Scholarships for Indian Students in Humanities and Social Sciences (2025)
Students pursuing degrees in humanities and social sciences often face limited financial aid options compared to STEM fields. However, many reputed institutions and foundations now offer scholarships specifically for Indian students in disciplines like history, sociology, literature, law, political science, psychology, and economics.
Here is a list of the top scholarships in 2025 for Indian students studying humanities and social sciences, both in India and abroad.
1. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships
- Eligibility: Indian students under 30 pursuing postgraduate studies abroad
- Fields: Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Law
- Amount: Up to USD 100,000 covering tuition, living costs, and travel
- Apply at: inlaksfoundation.org
2. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarships
- Eligibility: Indian graduates accepted for higher studies abroad
- Fields: All, including social sciences and arts
- Amount: ₹1 to ₹10 lakh as low-interest loan
- Apply at: jntataendowment.org
3. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Eligibility: Indian graduates with at least 3 years of work experience
- Fields: Public administration, social work, economics, journalism, etc.
- Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, travel, and insurance
- Apply at: usief.org.in
4. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Offered by: UK Government
- Eligibility: Indian graduates with leadership potential
- Fields: Law, public policy, international relations, and social sciences
- Benefits: Full funding for one-year master’s program in the UK
- Apply at: chevening.org
5. Young India Fellowship (Ashoka University)
- Eligibility: Indian graduates from any discipline
- Program: 1-year multidisciplinary postgrad diploma in Liberal Studies
- Benefits: Merit-based financial aid and full/partial scholarships
- Apply at: ashoka.edu.in
6. Azim Premji University Scholarships
- Eligibility: Students pursuing PG degrees in development, economics, education, law
- Benefits: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver based on income
- Apply at: azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in
7. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- Eligibility: Indian students from low-income backgrounds
- Fields: Development studies, public health, social policy
- Benefits: Tuition, airfare, living costs at UK universities
- Apply at: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
8. Tata Trusts Scholarship for Social Science Students
- Eligibility: Postgraduate students in sociology, economics, development studies, etc.
- Benefits: Tuition support and project funding
- Apply at: tatatrusts.org
9. Campus France Charpak Master’s Scholarship
- Eligibility: Indian students applying for master’s programs in France
- Fields: Social sciences, law, arts, international relations
- Benefits: Tuition waiver, living stipend, student visa fee waiver
- Apply at: inde.campusfrance.org
10. Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford University)
- Eligibility: Indian students with excellent academic and leadership records
- Fields: Law, history, politics, economics, and more
- Benefits: Full tuition + living stipend at Oxford
- Apply at: rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
Tips for Applicants
- Maintain strong academic performance and writing skills
- Craft a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Apply before deadlines and keep all documents ready
- Highlight leadership, social involvement, and critical thinking
Conclusion
Humanities and social sciences are crucial for shaping societies and policy. These scholarships in 2025 offer financial support and global exposure to Indian students in these fields. Apply smartly, meet the criteria, and pursue your passion in education without financial worry.