Study abroad scholarships for Indian students can help fulfil the dreams of many Indian students who are looking forward to getting a foreign degree. However, the high tuition fees at universities abroad baffle and discourage students from applying. As a result, they are not able to convert their goal of studying abroad into a reality.
This is where study abroad scholarships come in handy and having adequate knowledge regarding the necessary financial constraints can help the students make an informed decision. There are many scholarships available for students to study abroad depending on the country and the course for which the student is applying.
Here, we will provide you with the cost of study in the most popular study destinations, a list of some of the top scholarships to study abroad for Indian students and since it can be a bit confusing to choose which study abroad scholarships to go for, we have also provided the eligibility criteria, application process and other relevant details about international scholarships for Indian students after 12th, bachelors and scholarship for MBA abroad to make this task easier for you.
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Cost of Studying Abroad
With cost being one of the deciding factors while choosing a study destination, it is important for you to have an idea of the cost of study in the top countries including the US, the UK and Canada - which also happen to offer the top scholarships to study abroad.
Of the three countries, the most affordable is Canada, with tuition fees ranging from INR 9 to 30 lakh, as compared to INR 17 to 30 lakh in the US and INR 10 to 25 lakh in the UK. Other countries such as Germany, Australia and Singapore have also seen a rise in the number of international students over the past few years, putting them on the list of the top study destinationsinthe world.
Apart from the tuition fee, your study abroad expenses would also incorporate your cost of living, accommodation along with visa fees. Heres an overview of how much it will cost to study in the top 6 countries for international students.
Country |
TuitionFeeforUGCourse Annual(inINR) |
Accomodation (inINR) |
LivingExpenses (inINR) |
VisaFee (inINR) |
*ProofofFunds (inINR) |
US | 17-30lakh | 4-25lakhayear | 15-18lakh |
16000-26000 (SEVISfeedependingonvisatype) + 11,900visaapplicationfee |
Notspecified |
UK | 10-25lakh | 6-13lakhayear | 8-15lakhayear | 33,600 |
Firstyeartuitionfee + 11lakh(GBP11,385) |
Canada | 9-30lakh | 4.5-13.5lakhayear | 6-10lakhayear | 8500+4800biometricfee | 5.6lakh(CAD10,000) |
Germany |
Notuitionfeeforpublicuniversities, onlyadministrationfee of8700-17000; 50,000-17lakhforprivateuniversities |
1.5-3.7lakhayear | 8-13lakh | 6550 | 8.9lakh(Euro10,236) |
Australia | 10-25lakh | 3-11lakhayear | 10-15lakhayear | 32,000 |
Shouldcovercoursefee + livingcostof18.3lakh (AUD21,041+travelcost) |
Singapore | 6-24lakh | 3.5lakhayear | 3lakhayear |
1,650studentpass + 3,275issuancefee |
Notspecified |
Note:Allcostsandpricesareindicativeandmayvary.CurrencyexchangeratesasonNov3,2020.Medicalinsurance,airticketcostareamongotherstudentexpenses. *Asproofoffunds,studentshavetheoptionofgivingincomeproof,scholarships,loansorfinancialaid.otherthanbankfunds. |
Types of Scholarships Available To Study Abroad
The scholarship is the financial aid to make studying abroad easy. The study abroad scholarships available are majorly categorised as:
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Merit-based: These study abroad scholarships are available on the basis of a students academic score and performance in extracurricular activities such as sports and community service.
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Destination-specific: Granted to the students belonging to a particular country, these scholarships to study abroad for Indian students are only for those candidates who belong to that country and are eligible for the scholarship.
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Student-specific: These international scholarships for Indian students after 12th and bachelors are provided on the basis of several factors such as race, gender, family, religion and medical history of the student.
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Need-based: The scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government or governments of other countries will be granted only on the basis of the financial background of the student. They will need to provide their tax statement, family income documents and employment proof for this type of scholarship.
