Scholarship for Abroad Studies by Indian Government: Types, Eligibility, Tips & More!

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Popular Study Destinations for Abroad Study

A large number of Indians go to countries such as the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia and Germany. One of the main reasons Indians opt for these universities is because several top universities offer programs that Indian students would be interested in, including engineering, medical degrees, MBAs, etc. Secondly, these countries have a considerable Indian diaspora. These countries have a well-established network of Indian-origin persons that contribute to a new student’s familiarisation. Lastly, language barriers and cost of living are better known and indexed than the Nordic countries. Let’s look at some scholarships for abroad studies by the Indian government!

Indian Government Scholarship for Abroad Studies

The Indian Government is very keen on sending students overseas! This is beneficial for the students and the government since the Indian resource pool gains foreign skills and knowledge! We’ll look at some scholarships for abroad studies by the Indian government and those merely initiated by the government with the aid of international organisations. Here are a few examples of a government scholarship for abroad studies -

1. National Overseas Scholarship

One of the most popular scholarships for abroad studies by the Indian government is the National Overseas Scholarship. Powered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the scholarship for SC students to study abroad is targeted at lower-income households and members of the Scheduled Castes, De-notified Nomadic/Semi-Nomadic Tribes, etc, for their Master and PhD courses. The national overseas scholarship eligibility includes an age limit of 35 years and an income ceiling of INR 8 lakh per annum. You can visit their website for further information on the National Overseas Scholarship Eligibility criteria!

1. The Fulbright-Nehru fellowship

The Fulbright-Nehru fellowships are prestigious awards provided by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) under the Fulbright Program, aiming to strengthen educational and cultural ties between India and the United States. Open to Indian citizens with a strong academic and professional background, the overseas graduate scholarship/fellowship offers opportunities in various categories such as research, professional development, and teaching. Applicants undergo a competitive selection process based on their academic and professional merit, submitting detailed proposals and supporting documents. The duration of the fellowships varies, providing funding to cover travel, living expenses, and associated costs. It provides for J-1 USA student visa support, round trip flight fares, tuition fees to an extent, and even living expenses for the student.

1. Dr Ambedkar Scheme of Internet subsidy on educational loans for overseas studies 

This abroad scholarship for Indian students by the Indian government was introduced for students from other backward classes (OBC) or economically backward classes (EBC) who want to pursue higher education. The scholarship is keen on uplifting the sections of society that may need more active opportunities to pursue their goals.

However, a significant chunk of general support for non-oppressed sections of society comes from the Universities and foreign governments. So let’s pay heed to those as well.

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Aims to provide financial support to meritorious students from minority communities, SCs, OBCs, and economically weaker sections for pursuing higher education abroad.

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Specifically targeted towards students from Scheduled Caste (SC).<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Targets students from minority communities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections.

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Subsidy on the interest of educational loans taken by SC students for overseas studies, with a maximum limit.<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Full financial support covering tuition fees, airfare, maintenance allowance, and other permissible expenses.

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Students should have availed educational loans from scheduled banks under the Model Education Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Not applicable; NOS provides direct financial assistance without a loan component.

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Application through the Dr Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Application through the Ministry of Minority Affairs for eligible communities.

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Based on the interest subsidy scheme’s guidelines and criteria set by the Dr Ambedkar Foundation.<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Merit-based selection considering academic performance and family income.

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Limited to the repayment period of the educational loan or a maximum of 10 years, whichever is earlier.<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Support covers the entire course duration, typically up to four years or the completion of the course, whichever is earlier.

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Primarily focuses on subsidising the interest on educational loans, helping students repay their loans more affordably.<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Comprehensive coverage includes tuition fees, airfare, maintenance allowance, and other permissible expenses.

