Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad in 2026

For Indian students, studying abroad offers access to world-class universities, global exposure, and excellent career opportunities.

Countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany are home to top-ranked institutions known for advanced education systems, cutting-edge technology, and job-oriented programs.

However, the cost of studying abroad—including tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, travel, and health insurance—can be a major challenge. This is why scholarships for Indian students to study abroad play a critical role in making international education affordable.

Many scholarships cover partial or full expenses, enabling students to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs without heavy financial burden.

Table Of Content 

1. What are study abroad scholarships?
2. Eligibility criteria for Indian students
3. Documents required
4. Exams required
5. Step-by-step application process
6. Top scholarships by country (2026)
7. Indian government scholarships
8. FAQs
9. Conclusion

What Are Study Abroad Scholarships?

Study abroad scholarships assist in covering the cost of college outside of India. There are scholarship programs for Indian students provided by various government organisations in India, as well as from other countries' government organisations, Universities, and some global organisations. All these scholarships are aimed at assisting students who are looking to study outside of their home country.

There are many types of scholarships available:

• Fully Paid Scholarships (Tuition fees, living expenses, Travel Expenses)
• Partially Paid Scholarships (Tuition Fee Waiver or Monthly Stipend)
• Merit Scholarships (Awarded based on Academic Excellence)
• Need-Based Scholarships (provided to Students with Financial Limitations)

Scholarships are available to international students that allow students to complete an undergraduate or postgraduate degree or obtain a PhD, doctorate degree, or to complete open-ended research for graduate students.

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships Abroad for Indian Students

Different funding bodies and countries have different eligibility criteria for scholarships to study abroad. However, most of the international scholarships for Indian students will have most, if not all, of the following requirements:

• Indian citizenship is needed in order to qualify for most of the study abroad scholarships.
• To apply for a merit-based study abroad scholarship, candidates usually must have a strong academic record, with scores ranging from 60% to 85% GPA or higher.
• To qualify for many of the fully funded study abroad scholarship programs, candidates usually must receive a confirmed admission offer from an approved foreign university.
• Candidates typically must provide proof of their proficiency in the English language. This is usually verified through the IELTS, TOEFL or PTE examinations.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, research experience or other types of extracurricular accomplishments can be very important for securing competitive study abroad scholarships.
• Some of the scholarship programs for Indian students that are available abroad are either "category-based" (based upon the categories of SC/ST/OBC/EWS) or "income-based" to assist students who come from economically weaker backgrounds.

Required Documents for Scholarship Applications

Preparing the following documents well in advance is essential when applying for scholarships abroad as an Indian student:

• Academic transcripts – Class 10, Class 12, and your Bachelor’s degree mark sheets (if applicable).
• A valid passport – Must be valid throughout the study period.
• University admission or offer letter (from a recognised, reputable foreign university).
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP) detailing your academic goals and the reasons for your application.
• Letters of recommendation (LORs) - from Professors or Employers.
• An updated resume - CV showing your education, work experience, responsibilities, and accomplishments.
• An English proficiency scorecard (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo).
• Entrance exam reports (GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc.) – if required.
• Income certificate – for need or income-based scholarships.

If you are applying for scholarships, having the documents mentioned above will increase your chances of winning, getting full funding for your studies, and receiving financial assistance to help pay for your education while abroad.

Exams You Might Need for Scholarships Abroad

Indian students will typically not have to take separate entrance exams for most scholarship programs available overseas. Instead, they will generally be able to submit standardised test scores, which they are required to take to gain admission to their chosen school abroad. Which standardised tests you will need to take will depend on the type of course you are looking to study and in which country it is located.

Common Exams Accepted for Scholarship Applications

Important Notes

• Numerous scholarships offered by foreign institutions have an exemption policy for GRE and GMAT Test scores, provided the institution does not require the student to take either test for admission consideration.
• Your ability to obtain funding for study abroad will be improved significantly with a high score on an English proficiency test.
• As scholarship requirements can differ depending on the country and its scholarship awarding agency, it is necessary to review each scholarship's specific criteria.

How to Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships

When applying for study abroad scholarships, it’s important to start early with your planning and use the appropriate method of application.

Step 1: Research Early for Scholarships

  You’ll want to start researching scholarships 10-12 months before your intake. You need to create a list of scholarships based on country of residence, the course you’re going to study and eligibility.

Step 2: Verify Scholarship Eligibility & Compile Application Materials

  It's critical to carefully review the official guidelines for scholarship eligibility and to prepare your application materials ahead of time.

Step 3: Submit Applications Via The Official Websites

  You should only apply through the following avenues:

• Official scholarship websites
• University scholarship portal
• Government portals

  Do NOT use non-official agents that say they can guarantee you will receive a scholarship.

Step 4: Create a Solid Statement Of Purpose & Personal References (Letters Of Reference)
  Your Statement of Purpose should be tailored to your academic aspirations, career goals and why you are deserving of the scholarship.

  Personal References (Letters of Reference) should come from someone who can vouch for your credibility.

Step 5: Submit Your Application By The Deadline

  All applications that are submitted late or are incomplete will be disqualified. You must pay attention to the deadlines.

Top Study Abroad Scholarships by Country

USA Scholarships for Indian Students

UK Scholarships for Indian Students

Germany Scholarships for Indian Students
 

Canada Scholarships for Indian Students

Australia Scholarships for Indian Students

National Government / Indian Government Supported Scholarships Abroad

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

• For SC, OBC, and economically weaker sections
• Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel
• Applied through official government portal

Interest Subsidy Scheme for Education Loans

• Government pays interest during moratorium period
• Helps reduce education loan burden

Tips to Boost Your Scholarship Chances

• Start preparation early
• Maintain strong academic scores
• Write a clear and honest SOP
• Apply for multiple scholarships
• Follow deadlines strictly

FAQs – Scholarships for Indian Students Abroad

Q1. Are study abroad scholarships fully funded?
Some are fully funded, others partially funded.

Q2. Is IELTS mandatory?
Yes, most scholarships require English proficiency proof.

Q3. Can I apply before getting admission?
Some allow it, but most require an offer letter.

Q4. When should I start applying?
At least 8–12 months before course start date.

Conclusion

Many scholarships exist to allow Indian students to attend universities in other countries, including (but not limited to) New Zealand, France, Singapore, Spain, Malaysia, and India. With adequate research, preparation and proper paperwork, it is possible to attend your desired university abroad without incurring financial debt.