Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025
Are you among the hundreds of thousands of Indian students hoping to study abroad? Then you are in the right place to learn about the study abroad scholarships for Indian students in 2025!
The chance to earn a degree abroad, thanks to world-class education, career opportunities, and global experience, is a dream come true for many. However, as a student, course fees, living expenses, and travel costs can act as a significant barrier blocking your way to dreams. This is where scholarships can alleviate these financial burdens, making an excellent higher education more accessible. In this article, we break down some of the top awards to watch out for in 2025.
Types of Scholarships Available to Study Abroad
Scholarships come in many shapes and study abroad scholarships for Indian students can look very different depending on factors like the university, program, study level, etc. that you opt for. Generally, scholarships fall into the categories below:
Merit-Based Scholarships
Students receive merit scholarships as a result of their academic accomplishments, involvement in extracurricular activities, and leadership skills. These scholarships are highly competitive and often require students to have exceptional grades and robust academic and extracurricular records.
Prestigious examples include the Rhodes Scholarship and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which support outstanding students at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, respectively. Merit scholarships not only provide financial aid but also enhance a student’s resume, making them more attractive to future employers as an indicator of the graduate’s potential, ability, and drive.
Under merit scholarships are a series of other categories within which you can explore scholarship opportunities in. Below, we break down a couple of your options:
Scholarships by University
These are the broadest and most common category of scholarships for students who choose to study abroad after 12th grade or at the graduate level. Universities reserve scholarships for incoming international students, typically applicants to any faculty, on a merit basis. University-specific scholarships also have unique eligibility criteria and application processes, which you must carefully review to increase your chances for scholarship success. These scholarships can significantly reduce your education cost, making prestigious universities more accessible to Indian students.
Some excellent options to watch out for include:
| University | Destination | Scholarship |
| University of Exeter | UK | Global Excellence Scholarship |
| Monash University | Australia | Monash International Merit Scholarship |
| University of Queensland | UK | UQ International Excellence Scholarship |
| Deakin University | Australia | Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship |
| UNSW | Australia | Scholarships for International Students Commencing Term 1 |
| University of Calgary | Canada | International Entrance Scholarship |
| University of Toronto | Canada | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship |
| University of Lincoln | UK | Lincoln Global Leaders Scholarship |
| University of Sunshine Coast | Australia | English Excellence Scholarship |
Scholarships by Study Level
We can break university scholarships down even further into scholarships by study level. Universities typically reserve certain amounts for awards for students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels respectively. Some examples of these include:
| University | Destination | Scholarship |
| University of Exeter | UK |
|
| University of Queensland | Australia | UQ Excellence Scholarship - Undergraduate |
| University of Lincoln | UK |
|
| University of Alberta | Canada |
|
| Nottingham Trent University | UK |
|
Subject-Specific Scholarships
Alongside general scholarships that all incoming international students can qualify for, universities also offer subject-specific scholarships. These scholarships come under specific faculties and departments, and it’s always worth your while looking into the options available for your program. Competition for general scholarships can be steep, but looking into specialist scholarships can widen your net to find a great option! Be sure to investigate beyond the university’s flagship scholarships. One approach for this is to use a database like GRADSearch, which collates more than 5,000 scholarships from top global universities into a single course finder!
Country-Specific Scholarships
Many countries offer study abroad scholarships for Indian students specifically to promote educational exchange and strengthen bilateral relations. For instance, the Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK and the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships in the USA are comprehensive programs that support Indian students pursuing higher education in these countries. Such scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also offer cultural exposure and networking opportunities, enriching the overall educational experience.
Some university providers who offer scholarships for Indian students specifically include:
| University | Destination | Scholarship |
| Deakin University | Australia | Deakin India 25% Merit Scholarship |
| Nottingham Trent University | UK | India Prestigious University Award |
| University of Lincoln | UK | South Asia Scholarship |
| UNSW | Australia | Future of Change India Scholarship |
| University of Queensland | Australia | UQ International High Achievers Award – India |
| Cornell University | USA | Tata Scholarship |
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships aim to support students who exhibit substantial financial need to be able to access higher education abroad. These scholarships consider a student’s financial background, family income, and other economic factors. The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships are prominent examples that support Indian students facing financial constraints.