<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Dr Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.<td style=“background-color:

fff;">Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Basis	Dr Ambedkar Scheme of Internet Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies	National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
Objective	fff;">Provides financial assistance to students from Scheduled Caste (SC) to pursue higher education abroad by subsidising the interest on educational loans.
Beneficiaries
Financial Assistance
Loan Eligibility Criteria
Application Process
Selection Criteria
Duration of Support
Coverage of Expenses
Implementation Authority

Partial and Full Scholarships to Study Abroad by Universities and Institutions Abroad

If you have a dream university in mind, it might help to note whether they offer the opportunity to study abroad with a scholarship for Indian students, specifically. There are, of course, regular merit-based scholarships like Rhodes that offer full scholarships to study abroad in the UK for international students. But, if you have a target university, it will help to streamline your application to cater to their requirements! Here are some universities across the globe that offer scholarships for Indian students. Make sure to take a detailed look at their processes before you settle on applying.

To Study in Europe:

Ireland

• UCD Global Graduate Scholarships: This international scholarship for Indian students is for University College Dublin. UCD scholarships are specifically for students who will be charged non-EU rates.

France

• Charpak Scholarships: The Charpak scholarships, offered by the Embassy of France in India, consist of three main categories: Charpak Masters for Master’s degree programs, Charpak Exchange Scholarship (Jan-June) and Charpak Research for doctoral studies or research internships in France. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and medical insurance. Eligibility criteria vary, focusing on academic excellence and, in some cases, proficiency in French. The scholarships aim to support Indian students pursuing higher education in France and may undergo updates, so it’s advisable to check the official websites for the latest information.

Learn more about student visa requirements for France.

The United Kingdom

• University of Lincoln India Scholarship: The University of Lincoln India Scholarship is exclusively available to Indian students, providing 5,000 GBP (INR 516,000 approx.) for tuition fee coverage. Applications for this scholarship are accepted in February or September. It is open to students undertaking a master’s degree at the University of Lincoln full-time across all postgraduate programs. To be eligible for this overseas graduate scholarship, Indian students must have achieved a minimum of 50% in their undergraduate degree. Interested applicants must fill out an International Scholarship Application Form, understanding that the scholarship is non-renewable.

Read more about student visa requirements to the UK.

To Study in Australia:

• The University of Adelaide Ashok Khurana Scholarship for Indian Students: Established by Professor Ashok Khurana, this scholarship for Indian students in Australia aids the education of exceptional Indian students pursuing full-time postgraduate studies at the University. The scholarship provides a stipend of AUD 30,000 (INR 16 lakhs approx.), which can be utilised for airfares, living expenses, and tuition fees and is applicable to specific academic courses at the university, including aerospace, education, clean technology, and more.
• University of Queensland School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences Indian Scholarship: This is another scholarship for Indian students in Australia that will help you pursue a postgraduate degree in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences at the University of Queensland. It covers 25 per cent of your tuition fees and student services!

To Study in the US:

• Chicago Booth School of Business - Ramakrishnan Family Scholarship: The prestigious Chicago Booth School of Business offers this full scholarship for MBA abroad that can pave the way for a stellar career. The Ramakrishnan Family Scholarship program offers tuition assistance to three incoming students from India, with each recipient receiving an annual award of 25,000 USD (INR 20 lakhs approximately). This amounts to a total of 50,000 USD (INR 41 lakhs approximately) for the entire two-year program.
• Cornell University - Tata Scholarship to study abroad: This is another USA scholarship for Indian students aiming to pursue an undergraduate program at Cornell University. This Tata scholarship to study abroad is fairly well-known among students! It is based only on merit and for students in any educational stream. The maximum amount awarded is INR 10 lakh and repayable within 10 years.
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian students: This is another scholarship for MBA abroad applicable for students enrolled in the Stanford Graduate School of Business and is applicable for 2 year programme covering approximately USD 140,000 (INR 1 crore), post which you are required to return to India. The funding is automatically renewed for the second year if the applicant maintains a good academic record. However, the fellow must return to India for at least two years and be employed in the public or private sector as this scholarship for MBA abroad does not turn into a work visa.

Read more about scholarships for Indian students in the USA.

In a Nutshell

The following are international scholarships for Indian students:

• UCD Global Graduate Scholarship
• Charpak Scholarships
• University of Lincoln India Scholarship
• The University of Adelaide Ashok Khurana Scholarship for Indian Students
• University of Queensland School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences Indian Scholarship
• Ramakrishnan Family Scholarship (Chicago Booth School of Business)
• Tata Scholarship (Cornell University)
• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian students

General International Scholarships for Indian Students

While scholarships for abroad studies by the Indian government may be limited, there are several general scholarships Indian students are eligible for. Here are some international student scholarships you may wish to apply for!

1. Rhodes Scholarships

The prestigious Rhodes scholarship is a postgraduate award given to outstanding students, including just five Indian students, to study at Oxford University with the intention of promoting selfless future global leaders. Rhodes offers a range of fields but is very popular as a scholarship for MBBS abroad! Once a student has been selected for the scholarship, the Rhodes Trust will cover the fees to study at the University of Oxford, student visa fee and International Health Surcharge, which will help students access the National Healthcare Scheme in the UK.

The eligibility criteria for the Rhodes scholarship are broad. Check your eligibility for the Rhodes scholarship to know more!

1. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship is an abroad scholarship for Indian students that provides funding for a Master’s and PhD. programme in the UK to students from the Commonwealth nations, of which India is a member.

All Commonwealth Scholarships are offered under six CSC development themes.

1. Science and technology for development
2. Strengthening health systems and capacity
3. Promoting global prosperity
4. Strengthening global peace, security and governance
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
6. Access, inclusion and opportunity

There is no restriction on what you can study, but the CSC prioritises applicants whose studies are most relevant to their development criteria.

1. Chevening Scholarships

Offered by the Government of the UK for exceptional international students, this international scholarship for Indian students requires the programme to be a one-year postgraduate degree at any UK university in the subject of the student’s choice. The eligibility criteria for the Chevening scholarships are:

• A citizen of a Chevening-eligible country or territory.
• Return to your country of citizenship for a minimum of two years.
• Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry into a postgraduate programme at a UK university by the time you submit your application.
• Have at least two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience.
• Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and have received an unconditional offer from one of these choices.

1. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Offered to deserving students for studying in European and American universities. It includes university courses and special programs. The maximum funding given by the scholarship is USD 100,000 (INR 83 lakh approx.). Students applying to certain colleges can benefit from additional funding, which may exceed USD 100,000

• Imperial College, London,
• The Royal College of Art (RCA), London,
• The University of Cambridge (Cambridge Trust),
• Sciences Po, Paris
• King’s College London

1. Erasmus Mundus

The Erasmus Mundus is a highly popular scholarship program for Indian students in the UK for higher education opportunities by partnering with joint programmes of postgraduate courses. The EU provides funding for these programmes and offers competitive scholarships for a duration of 6 academic years, covering at least 4 editions of the master’s programme. EU scholarships for individuals are €1,400 (approximately INR 1.2 lakh) per month (max. 24 months)

1. Felix Scholarship

Felix is slightly set apart because it is meant to aid deserving underprivileged Indian students and students from other developing countries to pursue a postgraduate degree in selected UK universities. This scholarship is specifically created for academically gifted, underprivileged students with a first-class Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in India.

Applicants must remember that the application can be made to only one institution. For candidates applying to Oxford, there is no separate application process. Learn more about the Felix scholarship in the University of Oxford.

1. Australian Embassy Fully Funded Scholarships

This is a scholarship for Indian students in Australia. The Embassy itself offers scholarships for undergraduate, masters, PhD and MBA courses through the list of Australian universities provided on their site. Students are eligible for up to AUD 15,000 (approximately INR 8 lakh).

1. Orange Tulip Scholarship of the Netherlands

This is another scholarship for Indian students in Europe. Students can select Dutch universities for their bachelor’s or master’s degree. The eligibility criteria is:

• Indian nationals not currently employed or studying in the Netherlands.
• Currently applying or already enrolled in one of the premier universities in the Netherlands Orange Tulip Scholarship participants.
• Should Not be a part of any other scholarships in the Netherlands.

1. [University of Minnesota International Scholarships](http://admissions.tc.umn.edu/costsaid/schol_campus.html

international) 

This is a USA scholarship for Indian students. The university offers a Global Excellence Scholarship and the [

YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship](https://passport.umn.edu/undergrad/costs/yawh-scholarship), a renewable scholarship which offers $15,000 (INR 12 lakhs approx.) per year.

1. University of Oregon International Scholarships

This overseas graduate scholarship is aimed at international students from around the world. Grades in academic coursework, SAT scores, and English proficiency scores are some of the scores that are required when applying.

1. Harvard Medical School Scholarships

Another popular MBBS scholarship for Indian students to look up is the Harvard Medical School scholarship. Harvard is a well-known name worldwide and offers high-quality education and networking opportunities.

A fully-funded HMS scholarship covers both tuition and mandatory fees. Scholarship eligibility is determined by subtracting the institutional expected family contribution from tuition and mandatory fees.

Eligibility for institutional scholarship funding is limited to eight semesters of full tuition charges.

Read more about the top universities in the USA for Indian students!

In a Nutshell

The following are general scholarships Indian students can apply for to study abroad:

• Rhodes Scholarship

• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship

• Chevening Scholarship

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

• Erasmus Mundus

• Felix Scholarship

• Australian Embassy Fully Funded Scholarship

• Orange Tulip Scholarship of the Netherlands

• University of Minnesota International Scholarship

• University of Oregon International Scholarship

• Harvard Medical School Scholarships

Checkboxes: Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for Abroad Studies by the Indian Government

Make sure to look out for the following details when you decide to pick from the partly and fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad.

• Degree: Is it a scholarship to allow you to pursue an undergraduate/ post-graduate degree or for  PhD or research opportunities? Be mindful of the degree of opportunity you’re applying for, as there may be duration and funding.
• Performance: Your academic performance, extra-curricular activity range, and sometimes your work experience will all play a role in determining your applicability.
• Merit or need: Some abroad scholarships for Indian students are merit-based. This means that you don’t have to fall within an income bracket to be eligible to apply. The other kind is the need-based scholarship. Most of the government-funded scholarships are need-based and cater to students within a lower-income or scheduled caste/ tribe section.
• Age: Several part and full scholarships to study abroad have an age limit. A lot of scholarships have an upper age limit ranging from 30 to 35 years of age.
• Citizenship criteria: You must hold Indian citizenship to apply for the scholarships targeted at Indian students, especially Indian government scholarships for abroad studies. But do look at the scope of the ‘international’ tag when it comes to the scholarships offered to international students since several scholarships may be the result of tie-ups between national institutions and specific regions/ countries.
• Visa application requirements: While applying for international scholarships for Indian students, it is necessary to look at the visa requirements as they may differ, depending on country, nationality and even course. Student visas, their duration, and whether you can stay back to work after graduation or not are some points to consider.
• Field of study: Some partly or fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, like the Fullbright-Nehru fellowship, etc., do limit which field of study you can pursue. There are specific scholarships for science and tech-related fields as well.

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Tips to Apply for International Scholarships for Indian Students

Preparing for a scholarship can be a daunting task. But here are a few points to keep in mind that will help you stay a step ahead. A key aspect of this is to start preparing in advance. The scholarship application may be demanding and have time-consuming processes! So take note of the timeline and give yourself ample space to get all the documents, mark sheets, etc. ready! Going forward, here are some tips to study abroad with scholarship for Indian students that can help you ace your application -

• Craft a well-rounded profile. Work on your outreach, your internships and other leadership roles. Highlight your achievements in any area, and take time out of academics to engage in such activities as well! Scholarships appreciate well-rounded individuals who they can see thoroughly benefitting from the incredible opportunities that await abroad. Emphasise work experience, particularly for those seeking scholarships for post-graduate courses. Practical experience can make your application stand out and demonstrate your commitment to your chosen field.
• Compelling scholarship essays is paramount. They provide an opportunity to showcase your story and your aspirations. Seek guidance from professors, mentors, and alumni to refine your essays and gain valuable insights into the application process. If you can, talk to previous scholarship winners. They can give you tips from their experiences.
• Preparation is key, even for scholarship interviews. Develop your communication skills and rehearse potential questions to confidently present yourself during the interview process. Additionally, equip yourself with tips on negotiating for a scholarship, as this skill may prove invaluable in securing the financial support you need. Do mock interviews and keep standard answers customised to your experiences and goals. Make sure you’re capable of staying calm and maintaining due professionalism! Anxiety can get the better of us in a lot of cases, so understand your triggers and learn to tackle them.
• Take advantage of available resources and support systems. Educational consultants and counsellors can offer expert guidance tailored to your specific needs. Explore scholarship-specific websites and portals that provide comprehensive information on various opportunities. Engaging in scholarship workshops and webinars can also provide valuable insights and strategies. Consider Youtube videos as well for insight into the process and interviews of other scholars.
• Talk to people! Networking can play a pivotal role in your scholarship journey. Connect with current scholarship recipients and alumni to gain valuable tips, guidance, and inspiration. Their experiences can offer unique perspectives and motivate you to put your best foot forward.

In a Nutshell

Use these tips to apply for international scholarships for Indian students:

• Work on extracurricular activities, internships and other practical experiences for a well-rounded profile.

• Write a compelling essay to showcase your story and aspirations.

• Prepare for interviews and rehearse answers to potential questions.

• Use available resources, talk to counsellors and research more about your scholarship.

• Networking helps you learn more about the scholarship application process.

 

Key Takeaways

• Several scholarships cater to specifically Indian students aspiring to study overseas. There are plenty of options out there, ranging from a scholarship for MBBS abroad to MBAs, undergraduate degrees, Masters, PhD and research opportunities.
• The following are some international scholarships for Indian students: UCD Global Graduate Scholarship, Charpak Scholarships, University of Lincoln India Scholarship, The University of Adelaide Ashok Khurana Scholarship, University of Queensland School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences Indian Scholarship, Ramakrishnan Family Scholarship, Tata Scholarship (Cornell University), Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships.
• Some general scholarships for Indian students are Rhodes Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship, Chevening Scholarship, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus, Felix Scholarship, Australian Embassy Fully Funded Scholarship, Orange Tulip Scholarship of the Netherlands, University of Minnesota International Scholarship, University of Oregon International Scholarship, Harvard Medical School Scholarships.
• All these scholarships have different eligibility criteria and requirements. It is essential to do thorough research before applying.
• By starting early, excelling academically, writing compelling essays, seeking assistance, and networking, you can pave the way to a brighter future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the Indian government give scholarships to study abroad? Yes, there are several scholarships for abroad studies by the Indian government. These include the National Overseas Scholarship, the Fulbright-Nehru fellowship and the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Internet subsidy on educational loans for overseas studies.
2. How can I get a scholarship to study abroad in India? If eligible, you can apply for government scholarships. You can also apply for international scholarships for Indian students via the universities website.
3. What are some scholarships for Indian students in Europe? The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship, Chevening Scholarship, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus and Felix scholarships are some scholarship options for Europe.
4. Can I study abroad for free? You can avail a fully funded scholarship for Indian students to study abroad if eligible. Although the application process for a fully funded scholarship may be cumbersome, it is possible. Nevertheless, you may have to undertake some living expenses.
5. Which country is popular among Indian students for studying? A large number of Indian students undertake their education in the USA, the UK, Germany, Australia and Canada.