Best Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students Abroad
Pursuing higher education abroad can be a life-changing experience, but the cost of tuition and living expenses often poses a significant barrier for many students. Fortunately, numerous fully funded scholarships are available for Indian students to study abroad, providing financial support that covers tuition, living costs, travel, and more. In this article, we'll explore some of the best fully funded scholarships for Indian students looking to pursue their dreams internationally.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students
1. The Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive international scholarships. It provides full funding for students from around the world to pursue a degree at the University of Oxford.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowance, and a personal stipend.
- Eligibility: Indian students between the ages of 18-24 with a strong academic record, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.
- Fields of Study: Open to all fields of study offered at the University of Oxford.
- Application Process: Requires nomination by a Rhodes Trust representative in India, followed by a rigorous selection process.
2. The Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK government to outstanding students who wish to pursue a one-year Master's degree in the United Kingdom. It is aimed at developing future leaders and influencers.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel costs, living stipend, and additional allowances for essential study expenses.
- Eligibility: Indian students who have at least two years of work experience and demonstrate leadership potential.
- Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines.
- Application Process: The application process is online, with deadlines typically in November.
3. The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA)
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship is part of the larger Fulbright Program, aimed at increasing mutual understanding between India and the United States. These fellowships are available for graduate students, professionals, and researchers.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, airfare, living stipend, and professional development allowances.
- Eligibility: Indian students with strong academic backgrounds, a well-defined research or study plan, and a commitment to returning to India after their studies.
- Fields of Study: Available for a wide range of academic fields including science, technology, humanities, and social sciences.
- Application Process: Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal or study plan and undergo an interview.
4. The Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarship is aimed at students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including India, who wish to pursue a Master's or PhD in the UK.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, airfare, and a living stipend.
- Eligibility: Indian students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home country.
- Fields of Study: Open to all fields of study.
- Application Process: The application process is done online through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's website, with deadlines typically in December.
5. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus program offers scholarships to students from around the world to pursue Master's degree programs at universities across Europe. The program supports a wide range of academic fields.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel costs, monthly stipend, and insurance coverage.
- Eligibility: Indian students with strong academic records and a keen interest in studying in multiple European countries.
- Fields of Study: Varies by program, but includes subjects like engineering, sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
- Application Process: Students must apply directly to the participating Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree programs.
6. The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (Asia)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) offers the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program to students from ADB member countries, including India, who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, management, science, and technology.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel expenses, living allowances, and other study-related expenses.
- Eligibility: Indian students who have relevant work experience, typically two years or more, and intend to return to their home country after completing their studies.
- Fields of Study: Economics, management, public policy, and other development-related fields.
- Application Process: Students must apply through their respective ADB-member country's government or educational institution.
7. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships (Worldwide)
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers scholarships to Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at top universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other leading international institutions.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Eligibility: Indian students with exceptional academic records, strong extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to contributing to India's development.
- Fields of Study: Open to various fields, but the foundation is particularly focused on areas like economics, science, and social work.
- Application Process: The application involves submitting academic transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
8. The Tata Scholarship for Cornell University (USA)
The Tata Scholarship for Indian students is a need-based scholarship offered by the Tata Education and Development Trust to undergraduate students who wish to attend Cornell University in the United States.
- Coverage: Full financial support, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Indian students who have a strong academic record, come from families with limited financial resources, and meet Cornell's admissions requirements.
- Fields of Study: Open to all fields of study offered at Cornell University.
- Application Process: Applicants must apply to Cornell University first and then apply for the Tata Scholarship based on their financial need.
9. The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (USA)
The Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship at Stanford University is aimed at Indian students who wish to pursue an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel expenses, and a living stipend.
- Eligibility: Indian students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to giving back to India.
- Fields of Study: MBA program at Stanford University.
- Application Process: Applicants must first apply to Stanford’s MBA program and be admitted before applying for the fellowship.
10. The Great Wall Program (China)
The Great Wall Program offers scholarships to international students, including those from India, to pursue undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degrees in China.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, and travel allowance.
- Eligibility: Indian students who wish to study in China in fields like engineering, medicine, and Chinese language.
- Fields of Study: Engineering, medicine, and various other fields.
- Application Process: The application must be made through China’s Ministry of Education or through the Chinese embassy in India.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships provide an incredible opportunity for Indian students to study abroad without the financial burden. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide allowances for living expenses, travel, and other study-related costs. While the competition for these scholarships can be fierce, with proper planning, preparation, and dedication, Indian students can gain access to world-class education without the need for a huge financial investment.
By taking advantage of these scholarships, Indian students can pursue higher education at prestigious institutions, enhance their career prospects, and gain a global perspective, all while contributing to India's growth and development.