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15 Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad in 2025-26

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Updated On 01 October 2025 & Read Time 11 minutes

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Scholarships are a beacon of hope for students with big dreams but limited financial means. If you have strong academic records but need financial support, this article is made just for you.

 

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Here, we highlight some of the top scholarships available for Indian students to study abroad in 2025-26. While many lists exist online, what sets this one apart is our clear explanation of the application process, eligibility criteria, and the benefits each scholarship offers. Browse through the list and find the one that best suits your needs.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad

Here are the top scholarships for Indian students to study abroad in 2025-26
 

Where you can study: 

Eligibility: Fields Covered: Benefits: Application Process: Apply through the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) website.

The fellowship not only supports your academic journey but also fosters cultural exchange and leadership development, making it one of the most sought-after scholarships for Indian students who wish to study in USA. The application deadline for the 2025-26 cycle is typically around mid-May each year.

 

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship for Indian citizens aspiring to pursue a master’s degree in the United States. It provides comprehensive funding to study in USA-based colleges and universities, covering tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, at least three years of professional work experience, and leadership potential.

  • Where you can study: Accredited U.S. colleges and universities.

  • Eligibility: Indian citizens with at least 55% marks in a U.S.-equivalent bachelor’s degree, a minimum of three years’ professional work experience, and demonstrated leadership potential.

  • Fields Covered: Arts and Culture Management, Environmental Science, Public Health, Urban and Regional Planning, and more.

  • Benefits: J-1 visa support, round-trip airfare, tuition fees, living stipend, and health insurance.

  • Application Process: Apply through the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) website: https://usief.org.in

 

2. JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education

The JN Tata Endowment provides financial assistance to Indian students pursuing postgraduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral studies abroad. Established in 1892, it is one of India’s most prestigious and popular scholarships for overseas education. This loan scholarship supports students aiming to study at recognized global universities.

  • Where you can study: Accredited universities worldwide.

  • Eligibility: Indian nationals under 45 years of age (as of June 30, 2025) with a graduate degree from a recognized Indian university and a minimum of 60% marks. Applicants must have a consistently strong academic record and demonstrate leadership potential. Candidates already enrolled in postgraduate studies abroad with at least one full academic year remaining are also eligible.

  • Courses Covered: Postgraduate, Ph.D., and postdoctoral studies abroad.

  • Benefits: Loan scholarship ranging from INR 1 lakh up to INR 10 lakhs, with possible partial travel grants. The loan is repayable within seven years after completing studies.

  • Application Process: Apply online through the official website: https://jntataendowment.org

 

3. Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship is a program that provides Indian PhD students with an opportunity to conduct research in the United States for a period of six to nine months. 

The aim of the Fellowship is to promote educational and cultural exchange between India and the United States, and to provide students with an opportunity to conduct research at US institutions, audit non-degree courses, and gain practical work experience. With it you can easily study at one of the top universities in USA.

  • Where you can study: US colleges and universities.

  • Eligibility: Indian PhD scholars registered at an Indian institution with strong academic records and research experience.

  • Benefits: Covers J-1 visa support, monthly stipend, air travel allowance, and accident and sickness coverage.

  • Application Process: Apply online through the website of the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) at https://usief.org.in

 

4. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India aimed at assisting low-income students from marginalised communities to pursue higher education abroad. It is one of the top Indian Government scholarships to study abroad in most of popular countries.

Specifically, it assists students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural labourers, and traditional artisans. This scholarship provides financial assistance for pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD course at recognised institutes/universities abroad.

  • Where you can study: Global University

  • Eligibility: Indian students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans with a family income below INR 8 lakh per annum.

  • Courses Covered: Master's and Ph.D. programs in fields like Engineering, Management, Agricultural Sciences, and Medicine.

  • Benefits: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, visa fees, medical insurance, and airfare.

  • Application Process: Apply online through the official NOS portal: https://nosmsje.gov.in

 

5. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The DAAD Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for international students to study in Germany for higher education.

  • Where you can study: German universities.

  • Eligibility: Indian students with a minimum of 85% in their prior degree, at least two years of work experience, and proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or higher).

  • Benefits: Monthly stipend (€992 for master's, €1,300 for PhD), travel allowance, health insurance, rent subsidy, and research funding.

  • Application Process: Apply online through the DAAD portal and secure an invitation letter from a German university supervisor. Check more details at: https://daad.de/de/

 

6. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship

The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship is a prestigious, need-cum-merit-based scholarship offered by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation to young Indian graduates for postgraduate studies abroad.

The aim of this scholarship is to support eligible students in pursuing full-time Master’s, MPhil and Doctoral programmes in the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries. This covers tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs, with a maximum amount of US$100,000.

  • Where you can study: You can study in UK, the US, and European countries.

  • Eligibility: Indian passport holders residing in India, born on or after January 1, 1995. Must hold a degree from a recognised Indian university.

  • Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, and health allowance, up to USD 100,000.

  • Application Process: Apply online through: https://inlaksfoundation.org

 

7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree (EMJM) is a prestigious international master's programme, designed and delivered by a consortium of higher education institutions from several countries, usually involving at least three institutions from three different countries.

