From fully funded programs to merit-based awards, there is a diverse range of opportunities designed to support Indian students in their pursuit of academic excellence on a global stage. This Abroadin article presents a comprehensive list of 16 prestigious scholarships for Indian students that can make your dream of excellent international education a reality.
In this guide:
- National Overseas Scholarship
- The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
- Cornell University Tata Scholarship
- The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
- The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust
- Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
- LIC HFL Vidyadhan Scholarship for Post-Graduation
- Ambedkar Post Matric Scholarship for EBC
- L&T Build India Scholarship
- Sahaj Foundation Disha Parivartan Fellowship
- NCERT Doctoral Fellowship
- e-Medhabruti Scholarship Scheme
- DXC Progressing Minds scholarship
- Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research
1. National Overseas Scholarship
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) supports low-income students from marginalized communities in pursuing higher education abroad, including:
- Scheduled Castes,
- Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes,
- Landless Agricultural Labourers,
- and Traditional Artisans.
The scholarship offers financial assistance for Masters’s and Ph.D. courses in any field at recognized foreign institutions and universities. Note that almost 30% of the awards are reserved for women candidates.
Eligibility requires at least 60% marks in the qualifying exam. Selection prioritizes candidates with unconditional offers from the top 500 ranked foreign Institutes/Universities.
Applicants of these scholarships for Indian students must be below 35 years old, and the total family income should be approximately $11,000 annually.
2. The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians
The JN Tata Endowment, established in 1892 by Jamsetjee Nusserwanjee Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, plays a crucial role in supporting the higher education of Indians through loan scholarships for overseas studies.
This esteemed institution focuses solely on individual merit, disregarding factors such as caste, creed, religion, or other considerations.
Candidates can choose their desired study destination if they meet the required merit standards of the scholarships for Indian students.
Approximately 100 loan scholarships are awarded annually, benefiting a diverse group of scholars from different regions and backgrounds across India.
The scholarships have been granted to around 5600 scholars thus far, most pursuing Applied Sciences, IT and Computing, Engineering, Management, Law, Economics, and other fields, including fine and performing arts.
3. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships offer exceptional opportunities for accomplished individuals from India to pursue a master’s degree program at renowned colleges and universities in the United States.
These fellowships are specifically designed for highly motivated individuals who:
- exhibit leadership qualities,
- possess the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree,
- have a minimum of three years of professional work experience,
- and are committed to making meaningful contributions to their communities upon their return.
The duration of the scholarships for Indian students varies from one to two years.
Grant benefits include J-1 visa support, round-trip economy ticket from the fellow’s home city to the host institution in the US, funding for tuition and fees, living, and related expenses.
4. Cornell University Tata Scholarship
The Tata Scholarship for Students from India is a remarkable initiative made possible by the Tata Education and Development Trust, a philanthropic affiliate of India’s esteemed Tata Group.
With a generous $25 million endowment, this scholarship program provides vital financial aid to Cornell University undergraduate students from India.
Around 20 scholars are supported by the Tata Scholarship Fund at any given time, ensuring that exceptional Indian students have equal access to the educational opportunities offered at Cornell, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
These scholarships for Indian students are awarded annually, and recipients receive funding for their undergraduate studies at Cornell.
5. The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship
The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship, offered by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, provides a valuable opportunity for meritorious Indian students pursuing full-time Master, M.Phil, or Doctoral degree courses in universities located in the UK, the US, and other European countries.
Eligibility criteria for the scholarships for Indian students include:
- being an Indian citizen residing in India for at least six months at the time of application,
- holding an Indian passport,
- not possessing a postgraduate degree from abroad,
- and not currently studying a postgraduate degree abroad.
The selection process involves the following:
- Evaluation by an independent Inlaks Selection Committee.
- Considering applicants’ academic performance and potential as demonstrated in the application.
- Portfolio evaluation for arts and design courses.
6. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program provides scholarships to outstanding students from developing countries for postgraduate studies.
The scholarships for Indian students cover tuition fees and living expenses but not travel costs.
Master’s scholarships are granted for the entire degree course, while Ph.D. funding is available for the first two years.
Half the scholarship is a loan, repayable with a 5% annual service charge over five years starting six months after the funded study period.
The program aims to support talented individuals and foster development in their home countries.
7. The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust
The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarships cater specifically to Indian women seeking higher education opportunities at international universities.
This scholarship program targets Master’s degree programs in the US, UK, and other European countries.
To be eligible for these scholarships for Indian students, graduate students must possess at least two years of relevant work experience.
Applicants are required to contact the Trust via email to request the scholarship application form.
Selections for the scholarships are conducted through an interview session held in Mumbai.
Recipients must provide proof of sufficient finances to cover their program fees and living expenses.
8. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship offers advanced research opportunities in Modern Indian Studies, focusing on History, Economics, and Political Science.
The duration of these scholarships for Indian students is initially one year, with the possibility of extension.
