Scholarships can reduce the cost of studying abroad significantly. Some cover full tuition and living costs; many more offer partial fee reductions.
Competition is strong, so start early, apply widely and tailor every application.
Well-known scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships: UK government, for future leaders
- Commonwealth Scholarships: for master’s and PhD study in the UK
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships: for study and research in the USA
- DAAD Scholarships: for study and research in Germany
- Australia Awards: for selected fields and countries
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: study in several European countries
- MEXT (Japan) and GKS (South Korea): government scholarships
University scholarships
Most universities offer merit-based scholarships for international students, often assessed automatically with your application. Some offer early-application or regional scholarships for Indian students.
How to improve your chances
- Start a year early: deadlines are long before intakes.
- Show leadership, community work and clear goals.
- Tailor every essay to the scholarship’s purpose.
- Get strong recommendation letters.
- Apply to several scholarships, not just one.
Other sources of support
- State government schemes in India
- Community and trust scholarships
- Employer sponsorship
- Interest subsidy schemes on education loans
Types of scholarship compared
| Type | What it usually covers | How competitive |
|---|---|---|
| Fully funded government | Tuition, living allowance, flights | Very competitive; small numbers |
| University merit | A share of tuition | Moderate; depends on grades and scores |
| Need-based | Tuition or living support | Limited for international students |
| Departmental assistantships | Tuition waiver and a stipend for teaching or research work | Common in US PhD and some MS programs |
| Private and trust | Fixed grants or travel costs | Varies widely |
A step-by-step plan
- Make a list of scholarships you are eligible for by country, course and background.
- Note every deadline in one spreadsheet; many close before admission deadlines.
- Read the selection criteria and the scholarship’s stated purpose carefully.
- Draft a separate essay for each scholarship that answers its specific questions.
- Line up referees who can speak to leadership and impact, not just grades.
- Prepare for interviews where they are part of the process.
- Keep applying for university admission in parallel, so you have options either way.
Common mistakes
- Reusing a university SOP as a scholarship essay without changing the focus.
- Applying only to famous fully funded schemes and ignoring smaller awards that add up.
- Missing conditions such as returning to India after the course, which some schemes require.
- Not checking whether a scholarship can be combined with others.
Who has the best chances
Fully funded schemes usually look for proven leadership, community impact and a clear plan to contribute after the course. University merit awards depend more on grades, test scores and applying early. Students with strong research records do well in assistantships, especially in the USA.
Do not rule yourself out because your marks are not at the very top. Many awards value a clear purpose, community involvement or a background that brings something different to the classroom, so read the criteria before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a full scholarship?
Yes, through competitive programs such as Chevening or DAAD, but they are very selective.
Do scholarships cover living costs?
Some do; many only reduce tuition.
Should I pay someone to find scholarships?
Never pay to ‘guarantee’ a scholarship. Apply only through official websites.
Can I apply for a scholarship without an offer?
For many government schemes, yes. Most university scholarships need an application or offer first.
How we help
Education loans are easier to manage when you compare several offers before you commit. Our counsellors look at your admission, course, co-applicant’s income and collateral options, then help you compare offers from lenders through our education loan partner. We explain the interest rate, fees, moratorium and repayment schedule in plain language, so there are no surprises later.
Need an education loan?
Check your eligibility and compare education loan offers from multiple lenders through our education loan partner.
Always verify: Never pay anyone to ‘guarantee’ a scholarship. Apply only through official websites.