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Subject-specific: These study abroad scholarships are offered to students who are enrolling on a specific area of study.
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Athletic scholarships: These scholarship to study abroad for Indian students awards will be provided to top-notch sportsmen. Candidates who have represented their country at the national level will be able to apply for this type of scholarship.
Top Scholarships to Study Abroad
Some of the top study abroad scholarships which can help you finance your education abroad are listed below:
J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
With an aim to provide study abroad scholarships, Tata Trusts launched the J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship with the maximum reward of INR 10 lakh. It also includes a gift scholarship awarding up to INR 7.5 lakh and a travel grant rewarding a maximum of INR 50,000
Parameter | Description |
Application Time |
December to March |
Eligibility |
Indians with above 60% in graduation applying for postgraduate, PhD, postdoctoral or research programmes in any field at a foreign university Good GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL Score |
Areas of Study |
NA |
Number of Seats |
No Specific Number |
Amount | INR 1,00,000-INR 10,00,000 |
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are granted to the students coming from the EU as well as the non-EU countries that have been selected for admission for any of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Programmes at the doctorate or masters level. It is a widely-popular and competitive scholarship for MBA abroad.
This study abroad scholarships will cover the tuition fee, living expenses, travelling costs and insurance costs of the students. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are valid for education at any college in Europe for programmes that are in association with Erasmus Mundus.
Parameter | Description |
Application Time |
First round - October to January Second round - April |
Eligibility |
Students from all over the world who have selected any of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Programmes (Doctorate or Masters level) |
Areas of Study |
Veterinary Sciences, Mathematics & Computing, Manufacturing, Health & Welfare, Engineering, Agriculture, Art, Business & Law, Social Sciences. |
Number of Seats |
No Specific Number |
Amount | INR 39 Lakhs |
Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowships
Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowships scholarships are available for the brightest Indians who are planning to pursue a masters degree at selected US universities or colleges. This scholarship to study abroad for Indian students aims at covering the tuition fee, living stipend, airfare (economy) and textbook prices of the candidates.
Parameters | Description |
Application Time |
June |
Eligibility |
Students who have completed a bachelors degree along with at least 3 years of work experience are eligible for these scholarships. Communication skills, leadership and community service and motivation to pursue education should be highlighted in the application. |
Areas of Study |
International Legal Studies, Public Health, Gender Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Arts and Culture, Environmental Science and Public Administration. |
Number of Seats |
No Specific Number |
Amount | Not Specified |
Tata Scholarship
This is one of the international scholarships for Indian students after 12th and is available for Indians who are seeking admission to any undergraduate course at Cornell University, USA. It will cover the tuition fee of the student for all semesters. Those who are applying for any programme of 5 years of duration will have to bear the additional cost. Other expenses such as food, medical, living expenses and travel expenses are also covered under this scholarship.
Parameters | Description |
Application Time |
October/ November |
Eligibility |
Indian citizens who are selected for admission to any undergraduate course at Cornell University. |
Areas of Study |
Applied Economics, Architecture and Planning, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences and Social Sciences. |
Number of Seats |
20 students at once |
Amount | Not Specified |
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are scholarship to study abroad for indian students and other countries students financed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). This scholarship is available for students who are seeking admission to any one-year masters programme in the UK. Chevening Scholarships cover the living expenses, tuition fees and travel costs, which will totally depend on the need of the candidate.
Parameters | Description |
Application Time |
Second Week of August to July |
Eligibility |
Candidates who have completed postgraduate or undergraduate studies |
Areas of Study |
One-year masters programme in any area of study |
Number of Seats |
65 scholarships for Indian Students |
Amount | INR 17 Lakhs |
Chinese Government Scholarships
These scholarship to study abroad for Indian students are available for the students looking for admission to any undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral programme at any Chinese higher education provider. Awarded under the India-China Cultural Exchange programme, these scholarships will cover the tuition fee amongst other expenses based on the financial need of a student.
