Best Scholarships for Indian Students Studying Abroad
Higher education is an investment that promises a rich return, but it often comes with considerable financial implications. Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the high tuition fees and living expenses can make this dream seem out of reach. However, scholarships can be a life-saver for those eager to pursue their studies in foreign universities but are constrained by financial limitations. A multitude of scholarships exist for Indian students who aspire to study abroad; they just need to know where to find them and how to apply. In this extensive guide, we will explore some of the best scholarships that Indian students can avail to study in various countries around the world.
Understanding Scholarships
Before we delve into the details, it is crucial to understand what a scholarship is. In the simplest terms, a scholarship is a financial aid awarded to students to help them cover their tuition fees, living expenses, books, and other educational costs. Scholarships are typically awarded on the basis of merit, need, or a combination of both. Unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid, making them an excellent way to finance education.
Why Scholarships are Important
Scholarships are not just about the financial assistance they provide; they offer much more. Winning a scholarship can boost a student’s confidence and validate their hard work and academic abilities. Scholarships can also enhance a student’s resume, making them more attractive to future employers. Furthermore, scholarships can provide students with more freedom to focus on their studies without worrying about financial constraints.
Now that we have an understanding of what scholarships are and why they are important, let’s delve into some of the best scholarships available for Indian students who aspire to study abroad.
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships is one of the most prestigious scholarships available to Indian students. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, living expenses, and a one-way travel allowance. The scholarship is open to Indian students under 30 years of age who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in any field at a top-ranked institution abroad. The selection process is rigorous and includes a preliminary screening followed by an interview.
The J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarships
While technically a loan scholarship, The J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarships deserves a mention due to its low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms. The scholarship is open to Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral studies abroad in any field. The scholarship amount ranges from INR 1 lakh to INR 10 lakh and is awarded as a one-time loan at the beginning of the course.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees is a prestigious scholarship program funded by the European Union. The program offers fully-funded scholarships to students from around the world, including India, to pursue a Joint Master Degree in participating European universities. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. The selection process is highly competitive and based on the academic merit of the applicants.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship program that provides financial support to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and other study-related costs. The selection process is highly competitive and based on the academic merit and potential of the applicants.
As we go further in-depth, we will explore each scholarship’s eligibility criteria, application process, and tips to increase your chances of winning these scholarships. Remember, the key to winning a scholarship lies in starting early, researching thoroughly, and tailoring your application to highlight your strengths and achievements.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan is an international program under which Commonwealth countries offer scholarships and fellowships to students from other member states. The plan was established at the first Commonwealth Education Conference in 1959, and over 27,500 individuals have benefited from it so far.
These scholarships are awarded to students who wish to pursue masters and doctoral degrees abroad. The award includes tuition fees, airfare, a living allowance, and health insurance. CSFP is one of the largest and most prestigious scholarships for Indian students looking to study abroad, particularly in the UK.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries, including India. The scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year.
The Foundation gives priority to requests for Masters level courses, but is also willing to consider applications for Ph.D. programs. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and living expenses. Applications for the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships begin in January each year.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) is a prestigious, integrated, international study program, jointly delivered by an international consortium of higher education institutions. EMJMDs award EU-funded scholarships to the best student candidates applying under annual selection rounds.
The program offers full-time scholarships and/or fellowships that cover the living costs, tuition fees, travelling and insurance costs of the students. Indian students can apply to a maximum of three different programs. Each edition of an EMJMD lasts between 12 and 24 months.
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian students
Reliance Industries Limited generously created the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program to support Indian nationals living in India who need financial assistance in obtaining an MBA at Stanford. The scholarship covers tuition and associated fees for approximately INR 1,50,00,000.
Up to five students are selected for this fellowship each year. Post-MBA, Reliance Dhirubhai Fellows are required to return to India to work for an Indian organization. This fellowship is a great opportunity for Indian students to get an education at one of the world’s leading universities.
Inlaks Scholarships
Inlaks Scholarships provide the opportunity to young people with exceptional talent in any field to broaden their vision abroad and improve their skills to operate in society, thus making them a future vehicle of change in their environment. The scholarships are of two types: university courses and specific programs.
Full scholarships are awarded for studies in the USA, UK, and Europe. Scholarships for research, training or professional improvement to be carried out abroad either independently, or attached to a leading institution, and to attend a specific program are also offered. The Foundation does not give scholarships in the following subjects: Engineering, Computer Science, Business Studies, Medicine, Public Health, Fashion Design, Music, and Film Animation.
Conclusion
Indian students who aspire to study abroad have a wide array of scholarships that they can avail of. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also living and travel expenses. Therefore, Indian students should research thoroughly and apply to the scholarships that they are eligible for, and those that align with their future goals. These scholarships are a fantastic opportunity for Indian students to gain world-class education and experience, which can immensely benefit their careers.
Remember that each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so it’s crucial to read through all the information and instructions carefully. Good luck with your scholarship applications, and may your academic journey be full of enriching experiences!
DAAD Scholarships
DAAD or Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, also known as the German Academic Exchange Service, is one of the biggest scholarship organizations in the world. It offers a diverse range of funding opportunities for Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in Germany. The scholarships are available for all levels of study, including Bachelors, Masters, and PhD. DAAD Scholarships cover both living expenses and tuition fees, making it a comprehensive solution for students who are financially challenged.
