Key takeaways
- Applying for scholarships can help you manage the costs of studying abroad. You can access a wide range of scholarships, offering either full or partial funding.
- Scholarships vary by country, university, and field of study. Research and identify the scholarships that match your specific situation.
- Scholarships and grants provide financial aid and do not require you to repay them. Grants are need-based, while scholarships combine both academic merit and financial criteria.
- When you apply for scholarships, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Collect the required documents such as academic records, English language proficiency certificates, and recommendation letters.
- Countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand offer numerous scholarships for Indian students. Some of the prestigious scholarships include Fulbright, Chevening, Commonwealth, and Australia Awards.
Just a heads up: While Edvoy can guide you on scholarships, we don't provide them directly. Scholarships are up to the university’s discretion, and they typically won't cover your living expenses.
If you’re looking to study abroad but worried about the costs, it’s worth looking into the possibility of applying for a scholarship.
The scope of scholarships to study abroad varies greatly, from full payment of tuition fees and living costs to smaller payouts that cover costs for a year of study.
However, many international students are put off by the idea of applying for a scholarship to study abroad simply because they can be difficult to find, are often poorly advertised, and can be even trickier to successfully apply for.
You see, scholarships on offer change from country to country, university to university, and degree to degree, from undergraduate to master’s to PhD.
Curious to learn more about scholarships for Indian students to study abroad? Talk to our experts!
Thus, the focus is on you — the student — to do the research and find out if there’s a scholarship up your alley.
And fortunately, you don’t have to do it all alone! In this article, we’ll take you through some general information to help you learn more about where to find scholarships and how to apply.
Table of Contents
- Scholarships vs grants: What’s the difference?
- Who can apply for scholarships to study abroad?
- How to find scholarships (general)
- Scholarship application requirements
- Applying for a scholarship in the UK
- Applying for a scholarship in the USA
- Applying for a scholarship in Canada
- Applying for a scholarship in Ireland
- Applying for a scholarship in New Zealand
- Applying for a scholarship in Australia
- Comparative overview of major scholarships in different countries
- Additional financial aid options for Indian students
- Emerging scholarships and application deadlines for Indian students to study abroad in 2025
- Tips for winning study-abroad scholarships
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
- What are the visa requirements after securing a scholarship?
- Can I combine multiple scholarships to cover my tuition fees?
- Are there any scholarship opportunities specifically for students from India?
- How competitive are scholarships to study in Ireland for non-EU students?
- How to get a 100% scholarship to study abroad?
- Which countries offer the most scholarships for Indian students?
Scholarships vs grants: What’s the difference?
Scholarships and grants are similar in that both are given to a student with no obligation to be paid back, unlike student loans. Free money, in short!
However, grants are usually given out according to a student’s financial needs, i.e., for students who have been accepted into university but cannot afford the costs.
On the other hand, scholarships are usually given out to students who excel either academically, artistically, or athletically.
However, there is sometimes a crossover where scholarships are given out to particularly high-achieving students who also cannot afford to pay for their studies.
Who can apply for scholarships to study abroad?
Pretty much any international student can apply for a scholarship to study abroad; it just depends on them meeting the criteria stated in each individual scholarship.
One of the most common is a merit scholarship, which is awarded for excellent academic results. However, as mentioned above, athletic, artistic, as well as research achievements (for postgraduate and doctoral studies) are also often rewarded with scholarships.
There’s also been an uptick in scholarships for underrepresented societal groups like women in certain fields, students of colour, and students from developing nations.
So to sum up, anyone can apply for the right scholarship. It’s just a case of finding one that applies to you! Read the criteria, and if it’s a good fit, start applying!
How to find scholarships (general)
Thanks to the internet, a little bit of digging makes it pretty easy to find scholarships to apply to. You just have to know what to look for.
For example, if you’re looking to study engineering in New Zealand, you should simply search something along the lines of “engineering scholarship study abroad New Zealand”. Simple, but effective!
But your best option for more specific information would be the website of the university you want to attend. They will almost always have information added there!
Additionally, you can also contact them directly. Reach out, tell them your situation (the degree you want to study, where you’re from, etc), and they’ll be able to get back to you with any relevant information, or at least point you in the right direction!
Outside of the universities themselves, there are plenty of government-sponsored scholarships, both in your own country and in the country you wish to study in.
Also read: How to get a 100% scholarship to study abroad
Scholarship application requirements
Proof, proof and more proof — these are the requirements you have to fulfil, no matter what scholarship you apply for!
Just as is the case when applying for a university course abroad, where you have to prove that you’ve got the right exam results as well as English language ability, there’s quite a lot of admin and documentation required when applying for a scholarship.
First, you have to meet the criteria (e.g. high achieving in a certain subject). Then, you’ll have to submit documents along with your application. These change from scholarship to scholarship, but generally speaking, you’ll need the following:
- Verified certificates of your previous education (e.g. first degree, school leaving exams)
- Letters of recommendation (e.g. referrals from teachers, counsellors or employers)
- Language certificate (see our comprehensive list of English language assessments here)
- Letter of motivation (explaining why you’re a good candidate for the scholarship)
- CV / Resume (check out our articles on how to write your CV, 5 CV structures you need to know about, an extracurricular activities to give your CV a boost.
