Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad: Your Gateway to Global Education

Pursuing higher education abroad is a dream for many Indian students. It offers an opportunity to gain international exposure, receive world-class education, and enhance personal and professional growth. However, studying abroad can be quite expensive, and financial constraints often hold back talented students. The good news is that there are numerous scholarships available specifically for Indian students to help alleviate the financial burden.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the top scholarships for Indian students who wish to study abroad.

1. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers scholarships to Indian students to study at top universities around the world, primarily in North America, Europe, and the UK. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and other academic fees. This highly competitive scholarship is open to students pursuing postgraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens with a first-class undergraduate degree
• Must have demonstrated excellence in extracurricular activities and leadership potential
• Applicants must have secured an offer from a reputed foreign university

Website: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

2. Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarships are one of the most prestigious opportunities for Indian students to study in the UK. Funded by the UK Government, these scholarships are offered for a one-year master’s program at any UK university. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, a monthly stipend, and additional allowances.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens with a strong academic record
• Must have at least two years of work experience
• Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country

Website: Chevening Scholarships

3. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, a part of the larger Fulbright Program, provide funding for Indian students to study or conduct research in the United States. These fellowships are available for postgraduate students, professionals, and academics in various fields, including public health, education, and social work.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens with a strong academic record
• A commitment to contributing to India’s development after completing their studies
• Applicants should have at least three years of professional experience

Website: Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for Indian students to study in Germany. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. DAAD scholarships are particularly famous for their generous support in funding studies in Germany’s renowned institutions.

Eligibility:

• Indian students with strong academic credentials
• Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the German language (depending on the program)
• Specific eligibility requirements vary by course and level of study

Website: DAAD Scholarships

5. Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) offers scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, to study in the UK. These scholarships cover tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses, making it a great opportunity for students aiming for higher education in the UK.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens who have a strong academic background
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need
• Available for master’s and doctoral programs

Website: Commonwealth Scholarships

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU Scholarships)

Erasmus Mundus is an initiative by the European Union to provide scholarships to students from around the world, including India, for studying master’s programs in European universities. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, travel, and living costs for the duration of the program. Erasmus Mundus offers a variety of specialized programs in different fields.

Eligibility:

• Indian students with a strong academic record
• Must meet the specific requirements of the program they apply to
• Applicants must not have lived in any European country for more than 12 months in the last five years

Website: Erasmus Mundus

7. The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

The Rotary Foundation provides scholarships for Indian students who are pursuing postgraduate degrees in fields related to peace, conflict resolution, education, and development. The scholarship supports full tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses for students pursuing studies in any country.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens with a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership
• Strong academic background in the relevant field of study
• Applicants must be nominated by a Rotary club in India

Website: Rotary Foundation Scholarships

8. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship

The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation offers interest-free loans to Indian students pursuing postgraduate education abroad. The foundation provides financial assistance to students in fields such as engineering, management, pure sciences, and social sciences. The loan is repaid once the student completes their studies and secures a job.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens with a first-class undergraduate degree
• Must have applied to a reputed university abroad
• Strong academic performance and leadership potential

Website: Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

9. J.N. Tata Endowment Scholarship

The J.N. Tata Endowment provides scholarships to Indian students who wish to pursue higher education abroad in any field of study. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees, and the foundation also offers loan assistance for students who need further funding.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens
• A good academic record and professional achievements
• The scholarship is open to students pursuing postgraduate courses abroad

Website: J.N. Tata Endowment

Conclusion

Scholarships can be the key to unlocking the doors of opportunity for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. Whether you want to study in the US, the UK, Europe, or other parts of the world, these scholarships provide significant financial support. Make sure to carefully read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and apply well in advance to increase your chances of securing funding.

Investing in your education abroad can change the trajectory of your life. With these scholarships, you can make that dream a reality!