15 Best Scholarships to Study Abroad in 2024



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…

Also, if you are looking to study abroad, and would like a comprehensive guide on the best study abroad consultants in India, here’s a superb resource you’d want to bookmark!


Which countries offer fully funded scholarships for Indian Students?


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.

How to get a scholarship to study abroad for Indian students


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.

What are the best Scholarships for Indian Students?


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 Global Citizens Scholarship

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 13 lakh 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
  • UK universities
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 are a type of financial assistance offered by various colleges and universities across the United Kingdom. The exact scope and eligibility of these types of scholarships vary from university to university. It can be a merit or a need-based scholarship.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • Candidates who have been offered to study for either undergraduate or postgraduate courses
Covered Expenses
  • College tuition ranging from £3,000 to £7,000 for one year
Field of Study
  • Undergraduate courses
  • Postgraduate courses
  • Integrated master’s programs
Time of Application
  • February every year
Scholarships
  • Varies with universities
Applicable to
  • Newcastle University, UK
  • Cardiff University
  • Queen’s University Belfast, Ireland
  • Aston University
  • Teesside University
  • Bangor University
  • UWE Bristol and many more
Link Can be accessed through individual university websites.

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
  • September every year
Scholarships
  • 5 scholarships for Indian students
Applicable to
  • Oxford University, UK
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
  • January every year
Scholarships
  • ~ 40 students per year
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
  • Fluency in English
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 postgraduate studies 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

  • Full course fees
  • 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
  • September every year
Scholarships
  • 20 scholarships per year
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
  • Tuition fee
  • Economy air ticket
  • Books
  • Living expense
Field of Study
  • Arts and Culture
  • Environmental Science
  • International Legal Studies
  • Public Health
  • Gender Studies
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Public Administration
Time of Application
  • June every year
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
  • March every year
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
  • Undergraduate course
Time of Application
  • November every year for courses starting next year
Scholarships
  • N.A
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

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • Candidates from specific Indian universities
  • A recent graduate from the target institution
Covered Expenses
  • Tuition
  • Living expenses
  • Return Air ticket
  • Establishment Allowance
  • Other expenses
Field of Study
  • Undergraduate course
  • Postgraduate course
Time of Application
  • February every year
Scholarships
  • N.A
Applicable to International students studying in Australia
Link https://admission.buddy4study.com/study-abroad/australian-scholarships#University_of_Sydney_International_Research_Scholarship_USydIS

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
  • N.A
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
  • October every year
Scholarships
  • N.A
Applicable to Study in Melbourne University
Link https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au

4. Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship

University of Adelaide is granting 15 – 30% reduction in international tuition fees for students who can prove academic merit in their previous studies.

Scholarship Details
Eligibility Criteria
  • International students who have applied at the Adelaide University
  • English Proficiency test cleared
  • Candidate should not have prior research qualification
  • GPA should range between 5.5 and 6.5 on a 7.0 scale.
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
  • N.A
Applicable to Studying at Melbourne University
Link https://international.adelaide.edu.au/admissions/scholarships

A few more scholarships to consider

Besides these top scholarship options, here are a few more to consider. These types of scholarships have a separate application process but can be considered for multiple countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Some of them are full scholarships while some offer partial financial assistance to Indian students at both the bachelor’s and master’s level.

  • Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
  • Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship
  • Inlaks Scholarships
  • JN Tata Endowment Scholarship
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • National Overseas Scholarships (by the Government of India)

Let’s get you into top courses with no stress


While becoming an international student is very thrilling, the prep and paperwork of it all can get overwhelming. In addition to choosing your university, the courses and your place of stay, you will also have to find the right scholarships and apply for them, much before the deadline. The easiest way to reduce your stress is to sign up with TC Global.

We simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.

Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to applications, visas and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member.

Let’s shape your future together.

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