Many times, highly deserving students face financial challenges in pursuing overseas education. To provide Indian students with opportunities for superior education abroad and motivate them to study internationally, the Indian government has initiated various scholarship schemes. These scholarships for study abroad by the Indian government cover living expenses, tuition fees, and associated charges, catering to students from diverse backgrounds, regardless of caste, religion, creed, or race. Let’s look at some chosen scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government where you can pursue your abroad study dreams.
| Scholarships For Study Abroad By Indian Government Overview | |
| Types of Indian Government Scholarships For Study Abroad | -Merit-based -Student-Centric -Destination-Based -Subject-Specific -Needs-Based -Athletic Scholarships |
| Top Scholarships Provided By Indian Government | -Fulbright Scholarships -Tata Scholarships -National Overseas Scholarship -Dr. Ambedkar Scheme -Erasmus Mundus -Aga Khan Foundation -Agatha Harrison Fellowship -Padho Pardesh Scheme |
Types Of Scholarships For Studying Abroad By Indian Government
Various government scholarships for abroad studies for Indian students cater to different student levels, and effective research and preparation can enhance your chances of securing them. Scholarships for overseas studies fall into distinct categories:
- Merit-Based: Rewards academic excellence and achievements in extracurricular activities, giving preference to applicants with a strong academic record.
- Student-Centric: Considers factors like gender, colour, religion, family background, or specific medical history for eligibility.
- Destination-Based: Offered by governments and universities of specific countries, such as New Zealand and the United Kingdom, providing fellowships for students from Commonwealth countries, including India.
- Subject-Specific: Targets students pursuing a particular subject or programme, with grants from specific universities or institutions. For instance, MBA aspirants may find scholarships from institutions offering such programmes.
- Needs-Based: Considers the financial situation of students, requiring details like family income, ITRs, employment certificates, and income proofs.
- Athletic Scholarships: Exclusive to top athletes, these grants demand rigorous training and representation of the university in tournaments while managing academic responsibilities.
Top Scholarships Provided By Indian Government To Study Abroad
Based on the categories above, there are many scholarships for studying abroad by the Indian government after graduation for various courses and levels of education.The Department of Higher Education, under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, India, oversees the application and approval process for scholarships. While not all scholarships on the list are solely provided by the Indian government, some are fully sponsored, while others receive partial sponsorship. Most awards cater to advanced degrees like research, master’s, and doctoral programmes. However, a few are applicable for studying abroad after completing the 10th and 12th grades. Indian Government scholarships are more reliable than international scholarships because these scholarships give first preference to Indian students only. Hence the competition becomes less and easier. Let’s look at the list of these scholarships-
Fulbright Scholarships
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships represent Indian Government scholarships dedicated to studying abroad, specifically in the United States. This is a collaborative initiative between the two nations aims to foster higher education and leadership development.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Merit-based scholarship for all masters programmes in the USA. Work experience of 3 or more years is required. | -Fully funded scholarship-J1 Visa support -Sickness coverage -Tuition fees -Living expenses |
| Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship for Indian PhD students | Ph.D. applicants need substantial research experience in their field. Grant is for Ph.D. students conducting essential dissertation/thesis research. | -1 Visa Support -Monthly Stipend -Accident and Sickness Coverage -Round-Trip Economy Class Air Travel -Modest Affiliation Fees, |
| Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships for Indian PhD students. | Demonstrated substantial research in the relevant field, emphasising resource identification in India and the U.S. | Fully funded scholarships with J1 visa support and living expenses. |
Tata Scholarships
The Tata Group provides various scholarships, catering to a range of study fields such as social work, engineering, and neuroscience. Given below are the prestigious Tata scholarships to study abroad.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarships | Indian citizens under 45 years pursuing higher education abroad. Must have an undergraduate degree from a recognised Indian university. | Maximum loan of Rs10 lakh, repayable in five equal instalments from the end of the third year. |
| Tata Trusts Medical and Healthcare Scholarships | Bachelor’s programme candidates must have completed their first-year degree. | Provides monetary assistance to cover education-related costs. |
| Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship | Indian women graduate from recognised Indian universities. | Financial support for female students studying abroad in areas like social work, public health, etc. |
| Tata Cornell Scholarship/Cornell University Tata Scholarship, NY | Must attend a secondary school in India, be admitted to an undergraduate course at Cornell University, and be eligible for a need-based financial grant. | Waives yearly tuition cost, fully funded by scholarships. |
| Tata Trusts Means Grant for College | Mumbai natives studying from 11th to graduation (excluding engineering studies). | Monetary support for needy candidates from 11th to graduation. |
| Tata Trusts Women Scholarship for Neuroscience | Graduates with a minimum of 60% marks, interested in pursuing M.Sc. in Neuroscience. Candidates in the 1st and 2nd year of a degree course can apply. | Provides monetary support for women candidates pursuing M.Sc. in Neuroscience. |
| Tata Trusts Scholarship for Speech Therapy | Graduate students with a minimum GPA of 60%, pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech Therapy. Students in the 1st and 2nd years can apply. | Financial assistance for students pursuing a Master’s in Speech Therapy. |
National Overseas Scholarship
This is a significant scholarship offered by the Indian government for studying specifically designed to support students from Scheduled Castes in pursuing education abroad. Each year, 100 scholarships are granted. Additionally, there is a parallel scholarship for students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category, but the allocation for this scholarship is limited to 20 seats.
