Last Updated on July 2, 2025
In recent times, there has been a surge in Indian students going abroad to foreign locales to study. As students get better exposure online, they are getting information that was earlier unavailable. Moreover, the unavailability of several specializations and courses are forcing Indian students to look for options abroad. The mindset of parents is also changing, as parents are more open to explore and allow their children to do so. And with rising double-income families, covering educational costs is not a hindrance. However, the currency exchange rate is quite high, which can cross many student’s financial boundaries. Scholarships for Indian students abroad come to the rescue here.
When it comes to choices to study abroad, the US, the UK, and Canada are among the top ones. However, the cost of pursuing education in these countries can be quite high. Additionally, visa and immigration rules, real estate crisis and political turmoil has forced students to look for courses in other countries. Now, most Indian students are aspiring to go to destinations like Germany, France, Netherlands, Singapore, Japan, Ireland, and South Korea. Tuition, living costs, political situations and policies for international students abroad are driving this change in mindset. Most of the countries are providing merit-based financial aid to students from India, as well.
So, in this blog, we will cover why scholarships assume so much importance today, and what the options are.
Importance of Scholarships Indian Students Abroad
The importance of scholarships for Indian students abroad cannot be undermined. It not only helps one to cover tuition costs and miscellaneous costs of university, but also covers accommodation and travel costs in some cases. Let us delve into the detailed reasons.
Today, foreign scholarships for Indian students have become necessary, as the currency exchange rates are very high abroad. So, scholarships act as a bridge allowing students from India to study on foreign shores.
All the fully funded scholarships for Indians help them cover accommodation costs, at nominal rates. It also gives access to international infrastructure and research opportunities which are few in India.
They not just provide financial aid, but also recognize merit and talent, providing the aid to the best. When a student from India gets an international scholarship, you can be sure that this student is brilliant. Such students have a competitive edge wherever they go.
They can shape the career of the students along with their lives. For students in India, getting a fully-funded scholarship abroad is a dream come true.
Types of International Scholarships For Indian Students
Most renowned scholarships for Indian students abroad cover tuition fees, accommodation costs, travel costs, medical and much more. There are many types of scholarships that Indian students can apply for.
- Merit-based Scholarships
These are disbursed depending on the student’s academic records, talents and abilities. Extra-curricular participation is also included, while determining the candidature for these.
- Need-based Scholarships
These types of scholarships are reserved for Indian students who come from economically backward societies. You have to demonstrate a low family income, to get these. But in most cases, these also have a second criteria, which includes merit.
- University-based Scholarships
While exploring your options, you will also come across scholarships for Indian students abroad that are based on the institution. And the criteria are mostly academic merit, age limit, level of education, nationality and course.
- Government Scholarships
These are offered by the government, to maintain international relations with the government of your country. However, there will be a second criteria, like academic excellence, which you have to prove through your transcripts.
- Program-based Scholarships
Certain universities and colleges give certain scholarships or grants for certain courses. If the subject is a high-need one, where there is shortage of workers in that country, the scholarship amount is also attractive. Example – STEM courses.
- Student-based Scholarships
These funds are granted or rather reserved for Indian students of a specific gender, ethnicity, or with a medical history. Minority scholarships are very common here.
- Country-Specific Scholarships
As evident from the name, these grants and funds are reserved for one particular country. However, there will be a second criteria, which is of course educational background and excellence.
Top Countries And Scholarships For Indian Students
| Countries | Top Scholarships |
| USA | Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships |
| UK | Chevening Scholarship Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship, GREAT Scholarship |
| Canada | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, IDRC Research AwardsOntario Graduate Scholarships |
| Australia | Australian Government Research and Training Program Destination Australia scholarship, John Allwright Fellowship |
| France | French Excellence Charpak Scholarships, Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Legrand Empowering Scholarship |
| Germany | DAAD Scholarships, ERASMUS Scholarships, Heinrich Böll Scholarships |
| Japan | MEXT Scholarships, APU MEXT UR Scholarship, Kyoto University ADB Scholarship |
| New Zealand | Fulbright New Zealand General Graduate Awards, Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarships |
| Singapore | ASEAN Scholarship, NUS Global Merit Scholarship, INSEAD Scholarship |
| Ireland | Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, Irish Research Council Scholarships, The Walsh Fellowship |
General Eligibility Criteria For Scholarships Abroad
While searching for the best scholarships for Indian students abroad, you have to keep a track of the general eligibility criteria. You will know more about them underneath.
