Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad (2025 Edition)

Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the cost of tuition, travel, and living expenses can be a major hurdle. Thankfully, several international governments, universities, and Indian agencies offer fully or partially funded scholarships to help students pursue higher education overseas.

Here are the top scholarships for Indian students to study abroad in 2025, including eligibility, benefits, and application links.

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships (USA)

• Offered by: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
• Eligibility: Indian graduates with 3 years of work experience
• Benefits: Full tuition, living allowance, airfare, health insurance
• Apply at: usief.org.in

2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

• Offered by: UK Government
• Eligibility: Indian citizens with 2 years of work experience
• Benefits: Full tuition, travel costs, monthly stipend
• Courses: One-year master’s programs in the UK
• Apply at: chevening.org

3. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

• Eligibility: Indian students applying for master’s or Ph.D. in the UK
• Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, and living allowance
• Apply via: Ministry of Education, India + Commonwealth portal
• Link: education.gov.in

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (Europe)

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with good academic record
• Benefits: Tuition, travel, and living costs for 1–2 years
• Study in: Multiple European countries
• Apply at: eacea.ec.europa.eu

5. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

• Offered by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• Eligibility: Indian graduates applying for master’s/PhD in Germany
• Benefits: Monthly stipend, travel allowance, insurance
• Apply at: daad.in

6. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

• Eligibility: Indian students below 30 years applying to US/UK/Europe
• Fields: Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts
• Amount: Up to USD 100,000 (tuition + living expenses)
• Apply at: inlaksfoundation.org

7. Australia Awards Scholarships

• Offered by: Australian Government
• Eligibility: Students from developing countries including India
• Benefits: Full fees, airfare, establishment allowance, health cover
• Apply at: dfat.gov.au

8. Charpak Scholarship (France)

• Offered by: Embassy of France in India
• Eligibility: Indian students applying for master’s in France
• Benefits: Tuition waiver, visa, health cover, monthly stipend
• Apply at: inde.campusfrance.org

9. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (Canada)

• Eligibility: Students enrolled in graduate programs in Ontario universities
• Amount: CAD 15,000/year
• Selection: Based on academic merit

10. New Zealand Excellence Awards

• Eligibility: Indian students pursuing UG/PG degrees in New Zealand
• Fields: Engineering, Management, IT, etc.
• Amount: NZD 10,000–20,000
• Apply via: studywithnewzealand.govt.nz

Tips to Apply for International Scholarships

• Start your search and applications at least 6–12 months before your course begins
• Maintain a strong academic record and a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Prepare for language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE if required
• Keep all documents ready: mark sheets, income proof, passport, recommendation letters
• Apply through official websites only

Conclusion

With the right scholarship, studying abroad is not only possible — it’s achievable. Whether you aim to study in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, or Canada, these scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden. Explore your options early, apply strategically, and turn your dream of international education into reality in 2025.