| National Overseas Scholarship | |
| Eligibility Criteria | -Applicants should be below 35 years of age and belong to Scheduled Castes (SC)/DEnotified Nomadic Tribes, Semi-Nomadic Tribes/Landless Agricultural Labourers/Traditional Artisans. -Candidates must have scored 60% or more in their previous degree. -Annual income should not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum |
| Eligible Courses | Available for master’s and Ph.D. programmes in the UK and the US. |
| Benefits | -Supports students from underprivileged backgrounds. It covers poll tax, air tickets, incidental journey allowance, equipment allowance, tuition, and visa fees. For the US, – Maintenance fee of 15,400 USD and GBP 9,900 is provided annually for studying in the UK. -Contingency allowance is given (1,500 USD for the US or 1,100 GBP for the UK). |
Dr Ambedkar Scheme Of Interest Subsidy On Educational Loan For Overseas Studies
The objective of the programme is to grant interest subsidies to talented individuals from Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Economically Backward Classes (ECW). The intention is to assist these students in pursuing advanced education abroad, fostering opportunities for a brighter future.
| Dr Ambedkar Scheme Of Interest Subsidy On Educational Loan For Overseas Studies | |
| Eligibility Criteria | – Candidates must belong to OBC or EBC categories. – Must have secured admission in select courses and availed a loan from an IBA-registered bank. – Annual income criteria: Less than 1 lakh INR for EBC and 3 lakh INR for OBC. |
| Courses Eligible | Masters, M.Phil., or PhD |
| Benefits | Interest subsidy on student loans. |
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree
Another Indian government scholarship for Indian students to study abroad, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree programme, is a collaborative effort of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) from three or more countries, aiming to promote internationalism in prestigious universities.
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree | |
| Eligibility | – Completed bachelor’s degree or in the final year. – Bachelor’s equivalent is also accepted. |
| Benefits | – Allowance provided for study, research, placement, thesis, etc. – Duration: 1 to 2 years. – Two types of degrees awarded: joint degree and multiple degrees. |
| Admission Cycle | Accepts new students annually. |
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships provide students with an exceptional chance to pursue studies at universities in Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. As a result, it stands out as one of the highly coveted Indian government scholarships for those aspiring to study abroad.
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme | |
| Eligibility Criteria | The selection process for this scholarship programme involves demonstrating consistent academic effort and excellence. Additionally, applicants need to establish a genuine need for financial support to qualify for the scholarship. |
| Eligible Courses | – Preference is primarily given to Master’s programmes, while short-term programmes like certifications and postgraduate diplomas may require exploring alternative scholarship options. |
| Benefits | – Students receiving this scholarship benefit from a 50% loan and 50% grant. |
Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship, funded by the Indian government and administered by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, is a prestigious Indian government scholarship for studying abroad. This exclusive scholarship supports a single fellow, providing an opportunity to study at the University of London.
| Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship | |
| Eligibility | – Consistent academic record of at least 60% – Possession of postgraduate and Ph.D. degrees in political science, economics, or history – Age between 30 to 40 – Minimum three years of teaching experience at the PG or UG level post-Ph.D. |
| Subjects Eligible | Political science, economics, history |
| Duration | One year initially, extendable based on performance |
| Benefits | – Value in 2015: £29,944.85 – Covers travel allowance, lunches, stipend, six high table dinners, and administration charges – Includes economy air travel as part of the travel allowance. |
Padho Pardesh Scheme For Students Belonging To Minority Castes
Padho Pardesh is a government of India scholarship designed to support economically weaker sections of minority communities, facilitating their pursuit of better education and enhancing employability through interest subsidies on student loans.
| Padho Pardesh Scheme For Minority Students | |
| Eligibility | – Avail a student loan from an IBA-registered bank. – Maximum family income not exceeding 6 lakh INR per annum. – Eligible subjects apply. |
| Courses Eligible | Masters, Ph.D., or M.Phil. |
| Benefits | Interest subsidy on student loans. |
| Other Details | – Subsidy not granted to students quitting mid-term or expelled for misbehaviour. – Strict measures against fake documents and rule violations. – 35% of seats reserved for females. |
Application Process Of Scholarship From Indian Government For Abroad Studies
The application process for Indian government scholarships for studying abroad generally follows a consistent procedure. Although the specific steps and document requirements may vary, understanding the common application process can expedite your application. Here is a brief overview:
- Visit the official website of the desired Indian government scholarship for studying abroad.
- Review eligibility criteria, document requirements, and deadlines.
- Access the application link if within the timeframe.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the browser for application submission.
- Attach any required documents.
- Note the results date.
If selected, administrators of the scholarship/fellowship will contact you. It is advisable to apply to multiple Indian government scholarships for studying abroad simultaneously to mitigate potential challenges if not selected for one.
