Studying abroad after completing Class 12 is an excellent opportunity for Indian students to gain international exposure and access to world-class education. Numerous scholarships are available to make this dream financially viable, ranging from fully-funded government scholarships to university-specific awards.
Types of International Scholarships
Government-Funded Scholarships
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA): The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are prestigious, fully funded scholarships offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). These scholarships cover:
- Tuition fees, living costs, airfare, and health insurance
- Monthly stipend ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on location
- Available for master's programs and research fellowships in fields like Public Administration, Environmental Science, Arts & Culture, and International Relations
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK): These provide 100% funding for Indian students to study in the UK. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other essential costs.
Chevening Scholarships (UK): Another prestigious UK government scholarship that provides comprehensive funding for Indian students pursuing higher education.
Private Foundation Scholarships
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships support Indian students pursuing postgraduate education worldwide. They offer up to ₹83,08,000 per student and cover tuition, living allowance, health allowance, and one-way airfare.
TATA Scholarships: Available at institutions like Cornell University, where around 20 scholarships are awarded annually to Indian undergraduate students. Thanks to a $25 million endowment from the Tata Education and Development Trust, these provide 100% funding.
University-Specific Scholarships
Yale University Scholarship: Yale offers need-based financial aid covering up to 100% of demonstrated financial need, including tuition fees and living costs for undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs.
Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships (Cambridge): Named after India's former prime minister, these scholarships cover all undergraduate tuition and college fees at Cambridge University, plus living and travel expenses. Available for all courses except medicine and veterinary science.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada): This is among the top university-specific scholarships available for international students.
Country-Wise Scholarship Opportunities
United States
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
- TATA Scholarships at Cornell
- Generation Google Scholarship (up to ₹8,33,500)
United Kingdom
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships
- Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships at Cambridge
- Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships India (minimum £10,000)
Australia
- Australian Government Scholarships
- University of New South Wales Future of Change India Scholarship ($10,000 per annum)
- India Global Leaders Scholarship at University of Queensland (50% tuition fee waiver)
European Countries
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (100% funding for European Union studies)
- Charpak Master's Scholarship in France (€5,000 tuition fee waiver plus living allowance)
Application Process and Eligibility
Most scholarships require:
- Excellent academic records (typically 55-60% minimum in undergraduate degree for master's programs)
- English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS scores)
- Standardized test scores (GRE/SAT where required)
- Demonstrated leadership qualities and community service experience
- Strong recommendation letters and essays
Financial Coverage
Scholarships typically cover various combinations of:
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses and accommodation
- Health insurance
- Travel expenses (airfare)
- Monthly stipends ranging from $1,500-$2,500
Key Tips for Success
- Start Early: Many scholarship applications open 12-18 months before the academic year begins
- Multiple Applications: Apply to several scholarships to maximize chances of success
- Strong Profile: Focus on academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience
- Language Requirements: Ensure you meet English proficiency requirements well in advance
Several countries like Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland offer particularly attractive options with lower or no tuition fees, making them ideal destinations for Indian students seeking affordable international education.
These scholarships represent excellent opportunities for Indian students to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies abroad without the financial burden, opening doors to global career opportunities and international exposure.
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