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Best Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad (2026-2027)

Pratik Jain8 min readLast updated

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Best Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad (2026-2027)

Last Updated: October 25, 2026

QUICK ANSWER: What are the best scholarships for Indian students to study abroad? The best-known fully funded awards are Chevening (UK), Fulbright-Nehru (USA), DAAD (Germany) and Erasmus Mundus (Europe). Indian options include the National Overseas Scholarship, JN Tata Endowment and Inlaks. Most open 9 to 15 months before the course starts, and selection rests on grades, your statement of purpose, recommendations and a clear plan. Check each scheme's official page for current amounts and deadlines.

Scholarships are competitive, but they are not a lottery. The students who win them usually start early, pick schemes that fit their profile, and write applications that answer exactly what each scheme is looking for. This guide lists the main options, who each one is for, and how to apply.

Which fully funded scholarships can Indian students apply for?

ScholarshipCountryLevelWhat it coversWho it suits
CheveningUKOne-year Master'sTuition, monthly living allowance, flightsGraduates with at least 2 years (2,800 hours) of work experience and leadership potential
Fulbright-Nehru Master's FellowshipsUSAMaster'sTuition, living costs, flights, health coverProfessionals with work experience, in the fields USIEF lists
DAAD scholarshipsGermanyMaster's, PhD, researchMonthly payment, travel, insurance (depends on programme)Strong graduates, often with work experience for development-related courses
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master'sSeveral European countriesMaster'sParticipation costs, travel, and a monthly living allowanceStrong graduates who want to study in two or more countries
Commonwealth ScholarshipsUKMaster's, PhDTuition, living allowance, flightsIndian applicants nominated through the national process

Note

Fully funded awards usually expect you to use what you learn back home. Chevening asks scholars to return to their home country for at least two years, and Fulbright-Nehru fellows usually hold a J-1 visa with a two-year home residence requirement. Read the conditions before you apply.

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Which Indian scholarships and loan scholarships exist?

SchemeWho runs itWhat it is
National Overseas ScholarshipGovernment of India (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)For eligible students from listed communities, for Master's and PhD abroad
JN Tata EndowmentTata TrustsLoan scholarship for higher studies abroad
Narotam Sekhsaria FoundationPrivate foundationInterest-free loan scholarship for postgraduate study
Inlaks Shivdasani FoundationPrivate foundationScholarships for postgraduate study at top universities in selected countries
KC Mahindra ScholarshipsKC Mahindra Education TrustInterest-free loan scholarships for postgraduate study abroad

Loan scholarships have to be paid back, but usually on far better terms than a bank loan. For loans, see our education loan without collateral guide.

What about Germany specifically?

OptionDetail
No tuitionMost public universities charge only a semester contribution. TUM and Baden-Württemberg universities charge non-EU students
DAADSeveral programmes for Master's and PhD. Read our DAAD scholarship guide
Deutschlandstipendium€300 a month, awarded by universities to strong students, often after the first semester
FoundationsThe political and church foundations (for example Heinrich Böll, Konrad Adenauer, Friedrich Ebert) fund international students. Each has its own rules

Germany's low tuition means many students need help with living costs rather than fees. The blocked account is €11,904 a year. A scholarship from a recognised body can count towards it.

Do universities give their own scholarships?

Yes. Many universities consider you automatically when you apply, and some have flagship awards with separate applications.

TypeExampleNote
Automatic merit awardsMany US and UK universitiesCheck the admission page for amounts and conditions
Flagship awardsKnight-Hennessy (Stanford, graduate), Lester B. Pearson (University of Toronto, undergraduate)Separate application and very competitive
AssistantshipsUS research and teaching assistantshipsMainly PhD, sometimes Master's. Usually tuition plus a stipend
Tuition discountsUK GREAT Scholarships at participating universitiesPartial funding. Check which universities take part each year
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When should I apply?

ScholarshipTypical window
CheveningApplications usually open in August and close in early November, for study starting the next autumn
Fulbright-NehruCheck USIEF. Applications close well over a year before the US academic year begins
DAADDeadlines depend on the programme. Several fall between August and October
Erasmus MundusEach programme sets its own deadline, often between October and February
University awardsOften tied to the admission deadline. Apply early

Important

Dates change every cycle. Always confirm on the official page. Plan 12 to 18 months ahead so your tests, documents and references are ready.

How do I write a winning application?

Common mistakeWhat works
The SOP repeats your CVTell one clear story: why this field, why this course, what you will do with it
Generic reasons for the countryName specific modules, professors or industries in that country
No plan after the degreeSay what you will do, and how it benefits your field or community
Weak referencesAsk people who know your work closely, and give them specific examples to mention
Applying to one schemeApply to several that fit, and to universities with their own awards

See our SOP guide for structure and examples, and use the free Scholarship Calculator to see what a partial award changes in your budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which scholarship is best for Indian students?

It depends on your country and profile. Chevening suits professionals heading to the UK, Fulbright-Nehru the USA, DAAD Germany, and Erasmus Mundus students who want to study in several European countries.

Can I get a fully funded scholarship for a Master's abroad?

Yes. Chevening, Fulbright-Nehru, Commonwealth, Erasmus Mundus and some DAAD programmes are fully funded. They are highly competitive, so apply to several.

What CGPA do I need for a scholarship?

There is rarely a single cut-off, and each scheme sets its own rules. Strong grades help, but work experience, leadership and a clear plan often decide the top awards.

Do I need work experience for scholarships?

For Chevening, yes, at least two years (2,800 hours). Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships also expect professional experience. Many university awards do not.

Is there a scholarship for studying in Germany?

Yes. DAAD, the Deutschlandstipendium (€300 a month) and German foundations all fund international students. Most public universities charge no tuition.

Do loan scholarships have to be repaid?

Yes. JN Tata Endowment, Narotam Sekhsaria and KC Mahindra awards are repaid, usually interest-free or on easier terms than a bank loan.

Pratik Jain

Pratik Jain

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Reknown Edu Services® has guided students abroad from Bengaluru since 2012. Every plan is personally reviewed by Pratik.

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