Documents Required For Scholarship From Indian Government For Abroad Studies
The specific documents required may vary depending on the scholarship programme. Applicants should refer to the official scholarship guidelines for accurate and up-to-date information. However, here is a generic list of documents required for scholarships for indian students to study abroad
| Document Type | Description |
| Application Form | Completed and signed application form. |
| Proof of Identity | Government-issued photo ID (Aadhar card, passport, etc.). |
| Proof of Residence | Utility bills, rental agreement, or any document confirming current residence. |
| Academic Transcripts | Copies of academic records, certificates, and mark sheets. |
| Admission Letter | Proof of admission to the educational institution for the desired programme. |
| Passport-size Photographs | Recent passport-sized photographs as per specified guidelines. |
| Income Certificate | Proof of annual family income, issued by a competent authority. |
| Category/Caste Certificate (if applicable) | Valid certificates for reserved categories, if applicable. |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | A written statement explaining your educational and career goals. |
| Letters of Recommendation | Academic or professional references supporting your application. |
| Bank Statements | Proof of financial stability, including bank statements or affidavits. |
| Passport Copy | Copy of a valid passport (if applicable for international scholarships). |
| Research Proposal (if applicable) | A detailed plan outlining your research objectives and methodology (for research-based scholarships). |
| Medical Certificate (if applicable) | Certifying your fitness for travel and study abroad (if required). |
| Language Proficiency Certificates | Certificates proving proficiency in the language of instruction (if applicable). |
Students always get confused between an SOP (statement of purpose) and a letter of recommendation. Statement of purpose for a scholarship is the most important document that almost all scholarship committees ask for reviewing. This letter contains the intent or motive behind applying for the scholarship and how you are going to make an impact on the community. Hence you should draft it with utmost dedication and authenticity.
Likewise submitting a scholarship recommendation letter can have an added benefit as these letters describe your academic performance and achievements and are written by an authority at the school, college, or university you were studying in before.
Benefits Of Study Abroad Scholarships By Indian Government
Scholarships by the Indian Government for studying abroad offer a range of benefits to eligible candidates. These scholarship benefits for students include:
- Financial Support: Scholarships often cover various expenses, including tuition fees, living costs, travel allowances, and other related charges, reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
- Educational Opportunities: Indian Government scholarships enable students to pursue higher education at prestigious international institutions, enhancing the quality and diversity of their academic experience.
- Global Exposure: Studying abroad provides students with exposure to diverse cultures, perspectives, and academic environments, fostering a global outlook and cross-cultural understanding.
- Enhanced Employability: International education can enhance a student’s employability by providing access to high-quality education, cutting-edge research facilities, and opportunities for skill development.
- Networking Opportunities: Studying abroad allows students to build a global network of peers, professors, and professionals, which can be beneficial for future academic and career endeavours.
- Research Opportunities: For research-based scholarships, students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with experts in their field.
- International Recognition: Graduating from a reputed international institution under the support of a government scholarship adds prestige to one’s academic qualifications and enhances the individual’s global standing.
- Contribution to National Development: Scholars who return to India after completing their studies abroad often contribute to the nation’s development by applying their acquired knowledge and skills.
Scholarships to study abroad by the Indian government can be utilised to pay most of your expenses. However, you must have a backup option to finance your study abroad journey through education loans. As scholarships are competitive and at times merit-based, the chances of obtaining a scholarship become less or unreliable. Hence, study abroad loans can be of great help as they are a guaranteed funding option irrespective of your merits or needs. If you are looking for an education loan, check out UniCreds for lower processing fees and faster approvals!
FAQs
Q1. Which Indian government scholarship to study abroad is best for me?
Ans: Determining the best Indian government scholarship for studying abroad depends on your academic background, chosen field of study, and eligibility criteria. Explore options like the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships or the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree programme based on your specific preferences and goals.
Q2. Do I have to spend money after obtaining a scholarship?
Ans: While scholarships cover specific expenses, recipients may still incur additional costs, such as personal expenses or travel-related expenses, depending on the scholarship terms.
Q3. What types of scholarships does the Indian government offer for studying abroad?
Ans: The Indian government offers various scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, subject-specific, and country-specific scholarships, for studying abroad.
Q4. Are there specific countries or courses covered by the scholarships for studying abroad by the Indian government?
Ans: Yes, Indian government scholarships for studying abroad often specify eligible countries and courses, varying based on the scholarship programme.
Q5. What is the application process for government-funded scholarships for Indian students pursuing education overseas?
Ans: Government scholarships are supposed to be applied for on the government scholarship websites only. Just check the eligibility, fill up the form, and submit the required documents before the scholarship deadline.
Q6. Are there any age restrictions for applying for scholarships for studying abroad offered by the Indian government?
Ans: Yes, many scholarships offered by the Indian government for studying abroad have age restrictions, and eligibility criteria may specify an age range for applicants.
Q7. Can I apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously under the Indian government’s programme for studying abroad?
Ans: Yes, in many cases, applicants can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously under the Indian government’s programme for studying abroad, like Fulbright Nehru Fellowships, Padho Pardesh scheme, etc.
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