Parameters | Description |
Application Time |
March |
Eligibility |
Candidates who have cleared the qualifying exam with at least 60% marks and also have a knowledge of the culture, heritage and geography of China. Besides this, they must have also completed a one-year training in the Chinese language. |
Areas of Study |
Literature & Language, Humanities, Science, Social Sciences and others. |
Number of Seats |
No Specific Number |
Amount | Not Specified |
Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford
Clarendon Fund Scholarship is a major graduate scholarship scheme awarded by the University of Oxford. This scholarship is available for students who are looking for admission to any master or DPhil course at the university. Clarendon Fund Scholarships cover the tuition and college fees of the candidate.
Key Parameters | Description |
Application Time |
January |
Eligibility |
Graduates from all over the world are eligible for this scholarship |
Areas of Study |
All areas of study |
Number of Seats |
Approximately 140 scholarships every year |
Amount | Not Specified |
Inlaks Scholarship
Inlaks Scholarship is granted by the Inlaks-Shivdasani Foundation and is a scholarship to study abroad for Indian students who are seeking admission to top universities of America, Europe and the UK. This aid will cover living expenses, tuition fees and other expenses up to USD100,000. If the total expenses exceed USD100,000, candidates will have to provide proof that they are capable of covering the rest of the expenses.
Key Parameters | Description |
Application Time |
January to April |
Eligibility |
Candidates who are selected from any top university in America, Europe and the UK and have completed an undergraduate degree from any recognised institute. The maximum age to apply for this scholarship is 30 years. |
Areas of Study |
Music, Computer Science, Business Studies, Medicine, Engineering, Public Health, Fashion Design and Film Animation |
Number of Seats |
No Specific Number |
Amount | INR 78 Lakhs |
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship are available for candidates from Commonwealth countries. Students who are seeking admission to any masters or PhD programmes at any university in the UK are eligible for this scholarship which will cover economy return airfare, tuition fee and other living expenses.
Key Parameters | Description |
Application Time |
August |
Eligibility |
Candidates who have completed education in English medium with a minimum of 60% marks in Humanities or Social Sciences. Those who have scored 65% marks in Technology, Engineering or Science/ Agriculture are also eligible for this scholarship. |
Areas of Study |
Agriculture, Engineering and Technology, Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences |
Number of Seats |
No Specific Number |
Amount | INR 13 Lakhs |
Vice Chancellors International Scholarships
Vice Chancellors Excellence Scholarships are offered by Newcastle University. This scholarship will be granted on the basis of the merit of the candidate. These study abroad scholarships will cover partial aid towards college tuition for one year and will only be awarded to the candidates who are selected for admission at Newcastle University, United Kingdom.
Key Parameters | Description |
Application Time |
February (No need to apply separately for scholarship) |
Eligibility |
Candidates who are selected for admission at Newcastle University, UK |
Areas of Study |
All areas of study |
No. of Seats |
255 seats every year |
Amount | 50% or 100% tuition fees |
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
The UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award is awarded by the University of British Columbia, Canada. The award is granted to the candidates who are selected for admission to any undergraduate course offered at the university. It is one of the top international scholarships for Indian students after 12th. Candidates who have an excellent academic record in the field of Performing Arts, Sports or Debating should apply for this scholarship which will cover the students living expenses and tuition fee.
Key Parameters | Description |
Application Time |
November |
Eligibility |
Applicants who are selected for admission to any undergraduate course at the University of British Columbia. The same should be the first degree of the candidate. |
Areas of Study |
All areas of study |
Number of Seats |
No Specific Number |
Amount | Not Mentioned |
Students who wish to study abroad can choose any college after checking the courses of a particular college/university, the fee structure and also the kind of scholarships on offer by a particular university. From programme-specific to general study abroad scholarships, there is something for every student so that he/she can fulfil his/her dream of studying abroad without worrying about financial constraints.
For further information/help, students can reach out to us at abroad@collegedekho.com. Our study abroad team will help you find foreign scholarships according to your requirements.
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