The financial barrier is a great hindrance for students who want to achieve their academic and career goals by studying abroad. Studying in reputed international universities is still a dream for many. Do not let it be just a dream for you. Take some time off your schedule, start researching on your laptop, and apply for the best scholarships around the world. Smart planning and in-depth research will help you land on the best of the scholarships.
There are various kinds of scholarships for various kinds of students:
- Merit-based
- Need-based
- Subject-specific
- Student specific
- Region-specific
- Athletic-based
The list of 10 best scholarships for Indian students
1. Fulbright Nehru Fellowships
The United States- India Educational Foundation (The USIEF) came up with the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship. Under this scholarship, students are qualified to study for a master’s degree or perform research in any U.S educational institution.
Any student who wishes to study in the United States of America should apply for this Scholarship. There is no specific number of seats. Any candidate who seems to be deserving is accepted by the USIEF.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Finished 4 years of bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum 3 years of proper work experience.
- Evaluated based on communication skills, leadership skills, community service.
Subject area:
- Arts and Culture
- Environmental Science
- Gender Studies
- Public Health
- Public Administration
- Urban and Regional Planning
- International Legal Studies
Covered expenses
- Tuition fee
- Airfare (Economy)
- Cost of living
- Cost of books
Time of application:
June
2. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers a Master’s and PhD program in the United Kingdom to deserving students from the Commonwealth countries (India is one of them). These students must be capable of contributing their part to the betterment of the country where they come from.
The students who are willing to study in the United Kingdom must apply for this scholarship. There is no specific number of seats, deserving students get selected.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The student Must be an Indian citizen
- Must have completed their education in English medium
- Must have secured 60% marks in Humanities and Social Sciences and 65% marks in Science, technology. Engineering and agriculture
- The Ministry of Human Resource Development conducts preliminary interviews to shortlist deserving candidates
Subject area:
- Humanities and Social sciences
- Engineering and technology
- Pure and Applied Science
- Agriculture
Covered expenses:
- Tuition fee
- Airfare (Economy)
- Cost of living
Time of application: August
3. Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships
The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship, located in New Delhi, offers students to apply for the scholarship to get a chance to study at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Students wanting to do their bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD can apply for the scholarship. The deserving candidates are awarded the scholarship based on their academic excellence.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The student Indian citizen and resident.
- Must not be more than 30 years of age
- Must have done their graduation from an Indian university ( for second bachelor’s and post-graduation). Must have done their schooling from an Indian school (for graduation)
- Must have applied for a full-time course
- Should be able to present proof of admission
- Must have proof of being a resident of Oxford or Cambridge
- Must be admitted to the University of Cambridge or the University of Oxford through the University’s normal academic procedures.
Subject area:
- PhD degree research
- One year postgraduate courses
- Research-based master programs
- Bachelor’s degree
- Second bachelor’s degree
Covered expenses:
The amount of covered expenses varies from year to year under this scholarship
Time of application: March
4. Chinese government scholarships
The India china cultural exchange program offers these scholarships to students seeking to study in universities of china for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. A total of 20 scholarships are awarded every year under this program.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The student Minimum 60% marks in their last degree
- Should be well aware of China
- Undergo one-year training for the Chinese language as the medium of studying would be the Chinese language
Subject area:
- Science
- Literature and language
- Humanities and Social sciences
Covered expenses:
- Tuition fee
- Airfare by the Indian government
- Cost of living
- Travel expenses
Time of application: March
5. Tata scholarships
Tata scholarship allows a total of 20 students to do their graduation from Cornell University.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The student Must be an Indian citizen
- Must have attended secondary school in India
- Must be eligible for need-based financial help
- Must be offered admission to Cornell
Subject area:
- Engineering
- Architecture and planning
- Applied economics
- Agriculture and life sciences
- Physical and biological sciences
- Social sciences
Covered expenses:
- Tuition fee
- Travel expenses
- Cost of living
- Medical
- Food
Time of application: October-November
6. Australia Awards scholarship
The Department of Foreign affairs and trade offers this scholarship to students, particularly from the Indo-Pacific region countries. Students who wish to do their under graduation at British Columbia University in Australia should opt for applying for this. A total of 1985 scholarships are offered.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The student Must be a recent graduate or must be in the final year from a target institution
- Must leave Australia for a minimum of 2 years after the completion of their scholarship
Subject area:
- Undergraduate programs
- Postgraduate programs
Covered expenses:
- Tuition fee
- Travel expenses
- Establishment allowance
- Medical expenses
- Basic living cost
Time of application: February
7. Felix Scholarship
Under this scholarship, underprivileged deserving Indians are granted the scholarships to pursue a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom’s universities namely-the the University of Oxford, University of Reading, and School of African Studies, University of London.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The student Must be a recent graduate or must be in the final year from a target institution
- Must leave Australia for a minimum of 2 years after the completion of their scholarship.
Subject area:
- Undergraduate programs
- Postgraduate programs
Covered expenses:
- Tuition fee
- Travel expenses
- Establishment allowance
- Medical expenses
- Basic living cost
Time of application: February
8. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
This scholarship is offered to deserving students for getting their postgraduate degree from European. UK and USA universities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The student Must be an Indian citizen
- Must hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian university
- Must be offered to study under the scholarship
- Should be less than 30 years of age
Subject area:
- Master’s degree
- Master’s diploma
- Master’s certificate postgraduate programs
Covered expenses:
- Tuition fee
- Living expense
- Air travel
Time of application: January
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9. Chevening Scholarships
This scholarship is provided to exceptional students with a great academic background from international countries. The students are offered a 1-year postgraduate degree at a UK university. A total of 65 scholarships are present for Indian students.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The student Must be a graduate or a postgraduate
- Minimum 2 years of work experience is preferred
Subject area:
- All 1-year master’s programs
Covered expenses:
- Tuition fee
- Living expense
- Travel to and from the UK
- Partial or full financial support according to the candidate’s requirement
Time of application: August
10. Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships is offered to students for undergraduate programs and postgraduate programs at Newcastle University. Students willing to study in the UK fill applications for this scholarship. A total of 225 scholarships are released every year.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Only those students that have been invited for an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
Subject area:
- Undergraduate courses
- Postgraduate courses
- Integrated master’s programs
Covered expenses:
- College tuition expenses up to £3000 for a year
Time of application: February
Scholarships take away all the financial concerns. With this, you will have adequate time to gain knowledge and enhance your skills. All you have to do is prepare a quality application and make sure you make them believe that you deserve the scholarship you are applying for.