Top 10 Scholarships for Indian Students Studying Abroad in 2025

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's flagship international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.

• What it covers: Full tuition fees, living allowance, return airfare, and other allowances
• Eligibility: Indian citizens with at least 2 years of work experience, applying for a one-year master's degree at a UK university
• CGPA requirement: No minimum, but competitive applicants typically have strong academic records
• Application window: August–November each year (for the following academic year)
• How to apply: Online at chevening.org — requires 4 essays and 2 references

2. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries, including India, to study at UK universities.

• What it covers: Full tuition, living allowance, airfare, and thesis grant
• Eligibility: Indian citizens, typically for master's and PhD programs; preference for development-related fields
• Application: Through the Indian national nominating agency (usually UGC or ICCR)
• Deadline: Typically December–January

3. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers several scholarship programmes for Indian students to study in Germany, including the prestigious DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses scholarship.

• What it covers: Monthly stipend (€934 for master's students), travel allowance, health insurance, and tuition (most German public universities charge no tuition)
• Eligibility: Indian citizens with a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of professional experience (for development-related programs)
• Application: Online at daad.de — requires a motivation letter, CV, and references
• Deadline: Varies by program, typically October–November

4. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

The Inlaks Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships specifically for Indian students, supporting exceptional individuals to study at top universities worldwide.

• What it covers: Up to $100,000 over the course of the degree (tuition + living expenses)
• Eligibility: Indian citizens under 30, applying to top universities in the USA, UK, or Europe
• Fields: Arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine
• Application: Online at inlaksfoundation.org — highly competitive; requires strong academic record and personal statement
• Deadline: Typically March–April

5. Tata Scholarship (Cornell University, USA)

The Tata Scholarship Fund at Cornell University provides need-based financial aid to Indian undergraduate students admitted to Cornell.

• What it covers: Need-based aid covering a significant portion of tuition and living expenses
• Eligibility: Indian citizens admitted to Cornell University as undergraduates
• Application: Automatic consideration upon admission — no separate application required
• Note: Cornell is one of the few Ivy League universities that offers need-based aid to international students

6. Australia Awards Scholarship

Funded by the Australian Government, Australia Awards scholarships support students from developing countries, including India, to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study in Australia.

• What it covers: Full tuition, return airfare, living allowance, health insurance, and academic support
• Eligibility: Indian citizens, typically for development-related fields; preference for applicants who will contribute to India's development
• Application: Online at australiaawards.gov.au
• Deadline: Typically April–May

7. Government of Canada Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is one of Canada's most prestigious doctoral scholarships, open to international students including Indians.

• What it covers: CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years
• Eligibility: Doctoral students nominated by a Canadian university; requires exceptional academic achievement and leadership
• Application: Through your Canadian university — you cannot apply directly
• Note: Also look at the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and provincial scholarships

8. New Zealand Excellence Awards

Education New Zealand offers Excellence Awards for Indian students to study at New Zealand universities.

• What it covers: Partial tuition fee waiver (typically NZD 10,000–15,000)
• Eligibility: Indian citizens applying to participating New Zealand universities
• Application: Through participating universities — check each university's scholarship page

9. University-Specific Scholarships

Many top universities offer their own merit-based scholarships for international students. Some notable ones for Indian students:

• University of Edinburgh Global Scholarship — £5,000 for international students
• University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships — covers tuition and living allowance for PhD students
• University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship — full scholarship for exceptional undergraduates
• NUS Research Scholarship (Singapore) — monthly stipend + tuition waiver for PhD students

10. ICCR Scholarships (Indian Government)

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers scholarships for Indian students to study in partner countries, including many European nations, Japan, and others.

• What it covers: Varies by country — typically tuition + living allowance
• Eligibility: Indian citizens; varies by program and country
• Application: Through the ICCR website (iccr.gov.in)

Tips for Scholarship Applications

• Start early: Most scholarships open 6–12 months before the academic year. Missing the deadline means waiting another year.
• Apply to multiple scholarships: Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to 3–5 scholarships simultaneously.
• Tailor your essays: Generic essays rarely win scholarships. Research each scholarship's values and tailor your application accordingly.
• Get strong references: A reference from a professor who knows you well is far more valuable than one from a famous professor who barely knows you.
• Highlight your impact: Scholarship committees want to fund people who will make a difference. Show how you plan to use your education to contribute to your community or field.