Students gain a global education experience, often studying at multiple institutions in different countries. The program may award dual or joint degrees upon completion.

  • Where you can study: Study in Europe, the US, and the UK.

  • Eligibility: Indian students with a bachelor's degree applying for integrated master's programs in Europe.

  • Benefits: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend of EUR 1,100 - 1,200, travel allowance, insurance, and library access.

  • Application Process: Apply directly to the institution offering the Erasmus Mundus program here: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

 

8. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship is a prestigious research fellowship funded by the Indian Ministry of Human Resource and Development. It supports a scholar pursuing advanced research in modern Indian studies in history, economics, and political science.

  • Eligibility: Indian scholars aged 30-40 years, with a PhD or equivalent published work in History, Economics, or Political Science. Must have at least three years of teaching experience.

  • Benefits: Covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and research costs, approximately EUR 30,000.

  • Application Process: Apply through the Ministry of Education, Government of India, here: https://education.gov.in

 

9. Richmond Scholars Program

This scholar's program is considered the university’s most prestigious and competitive academic award. The Richmond Scholars Program covers full tuition, housing, and meals (in addition to other program benefits) and is awarded to 25 new students.

  • Eligibility: High-achieving students applying for undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond.

  • Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, and additional academic support.

  • Application Process: No separate application; students are automatically considered upon admission.

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10. Chevening Scholarship

A fully funded UK government scholarship for outstanding students to pursue a one-year master's degree.

  • Where you can study: UK universities.

  • Eligibility: Indian nationals with a graduate degree, at least two years of work experience, and leadership potential.

  • Benefits: Covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees, and networking opportunities.

  • Application Process: Apply online via the Chevening website, here: https://chevening.org

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11. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

A prestigious scholarship funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.

  • Where you can study: University of Cambridge.

  • Eligibility: Indian students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (excluding MBA, MFin, and certain medical courses).

  • Benefits: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance (£18,744 per year), travel costs, visa fees, and academic development funding.

  • Application Process: Apply online through the Cambridge application portal, here: https://gatescambridge.org

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12. Commonwealth Scholarship

A UK government-funded scholarship for students from Commonwealth countries. The application deadline falls between September to November of every year.

  • Where you can study: UK universities.

  • Eligibility: Indian students with a strong academic record and financial need.

  • Benefits: Covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and research grants.

  • Application Process: Apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website. 

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13. Rotary Peace Fellowship

A fully funded fellowship for professionals committed to peace and development.

  • Where you can study: Rotary Peace Centres in the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Sweden, and Turkey.

  • Eligibility: Indian professionals with at least three years of experience in peacebuilding.

  • Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and internships.

  • Application Process: Apply online via the Rotary website, here: https://rotary.org

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14. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

This program provides opportunities for Indian professionals to pursue non-degree programs in the USA. It is a Fulbright program for mid-career professionals to gain leadership training in the US. It is one of the popular scholarship for indian students in USA.

  • Where you can study: US universities.

  • Eligibility: Indian professionals with at least five years of experience in public service.

  • Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and professional development.

  • Application Process: Apply through the USIEF website, here: https://usief.org.in

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15. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship

It is a popular scholarship for mid-career artists and heritage professionals to reduce the cost of studying in UK. This scholarship supports Indian students in the fields of arts, heritage conservation, and humanities. 

  • Where you can study: UK universities.

  • Eligibility: Indian nationals aged 28–38 with a degree in arts or heritage conservation.

  • Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

Application Process: Apply through the Charles Wallace India Trust website, here: https://charleswallaceindiatrust.com

How to apply for these scholarships?

The process to apply for these scholarships is mostly hassle-free; it is the requirements and documents that need to be taken care of most.

  1. First of all, choose scholarships as per your chosen destination/country, course and financial need.

  2. Then visit the official website of the chosen scholarship.

  3. Find the official PDF, and get details of the dates.

  4. Check your eligibility and continue the application filling process. If not, then find another one.

  5. Keep an essay ready and also obtain letters of recommendation.

  6. When filling window opens, fill the application form with correct details and provide all the documents asked.

  7. Submit the application and get the receipt of successful submission.

  8. Keep checking your email inbox regularly.

That’s it, after knowing the list of top scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, now you know the general process as well. Apply for some good scholarships and just wait for the results.

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Conclusion

Start your research and application process early to allow ample time to prepare and submit your application before the deadline. It's recommended to apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of receiving financial aid.

 

You should seek guidance from study abroad consultants who can help you navigate the application process. They can help you throughout your journey, and if you are looking for one, then ÈýÖ»ÑòºÚÁÏ is here to help.

 

ÈýÖ»ÑòºÚÁÏ is one of India’s best overseas education consultancies that assists students in pursuing higher education abroad. We at ÈýÖ»ÑòºÚÁÏ offer personalised guidance, including profile evaluation, course and university selection, application support, visa assistance, and more. For more information, please contact our Meridian Overseas Education Counsellors on our toll-free number 1800-1230-00011 or e-mail us your query at application02@meridean.org. You can also visit the Meridian Overseas website to schedule a free video counselling session with our counsellors. You can also visit our nearest branches to meet our experts

 

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