Scholarships from External Organizations
Universities aren’t your only pick when it comes to providers of study abroad scholarships for Indian students. Many external organizations, including government authorities in home and host countries, offer award opportunities for Indian students hoping to study abroad.
1. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are among the most prestigious and competitive scholarships available for Indian students. The UK government funds these scholarships with the aim of supporting students from Commonwealth countries, including India, pursuing higher education in the UK.
The scholarships cover a wide range of disciplines and are available for master's and PhD programs. You have to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to your home country’s development to qualify. The application process typically includes an online application, submission of academic transcripts, and interviews.
| Award Name | Study Level | Financial Assistance |
| Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship | PhD | Course fees + £1,347 per month |
| Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship | Master's | Course fees + £1,347 per month |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | Master's | Course fees + £1,347 per month |
| Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship | Master's | Course fees |
| Commonwealth Professional Fellowship | Professionals | £2,057 per month + other stipends |
2. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are a flagship scholarship program that the US government oversees with the aim of promoting educational exchange between India and the USA. These fellowships support Indian students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as professional development programs in the USA. The selection process is rigorous, with a focus on academic merit, leadership qualities, and the potential to contribute to the mutual understanding between the two countries. The fellowship will cover your tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance. Applications usually open in May, with a thorough review and selection process following.
| Award Name | Study Level | Duration |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships | Master’s at US college | Up to two years |
| Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships | PhD at Indian Institution | Six to nine months |
| Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships | Professionals | Four to nine months |
| Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships | Researcher | 8 to 24 months |
3. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships
The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships support Indian students pursuing postgraduate education in universities around the world. These scholarships cover a wide range of disciplines, with a few exceptions such as business studies, engineering, and computer science. The scholarship provides up to $100,000 to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
To apply for this scholarship, you must have a good first degree from a recognized Indian university and must already receive admission for a course abroad. The application process includes an online application, interviews, and submission of various documents, including academic transcripts and proof of admission. Eligibility criteria include:
● Indian passport holder born on or after 1st January 1994
● Residing in India two years after their under-graduation
● For non-STEM subjects: 65%, CGPA 6.8/10, or GPA 2.6/4
● For STEM subjects: 70%, CGPA 7.2/10, or GPA 2.8/4
● No postgraduate qualification or enrollment
4. Chevening Scholarships
Another scholarship program by the UK government, the Chevening Scholarships aim to empower outstanding individuals from around the world, including India, to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. Receiving this scholarship covers your tuition fees and living expenses. You will also receive a monthly stipend on top of meeting your expenses. The selection process is similar to the other scholarships in this section, including an online application, interviews, and obtaining an unconditional offer letter from a UK university. Eligibility criteria for receiving this scholarship include:
● Being citizens of a Chevening-eligible country
● Having an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK postgraduate program
● Possessing at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience
● Committing to returning home after the course ends
● Applying to at least 3 different courses in the UK
How to Apply for Scholarships
Applying for scholarships can be a daunting process. That is why careful preparation is necessary to increase your chances of success. Start by researching scholarships early and thoroughly understanding their eligibility criteria and application deadlines. The next step is to gather your necessary documents and transcripts.
Pay close attention to the scholarship essay (which may be a personal statement or letter of intent). It is your opportunity to showcase your achievements and suitability for the award, as well as your goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Avoid common mistakes such as submitting incomplete applications or missing deadlines, and seek feedback from mentors or advisors to improve your application.
Rounding Up
Study abroad scholarships for Indian students can turn your higher education dreams into an exciting reality. Financial assistance can go a great way to removing barriers to global education opportunities. As you explore the various scholarships available for 2025, start your preparation early, organize your research, and seek guidance from mentors or advisors. Remember, the application process is competitive, but if you remain consistent, using the best tools and resources to apply for these scholarships, you can secure the funding you need to achieve your educational goals.