A career in law opens doors to diverse career paths in legal services, corporations and much more! For aspiring students in India, securing LLM abroad scholarships for Indian students are a pivotal step in pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or advanced studies. Numerous universities and colleges offer LLM scholarships for Indian students on both national and international platforms. In this article, we’ll explore the top LLM scholarships for Indian students, outlining eligibility criteria and the associated benefits.
| LLM Scholarships Abroad Overview | |
| LLM Scholarships in United Kingdom (UK) | 1. Scott Trust Foundation Bursary (University of London) 2. Foundation Degree Scholarship (University of Westminster) 3. International PGT Merit Scholarship (University of Leicester) 4. Chevening Scholarship |
| LLM Scholarships in United States (USA) | 1. Financial Grants (Harvard University) 2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme (Stanford University) 3. ADP Scholarship (University of California, Berkeley) 4. Fulbright Scholarship |
| LLM Scholarships in Australia | 1. ANU College of Law International Excellence Scholarship 2. Alex Chernov Scholarship (University of Melbourne) 3. Sydney International Student Award (University of Sydney) 4. International Student Award (University of New South Wales) |
| Global/Fully Funded LLM Scholarships | 1. Chevening Scholarship 2. Felix Scholarship 3. Commonwealth Scholarship 4. Rhodes Scholarship |
Types Of LLM Scholarships For Abroad
A legal education abroad is an amazing choice for Indian students. These scholarships are categorised into a few categories that decide your funding and benefits. LLM scholarships abroad typically fall into three major categories:
- Need-Based Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their financial needs. The primary criterion is the student’s demonstrated financial hardship or lack of resources to cover the costs of education.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are granted to students based on their outstanding academic, extracurricular, or other achievements. The emphasis is on recognising and rewarding the student’s merit, skill, or talent.
- Merit-Cum-Need-Based Scholarships: Merit-cum-need-based scholarships combine elements of both merit and financial need criteria. Students are assessed not only for their academic or extracurricular achievements but also for their financial situation.
International Scholarships Available For Pursuing LLM
Securing an international scholarship for studying abroad can greatly alleviate the financial burden of pursuing education in foreign countries is one of the top ways to pay for a law school. Here is a detailed country-wise bifurcation of these scholarships in the tables given below with their eligibility criteria and benefits.
LLM Scholarship For Indian Students In UK
The LLM programme in the United Kingdom not only promises a world-class legal education but also opens doors to a myriad of opportunities for Indian students. Recognising the financial commitments associated with pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, numerous scholarships support and empower aspiring Indian legal scholars. These LLM scholarships in the UK offer financial assistance, academic recognition and much more. The following table gives an overview of the top LLM scholarships in the UK.
| Scholarship | Awarded by (Private/Government/University) | Eligibility | Award Value |
| Scott Trust Foundation Bursary | University of London | Need-Based | Full tuition fees or 5,000 GBP subsistence allowance |
| Foundation Degree Scholarship | University of Westminster | Household income of £25,000 or below as assessed by the Student Loans Company | 1,500 GBP per year towards maintenance costs or tuition fees, up to a maximum of four years |
| International PGT Merit Scholarship | University of Leicester | Merit-Based | Degree equivalent to a UK high upper second-class degree – 3,000 GBP; or Degree equivalent to a UK first-class degree – 5,000 GBP |
LLM Scholarships For Indian Students In The USA
Because of the steep tuition fees, many international students pursuing an LLM in the USA seek scholarships to reduce the financial burden. Despite the relatively short duration of the LLM programme, spanning 9-10 months, financial assistance is crucial for a smooth and successful course completion. Here is a list of commonly availed scholarships in the USA along with their respective amounts:
| Scholarship | Awarding University | Eligibility | Amount |
| Financial Grants | Harvard University | Demonstrated financial need | Up to 50% tuition fee coverage |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme | Stanford University | Graduate applicants | Fellowship covering tuition, fees, living expenses, and travel stipend |
| ADP Scholarship: Full-Tuition Award for Students with Superior Academic Credentials | University of California, Berkeley | Academic Merit | Full tuition fee waiver |
| Fulbright Scholarship | Academic Merit | 20,000-50,000 USD | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Columbia University | Graduate students in international trade, trade law, public interest, and human rights | Full or partial tuition fee coverage |
| Hauser Global Scholars Programme | New York University (NYU) | Students enrolled in LLM courses | Full-tuition scholarship and a living stipend |
| Merit Scholarships | University of Chicago | Automatic consideration based on merit and needs | 15,000-20,000 USD |
