Scholarships for Indian students can be the game-changer between a distant dream and a global reality.
Imagine this: You’ve worked hard, maybe even topped your class, and now you’re dreaming of walking across a university campus in the UK, Canada, or the U.S. The vision is vivid—world-class professors, new friends from across the globe, and a degree that unlocks opportunities.
But reality sets in: how do you afford it? Tuition, airfare, accommodation—it all seems too far out of reach.
You’re not alone in feeling this way. But what if we told you thousands of Indian students make it abroad every year without paying anything out of their pocket?
Let’s explore the top fully funded scholarships for Indian students in 2025 that can help you turn that dream into reality.
Top Scholarships for Indian students in United Kingdom
1. Chevening Scholarship
- Covers: Full tuition, flights, accommodation, visa, and a monthly stipend
- Who can apply: Students with at least 2 years of work experience (internships count!)
- Fields: Any Master’s program at any UK university
- Deadline: Rolling (Typically closes in November)
Did you know? Over 1,300 Indian students have received Chevening since its inception. You could be next.
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- Covers: Tuition, travel, and living expenses
- Fields: Development-related Master’s courses
- Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need and academic merit
- Deadline: Typically closes in December
Visit the official websites here: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/commonwealth-shared-scholarships-eligible-courses/
United States
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
- Covers: Tuition, airfare, living costs, and health insurance
- Fields: Public policy, environment, economics, arts, and more
- Deadline: May 2025 (tentative)
Every year, hundreds of Indian students win Fulbright awards. You don’t need to be a genius—just genuine, curious, and committed.
2. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Covers: Up to 80% tuition at Stanford GSB (MBA)
- For: Indian students committed to returning and working in India
Visit the official websites here: https://www.usief.org.in/Fulbright-Nehru-Fellowships.aspx
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/tuition-financial-aid/types-aid
Best Scholarships for Indian students in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Covers: CAD 50,000/year for 3 years (INR 30+ lakh/year)
- For: Doctoral students with exceptional academic achievements
2. University-specific Awards (like UBC International Leader of Tomorrow)
- Covers: Full tuition, living, and other expenses
- Who can apply: Indian students demonstrating academic excellence and financial need
Riya, a student from Nagpur, made it to UBC fully funded. She found the scholarship link one night while scrolling through a study-abroad blog.
Link to the official website: https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html
Germany
1. DAAD Scholarships
- Covers: Full tuition (often free in Germany anyway), travel, and monthly stipend
- For: Master’s courses in development studies, engineering, economics, and more
Tip: DAAD has different application portals depending on the program. Check early, apply wisely.
Link to the official website: https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
France
1. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
- Covers: Tuition waiver, monthly stipend (~INR 1 lakh), international return travel, insurance, and cultural activities
- For: Master’s and PhD programs at French institutions
2. Charpak Master’s Program (by French Embassy in India)
- Covers: Tuition fee waiver, visa, monthly living stipend, medical insurance
France is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most generous countries when it comes to Indian scholarships.
Link to official website: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship-program-of-excellence
https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/charpak-scholarships
📊 Why You Should Apply (Even If You Think You Won’t Get It)
Before we discuss the scholarships for Indian students, let’s bust a big myth:
You don’t need a perfect scores to win a fully funded scholarship.
In fact, many of the students who got selected started off thinking “I probably won’t make it.”
But they applied anyway—and that’s what made all the difference.
Scholarships often value more than just grades. Your personal story, your goals, and your clarity of purpose can carry serious weight.
And remember—fully funded = less financial stress and more freedom to focus on academics, networking, and exploring life abroad.
📆 How to Apply for These Scholarships
Here’s a simple step by step process to get you started:
Step 1: Research Early
Start exploring scholarship websites in April–June for the next academic year. Make a shortlist of 2–3 scholarships based on your destination and course interest.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll commonly need:
- Academic transcripts
- SOP (Statement of Purpose)
- LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
- Updated Resume or CV
- Language test scores (like IELTS/TOEFL if required)
Step 3: Draft a Strong SOP
Tell your story—what drives you, why you chose this course and country, and how it ties into your future goals. Avoid clichés and be honest.
Step 4: Apply Smartly
Follow the exact application instructions. Submit everything on time and keep multiple copies of all documents.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews (if applicable)
Some scholarships like Chevening may have interviews. Be ready to talk about your goals, leadership, and why you’re a good fit.
📅 What’s Next?
Start now. Choose 2–3 scholarships. Mark the deadlines. Draft a simple SOP. And apply.
You don’t have to be wealthy to study abroad. You just need to be resourceful.
Studying abroad is a remarkable step towards personal and professional growth. By following this blog on “Scholarships for Indian students”, you can navigate the study abroad application process effectively and set the foundation for a successful international experience.
For personalized assistance and resources, visit Abroadera or call +91 9717859050 and connect with our expert advisors.
