Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad: Types, Eligibility & Application Process

Sharleen Kapoor

7 min read • Aug 7, 2026

Quick Answer

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) and Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship are the two flagship Indian government scholarships for studying abroad, covering tuition, living costs, and often travel. NOS offers 125 awards a year for SC/ST and economically disadvantaged students; Fulbright-Nehru is a joint India-US program for master’s or PhD study. Other options include the Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship (Oxford, 1 award/year) and the Dr. Ambedkar interest-subsidy scheme for OBC/EBC students.

Studying abroad is a huge step, and for many, the financial challenge is the biggest hurdle. The Indian government offers several scholarships designed to make quality education abroad accessible to students from all backgrounds, including marginalized communities – covering tuition, living costs, and sometimes travel.

This guide breaks down the top Indian government scholarships for studying abroad, general eligibility, benefits, and the step-by-step application process.

Indian Government Scholarship for abroad Studies

Indian Government Scholarships – Eligibility and Coverage

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

Managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, NOS is a lifeline for students from SC/ST and other economically disadvantaged sections pursuing master’s or PhD programs abroad in fields like engineering, social sciences, and medicine. It currently offers 125 scholarships a year (up from 100 in 2019-20 and 2020-21).

Eligibility: SC/ST, Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans; minimum 60% in prior academic record; family income under ₹8 lakh/year; under 35, with admission to a reputable foreign institution.
Coverage: Tuition, visa, health insurance, and airfare, plus an annual maintenance allowance of $15,400 (non-UK) or £9,900 (UK).

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

Jointly run by the US-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) and the governments of the USA and India, this is one of the most prestigious fellowships for study in the USA, covering fields like public health, women’s studies, and environmental science.

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with at least 55%, and three years of professional work experience; must not have previously enrolled in or earned a US degree.
Coverage: Full tuition, travel allowance, health insurance, living stipend, and J-1 visa support.

Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

Fully funded by the Government of India, this supports one Indian scholar each year to conduct research at St. Antony’s College, Oxford, in Modern Indian Studies, Political Science, or History – one of the most exclusive Indian fellowships given its single annual award.

Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 30-40; a PhD or equivalent research experience; minimum three years of postgraduate teaching or research experience.
Coverage: Tuition, travel, and living expenses.

Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans

Supports OBC and EBC students pursuing master’s or doctoral studies abroad by covering the interest on their educational loan during the study period – reducing total debt post-graduation rather than providing direct scholarship funds.

Eligibility: OBC (family income under ₹8 lakh) or EBC (under ₹2.5 lakh); admission to a master’s or PhD program abroad; loan approval from an Indian bank under the Indian Banks’ Association scheme.
Coverage: Interest subsidy on the education loan during the study period.

Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship

A joint USIEF-Government of India program for students focused on climate research, building a specialized cohort tackling environmental challenges through pre-doctoral or professional research in the USA.

Eligibility: Registered for a PhD in climate science or a related field; evidence of prior climate-related publications or research.
Coverage: Monthly stipend, J-1 visa support, professional and travel allowances, and health insurance.

Also read: 10 Best Scholarships for Master’s for Indian Students

Non-Government Scholarships Worth Knowing About

Alongside government programs, a few well-regarded private/trust-funded options are worth exploring – these aren’t government schemes, but are commonly considered alongside them.

JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education

One of India’s oldest and most respected funding options for international study – structured as an interest-free loan rather than a traditional scholarship, encouraging financial responsibility with flexible, minimal repayment terms.

Eligibility: Indian citizens under 45; at least 60% in the most recent degree; admission to an established international institution.
Coverage: Interest-free loans of roughly ₹1-10 lakh for full-time postgraduate, PhD, or postdoctoral study, plus potential travel grants and partial “gift scholarships” for top performers.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

For Indian students with exceptional talent studying at top institutions in the USA, UK, or Europe – offers up to ₹85 lakh, covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel.

