Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the high cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses often becomes a major hurdle. Fortunately, several fully funded scholarships provide financial assistance to deserving students, covering tuition fees, travel costs, and even living expenses.
If you are an Indian student aiming to study abroad without financial worries, here’s a list of the top fully funded scholarships you can apply for!
Table of Contents
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships (USA)
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship is awarded to outstanding Indian students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in the United States.
- Coverage: Tuition fees, airfare, living allowance, and health insurance.
- Eligibility: Indian citizens with at least three years of work experience and excellent academic records.
- Fields Covered: Arts, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Management, and more.
- Deadline: Usually in June each year.
2. Chevening Funded Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, is one of the most prestigious scholarships for Indian students aspiring to study in the United Kingdom.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel, visa costs, and a monthly stipend.
- Eligibility: Strong academic background, leadership potential, and at least two years of work experience.
- Fields Covered: Any field at UK universities.
- Deadline: Applications open in August and close in November.
3. Commonwealth Funded Scholarships (UK)
This scholarship is funded by the UK government for students from Commonwealth nations, including India.
- Coverage: Tuition fees, travel expenses, and a stipend.
- Eligibility: Indian students applying for a master’s or PhD program in the UK.
- Fields Covered: Science, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, etc.
- Deadline: Typically in October each year.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship offers Indian students the chance to study in multiple European countries under a joint master’s program.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, travel allowance, visa costs, and a monthly stipend.
- Eligibility: Students applying for eligible Erasmus Mundus master’s programs.
- Fields Covered: Engineering, Business, Environmental Science, and more.
- Deadline: Varies by program (generally between October and January).
5. DAAD Funded Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides fully funded scholarships for Indian students to pursue master’s and PhD programs in Germany.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Eligibility: Students with a strong academic record and relevant work experience.
- Fields Covered: Engineering, Business, Public Policy, and Arts.
- Deadline: Varies by program, usually in October.
6. Australia Awards Scholarship (Australia)
This is a government-funded scholarship for students from developing nations, including India, to study in Australia.
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel expenses, living allowance, and health insurance.
- Eligibility: Strong academic background and commitment to contribute to India’s development.
- Fields Covered: All disciplines.
- Deadline: April every year.
7. Vanier Canada Graduate Funded Scholarships (Canada)
The Vanier CGS is one of the most prestigious Funded scholarships for students pursuing PhD programs in Canada.
- Coverage: CAD 50,000 per year for three years.
- Eligibility: High academic achievement and research potential.
- Fields Covered: Health, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
- Deadline: November each year.
8. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Funded Scholarships
This is a privately funded scholarship for Indian students aiming to pursue a master’s or PhD in the US, UK, or Europe.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Eligibility: Exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements.
- Fields Covered: Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts, and Natural Sciences.
- Deadline: March-April each year.
9. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (USA)
This scholarship supports Indian students who want to pursue an MBA at Stanford University in the United States.
- Coverage: Full tuition for the two-year MBA program.
- Eligibility: Indian students with leadership potential and financial need.
- Deadline: May every year.
10. Rhodes Scholarship (UK)
One of the most prestigious Funded scholarships in the world, the Rhodes Scholarship offers fully funded opportunities for outstanding students to study at Oxford University.
- Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, and a stipend for living expenses.
- Eligibility: Exceptional academic and leadership achievements.
- Fields Covered: Any subject at the University of Oxford.
- Deadline: July-October.
Common Scholarship Scams in India & How to Avoid Them
How to Apply for These Funded Scholarships?
- Check the Eligibility Criteria – Ensure you meet academic, professional, and financial requirements.
- Prepare Strong Application Documents – These may include SOPs (Statement of Purpose), LORs (Letters of Recommendation), and academic transcripts.
- Ace Standardized Tests – Some scholarships require GMAT, GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL scores.
- Apply Early – Most scholarships have strict deadlines, so apply well in advance.
- Show Leadership & Community Engagement – Many scholarships prefer candidates with leadership skills and social impact contributions.
Final Thoughts
A fully funded scholarship can make studying abroad a reality for Indian students. With determination, the right strategy, and thorough research, you can secure funding for your dream university. Start early, stay consistent, and grab these incredible opportunities to build a successful global career !