Related articles
Applying for a scholarship in the UK
When it comes to government-awarded scholarships, the UK is one of the best countries in the world for studying abroad.
Have a look at the gov.uk website or UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) to see what scholarships are available and whether or not you are eligible.
Apart from this, universities in the UK have several scholarships for Indian students. You can check the university or department website to learn about the scholarships they offer.
Here are the popular scholarships that Indian students can apply for to study in the UK:
| Scholarship | Description |
|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | One-year scholarship for postgraduate study |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | For Commonwealth citizens to pursue postgraduate study |
| Rhodes Scholarships | Fully-funded scholarships for outstanding students to study at Oxford |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | Postgraduate scholarships at the University of Cambridge |
Something else to check out: UK vs US universities, which should you choose?
Related article: UK universities with the highest acceptance rates
Applying for a scholarship in the USA
There are quite a few government-awarded study-abroad scholarships in the USA. The most popular of these is the famous Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which is exclusively for graduate students and young professionals (outside of the field of medicine), as well as for artists of merit.
But beyond the Fulbright Program, there are lots of scholarships sponsored by the federal government (i.e. national government), individual state governments, as well as NGOs.
Here are the popular scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA:
| Scholarship | Description |
|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | For graduate study and research in the USA |
| Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships | Scholarships for Indian students for master's, PhD, and postdoctoral studies |
| Tata Scholarship for Cornell University | Scholarship for Indian students pursuing undergraduate courses at Cornell University |
| Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program | For students from developing countries to pursue a master’s degree programme |
One of the most important things to note about getting a scholarship to study abroad in the USA is that most require you to take either the SAT or ACT test, and get a high score, too! Check out our article SAT vs ACT: Which should you take? for more info!
Again, our best advice is to simply reach out to your university of choice and ask what your options are.
Related article: Universities with the highest acceptance rates in the USA
Applying for a scholarship in Canada
To be honest, Canada doesn’t have quite as many available scholarships for international students as the USA, or indeed the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. This makes it quite a competitive field, as many students apply for the same ones.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see what’s available! Through both the state and national government, and especially through universities themselves, there are still plenty of scholarships to check out — most of which are offered for outstanding academic performance in entrance exams, high school studies, as well as in English language exams.
Here are the popular scholarships that Indian students can apply for to study in Canada:
| Scholarship | Description |
|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | CAD 50,000/year for doctoral students with academic excellence |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Fellowships for postdoctoral research excellence |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarships | Scholarships for international doctoral students in Ontario |
| Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Fellowships | Indian government-supported scholarships to encourage collaboration between Canadian and Indian institutions |
Related articles:
Applying for a scholarship in Ireland
Despite being the smallest of the popular study-abroad countries, Ireland offers hundreds of scholarship opportunities for international students. As is most commonly the case, the majority of scholarships to study in Ireland are awarded by the universities themselves.
One increasingly popular option (though it’s only one of many) is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship. This is awarded to 60 high-achieving students from non-EU/EEA countries, and funds their studies for one full year (final year undergraduate, one year Master’s, or one year of a PhD research programme).
Here are the popular scholarships that Indian students can apply for to study in Ireland:
| Scholarship | Description |
|---|---|
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship | EUR 10,000 stipend and fee waiver for master's and PhD students |
| Irish Research Council Postgraduate Scholarships | Fund research-focused master’s programmes and doctoral studies |
| UCD Global Scholarships | Scholarships at University College Dublin for international students |
| Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships | For top international undergraduates at Trinity College |
Related articles:
Applying for a scholarship in New Zealand
We mentioned in our article – 6 top reasons to study in New Zealand – that there are tons of scholarships for international students. This is partly because New Zealand’s university system strongly supports foreign students, who account for as much as 20% of the student population at some of its universities!
We’re at risk of sounding like a broken record here, but once again, it’s best to reach out to your university of choice for information on specific scholarships that apply to you.
But there’s another way too! The New Zealand government’s education board have made it easy to find if there are any potential scholarship options on their website (which we’ve linked below). Just enter your nationality and degree subject, and see your choices!
Here are the popular scholarships that Indian students can apply for to study in New Zealand:
| Scholarship name | Description |
|---|---|
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | Indian students with strong academics and leadership |
| New Zealand Excellence Awards | Indian students pursuing UG and PG programmes in New Zealand |
| University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship | Indian students pursuing PG and PhD programmes in New Zealand |
| New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship | Indian students pursuing PG and PhD programmes in New Zealand |
Something else to check out: The 5 best cities in New Zealand that offer a great student life.
Applying for a scholarship in Australia
Just like New Zealand, the Australian government’s education board website is a great resource with a good search function for finding out if you’re eligible for a scholarship.
Once again, there’s a broad mix of national and state government-sponsored scholarships, while the majority come from universities themselves.
