092 in 2020
- Relocation grant
- Health Insurance
|
Field of Study |
- 2-year master degree
- 3-year doctoral research degree
|
Time of Application |
According to Adelaide University guidelines |
Scholarships |
|
Applicable to |
Studying at Melbourne University |
Link |
https://international.adelaide.edu.au/admissions/scholarships |
We hope you can avail of one of the best scholarships to study abroad and get going soon!
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