- Academic excellence in School (70% marks and above throughout)
- If you are going for post-graduate degrees, you need to be a graduate with a CGPA of 3.0/4.0
- Academic or volunteering experience at school and college
- Professional references, if you have work experience
- SAT or ACT scores
- GRE and GMAT scores
- English Language Proficiency – IELTS, TOEFL, PTE.
- Updated Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendations
- Educational Transcripts
- Admission essays
How To Get Scholarships Indian Students Abroad?
While exploring various scholarships fo Indian students abroad, you have to keep a few essential steps in mind.
This is the first step, and if you falter here, you will never get what you aim for. The first thought that should cross your mind, is what you want to do in the future. Your career roadmap must be clear in your mind. Next, you must find out what you love to study and want to work on. Additionally, you can also take aptitude tests, after consulting study abroad consultants, to find the right choice.
This is a great option today, as the renowned study abroad consultants have complete know-how of the study abroad process. Your task will be much easier, if you consult the advisors. They can help you in finding the right scholarship for you.
You can research on your own, and there is no alternative to being better-informed. You can explore your scholarship options, based on location, courses, subject, and student demographic.
Once you have ascertained your aptitude for a particular course or subject, and after you have shortlisted the university, you must polish your resume. Make sure to highlight all your accomplishments. Always add cover letters, while applying for scholarships.
Your application for scholarships must be accompanied by a personal essay and references from your institution or workplace. It gives more weightage.
Whether it is the university application or the scholarship application, you must keep track of dates to avoid missing opportunities and losing a year.
- Apply For Multiple Scholarships
There are hundreds of scholarships for Indian students, aspiring to study abroad. So, you must apply for multiple scholarships, to increase your chances of landing one.
Take out time for your career and do the above. Additionally, you can also work closely with a study abroad consultant in Delhi.
How Admissify Can Help
Still confused? You must consider connecting with Admissify. The most experienced and globally-educated counsellors are waiting to advise you. Get the complete roadmap in front of your eyes, through their well-curated presentations. You will get assistance at every step of the admission application and scholarship application process. From selecting the right course, to applying for scholarships for Indian students abroad, Admissify will help you at every step. You will also get a thorough briefing on life in the faraway destinations. Get connected to their alumni support and get real-time information, so that life is easy thereafter.
Conclusion
The journey to get a scholarship for Indian students may not be easy, but nonetheless you must persist. When you are better informed about the processes in the study abroad sector, your chances of landing scholarships for Indian students abroad also increases. Detailed research can help you a lot, however in some cases, the data available online may lead to ambiguity. In such cases, you need to get counselled by educational advisors. This is where Admissify comes in. You can book a free counselling session with them right now!
FAQs
- Can I apply for multiple scholarships abroad?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships. There is no restriction on the number of scholarships you can apply for.
- What is the eligibility to study abroad for Indian students?
The general requirements are completion of grade 12 from a recognized board, demonstration of English language proficiency, and proof of funds to support your education there. Some universities also require specific grades. However, you have to research each one, to get the right information.
- How many personal references are required for the study abroad application?
You need to furnish at least two.
- Should I include volunteer experience and community service in my application?
Yes, it proves that you are committed and want to create a positive impact.
- What are the top universities for study abroad?
The top ones are Harvard University, University of Toronto, Oxford University, ETH Zurich, The University of Tokyo, and The National University of Singapore.
Abhrajita Mondal, is a Content Writer who has dabbled in numerous genres including education since the last five years, and has a deep interest in Holistic Wellness & Lifestyle practices. She is an Ex-HR with over 10 years of corporate experience. For a voracious reader and consumer of information, which finds a way of expression through writing, she does that with elan. Abhrajita loves to travel and is a complete foodie. She has a thirst for the unknown, and loves to read esoteric books.
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