| American Association of University Women (AAUW) | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | International women wishing to study in the USA | 18,000 USD |
LLM Scholarships In Australia
Apart from tuition fees, students also have to bear the complete expenses for travel and accommodation when pursuing LLM courses in Australia, which can be quite costly. To ease this financial burden, leading universities in Australia provide several scholarships for international students. Here is a table outlining some scholarships available for international students in Australia:
| Scholarship Name | Awarded by (Private/Government/University) | Eligibility | Award Amount |
| ANU College of Law International Excellence Scholarship | Enrolled for Master of Laws in Australian National University | Academic merit | AUD 20,000 |
| Alex Chernov Scholarship | Enrolled for Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne | Academic merit | Full tuition fee coverage and 20,000 AUD |
| Sydney International Student Award | Enrolled in the University of Sydney | Highly based on personal statement and merits | 20% off tuition fees |
| International Student Award | Enrolled in University of New South Wales | Academic merit | 15% off tuition fees |
| International High Achievers Scholarship | Enrolled in the University of Queensland | Academic excellence | 10,000 |
| Postgraduate Academic Excellence International Scholarship | Enrolled in the University of Technology Sydney | Merit based | 25-35% off tuition fees |
Full LLM Scholarships For International Students
Fully funded scholarships for LLM (Master of Laws) abroad are relatively rare, but some prestigious institutions and organisations offer financial support to exceptional candidates. It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria for these scholarships may vary, and competition for fully funded opportunities is typically intense. As scholarship offerings can change, it’s advisable to check the specific requirements and deadlines on the official websites of the respective scholarship programmes. Here, are a few fully funded LLM scholarships:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits |
| Chevening Scholarship | Open to applicants from Chevening-eligible countries | Full financial support, including tuition, living expenses, and airfare. |
| Felix Scholarship | Available to outstanding Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies. | Covers 100% of the course fees and a grant for living costs of around GBP 15,840. It also includes one return flight from India to the UK. |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Open to Commonwealth citizens or eligible countries. | Tuition fees are covered, plus a monthly stipend of either GBP 1,116 or GBP 1,369 (for the London area), and a study travel grant for study-related travel within the UK or overseas. |
| Rhodes Scholarship | Based on academic excellence and leadership potential. | Full funding for study at the University of Oxford. |
| Fulbright Nehru Scholarship | Exceptional Indian students aspiring to pursue a master’s degree at specific U.S. universities and colleges in fields such as Public Administration, International Legal Studies, Women’s Studies, or Gender Studies, among others. | J-1 visa assistance, round-trip economy class airfare from the fellow’s home city to the U.S. host institution, living and associated expenses, financial support for tuition and fees, and accident and sickness coverage following U.S. Government guidelines. |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | For individuals who do not have any other means of financing their studies. | 50% grant and 50% loan basis (at an annual interest of 5%) |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship | Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships welcome applications from Indian passport holders residing in India during the application period. Typically, candidates are required to have a strong academic record with a good first-class degree from a recognised university in India. | Provides a maximum funding of USD 100,000. If the total expenses for the intended course surpass this limit, applicants must demonstrate, during the application process, their ability to independently cover any additional costs. |
National LLM Scholarships For Indian Students Abroad
Opting for LLM national scholarships presents unique advantages over applying through external organisations. National scholarships are specifically tailored to support the educational opportunities of citizens, often offering a deeper understanding of local needs and priorities. This localised focus can increase the chances of eligibility and success. Let’s take a look at some top national LLM scholarships For Indian students to study law abroad.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship | Brilliant Indian postgraduates | Up to INR 2 million interest-free loan |
| J.N. Tata Endowment | Indian students pursuing higher ed. | Merit-based one-time loan fellowship |
| Education Grants by Tata Trusts | Deserving students at all levels | Financial assistance for various education levels |
| KC Mahindra Scholarship | Students pursuing PG studies abroad | Rs. 10,000 per annum for 550 students |
| Debesh-Kamal Scholarship | Indian students worldwide | INR 1 lakh scholarship for various disciplines |
How To Apply For LLM Scholarships Abroad?