Eligibility: Indian nationals under 30, admitted to a prestigious foreign institution, with proven academic or artistic talent, especially in unconventional fields.
Coverage: Full tuition, health insurance, living expenses, and one-way airfare.

Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

A privately funded program exclusively for Indian women pursuing postgraduate studies abroad in fields with social impact – social work, education, public health, gender studies, and law.

Eligibility: Indian women with a first-class degree from a recognized university; at least two years of relevant work experience; admission to a reputable foreign university in a relevant field.
Coverage: Partial financial support, covering part of tuition and related educational expenses – roughly ₹3.6 lakh in typical tuition coverage.

Note: while these three programs are widely recommended alongside government scholarships, they’re privately or trust-funded – not government schemes – and are covered here for completeness.

After exploring these options, it’s clear that scholarships – government or private – are often limited in number with tough eligibility criteria, and many students still need additional financial support for the rest of their costs.

This is where GradRight comes in. Instead of approaching multiple lenders individually, GradRight connects you with 18 lending partners – Indian banks and NBFCs – who compete to offer you better rates and terms. The process is online with no bank visits required, includes customized loans (some without cosigners or collateral), personalized financial advice, and secure document handling, letting you focus on your academic journey without financial worry.

Also read: Government and University Scholarships Offered to Indian Students in Ireland

How to Apply for a Study Abroad Scholarship

Identify the right scholarship:

Start with well-researched sources – official scholarship pages, educational websites, government portals – and look for options that match your target country, field, and background.

Confirm your eligibility:

Check each scholarship’s specific criteria – minimum GPA, standardized test scores (IELTS, GRE), or prior experience are the most common requirements.

Gather essential documents:

Academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a Statement of Purpose (SOP) – keep these ready in advance.

Take standardized tests early:

Many scholarships prioritize GRE, GMAT, or English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS) – a strong score meaningfully strengthens your application.

Prepare for the visa process, if awarded:

Most scholarships assist with visa applications, but you’ll still need to gather personal documents and financial statements, and sometimes attend an interview – organize these as soon as your scholarship is approved.

Benefits of Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad

Total financial support – programs like NOS and Fulbright-Nehru cover a significant share of tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and sometimes travel.
Living expenses and health coverage – especially valuable in high-cost regions – NOS, for instance, provides a maintenance allowance on top of other covered expenses.
Travel and academic-resource allowances – programs like Fulbright-Nehru include travel and settling allowances, easing the transition to a new country.
Access to global networks – government scholarships typically place you in an esteemed, globally recognized network, opening doors to research collaborations and post-study opportunities.
Inclusive opportunities – programs like NOS specifically support underrepresented groups, promoting equitable access to quality education.

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Build a Backup Funding Plan Alongside Your Scholarship Applications

Apply for every scholarship you’re eligible for – but don’t wait on results before exploring financing. GradRight lets you compare loan offers from 18 lending partners in one place, so you’re ready either way. Start your free profile at https://gradright.com/financing/.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Indian government provide scholarships for studying abroad?

Yes – through programs like the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) and Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, which cover tuition, living costs, and more for eligible students.

How do I apply for a 100% scholarship to study abroad?

Identify relevant scholarships, confirm you meet the eligibility criteria, and submit a well-prepared application with all required documents. Highly competitive full-coverage options include the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship and Commonwealth Scholarships.

What is the general eligibility for a government scholarship to study abroad?

It varies by program but generally includes academic performance requirements, admission to an eligible field/institution, and sometimes financial need or prior work experience – as with the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship.

What is the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme?

NOS supports students from SC/ST and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, covering costs for postgraduate and doctoral study abroad. It’s available to students under 35 from families with annual income below ₹8 lakh.

What are the most popular Indian government scholarships for studying abroad?

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, National Overseas Scholarship (NOS), and the Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship are among the most well-known and sought-after.

Is the Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship a government scholarship?

No – it’s a privately funded trust scholarship, not a government scheme, though it’s commonly recommended alongside government options for Indian women pursuing postgraduate study abroad in social-impact fields.