Studying abroad can be expensive, but Indian students can reduce their education costs through university scholarships, government-funded awards, fellowships, grants and external scholarships. Some scholarships cover part of the tuition fee, while a smaller number can provide funding toward tuition, living expenses, travel or other costs.
The key is to find scholarships that match your country, university, course, academic profile and eligibility.
What Are Study Abroad Scholarships?
Study abroad scholarships are financial awards provided by universities, governments, foundations or other organizations to help students pay for international education.
Depending on the scholarship, funding may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Accommodation
- Travel
- Health insurance
- Research or study-related expenses
Not every scholarship is fully funded. Always check exactly what the award covers and what expenses remain your responsibility.
Types of Scholarships for Indian Students
1. University Scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students.
They may be based on:
- Academic performance
- Leadership
- Course or subject
- Extracurricular achievements
- Financial need
- Professional experience
Check the university’s official website for current eligibility and deadlines.
2. Government Scholarships
Some governments provide scholarships to international students.
Examples include:
- Chevening Scholarships – UK
- GREAT Scholarships – UK
- Australia Awards Scholarships – Australia, for eligible participating countries
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters – Europe
Eligibility varies significantly. A scholarship being available to “international students” does not automatically mean Indian students are eligible.
3. Research Scholarships and Fellowships
Students applying for research-based postgraduate programmes may find additional funding through:
- Research scholarships
- Fellowships
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
- University funding
These opportunities are particularly relevant to master’s-by-research and doctoral applicants.
4. Indian Scholarships and Foundations
Students should also research funding available through Indian organisations and foundations.
For example, the Inlaks Scholarship supports eligible Indian graduates pursuing postgraduate study at selected overseas institutions, subject to its current criteria.
Popular Scholarship Options to Research
| Scholarship | Destination | Important Point |
|---|---|---|
| GREAT Scholarships | UK | £10,000 toward tuition for eligible 2026–27 one-year taught postgraduate programmes |
| Chevening | UK | Fully funded master’s scholarship with specific eligibility requirements |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Europe | Scholarships available for selected joint master’s programmes |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Available only to citizens of participating countries |
| DAAD Scholarships | Germany | Multiple programmes with different eligibility criteria |
| University Scholarships | Various | Eligibility and funding vary by institution |
Always verify the current scholarship information on the official website before applying.
How to Find Scholarships to Study Abroad
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Shortlist Your Universities
Decide your:
- Country
- Course
- Degree level
- Intake
- Preferred universities
Step 2: Check University Funding
Visit each university’s official scholarship or funding page.
Look for:
- International student scholarships
- Merit scholarships
- Course-specific awards
- Faculty scholarships
- Need-based financial aid
Step 3: Search Official Government Sources
Use official scholarship portals rather than relying only on third-party websites.
Useful sources include:
- Study UK
- Chevening
- EducationUSA
- EduCanada
- Australian Government
- Erasmus+
- DAAD
Step 4: Check Indian Funding
Research Indian foundations, trusts, education organisations and other legitimate funding opportunities.
Step 5: Track Deadlines
Create a simple spreadsheet containing:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Deadline | Documents | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarship 1 | Eligible | £X | Date | SOP, CV | Applying |
| Scholarship 2 | Eligible | $X | Date | SOP, References | Researching |
This helps prevent missed deadlines.
What Documents Do You Need?
Depending on the scholarship, you may need:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Scholarship essay
- Recommendation letters
- Passport
- English-language test results, where required
- Research proposal, where applicable
- Proof of work experience, where required
- Financial documents for need-based funding
Requirements differ between scholarships, so don’t assume the same documents will work everywhere.
How to Improve Your Scholarship Chances
A strong scholarship application should clearly explain:
Your background → Your achievements → Your goals → Why this course → Why this scholarship → Your future plans
Avoid making unsupported claims such as “I am the perfect candidate.”
Instead, provide specific evidence of academic achievements, leadership, projects, work experience or community involvement where relevant.
Most importantly, don’t apply only for one highly competitive scholarship. Build a broader funding strategy that includes university scholarships, government scholarships and external funding.
Can Students Get Fully Funded Scholarships?
Yes, but they are highly competitive and eligibility varies.
A fully funded scholarship may cover several major expenses, but the exact benefits depend on the programme.
Never assume that “fully funded” means every expense will be paid. Read the official funding terms carefully.
When Should You Apply?
Start researching scholarships well before your intended intake.
A practical approach is:
12–18 months before intake:
Research universities and scholarships.
9–12 months before intake:
Prepare your CV, essays, recommendations and other documents.
6–9 months before intake:
Submit applications according to individual deadlines.
However, there is no universal deadline. Some scholarships close much earlier than others.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying Without Checking Eligibility
Check nationality, academic, course, university and work-experience requirements first.
Looking Only for Fully Funded Scholarships
Partial scholarships can still significantly reduce your overall cost.
Applying Too Late
Some scholarship deadlines can fall months before the course begins.
Using One Generic Essay
Your application should address the specific scholarship and its objectives.
Ignoring University Scholarships
University funding can sometimes be easier to access than highly competitive government scholarships.
Assuming a Scholarship Covers Everything
Calculate your remaining cost after the scholarship, including living expenses and other required costs.
Final Takeaway
There is no single scholarship that is best for every Indian student.
The most effective approach is to:
- Choose the right course and university.
- Check university-specific scholarships.
- Research government-funded opportunities.
- Explore Indian foundations and external funding.
- Track deadlines carefully.
- Apply only where you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Keep a backup financial plan.
Planning to study abroad? Speak with ED4WO Study Abroad Consultancy for guidance on choosing the right country, university, course and application pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian students get scholarships to study abroad?
Yes. Indian students can apply for eligible university, government, foundation and external scholarships. Eligibility varies by programme.
Can I get a fully funded scholarship?
Yes, some programmes offer substantial or fully funded awards, but they are competitive and have specific eligibility requirements.
Can I get a scholarship with average marks?
Possibly. Some scholarships consider factors beyond academic results, including leadership, professional experience, research and extracurricular achievements.
Can I get a scholarship without work experience?
Yes. Some scholarships do not require work experience, while others do. Always check the specific eligibility criteria.
When should I start looking for scholarships?
Ideally, start researching 12–18 months before your intended intake, while checking individual deadlines carefully.
Where can I find genuine scholarships?
Start with official university and government websites. Useful sources include Study UK, Chevening, EducationUSA, EduCanada, Erasmus+ and DAAD.