Eligible applicants must be Indian nationals aged 30 to 40 years by October of the intake year, hold a Ph.D. degree or have equivalent published works, and have a minimum of three years of teaching experience at the graduate or postgraduate level.
The fellowship covers a stipend of almost $30,000 and other charges and provides round-trip economy class airfare funded by the Government of India.
Applications should include necessary documents and be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, External Scholarships Division in Delhi.
9. LIC HFL Vidyadhan Scholarship for Post-Graduation
The LIC HFL Vidyadhan Scholarship for Post-Graduation is a CSR initiative by LIC Housing Finance Limited (LIC HFL) to support underprivileged students in India.
These scholarships for Indian students provide financial assistance of up to $20,000 to students pursuing post-graduation studies.
Eligible applicants must be enrolled in the first year of a post-graduation program at a recognized college, university, or institution in India.
They should have scored a minimum of 60% marks in their undergraduate program, and their family income should not exceed $4,800 per annum.
Preference is given to COVID-affected students who have lost earning members or parents or whose family members have lost livelihood or employment.
10. Dr. Ambedkar Post Matric Scholarship for EBC
The Dr. Ambedkar Post Matric Scholarship for Economically Backward Classes (EBC) in Tripura aims to support the education of economically disadvantaged students who have completed Class 10 or above.
This scholarship applies to students pursuing post-matric or post-secondary studies. Selected students will receive a monthly maintenance allowance of up to $10 and other benefits.
Applicants of these scholarships for Indian students must be domiciled in Tripura to be eligible for the scholarship and belong to the General and Extremely Backward Class categories.
They should be enrolled in an Intermediate, Graduate, or Postgraduate course at government institutions and have passed their matriculation, higher secondary, or equivalent examinations from a recognized university or board of secondary education.
11. L&T Build India Scholarship
The L&T Build India Scholarship, offered by the L&T organization based in Mumbai, is a private-sector initiative to provide educational opportunities to individuals in India.
This scholarship program is specifically designed to support students pursuing technical degrees in India who need more funds to pursue higher education after completing their undergraduate studies.
These scholarships for Indian students offer a monthly stipend for 24 months.
12. Sahaj Foundation Disha Parivartan Fellowship
The Sahaj Foundation Disha Parivartan Fellowship, organized by Sahaj Foundation in Himachal Pradesh, is a prestigious opportunity for early-stage social leaders.
The fellowship is designed to support individuals dedicated to the welfare of economically or socially disadvantaged sections of Indian society.
Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of $150 for two years, with the possibility of an additional year based on requirements and commitment.
The fellowship aims to support these social leaders financially, enabling them to continue their impactful work in slums, rural areas, or tribal communities nationwide.
These scholarships for Indian students aim to ensure the sustainability of its initiatives by assisting with daily sustenance.
At the same time, they work full-time on their projects, expecting to find practical ways to become self-sustainable after the fellowship period.
13. NCERT Doctoral Fellowship
The NCERT Doctoral Fellowship 2023, offered by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), aims to support young scholars in pursuing doctoral research in education and related disciplines.
These fellowships and scholarships for Indian students allow Doctoral Fellows to research at a recognized university or research institution.
The NCERT encourages applicants to demonstrate original thinking in problem conceptualization and utilize innovative methodologies in their research on school education.
14. e-Medhabruti Scholarship Scheme
The e-Medhabruti Scholarship, offered by the Higher Education Department of the Government of Odisha, aims to support and encourage outstanding students from Odisha to pursue higher education in various fields, including UG, PG, Technical, and Professional courses.
Eligible candidates will have the opportunity to receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 per year.
To qualify for these scholarships for Indian students, candidates must be permanent residents of Odisha and have achieved at least 60% marks in their previous qualifying examinations.
15. DXC Progressing Minds scholarship
The scholarship program is designed to assist undergraduate students pursuing courses in information technology or related fields.
It is a national-level initiative offering financial aid to first-year students of Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programs in computer science, information technology, electrical engineering, or electronics and communications.
Eligible students can receive financial assistance of up to 50% of their total course fees for the current academic year, capped at $40,000 (or the equivalent in Indian Rupees, whichever is lower).
16. Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research
The Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research is a scheme to foster industry-relevant research by young, talented, and result-oriented scholars.
This unique initiative provides full-time Ph.D. scholars double the financial support they typically receive for their research endeavors.
The average government fellowship for Ph.D. scholars at academic or research institutes in India is approximately Rs 25,000 per month, including a house rent allowance (HRA).
However, under the Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research, scholars receive double the Junior Research Fellowship/Senior Research Fellowship (JRF/SRF) as a scholarship, approximately Rs 86,000 monthly.
This scholarship is divided equally between the government and a partner company, which collaborates closely with the candidate on the research project.
The scholarship’s first batch was launched in 2013, and since then, more than 300 PM Fellows have been awarded fellowships.
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