Have you ever considered to study abroad to broaden your eyes and experience global education? International academia is appealing, but financial concerns might deter many Indian students. What if we told you you could achieve your desires without breaking the bank? According to the Indian Ministry of Education, more than 68% of students will study abroad in 2022, making financial aid more important than ever.

Scholarships unleash these goals by offering considerable help to worthy people. This guide will cover 10 important scholarships, a mix of Indian government efforts and prominent foreign ones, demonstrating the variety of study abroad choices for Indian students.

Also, read Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide to Answering Your Top  Searched Questions

10 Transformative Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad

International education is become more accessible to Indian students. Let’s examine 10 transformational scholarships that lead to worldwide academic success in this guide. Indian students pursuing academic success abroad have several options with these scholarships, from government programmes to international programmes.

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships: Building Future Leaders

Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are for excellent Indian students studying in the US who care about the community. This scholarship promotes leadership in Arts and Culture Management, Economics, and Environmental Science.Duration: 1-2 years
Need- and merit-based
Bachelor’s degree with 55%, 3 years of experience, and community service.

2. Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships: Bridging Research Excellence Borders

Doctoral Research Fellowships US-India Educational Foundation grants help Indian Ph.D. students do part of their study in the US. Global cooperation and knowledge sharing are promoted by the scholar’s Ph.D. study.

Duration: 6-9 months
Merit-based
Qualifications: PhD enrollment at an Indian institution, thesis submission.

Also, read Considering Study Abroad Opportunities: Exploring Global Learning and Course Integration

3. National Overseas Scholarship: Global empowerment of Marginalized voices

The National Overseas Scholarship helps low-income marginalised students pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in engineering and medicine overseas. The need-based scholarship promotes higher education inclusion and breaks down barriers.

Period: 2 years
Need-based
Eligibility: Be a member of a minority group, have earned less than 6 lakh INR in the past academic year, and are under the age of 35.

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree: An EU Excellence Gateway

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree, fully supported by the EU, allows Indian students to study integrated master’s programmes across disciplines. From psychology to business management, this scholarship fosters academic diversity and international cooperation.

Duration: 1-2 years
Merit-based
Qualification: Graduate degree or equivalent

5. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship: Oxford History, Economics, and Politics Unveiled

Indian students studying history, economics, and politics at Oxford in London receive full funding from the Ministry of Human Resource Development through this prestigious fellowship. It offers financial aid and Junior Research Fellow posts.

Performance-based extension to 2nd year at 1 year.
Merit-based
60% or above till Ph.D., 30-40 years old, 3 years teaching experience.
These scholarships are only the beginning. In our next article, we’ll discuss five additional scholarships from top international universities and Indian government programmes that improve Indian students’ academic endeavours worldwide.

6. Illuminating Paths at Deakin University, Australia: 25% Merit Scholarship For India

The Deakin India 25% Merit Scholarship offers financial aid to Indian students studying at Deakin University in Australia. This merit-based scholarship rewards academic performance and makes Deakin international education more accessible.

7. Finance School, Actuarial Studies, and Statistics India Research Australian National University High Achievers Scholarship

A Scholarly Pursuit ANU provides the Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies, and Statistics India High Achievers Scholarship. This scholarship honours academic excellence and assists Indian financial, actuarial, and statistics students.

8. University College London India Excellence Scholarships: Improving Education

UCL India Excellence Scholarships attract Indian students. These scholarships recognise academic excellence and promote a varied and dynamic global student community at one of the world’s top institutions.

9. Bicentenary Global Futures Scholarships: A Future-Forward Education at Manchester University

Manchester University welcomes Indian students via Bicentenary Global Futures Scholarships. This programme encourages students to think creatively and change the world.

10. India First Year Excellence Scholarship: Nurturing Talent at Alberta University

Canada’s University of Alberta offers the India First Year Excellence Scholarship to Indian students. This programme supports first-year university students with financial aid for academic excellence.

Looking at other Scholarships:

• Alternative scholarship options provide distinct financial aid beyond government and foreign scholarships:
• Doctoral students might apply for significant fellowships to subsidise their academic pursuits.
• Paid research assistantships provide students with hands-on research experience and boost their academic credentials.
• Teaching Assistantship: Another type of paid employment, teaching assistantships help students offset tuition by helping professors grade, conduct tutorial courses, and sometimes even teach their classes.

University Scholarship Categories:

• Understanding university scholarships is essential for a well-informed approach.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships reward academic, athletic, or leadership excellence.
• Need-Based: Several colleges offer scholarships that are either need-blind or need-aware.
• Renewable or non-renewable scholarships: Scholarships may be renewed for the following periods or a limited length.

Final Note

Financial restrictions should not prevent foreign higher education due to the wide range of Indian government and international scholarships. The scholarships listed below provide access to global education. As we complete our investigation of options, remember that education knows no boundaries, and these scholarships may help eager Indian students reach new heights without expensive tuition. The world awaits, and these scholarships are the keys to budget-friendly study abroad.

FAQs on Scholarships for Indian Students Pursuing Education Abroad

How can I discover scholarships tailored to my field of study and preferred country?

To pinpoint scholarships:

• Utilize search engines like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and College Board BigFuture.
• Explore university and program websites for specific international student scholarships.
• Reach out to your chosen country’s embassy or consulate in India for potential scholarship information.

Am I eligible for the scholarships mentioned in this article?

Verify eligibility criteria such as academic standing, financial need, field of study, and community involvement for each scholarship.

What alternatives exist to traditional scholarships?

Consider:

• Research fellowships for doctoral students.
• Paid research assistantships within your university or other institutions.
• Teaching assistantships for gaining teaching experience and financial support.
• Student loans as a last resort with awareness of long-term financial commitments.

Any tips for a successful scholarship application?

Ensure success by:

• Starting your search early and meeting deadlines.
• Thoroughly proofread your application.
• Highlighting academic achievements and community involvement.
• Expressing passion for your chosen field and outlining how the scholarship aligns with your goals.
• Seeking feedback from professors, counselors, or mentors.

What if I don’t meet the eligibility criteria for listed scholarships?

Don’t lose hope:

• Explore other available scholarships.
• Look into smaller grants within specific departments or organizations.
• Consider work-study programs and on-campus employment opportunities.

How can I make my study abroad experience affordable without a full scholarship?

Ensure affordability by:

• Research universities with lower tuition fees.
• Applying to universities in countries with a lower cost of living.
• Exploring semester or summer study abroad programs.
• Seeking part-time work opportunities during your studies.

Where can I find more information about studying abroad as an Indian student?

Access resources from:

• The Indian Ministry of Education website.
• Guidance from organizations like IDP Education and M Square Consulting.
• Participation in study abroad fairs and seminars for university and scholarship connections.

Also, read Study Abroad Funding: A Comprehensive Guide to Arranging Your Finances

Tanu Bhatnagar

Meet Tanu Bhatnagar, an educational expert with extensive experience in teaching, research and mentoring.With a decade in... (Full bio)