This complete guide covers the best international scholarships for Indian students, including undergraduate, master’s, MBA, and PhD scholarships abroad. Students can explore eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, countries offering the highest funding, and fully funded opportunities that cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.

What Are International Scholarships for Indian Students?

International scholarships for Indian students are financial aid programs offered by governments, universities, and organizations to support Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. These scholarships may cover:

• Full tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Accommodation costs
• Travel expenses
• Health insurance
• Research funding

Some scholarships are fully funded, while others provide partial tuition fee waivers or monthly stipends.

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students

Fully funded scholarships are among the most searched study abroad opportunities because they significantly reduce education costs.

Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships

• Complete tuition fee coverage
• Monthly living stipend
• Airfare support
• Accommodation assistance
• Visa and health insurance support
• Access to global networking opportunities

These scholarships are highly competitive and usually require strong academic records, leadership experience, and extracurricular achievements.

Scholarships to Study Anywhere

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers prestigious awards that enable outstanding Indian students to study at top institutions in North America and Europe. Applicants should be:

1. Be under 30 years of age.
2. Reside in India at the time of application.
3. Apply for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs (with certain field-specific restrictions).

These highly competitive scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and other essential costs, making them one of the most sought-after international scholarships for Indian students.

Scholarships to Study in Asia

Japan- Aichi Scholarship Program

The Aichi Scholarship Program supports graduate study in fields of manufacturing approved by the Aichi Prefectural Government in Japan. It also targets students from Asian countries, including India, who want to specialize in advanced industrial and engineering domains.

Singapore- DST A*STAR Scholarships

These scholarships support Indian students pursuing science and technology degrees at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral level in Singapore. They would cover tuition, stipends, and research support, and are ideal mainly for students seeking cutting-edge research exposure at a global level.

Hinrich Foundation Scholarships

The Hinrich Foundation funds programs across Asia for students committed to sustainable global trade. Awards support master’s and other advanced degrees related to trade, business, and international development, combining academic learning with industry-oriented outcomes.

Prof. Emeritus Madan Mohan Das Memorial Scholarship (AIT)

It is offered at the Asian Institute of Technology. This scholarship supports Indian students pursuing a master’s in the School of Engineering and Technology. It covers registration fees for four semesters and 24 credits, easing the financial burden.

Scholarships to Study in Australia

Scholarships to Study in Europe

Ireland- UCD Global Graduate Scholarships

University College Dublin offers funding for Indian students enrolling in graduate programs. Awards can significantly reduce tuition fees and also support those seeking a European education in a vibrant, English-speaking environment.

The Netherlands- Orange Tulip Scholarship

This program offers partial or complete tuition grants to Indian students for pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees at participating Dutch universities. It also targets academically strong candidates and is particularly attractive for programs taught in English.

France- Campus France Charpak & Raman Charpak Scholarships

1. Charpak Scholarship (Master’s): For Indian nationals (30 or under) for pursuing master’s degrees in France. Applicants are usually current students or working professionals in India.
2. Raman- Charpak Scholarship (PhD): Supports Indian PhD candidates to conduct part of their research at French institutions for up to six months, strengthening Indo-French research collaborations.

Scholarships to Study in the UK

The UK is one of the most popular destinations covered under international scholarships for Indian students, with various targeted awards:

Scholarships to Study in the US

Read Also: Ivy League Scholarship for Indian Students

Common Mistakes Students Make While Applying for Scholarships

Missing Deadlines

Many students apply too late.

Generic SOPs

Scholarship essays should be personalized and specific.

Applying to Too Few Scholarships

Students should apply broadly to maximize chances.

Ignoring Eligibility Criteria

Always check academic and course-specific requirements.

Weak Recommendation Letters

Strong LORs significantly impact scholarship selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are international scholarships for Indian students?

These are funding programs from governments, universities, and foundations that reduce tuition and living costs for Indians studying abroad.

Can Indian students get full scholarships to study abroad?

Yes, some schemes like Fulbright-Nehru, Inlaks, Tata, and certain university awards can cover most or all study expenses.

Which countries offer the most scholarships for Indian students?

The US, UK, Europe (France, Netherlands, Ireland), Australia, and parts of Asia (Japan, Singapore) have strong funded options.

Do I need very high grades for these scholarships?

Most major awards are merit-based and require strong academics, but some also consider leadership, financial need, or specific fields of interest.

When should I start applying for international scholarships?

Begin research 12–18 months before your intake; many deadlines fall before or alongside university application dates.

Can I apply to multiple scholarships at once?

Yes, and it’s recommended; many students stack one significant scholarship with smaller awards or university discounts.

Are scholarships available for both undergraduates and postgraduates?

Absolutely—there are specific schemes for bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, PhD, and even short-term research exchanges.

Where can I find updated scholarship lists for Indian students?

Major education portals and university funding pages regularly publish curated lists for Indian and other international applicants.