What Scholarships Are Available For Indian Students?

Indian students have access to a variety of scholarships and grants for studying abroad. These opportunities can be broadly categorized into government-funded scholarships, university-specific scholarships, and private or external scholarships. Here’s a detailed overview of some notable options:

Government-Funded Scholarships

1.Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

oEligibility: Indian students pursuing a master’s or PhD program in the US. Typically requires a strong academic record and professional experience.

oCoverage: Includes full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.

oDetails: Administered by the US-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). Fellowships are available for a range of fields, including arts, science, and social sciences.

oApplication Tips: Prepare a strong statement of purpose, secure solid recommendation letters, and meet application deadlines typically in early July.

2.Chevening Scholarships

oEligibility: Indian students with a minimum of two years of work experience, who wish to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK.

oCoverage: Full tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and an arrival allowance.

oDetails: Funded by the UK government. Selection is based on leadership potential, academic excellence, and future career plans.

oApplication Tips: Demonstrate leadership experience and a clear career plan in your personal statement. The application period is usually from August to November.

3.Commonwealth Scholarships

oEligibility: Indian students pursuing postgraduate study or research in the UK, especially from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.

oCoverage: Tuition fees, airfare, and a living allowance.

oDetails: Funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Focuses on students who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK due to financial constraints.

oApplication Tips: Highlight your academic achievements and potential impact on your home country. Applications typically close in December.

4.Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

oEligibility: Indian students enrolled in selected joint master's or doctoral programs in Europe.

oCoverage: Tuition fees, travel costs, installation, and subsistence costs.

oDetails: Funded by the European Union. Available for a wide range of programs across participating European universities.

oApplication Tips: Apply directly through the Erasmus Mundus program or the partner universities. Deadlines vary by program, generally from January to April.

5.Australia Awards

oEligibility: Indian students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Australia. Priority is given to students from developing countries.

oCoverage: Full tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses.

oDetails: Funded by the Australian government. Designed to build lasting partnerships and provide practical skills for students from partner countries.

oApplication Tips: Apply through the Australia Awards website. Applications generally open in February and close in April.

6.Indian Government Scholarships

oEligibility: Varies by program, typically based on merit and financial need. Programs include the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies abroad.

oCoverage: Varies, often includes tuition, travel, and living expenses.

oDetails: Funded by various Indian government agencies. Aimed at fostering international education and cultural exchange.

oApplication Tips: Check specific scholarship programs on the ICCR website or relevant government portals. Deadlines and eligibility criteria vary.

University-Specific Scholarships

1.Harvard University Scholarships

oEligibility: Indian students applying for undergraduate or graduate programs at Harvard.

oCoverage: Need-based financial aid covering full or partial tuition.

oDetails: Harvard offers financial aid based on family income and needs. All students who apply for financial aid are considered.

oApplication Tips: Apply for admission to Harvard and submit the required financial aid forms, including the CSS Profile and FAFSA. Deadlines align with the university's application deadlines.

2.Stanford University Scholarships

oEligibility: Indian students applying to Stanford’s graduate programs.

oCoverage: Varies, including full or partial tuition and living expenses.

oDetails: Stanford offers need-based financial aid and fellowships for graduate students in various fields.

oApplication Tips: Apply to Stanford and submit the financial aid application materials required by the university. Deadlines typically coincide with admission deadlines.

3.University of Oxford Scholarships

oEligibility: Indian students pursuing graduate programs.

oCoverage: Varies, including full tuition and living expenses.

oDetails: Includes the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships, among others. Awards are competitive and based on academic excellence.

oApplication Tips: Apply for admission to Oxford and check the specific scholarships for which you are eligible. Submit additional scholarship applications as required.

4.University of Cambridge Scholarships

oEligibility: Indian students pursuing graduate studies.

oCoverage: Varies, including full or partial tuition and living costs.

oDetails: Includes the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and Cambridge International Scholarships, awarded based on academic merit.

oApplication Tips: Apply for admission to Cambridge and follow specific application instructions for scholarships. Deadlines generally align with admission deadlines.

Private and External Scholarships

1.Tata Scholarship for Cornell University

oEligibility: Indian undergraduate students studying at Cornell University.

oCoverage: Provides need-based financial aid for tuition and living expenses.

oDetails: Funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust. Awarded based on financial need and academic merit.

oApplication Tips: Apply for financial aid through Cornell’s financial aid office. Ensure to meet all deadlines and provide detailed financial information.

2.Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships

oEligibility: Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.

oCoverage: Covers living expenses and partial tuition.

oDetails: Based on merit and financial need. The foundation aims to support talented students who demonstrate leadership potential.

oApplication Tips: Apply directly through the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation’s website. Applications are usually accepted from March to May.

3.Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

oEligibility: Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at top institutions abroad.

oCoverage: Tuition fees and living expenses.

oDetails: Focuses on students with exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements. Applications are competitive.

oApplication Tips: Apply via the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation’s website. Prepare a strong application with a clear statement of purpose and academic achievements.

4.Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

oEligibility: Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies.

oCoverage: Provides a combination of scholarship and loan.

oDetails: Based on academic merit and financial need. The foundation supports students who have strong academic records and demonstrate potential for impact.

oApplication Tips: Apply through the Aga Khan Foundation’s website. Be prepared to provide detailed financial information and academic records.

5.Rhodes Scholarships

oEligibility: Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.

oCoverage: Covers all expenses, including tuition and living costs.

oDetails: One of the most prestigious scholarships, awarded based on exceptional academic and leadership potential.

oApplication Tips: Apply through the Rhodes Trust’s website and follow specific application guidelines. Be prepared for a rigorous selection process including interviews.

General Application Tips

·Start Early: Begin your research and application process well in advance to meet all deadlines.

·Tailor Applications: Customize each application to the specific requirements of the scholarship or grant.

·Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure that all required documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements, are accurate and submitted on time.

·Seek Guidance: Consider consulting with education counselors or student advisors for additional support and review of your applications.

By exploring these options and carefully preparing your applications, you can enhance your chances of securing financial support for your studies abroad.