Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students: Types, Process, & Eligibility

Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students: Types, Process, & Eligibility

Study abroad scholarships provide an opportunity for students who wish for international education, yet cannot afford it. A scholarship to study abroad is central support as the cost of education globally increases, it covers tuition, food, and travel costs. This piece tries to explain how to get a scholarship to study abroad, with a special attention focused on scholarships for Indian students, Indian government scholarships to study abroad and particular programs, like the National Overseas Scholarship etc. Whether you want undergraduate or master’s degrees, this guide provides concrete strategies, data and tips on how to obtain funding.

What Are Study Abroad Scholarships?

Study Abroad Scholarships are money awards offered to a student in order to go abroad to study. Such scholarships to study abroad can be founded on merit, need, subject or can be provided to particular categories such as minority communities or women. The governments, universities, private organizations, and international bodies provide them to ease acquiring an expatriate degree in terms of being costly.

Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian students are particularly important to the Indian students. In 2024, the number of Indian students studying abroad was more than 1.3 million, which is an increase of 68% from 2022, according to the Indian Ministry of Education. Scholarships allow for that to happen for many, where one may cover costs that may be between $20000 and $70000 available every year to different countries such as the USA, UK or Australia.

Types of Study Abroad Scholarships

Type	Description	Examples
Merit-Based	Awarded for academic excellence or achievements in extracurriculars.	Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship
Need-Based	For students with financial constraints.	Tata Scholarship at Cornell University, National Overseas Scholarship
Subject-Specific	For specific fields like STEM, arts, or humanities.	GREAT Scholarships for STEM, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
Destination-Based	For study in specific countries like the UK, USA, or Canada.	Chevening Scholarship (UK), Australia Awards
Minority-Focused	For underrepresented groups, including Scheduled Castes or women.	National Overseas Scholarship, Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Scholarship

Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students

The scholarships awarded to the Indian students to study abroad are varied; from the government of India scholarships to the international regulations. The awards support undergraduate, master’s or doctoral degree pursuing students. Below is a breakdown of key opportunities.

Indian Government Study Abroad Scholarships

Indian government scholarships to study abroad are meant to give power to students from different backgrounds. These programs are merit-based, financially needy- based and socially equitable, especially for marginalized communities.

1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
   The National Overseas Scholarship managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provides for the low income students of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Denotified Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural laborers, and the Traditional Artisans. NOS provided 125 awards (115 (SC), 6 for Denotified Tribes, 4 for Labourers/Artisans) with 30% for women in 2024-25.

   • Eligibility: Age less than 35 years, 60% marks qualifying exams, family annual income less than INR 8 lakh , admission to the top 500 QS ranked universities.

   • Benefits: Tuition, lodging and airfare is covered.

   • How to Apply: Applications are made through the portal of the ministry from April. Forms of academic transcripts, admission and income certificates.

2. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
   This scholarship is granted to Indian students studying master’s degrees in the USA. It includes tuition, living, airfare and Health insurance.

   • Eligibility: Indian citizen who is 55% undergraduate, 3 years work experience, TOEFL/IELTS.

   • Application Deadline: Typically May-June. Apply via the USIEF website.

3. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan
   Under this plan interest on the educational loan to the OBC/EBC students who are studying abroad is subsidized.

   • Eligibility: Has to borrow funds from an IBA networked bank, no particular academic qualification needed.

4. JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education
   The JN Tata Endowment provides loan scholarships for Indian students seeking postgraduate treatment outside the country between INR 1 lakh and INR 10 lakh.

   • Eligibility: Enrollment on merit basis, age below 30 years, to a renowned institution.

   • Fields: Humanities, sciences, engineering…} High-school student.

Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students

Beneath Indian government scholarships, international programs offer great opportunities:

1.Chevening Scholarship (UK)

• Chevening, which is supported by the UK government, assists Indian students who study one year master’s degrees. It includes tuition fee, living cost and airfare.

  • Eligibility: Indian citizen working for two years, acceptance to study at UK university.

2. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)

• Targeting students from Commonwealth countries, this scholarship fulfills master’s and PhD studies in the UK.

  • Eligibility: 60% in qualifying exams, under 40 years.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (Europe).

• This program, funded by the EU, contributes to Indian learners to study at least in two European countries. (Tuition, tuition, transportation, and living expenses).

  • Eligibility: Indian national not living in Europe for more than a year in the past five years.

4. Tata Scholarship in Cornell University (USA)

• A scholarship based on needs, for Indian Undergraduates, which supports up to 20 such students annually, this scholarship covers tuition for eight semesters.

How to Get a Study Abroad Scholarship from India

It takes a strategic plan to get study abroad scholarships from India;

1. Research Early: Begin researching to get scholarships 12-18 months prior to your study period. Platforms such as WeMakeScholars, IDP or Campus France would be good sources of finding options.

2. Check Eligibility: Make sure you fit academic, age and financial parameters. For instance, NOS needs 60% marks and a family income less than INR 8 lakh.

3. Prepare Documents: Common requirements include:

   • Academic transcripts

   • Letter of admission from a foreign university, Letter of admission from foreign university

   • Statement of Purpose (SOP)

   • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

   • evidence of financial need (i.e., income certificate)<|response|>Document of financial need (i.e, income certificate)

   • Proficiency in the English language in the form of scores from England’s English efficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)) tests.

4. Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Raise your odds by applying to a number of programs. For example, join the government scholarships such as NOS with university awards.

5. Meet Deadlines: The scholar deadlines are different (NOS in April, Fulbright-Nehru in May). Map them with a calendar or app.

6. Prepare for Interviews: Below some scholarships, that is, Chevening require interviews. Break the practice down of speaking out your goals and accomplishments.

Data on Study Abroad Scholarships Success Rates

Scholarship	Annual Awards	Applicants (Approx.)	Success Rate
National Overseas Scholarship	125	5,000	~2.5%
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s	50-60	2,000	~2.5-3%
Chevening Scholarship	30-40 (India)	1,500	~2-2.7%
Commonwealth Scholarship	20-25 (India)	1,000	~2-2.5%

Note: Success rates are estimates based on available data and vary yearly.

Study Abroad Scholarships for Undergraduate Programs

Scholarships to study abroad for undergraduate programs are less common but available. Examples include:

• Tata Scholarship at Cornell University: Need-based supporting Indian students tuition for up to eight semesters.

• Indian Students (HEST) 2025 Higher Education Scholarship Test: Provides partial funding for undergraduate students in the USA, UK, and Canada.

• Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program – YES: To attend the USA for one year for high school students.

Many undergraduate scholarships specify a 12th grade academic record in a perfect form of 80%+, extracurricular accomplishments, and test results (SAT / ACT).

Study Abroad Scholarship for Master’s Programs

International scholarship for studying locally in master’s programs is much more common for many programs aimed at postgraduate students. Key options include:

• Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship: To cover for US master’s programs tuition and living expenses.

• GREAT Scholarships: For students with UK master’s in STEM or similar, funding £10,000 for tuition.

• France Excellence Charpak Master Scholarship: For master’s studies in France to pay €1,181 monthly.

Professional experience and academic excellence (more than 55% in undergraduate degrees) are favored by master’s scholarships.

Challenges and Tips for Securing Study Abroad Scholarships

Getting study abroad scholarships can be a competitive process. Common challenges include:

• High Competition: The Fulbright-Nehru and NOS are faced with thousands of applications for only meager spots.

• Complex Applications: Such requirements such as SOPs and LORs require time and effort.

• Eligibility Barriers: Cutoffs (e.g., decent figure for income, age limits) are sometimes a problem for some applicants.

Tips to Overcome Study Abroad Scholarships Challenges

• Tailor Applications: SOP is personalized to show an alignment between the scholarship and your goals.

• Seek Guidance: Contact IDP or Edvoy counselors for study abroad for application assistance.

• Showcase Achievements: Emphasize academic, extra and professional activity.

• Apply Early: The earlier applications are likely to be more successful.

Conclusion

Study Abroad Scholarships make dreams of international education come true. There are plenty of opportunities when it comes down to Indian government scholarships to study abroad (such as National Overseas scholarship) to international programs (like Chevening and Fulbright Nehru). Through your early research and application, meeting eligibility requirements, you will qualify yourself for funding for an undergraduate or master’s program. Make a start today—the scholarship journey, strategic application, and that first step towards international learning.

Study Abroad Scholarships FAQs

1. What are the top Indian government scholarships to pursue an education overseas?

Choosing from top options, there are the National Overseas Scholarship, Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship, JN Tata Endowment, and Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy.

2. Study Abroad Scholarship after 12th. How to get it?

Students may apply for research undergraduate scholarships such as Tata scholarship or HEST 2025, drill for entry exams (SAT, IELTS) and submit the application, accompanied with academic records, and SOPs.

3. Do scholarships for Indian-base students have full funding?

True, such scholarships as Fulbright-Nehru, Chevening, or Erasmus Mundus do that, they provide fully funded scholarships with covered tuition, living expenses and all travel.

4. Is it possible to apply for several scholarships to study abroad?

Yes, you may apply for several scholarships, but ensure that the program’s terms apply for all.

5. What kind of documents are needed for scholarship applications?

Some of the common documents provided include; academic transfer service, admission letters,SOPs, LORs, income certificates, and scores (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE).