Many Indian students have dreams to study in a foreign country but are worried about the high costs. Fortunately, there are many scholarships for Indian students studying abroad that can cover their tuition fees and even daily living costs.
In 2026, many governments and universities have increased their funding to attract talented students from India. Whether you want to study in Germany, the UK, the USA, or Australia, there are options for everyone.
From fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad to special government schemes, this guide will show you how to find and win them.
Scholarships for Indian Students Studying Abroad: Top Fully Funded Scholarships
A “fully funded” scholarship is the best option because it pays for everything: your tuition, airfare, insurance, and monthly pocket money. These are often called full scholarships to study abroad for Indian students. These are:
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
This is a very famous scholarship for students who want to do a Master’s degree in the UK. It is funded by the British government.
- What it covers: Full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and return flights.
- Requirement: You must have at least 2 years of work experience and return to India for 2 years after finishing.
2. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships (USA)
For those who are searching for postgraduate scholarships for Indian students to study abroad in the United States, this is the gold standard.
- What it covers: J-1 visa support, airfare, tuition, and living expenses.
- Requirement: At least 3 years of professional work experience.
3. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
Germany is a top destination for engineers and scientists. The DAAD offers many scholarship to study abroad for Indian students in Germany, especially for Master’s and PhD levels.
- What it covers: Around €934 to €1,200 per month, plus travel grants and insurance.
- Benefit: Many public universities in Germany are already tuition-free, so this money is just for your living costs!
Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government
The Government of India also provides financial support to help its citizens get a world-class education. There are several scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government for different categories of students.
- National Overseas Scholarship (NOS): This is for students from SC, ST, and landless laborer families. It provides a 100 percent scholarship to study abroad for Indian students at the Master’s and PhD levels.
- PM-USP (Post-Matric Scholarship): While mostly for studies in India, some parts of this scheme support high-achieving students going abroad.
- State Government Schemes: States like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have “Chief Minister’s Overseas Study Schemes” for minority and backward class students.
Scholarships After 12th Grade
If you have just finished your schooling, you might be looking for scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government after 12th.
- Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad Undergraduate: These are rarer but exist through cultural exchange programs (ICCR).
- Self-Funded with Interest Subsidy: The “Padho Pardesh” or “Ambedkar Scheme” provides a 100% interest subsidy on education loans for students from minority or OBC backgrounds.
How to Get Scholarship to Study Abroad for Indian Students
Getting a scholarship is competitive, but not impossible. If you want to know how to get scholarship to study abroad from India, please follow these simple steps:
- Start Early: Begin your research 12 months before the course starts.
- Maintain High Marks: Most best scholarship for Indian students to study abroad require at least 60-80% in your previous exams.
- Prepare for Exams: You will need to take scholarship exams for Indian students to study abroad like IELTS (English) or GRE/GMAT (for US/Canada).
- Write a Strong SOP: Your “Statement of Purpose” should tell the story of why you deserve the money.
- Apply to Multiple Places: Don’t just apply for one. Apply for university-specific, government, and private foundation scholarships.
Comparison of Top Study Destinations (2026)
| Feature | Germany | United Kingdom | USA | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | ₹0 – ₹50,000 (Public) | ₹18 – ₹35 Lakhs | ₹25 – ₹50 Lakhs | ₹20 – ₹35 Lakhs |
| Monthly Living | ₹80,000 – ₹1 Lakh | ₹1 Lakh – ₹1.3 Lakh | ₹1.2 Lakh – ₹1.6 Lakh | ₹1.1 Lakh – ₹1.5 Lakh |
| Visa Success Rate | Very High (90%+) | High (85%+) | Medium (75%+) | High (80%+) |
| Post-Study Work | 18 Months | 2 Years | 1-3 Years (STEM) | 2-4 Years |
| IELTS Req. | 6.0 – 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 – 7.0 | 6.5 |
Top 10 Universities and Their Scholarship Portals
If you are aiming to find for free scholarships for Indian students studying abroad, please check these university websites directly, where you will be able to get an opportunity:
- University of Oxford (UK): ox.ac.uk
- Technical University of Munich (Germany): tum.de
- University of Melbourne (Australia): unimelb.edu.au
- Harvard University (USA): harvard.edu
- University of Toronto (Canada): utoronto.ca
- National University of Singapore (Singapore): nus.edu.sg
- ETH Zurich (Switzerland): ethz.ch
- University of Amsterdam (Netherlands): uva.nl
- King’s College London (UK): kcl.ac.uk
- Monash University (Australia): monash.edu
Top Scholarship Websites for Indian Students in 2026
There are some useful scholarships are given here for Indian students to study abroad:
1. Global Scholarship Search Engines
These websites act like “Google for Scholarships.” You can filter results by your nationality (India), the country you want to visit, and your subject.
- WeMakeScholars: wemakescholars.com
- Why it’s best for you: This is an Indian-origin portal specifically designed for Indian students. It lists both government and private scholarships.
- InternationalScholarships.com: internationalscholarships.com
- Features: A massive database of over 2,000 awards specifically for students moving between countries.
- ScholarshipPortal: scholarships.com
- Features: Part of the “StudyPortals” family, it lets you find funding while you are looking for courses.
- IEFA (International Education Financial Aid): iefa.org
- Features: Great for finding both scholarships and international student loans.
2. Official Government Portals (India)
Before looking at foreign sources, Indian students should check these official government websites for the best scholarship for Indian students to study abroad funded by India.
- National Overseas Scholarship Portal (NOS): nosmsje.gov.in
- Target: Students from SC, ST, and marginalized communities. It provides a 100 percent scholarship to study abroad for Indian students.
- Ministry of Education (External Scholarships): education.gov.in
- Features: This portal lists all scholarships offered to Indian citizens by foreign governments (like South Korea, Italy, and Mexico).
- ICCR A2A Portal: a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in
- Features: Focuses on cultural and educational exchange programs.
3. Country-Specific Official Portals
Most major study countries have one “Master Website” where they list every available scholarship for international students.
| Country | Official Scholarship Website | Key Program |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | daad.de | DAAD Research & Masters Grants |
| UK | study-uk.britishcouncil.org | GREAT & Chevening Scholarships |
| USA | educationusa.state.gov | Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships |
| Australia | studyaustralia.gov.au | Australia Awards |
| Canada | educanada.ca | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships |
4. Private Foundations & Corporate Websites
Some of the most big-hearted funding comes from private trusts in India. These often provide post-graduate scholarships for Indian students to study abroad.
- Tata Trusts: tatatrusts.org – Specifically for the Tata Scholarship at Cornell and loan scholarships.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation: inlaksfoundation.org – Known for funding arts, humanities, and sciences at top global universities.
- The J.N. Tata Endowment: jntataendowment.org – Famous for “Loan Scholarships” which are often converted to gift scholarships for high achievers.
Scholarships for Indian Students Studying Abroad: Visa and Requirements for 2026
To study abroad, you need a Student Visa. Here is a quick checklist for Indian students:
- Processing Time: 3 to 12 weeks depending on the country.
- Visa Fees: Usually between ₹30,000 and ₹75,000.
- Bank Balance Required: For Germany, you need about €11,904 in a “Blocked Account.” For the UK and Australia, you need to show enough to cover 1 year of tuition plus living costs (approx. ₹25-30 Lakhs).
- Age Limit: Most countries don’t have a strict age limit for Master’s or PhD, but for Bachelor’s, it’s usually under 25.
- Visa with Spouse: Australia and the UK (for Research students) allow you to take your husband or wife.
- IELTS Requirement: Aim for 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0.
Are there Tuition-Free Universities?
Yes! If you are in search of a free scholarship for Indian students to study abroad, you should look at Germany, Norway, and Iceland. Public universities in these countries do not charge tuition fees even for international students. You only need to pay for your food and rent.
Scholarships for Indian Students Studying Abroad: FAQs
Which country gives 100% scholarship for Indian students?
The UK (Chevening), USA (Fulbright), and Germany (DAAD) offer 100% scholarships. Also, the Indian Government’s National Overseas Scholarship covers 100% of costs for eligible SC/ST students.
Can I get a scholarship to study MBBS abroad?
Yes. While rare, there are scholarships for Indian students MBBS in countries like Russia, Georgia and some private foundations in India.
Is it possible to work while studying on a scholarship?
Yes. In most countries like Germany and Australia, you can work 20 hours per week part-time. This helps you earn extra money for your personal expenses.
What is the success rate for Indian student visas in 2026?
The success rate remains high (80-90%) if your documents are complete, your bank balance is clear, and you have a valid admission letter.
Scholarships for Indian Students Studying Abroad: Final Thought
Studying abroad is no longer just a dream for the rich. With the right scholarships for Indian students studying abroad, anyone with talent and hard work can get a degree from the world’s best universities. Whether you are from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka, the opportunities in 2026 are bigger than ever. Start preparing your documents today and take the first step toward your global future.
Sources:
- Ministry of Education, Government of India (External Scholarships)
- DAAD Germany Official Portal
- British Council – Study UK
- USIEF Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
Follow us on Google News for latest Scholarships! 