Studying abroad is a dream for millions of Indian students — but the costs of tuition, travel, and accommodation often make it feel out of reach. The good news? Several prestigious global scholarships support Indian students with fully funded or partially funded opportunities.
This guide simplifies the top 10 scholarships Indian students should apply for in 2026 — covering eligibility, benefits, and why each one is worth exploring.
TL;DR
The best scholarships for Indian students include globally recognized programs like the Fulbright Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, and country‑specific and university‑specific grants. Many offer full tuition, living stipends, travel allowance, and even health insurance. Choose based on your target country, degree level, and academic profile.
⭐ Top 10 Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad (2026)
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Scholarship (USA)
A highly prestigious scholarship for Indian graduates pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S.
What it offers: Full tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more.
Ideal for: Leadership‑driven students in public policy, STEM, arts, management, and social sciences.
2. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
The UK government’s flagship scholarship for exceptional students worldwide.
What it offers: Fully funded one‑year master’s degree in the UK.
Ideal for: Future leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers.
3. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
For students from Commonwealth nations, including India.
What it offers: Tuition fees, stipend, and airfare.
Ideal for: Those pursuing master’s or PhD programs in the UK.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship (EU)
One of the most rewarding scholarships, offering a joint master’s degree across multiple European nations.
What it offers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance.
Ideal for: Students wanting global exposure during their degree.
5. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany provides excellent fully funded opportunities for Indian students, especially in engineering and research.
What it offers: Living stipend, accommodation support, health insurance.
Ideal for: Master’s and PhD aspirants in STEM, humanities, and social sciences.
6. Australia Awards Scholarship (Australia)
A government‑funded scholarship open to students from developing countries, including India.
What it offers: Full tuition, travel expenses, establishment allowance, monthly stipend.
Ideal for: Students wanting to study in Australia across various domains.
7. Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
A popular scholarship for Indian students interested in research, master’s, or undergraduate programs.
What it offers: Tuition exemption, monthly stipend, free accommodation options.
Ideal for: Engineering, science, arts, social sciences.
8. New Zealand International Excellence Scholarship (NZ)
Offered by various New Zealand universities for talented international students.
What it offers: Tuition fee reductions or partial scholarships.
Ideal for: Undergraduate and postgraduate students.
9. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (Asia-Pacific)
Designed for students from developing nations pursuing postgraduate studies.
What it offers: Tuition fees, monthly allowance, travel coverage.
Ideal for: Master’s students in management, economics, technology, environment, development.
10. University-Specific Merit Scholarships (Global)
Many top universities worldwide offer specialized scholarships for Indian students, such as:
- University of Oxford & Cambridge Bursaries
- UBC International Scholars Program
- Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars
- NUS/NTU Graduate Scholarships
What they offer: Varies from partial to fully funded benefits.
Ideal for: High-achieving students with strong academic profiles.
🎓 How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
- Maintain strong academic scores
- Build an impactful SOP or personal statement
- Gain leadership or community experience
- Gather strong letters of recommendation
- Apply early and across multiple programs
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews (if applicable)
🚀 Final Thoughts
Studying abroad doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right strategy and awareness, you can secure life‑changing scholarships that cover everything — from tuition to living expenses.