The process of applying for LLM scholarships abroad involves thorough research, preparation of documents, and adherence to specific application procedures outlined by universities and external organisations. We have listed down the general steps to apply for LLM scholarships.
- Step 1: Research Opportunities: Explore various universities and legal institutions offering LLM programmes abroad. Identify potential scholarships, considering eligibility criteria and requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare Documents: Gather essential documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, and a resume. Ensure these documents highlight your academic achievements, relevant experience, and career goals.
- Step 3: Identify Scholarships: Look for both university-specific and external scholarships. Check eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documentation for each scholarship.
- Step 4: Application Process: Follow the specific application process outlined by each scholarship provider. This may involve online applications, submission of documents, and, in some cases, interviews.
- Step 5: Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the scholarships you’re applying for, such as academic excellence, work experience, and any specific requirements related to the field of law.
- Step 6: Write a Strong Purpose of Statement: Crafting an interesting SOP for law students that outlines your academic and professional background, career aspirations, and why you are a deserving candidate for the scholarship.
- Step 7: Secure Letters of Recommendation: Obtain a strong letter of recommendation for scholarships from professors, employers, or legal professionals who can attest to your capabilities and potential for success in the LLM programme.
Documents Required For LLM Scholarships
The specific document requirements may vary between scholarships and institutions, so applicants should carefully review the instructions provided by each scholarship programme. Here’s a table outlining the documents commonly required for LLM scholarships:
| Documents Required | Description |
| 1. Academic Transcripts | Official records of previous academic achievements. |
| 2. Letters of Recommendation | Endorsements from professors or professionals familiar with your work. |
| 3. Statement of Purpose (SOP) | A purpose statement for scholarship outlining academic and career goals. |
| 4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Detailed summary of academic and extracurricular achievements. |
| 5. Proof of Language Proficiency | Usually IELTS or TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers. |
| 6. Admission Letter | Offer of admission from the university or law school. |
| 7. Passport-sized Photographs | Recent passport-sized photos as per specified guidelines. |
| 8. Financial Documents | Proof of financial need or resources for tuition and living expenses. |
Note: Some LLM scholarships might ask for law school admission test (LSAT) results which are important to assess reading and verbal reasoning skills, which helps them track the academic potential of applicants on a level playing field. It’s important to take this test for better chances of obtaining the scholarship.
FAQs
1. Which international universities offer law scholarships for Indian students?
The University of Kent, University of Leicester University, Adelaide University, Monash University, Queen Mary University, etc. offer law scholarships for international students.
2. Are there any standardised tests or exams required to be eligible for LLM abroad scholarships?
Yes Law School Admission Test is the most important standardised test required to be eligible for LLM abroad scholarships.
3. What are the common deadlines for applying to LLM abroad scholarships, and how can I stay updated on them?
LLM abroad scholarship deadlines vary by institution, but many are between December and March. Stay updated by regularly checking official university websites and subscribing to scholarship newsletters or online platforms dedicated to higher education opportunities.
4. Are there specific countries or universities that offer more scholarships for Indian students pursuing LLM programmes?
While scholarship availability varies, countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, along with renowned universities globally, often provide a range of scholarships for Indian students pursuing LLM programmes.
5. Can LLM scholarships cover the entire cost of tuition and living expenses, or are they partial scholarships?
LLM scholarships can vary, offering both partial and full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses. Some scholarships may cover only tuition costs, while others may include living allowances, travel grants, or stipends.
6. Can you provide information on alternative funding options for Indian students pursuing LLM programmes abroad if they don’t qualify for scholarships?
If not eligible for LLM scholarships, Indian students can explore alternatives like education loans, part-time work, internships, savings, family support, or crowdfunding.
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