DAAD Scholarships are very competitive and require a high academic performance from the applicant. In addition to this, the applicant should have a clear plan of study and a strong motivation for choosing Germany as their study destination. The application process usually starts a year in advance, so it is important for students to start preparing early.
Fulbright-Nehru Scholarships
Fulbright-Nehru Scholarships are one of the most prestigious scholarships available for Indian students wishing to study in the United States. The scholarship is a result of a bilateral agreement between the Government of India and the United States, aimed at fostering mutual understanding between the two countries through educational exchange.
The scholarships are awarded in a wide range of disciplines including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Technology and more. They are available for students pursuing Masters, PhD and post-doctoral research. The scholarship covers expenses such as tuition, living expenses, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and a modest stipend for books and professional development.
The application process for Fulbright-Nehru Scholarships is rigorous and competitive. Candidates must demonstrate leadership potential, a desire to contribute to their home communities, and a strong academic background. The application process typically starts a year in advance, so it is recommended that students begin preparing early.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship is a prestigious programme that supports students from Commonwealth countries to study in the United Kingdom. Indian students who wish to pursue Masters or PhD programs in the UK can apply for this scholarship. The scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare, a living allowance, and other study-related costs.
The selection process is merit-based and highly competitive. Applicants must have a first-class or upper second-class degree, and should demonstrate their potential to contribute to the social or economic development of their home countries upon their return.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are funded by the European Union and are aimed at promoting European higher education and fostering intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries. Indian students can apply for these scholarships to pursue a joint Masters or PhD degree at two or more European universities.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, a monthly allowance for living costs, and insurance. The selection process is highly competitive and requires applicants to demonstrate academic excellence and a strong motivation to study in Europe.
Inlaks Scholarships
The Inlaks Scholarships are one of the most generous scholarships available for Indian students. They provide funding for up to two years of study at any top-ranking institution abroad. The scholarships are open to all fields of study, except Engineering, Computer Science, Business Studies, Medicine, Public Health, Fashion Design, Music, and Film Animation.
The selection process is based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and evidence of exceptional talent in the chosen field. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and one-way travel.
In conclusion, there are numerous scholarships available for Indian students who wish to study abroad. These scholarships cater to a wide range of academic interests and disciplines, and help alleviate the financial burden of international education. However, the competition for these scholarships is intense, and therefore, prospective students must start their preparation well in advance and strive to present a strong and compelling application.
British Council IELTS Scholarship
British Council IELTS Scholarship is another prominent scholarship for Indian students, specifically aimed at those who are planning to study at universities in English speaking countries. This scholarship is designed to help students who have taken the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam with the British Council. The scholarship is awarded based on the student’s academic performance, admission offer from the university, leadership skills, and their potential to contribute to society through their studies abroad.
The amount awarded under this scholarship varies from year to year, but it is generally sufficient to cover a substantial part of the tuition and living expenses. The scholarship procedure is quite competitive and students are advised to prepare thoroughly for the IELTS examination as well as for the scholarship application process.
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are designed for outstanding Indians who have completed equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree to pursue a master’s degree program at selected U.S. colleges and universities. The fellowships are granted for various fields including Arts and Culture Management including Heritage Conservation and Museum Studies, Environmental Science/Studies, Higher Education Administration, Public Health, Urban and Regional Planning, and Women’s Studies/Gender Studies.
The scholarship covers J-1 visa support, round-trip airfare from the scholar’s home city to the host institution in the U.S., funding for tuition and fees, living and related costs, and accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines. The exact benefits can vary based on the program and level of study.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are aimed at young Indian students with a strong academic background and leadership potential who wish to study at top American, European, and UK institutions. The scholarship covers tuition fees, adequate living expenses, and one-way travel. The maximum funding provided under this scholarship is $100,000. If the total funding required exceeds this amount, the applicant must show evidence of additional funding for their study program.
Applicants must be under 30 years of age, hold a first degree from a recognized university in India, and must have applied for admission to the institution and course they wish to study. The scholarship does not support students who have already begun their studies abroad.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree (EMJMD)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree (EMJMD) is a prestigious, integrated, international study program, jointly delivered by an international consortium of higher education institutions. Indian students aiming to study in Europe can consider this scholarship. The EMJMD scholarship covers the student’s participation costs (including the tuition fees, library and laboratory costs), insurance costs, and any other mandatory costs related to the student’s participation in the Master program.
In addition to these, a monthly subsistence allowance and a contribution to the travel and installation costs is also provided. The amount of the scholarship varies according to the duration of the course and the nationality of the scholarship holder.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship is an international program under which member governments offer scholarships and fellowships to citizens of other Commonwealth countries. The program, established by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, provides opportunities for students of Commonwealth countries who can make a significant contribution to their home country after the completion of a higher education program in the UK. It is aimed at students of excellent academic quality who will lead in innovation and creativity.
The scholarship offers airfare to and from the UK, tuition and examination fees, personal maintaining allowance, thesis grant, among other allowances. Indian students who wish to study in the UK can greatly benefit from this scholarship program.
Each of these scholarships has its own set of eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines. Therefore, Indian students who wish to study abroad are advised to research each scholarship thoroughly and apply in advance. Studying abroad can be a rewarding and life-changing experience, and these scholarships can help Indian students to achieve their academic and career goals.
