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

Studying abroad is a huge step, and for many, the financial challenge that comes with it is the biggest hurdle to cross. 

Fortunately, the Indian government offers many scholarships that are designed to help students pursue their dreams of studying abroad.

These scholarships are meant to cover all the major expenses like tuition, living costs, and sometimes even travel. They make quality education abroad accessible to students from all backgrounds, including marginalized communities.

In this guide, we’ll give you a clear breakdown of the top Indian government scholarships available for students who wish to study abroad. We’ll also cover the general eligibility requirements, benefits, and step-by-step process for applying for these scholarships. 

If you’re committed to pursuing your studies abroad, this guide will help you understand the options and requirements to make that goal more achievable.

List of top Indian government scholarships for studying Abroad – Eligibility criteria

In recent years, the Indian government has taken significant steps to support students pursuing higher education abroad. As a result, several scholarship programs have been created to ensure that funding reaches students with the right potential.

These scholarships are highly targeted so that funding can reach those who demonstrate academic merit, creative talent, or social impact goals, especially from marginalized backgrounds.

Below is a list of top scholarships designed to support students with diverse backgrounds and goals.

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

For students from marginalized communities, the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a lifeline. 

Managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, it’s available for students from SC/ST and other economically disadvantaged sections who want to pursue master’s or Ph.D. programs abroad, especially in fields like engineering, social sciences, medicine, and more. 

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) currently offers 125 scholarships each year, though this number has grown over time. 

Initially, 100 scholarships were awarded annually in 2019-20 and 2020-21, but this was increased to 125 in 2021-22 and continues at this level.

Eligibility:

• For SC/ST, Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans
• Minimum of 60% in previous academic records
• Family income under ₹8 lakh per annum
• Under 35 years of age, they must be admitted to a reputable foreign institution

Coverage/Benefits:

NOS is comprehensive and covers tuition, visa, health insurance, and airfare. It also provides an additional annual maintenance allowance of $15,400 (non-UK) or £9,900 (for UK). 

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship is one of the most prestigious fellowships if you want to study in the USA. It is managed by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) and is a joint initiative by both governments of the USA and India. 

It offers complete support, covering tuition, travel, health insurance, and living expenses for fields like public health, women’s studies, and environmental science. 

Fulbright-Nehru is known for its extensive network and the professional support it provides throughout and after the scholarship term, creating life-long connections with other Fulbright scholars worldwide.

Eligibility:

• A bachelor’s degree with at least 55% and three years of professional work experience
• Must not have previously enrolled in or earned a degree from an institution in the USA

Coverage/Benefits:

Full tuition, travel allowance, health insurance, and a living stipend are provided, along with J-1 visa support. Fulbright offers a valuable academic exchange experience and connects you to a distinguished international network.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is for Indian students with exceptional talent studying at top institutions in the USA, UK, or Europe. It offers up to ₹85 lakhs, covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel.

Eligibility:

• Indian nationals under 30, with admission to a prestigious foreign institution
• Proven academic or artistic talent, especially in unconventional fields

Coverage/Benefits:

Full tuition, health insurance, living expenses, and one-way airfare are covered. 

Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

Dedicated to Indian women who want to make a difference, this scholarship supports postgraduate studies in fields like social sciences, public health, and community work. 

Eligibility:

• Open to Indian women with a first-class degree
• At least two years of relevant professional experience
• Admission to a recognized institution in the USA, UK, or Europe

Coverage/Benefits:

You get a cover-up of ₹3.6 lakhs in tuition coverage. The main aim of this scholarship is to empower women who have the potential to contribute significantly to society.

Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship is fully funded by the Government of India and supports one Indian scholar each year to conduct research at St. Antony’s College, Oxford. This fellowship focuses on fields like Modern Indian Studies, Political Science, and History, making it one of the most prestigious awards for Indian researchers.

Because it offers just one award every year, it’s one of the most exclusive and prestigious fellowships for researchers in Indian studies.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens aged between 30-40 years
• A Ph.D. or equivalent research experience
• Minimum of three years of teaching or research experience at the postgraduate level

Coverage/Benefits:

It covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses. So, you get a fully funded opportunity to study and research at Oxford, covering all major expenses.

Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans

The Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans supports students from Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Economically Backward Classes (EBC) who wish to pursue master’s or doctoral studies abroad. 

This scheme covers the interest on educational loans during the study period, reducing the financial burden and making it easier for students from lower-income families to afford international education.

Eligibility:

• OBC/EBC background with family income limits (OBC: ₹8 lakh; EBC: ₹2.5 lakh)
• Admission to a master’s or Ph.D. program abroad
• Loan approval from an Indian bank under the Indian Banks’ Association scheme

Coverage/Benefits:

This scheme subsidizes the interest on educational loans during the study period, making international education more accessible by reducing total debt obligations post-graduation.

Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship

The Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship is for students who are focused on climate research. The idea of the fellowship is to build a specialized cohort of researchers who can tackle the pressing environmental issues. 

It is a joint effort by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) and the Indian government and also offers a chance to conduct pre-doctoral or professional research in the USA.

Eligibility:

• Registered for a Ph.D. in climate science or related fields
• Evidence of prior climate-related publications or research

Coverage/Benefits:

Includes a monthly stipend, J-1 visa support, professional and travel allowances, and health insurance. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with American institutions on climate research, offering all-around support for fieldwork and academic inquiry.

For students exploring alternative funding sources, here are some relevant non-government options.

Also Read: 10 Best Scholarships for Master for Indian Students

Non-government scholarships for Indian students studying abroad

JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education

As one of India’s oldest and most respected funding options for international study, the JN Tata Endowment is a loan-based program that offers interest-free financial assistance to deserving students pursuing master’s, Ph.D., and postdoctoral studies across various disciplines.

This is not a conventional scholarship. Instead, it’s structured as a loan to foster financial responsibility, granting flexibility with minimal repayment expectations.

The selection process is rigorous in selecting candidates with both academic merit and clear, long-term goals for their field.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens under 45 years
• At least 60% marks required in the most recent degree
• Admission to an established international institution

Coverage/Benefits:

The JN Tata endowment provides interest-free loans for full-time postgraduate, Ph.D., and postdoctoral studies abroad, with amounts typically ranging from ₹1-10 lakhs, though not all candidates receive the maximum. 

However, apart from that, there are also potential travel grants and partial “gift scholarships” for top performers. 

Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship is a non-government program exclusively for Indian women pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. This scholarship supports fields that drive social impact, such as social work, education, public health, gender studies, and law.

Eligibility:

• Open to Indian women with a first-class degree from a recognized university
• Requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience
• Candidates must have secured admission to a reputable foreign university in a relevant field

Coverage/Benefits:

The scholarship offers partial financial support, covering part of tuition and related educational expenses. This funding eases financial pressures, enabling recipients to focus on their studies and contribute to social development upon their return.

Note: After exploring various government and non-government scholarships available for studying abroad, it’s clear that while these scholarships can be incredibly helpful, they’re often limited in number and come with tough eligibility criteria. Many students still need additional financial support to cover their education and living expenses overseas.

This is where FundRight becomes an invaluable partner. With FundRight, you gain access to a competitive network of over 15 banks and NBFCs, ensuring you get the best possible loan terms. Unlike traditional methods, FundRight makes lenders compete to offer you lower interest rates and better conditions.

Here’s what FundRight offers:

• Quick and easy process: Apply without paperwork and avoid bank visits.
• Customized loans: Tailored to your needs, including options without cosigners or collateral.
• Expert financial advice: Personalize and negotiate your loan terms for maximum benefits.
• Secure platform: Your documents are protected, and only shared after you see loan offers.

With FundRight, you can focus on your academic journey without the burden of financial worries.

Now, let’s discuss the steps to apply for a study abroad scholarship.

Also Read: Government and Private Scholarships offered to Indian Students in Ireland.

How to apply for a study abroad scholarship?

Identifying the right scholarship takes time. Start exploring well-researched sources such as official scholarship pages, educational websites, or government portals. Look for options that match your target country, field of study, and background.

Confirm your eligibility

Check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship that applies to you. The most common requirements are a minimum GPA, standardized test scores (like IELTS and GRE), or prior experience. 

Gather all the essential documents

Most scholarships need documents like academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a Statement of Purpose (SOP). So, keep them ready at hand. 

Take the standardized tests early

For whichever program you’re applying to, take the tests like TOEFL or IELTS early. 

That is because a lot of scholarships prioritize GRE, GMAT, or English proficiency scores (like TOEFL/IELTS). Good scores can significantly strengthen your application.

Prepare for the visa process, if awarded

Most scholarships help you with the visa process as well, but you’ll need to gather personal documents and financial statements and sometimes attend an interview. So, organize these details as soon as your scholarship is approved to ensure a smooth transition.

Benefits of taking government scholarships for abroad studies

The financial ease is the biggest benefit you get. But apart from that, you also get a few other benefits like:

Total financial support

Most government scholarships, like the NOS and Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, cover a significant portion of your tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and even travel. 

Living expenses and health coverage

For students who are studying in high-cost regions, support for daily expenses is a significant benefit. 

In places where living costs are high, having a scholarship that covers more than just tuition can be a huge help. For example, the NOS provides a maintenance allowance in addition to covering other major expenses.

Allowances for travel and academic resources

Programs like the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship offer travel and settling allowances to students, which is a great advantage when moving to another country. 

Access to global networks

When you receive a government scholarship, you are often placed in an esteemed network, which improves both your academic and professional credibility. 

Most of these scholarships are globally recognized. So, when you become a part of it, it connects you to a global alumni network. It opens up opportunities for research collaborations and post-study jobs. 

Inclusive opportunities for underrepresented groups

One of the most impactful aspects of these scholarships is their emphasis on inclusivity. 

Programs like the National Overseas Scholarship are specifically for students from underrepresented groups. 

So, they essentially promote equitable access to quality education so that talent and ambition aren’t hindered by socioeconomic factors. 

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