Here are the popular scholarships that Indian students can apply for to study in Australia:
| Scholarship | Description |
|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Full tuition, travel, and stipend for students from developing countries |
| ANU MBA Scholarship | 25% to 100% tuition waiver |
| UNSW International Scholarships | Scholarships for high-achieving international students at UNSW |
| Monash International Leadership Scholarship | 100% tuition fee |
Also read: Australian universities with high acceptance rates
Learn more about scholarships to study abroad for Indian students. Talk to our experts!
Comparative overview of major scholarships in different countries
A comparison of the major scholarships across popular study-abroad destinations will be useful to make the right choice. Here’s an overview of the major scholarships:
| Country | Key eligibility criteria | Typical award | Common application deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Strong academic background, extracurricular performance; some scholarships are for specific countries (e.g., Commonwealth) | Full or partial tuition + living stipend | October–December, March/April |
| USA | Strong academic performance, English language proficiency | Tuition + living expenses | August–October |
| Canada | Academic excellence for doctoral/postgraduate students; international students are eligible | Partial to full funding; tuition + living expenses + travel + insurance | September–February |
| New Zealand | International undergraduate and postgraduate students, English language proficiency | Tuition + living costs | February–July |
| Ireland | Strong academic proficiency, English language proficiency | Fee waivers + stipend around EUR 10,000/year | March–June |
| Australia | International undergraduate and postgraduate students, English language proficiency | Tuition + travel + living cost + health insurance | November–May |
Success rates of scholarships provide you with an understanding of their competitiveness. The overall success rate of scholarships in the UK ranges between 40 and 70% while in the USA ranges between 80 and 95%. For Canada, the rate is 80% or more, while for New Zealand and Australia, it is about 50 to 80%. The rate in Ireland is 50 to 75%.
Note: Detailed success rates of individual scholarships should be gathered from the respective institutions or agencies.
Additional financial aid options for Indian students
Indian students can access various funding sources to cover the cost of studying abroad. These include grants, loans, and part-time jobs. Grants are usually need-based or merit-based without any repayment. Many countries and universities provide grants through government agencies or institutional funds.
Indian students can also apply for educational loans, which must be repaid with interest over time. There are many institutions that offer loans at favourable terms for studying abroad. Apart from this, most foreign countries provide the opportunity to take up part-time jobs so that you can earn and support yourself financially. Part-time jobs are also opportunities to gain valuable work experience. There may be restrictions on the number of hours you can work based on the visa regulations and the university rules. Ensure that while you seek part-time employment, you are within the legal limits.
Emerging scholarships and application deadlines for Indian students to study abroad in 2025
Here are the emerging study-abroad scholarships in 2025, and their application deadlines for Indian students.
| Scholarship | Approximate application deadlines |
|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master's & Doctoral Fellowships | Sept-Oct every year |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Oct-Nov every year |
| Australia Awards Scholarship | August - September |
| DAAD Scholarships | Rolling, deadlines vary (mostly Oct-Dec) |
| Tata Scholarship-Cornell University | Jan-March |
| Felix Scholarships | Jan-Feb |
Tips for winning study-abroad scholarships
You can maximise your chances of winning study-abroad scholarships by starting early. Begin researching the scholarships well in advance and apply several months prior to the commencement of your course. Apply to multiple scholarships to improve your chances.
Another step to take is to network with alumni. Identify and contact the students who have secured scholarships for guidance. They can provide tips on how they succeeded in securing scholarships.
Focus on extracurricular activities during your studies. Academic performance is a key factor considered by scholarship committees while awarding the scholarship. However, extracurricular activities such as sports or community activities are also taken into account by many committees. These achievements can be favourable in securing scholarships.
Final thoughts
Indian students can secure good study-abroad scholarships by researching the available options thoroughly and focusing on reputable scholarship programmes. Select the scholarship programmes that align with your academic eligibility and financial needs. You can apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of success.
Let us help you secure scholarships for studying abroad right away!
Frequently asked questions
What are the visa requirements after securing a scholarship?
The visa requirements for studying abroad after securing a scholarship include providing proof of acceptance in the course, English language proficiency scores, and proof of financial capability. You will also have to provide health certificates, a valid passport, and passport-sized photographs.
Can I combine multiple scholarships to cover my tuition fees?
Yes, you can combine multiple scholarships to cover your tuition fees. However, you must verify the terms of the scholarships and ensure that it is allowed by the specific scholarships you are applying for.
Are there any scholarship opportunities specifically for students from India?
Yes, there are numerous scholarship opportunities supporting Indian students to study abroad. These scholarships are provided by various international universities, governments, and private organisations.
How competitive are scholarships to study in Ireland for non-EU students?
Scholarships to study in Ireland for non-EU students are usually competitive. However, the level of competitiveness depends on the type of scholarships and the university. The acceptance rate for scholarships in Ireland is around 50 to 75%.
How to get a 100% scholarship to study abroad?
Research the fully-funded scholarships you can apply for. Build a strong academic profile and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
Which countries offer the most scholarships for Indian students?
Indian students can access a wide range of scholarships in many countries. The popular countries with favourable scholarships include the USA, the UK, Australia, and Germany.
