Best Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad in 2025
Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the high cost of education and living abroad can often make it seem unattainable. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available to help ease the financial burden. Whether you're aiming for a degree in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, or other destinations, this guide highlights some of the best scholarships for Indian students to study abroad in 2025.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's global scholarship program aimed at developing global leaders. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for Indian students who want to pursue a master's degree at any university in the UK.
Key Features:
- Full Scholarship Coverage: Chevening provides full funding for tuition fees, travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have a strong academic background, leadership potential, and a commitment to returning to India after their studies.
- Application Deadline: Typically around November each year, for the following academic year.
Top Universities: All UK universities that accept Chevening Scholarships.
Website: Chevening Scholarships
2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarship is another excellent option for Indian students who wish to pursue a master's or Ph.D. in the UK. This scholarship is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
Key Features:
- Full Tuition Fees and Living Expenses: The scholarship covers airfare, tuition, living allowance, and other associated costs.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country (India is eligible), have a first-class undergraduate degree, and meet the academic and professional experience requirements.
- Application Deadline: Generally opens in early December, with a deadline in mid-January.
Top Universities: Most UK universities participate in the Commonwealth Scholarship Program.
Website: Commonwealth Scholarships
3. Fulbright-Nehru Master's and Ph.D. Fellowships (USA)
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarships available to Indian students who wish to pursue a master's or Ph.D. program in the United States. It is offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF).
Key Features:
- Full Funding: Covers tuition fees, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance.
- Eligibility: Indian students with a strong academic record and a commitment to contributing to India's development in their field of study are eligible. The applicant must also hold a bachelor's or master's degree, depending on the program.
- Application Deadline: Typically in July or August, for the following academic year.
Top Universities: Any accredited U.S. university.
Website: Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
4. Inlaks Scholarships (Global)
Inlaks Scholarships are for Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate degrees in any field at top institutions across the world, including the United States, the UK, Europe, and other leading destinations.
Key Features:
- Funding for Tuition and Living Expenses: The scholarship covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Applicants should have an outstanding academic record and proven leadership potential. They must be Indian citizens with a first-class undergraduate degree and a strong commitment to contributing to the development of India.
- Application Deadline: Usually in March.
Top Universities: Ivy League universities, Oxford, Cambridge, and other globally recognized institutions.
Website: Inlaks Scholarships
5. GREAT Scholarships (UK)
The GREAT Scholarships are aimed at Indian students applying for postgraduate programs at participating universities in the UK. The scholarship is funded by the British Council and is available for a wide range of disciplines.
Key Features:
- Scholarship Amount: Typically ranges from £10,000 to £12,000, which can help cover part of the tuition fees.
- Eligibility: Indian students who have received an offer for a postgraduate program at a participating UK university.
- Application Deadline: Varies by university, usually between February and May.
Top Universities: University of Warwick, University of Edinburgh, University of Bristol, and more.
Website: GREAT Scholarships
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6. Aditya Birla World Scholarship (USA, UK, and Other Countries)
The Aditya Birla World Scholarship is an initiative by the Aditya Birla Group for Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in leading universities across the globe.
Key Features:
- Full or Partial Scholarship: Offers financial support for tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.
- Eligibility: Indian students with a strong academic background, leadership skills, and a commitment to contributing to society. Typically, this scholarship is for postgraduate studies.
- Application Deadline: Varies, usually in the first quarter of the year.
Top Universities: Various universities in the United States, the UK, and other global locations.
Website: Aditya Birla World Scholarship
7. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (USA)
The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for Indian students pursuing an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business. This fellowship is funded by Reliance Industries.
Key Features:
- Full Funding: Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for students pursuing an MBA at Stanford.
- Eligibility: Indian students who have demonstrated leadership potential and wish to contribute to India’s development. Applicants must have strong academic backgrounds and professional experience.
- Application Deadline: Typically aligns with the regular Stanford MBA application deadlines, around September.
Top University: Stanford University.
Website: Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
8. Oxford and Cambridge India Scholarships (UK)
The Oxford and Cambridge India Scholarships are for Indian students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge.
Key Features:
- Partial to Full Scholarship: Covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs.
- Eligibility: Indian students who have been offered admission to Oxford or Cambridge and have outstanding academic records.
- Application Deadline: Varies by program, but generally falls between January and March.
Top Universities: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge.
Website: Oxford India Scholarships | Cambridge India Scholarships
9. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program offered by the European Union to international students, including Indian students, for studying in Europe. It is available for a wide range of master’s and doctoral programs in various fields.
Key Features:
- Full Funding: Covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living allowances.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of an Erasmus Mundus program's partner country (India is eligible). The scholarship is highly competitive and requires strong academic credentials.
- Application Deadline: Varies by program, generally around January to March.
Top Universities: Various universities in Europe participating in Erasmus Mundus programs.
Website: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
10. Tata Scholarships for Cornell University (USA)
The Tata Scholarship is provided by the Tata Education and Development Trust to support Indian students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies at Cornell University in the United States.
Key Features:
- Partial to Full Scholarship: Covers partial or full tuition fees for the entire duration of undergraduate studies at Cornell.
- Eligibility: Indian students who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
- Application Deadline: Early admission deadlines typically around November.
Top University: Cornell University.
Website: Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
Conclusion
The opportunities for Indian students to study abroad in 2025 are vast, with a wide array of scholarships available to make education more accessible. Whether you're aiming for the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, or other regions, these scholarships can help cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and more. By applying to these scholarships, Indian students can pursue their dreams of studying abroad without the financial burden, opening doors to a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth.