The Indian government and bilateral programmes offer several scholarships to help Indian students pursue higher education and research abroad. These Indian government scholarships for studying abroad can provide financial support for tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other study-related costs. Eligibility and benefits vary based on the scholarship, course, and level of study.
The scholarships include Prabhuddha Overseas Scholarship, Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi, National Overseas Scholarship, Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, Commonwealth Scholarship, and Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship. Some state and foreign government programs also provide support based on the student’s course, category, and study destination.
This article covers everything you need to know about scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government after 12th, masters and doctoral programs, including eligibility, required documents, application steps, and tips to improve your chances of getting financial support.
Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government after 12th
Students who have completed their schooling can find overseas funding through state government schemes, bilateral scholarship programs, and government-supported education loans. The options available for undergraduates depend on the student's state, category, course, and admission to a foreign university.
Here is a table showing scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government after 12th:
Scholarship Name
Eligibility Criteria
Coverage Offered
Prabhuddha Overseas Scholarship, Karnataka
Karnataka resident; SC/ST student; usually 80%+ in Class 12; age generally below 21 years; family income and admission conditions apply.
Full tuition fees; living expenses; airfare
Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi, Telangana
Telangana resident; good academic score; family-income limit applies; admission to an eligible foreign university; MBBS abroad is covered for eligible UG students
Financial assistance of up to INR 20 lakh; tuition and other approved study expenses
Eligibility depends on country and program; high academic score and language rules may apply
Tuition fee waiver/support; stipend; travel support, depending on the program
Destination Australia Scholarship, Australia
International student; admission to an eligible regional Australian institution; must meet course and university requirements
Financial support towards tuition and/or living costs; amount and duration vary by institution
Note: The MEXT scholarship is funded by the Government of Japan, not the Indian Government. It is a bilateral scholarship available to Indian students through Japan's education partnerships and embassy channels.
Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad for Graduates
Graduates have more options because many Indian government overseas scholarships are designed for higher education.
A student who has completed a bachelors degree may be able to apply for a scholarship for Indian students to study abroad by Indian government, depending on their category and the course they want to study.
The following table will give you an understanding of Indian government scholarships for studying abroad for graduates.
SC, DNT, Nomadic Tribes, landless laborer/artisan families; income below INR 8 lakh per year; age below 35 years; minimum 60% graduation marks
Full tuition; visa fee; medical insurance; return airfare; USD 15,400 (approximately INR 14.77 lakh) per year maintenance outside UK; GBP 9,900 (approximately INR 12.80 lakh) per year in UK
Documents Required for Government Scholarships to Study Abroad
Students applying for a scholarship from Indian government for abroad studies should prepare documents early. It is better to make a simple document folder before the application window opens. This can help avoid last-minute problems.
Common documents may include:
Academic marksheets
Degree or school certificates
Passport
Admission or offer letter
Income certificate
Caste or category certificate, if applicable
Disability certificate or UDID card, if applicable
Statement of Purpose (refer to this SOP format for detailed guidance)
Recommendation letters (check out the correct LOR format)
Research proposal, if required
English language test score, if required (such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.)
Proof of identity
Bank details
Recent photographs
Other documents mentioned in the official notification
Not every scholarship asks for all these documents.
For example, students with disabilities may have specific documentation requirements. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has also made UDID an important requirement under its scholarship framework.
How to Apply for Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad?
The application process for a government scholarship to study abroad for Indian students depends on the scholarship provider. Students should keep copies of the application, documents, and official communication for future use.
The basic process usually follows these steps.
Step 1: Check the Eligibility Criteria
First, check whether you meet the basic rules.
Look at:
Academic marks
Age
Family income
Category
Course level
University
Country
Admission status
Other special conditions
Do not apply just because you see your course or country listed online. Make sure you meet all the requirements.
Step 2: Find a Suitable Scholarship
Next, find a scholarship that matches your profile.
If you are looking for a scholarship for Indian students to study abroad by Indian government, check official government websites first.
Students should also check their state government's education or social welfare department if they are looking for undergraduate support after Class 12.
Step 3: Check the Official Notification and Deadline
Read the latest scholarship notification carefully.
Check:
Opening date
Closing date
Eligibility
Number of awards
Documents
Selection process
Course restrictions
Income limit
Age limit
Financial benefits
Do not rely only on an old blog or social media post.
Step 4: Organize the Documents Needed
Have all documents prepared prior to the application process.
Ensure names, birth dates, and other information are consistent across your documents.
If the document must be translated, verified, or certified, do so before the deadline.
Step 5: Fill Out an Online Application
Fill in the application form carefully. Enter your academic details, personal information,ation and university details correctly.
Upload the required documents in the correct format and size. Before submitting, check the complete form once again.
Step 6: Complete the Selection Process
Eligible candidates may undergo a selection process after having submitted the application. This may be in the form of document verification, merit selection, interviews, or other verification methods, depending on the nature of the scholarship.
Step 7: Receive the Scholarship
Selected students receive information from the concerned government department. The scholarship amount is then provided according to the rules of the scheme.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Government Scholarship?
Getting a government scholarship for Indian students to study abroad can be competitive. It's the right application that can make all the difference. The steps to boost your chances of obtaining a government scholarship are easy to follow.
These are some easy tips to follow for students:
1. Have a good academic standing: You can earn good marks, which can help you be eligible and can build up your profile. Do your best to keep a good grade point average during the entire course.
2. Fill out relevant scholarship applications: Avoid applying for all the scholarships you come across. First, review the category, course, age, income, and academic requirements.
3. Create documents in advance: There are documents like income certificates, category certificates, and admission letters, which may take time. Begin your preparations early to avoid missing the deadline.
4. Develop a good SOP/study plan: In case of an SOP or study plan, write your aims in a simple and clear way. Explain to the selection team why you wish to study in the course, how it relates to your career, and the contribution that the scholarship will make to your studies.
5. Emphasize accomplishments: Refer to the achievements that relate to your application.
These may include:
Academic awards
Research projects
Internships
Publications
Competitions
Leadership activities
Volunteer work
Relevant work experience
Please do not add achievements simply for the length of the application. Discuss situations that are helpful for your course and goals.
6. Meet all eligibility criteria: Even a good academic record is not sufficient without adherence to the basic eligibility rules. Read all the requirements prior to submitting the application.
7. Read the instructions for application carefully: Submit documents in proper format and include the required information. Several minute mishaps may cause issues when verifying documents.
8. Submit your application early: Avoid using the last day. The application may be delayed due to technical difficulties, the loss of documents or failure to pay (if applicable).
Conclusion
Studying abroad can be expensive, but scholarships can reduce the financial burden for eligible students. There are different Indian government scholarships for studying abroad, but each one has its own rules.
Some scholarships are meant for specific communities or groups, while others focus on students with disabilities or low family income. Many of the main central government overseas scholarships support Masters and PhD programmes rather than regular undergraduate courses.
Students should check the latest official notification, prepare their documents early, and apply before the deadline. A good academic record, correct documents and a clear study plan can help students make a stronger application for a government scholarship to study abroad for Indian students.
Is Indian government giving scholarships to students to study abroad actually worth it?
Indian government scholarships for studying abroad are entirely worth it because they provide fully funded financial coverage, but they come with strict return commitments and a bit high competitive selection process.
How can I study abroad for free from India?
You can study abroad with little or no personal cost by securing a fully funded scholarship covering tuition, living expenses, travel and other costs. Options include government, university and international scholarships based on eligibility and merit.
Which countries let you study for free to international students?
Germany is among the best-known destinations where many public universities charge no tuition for eligible programmes, although exceptions exist. Other countries may offer tuition-free or heavily subsidised education through specific universities, programmes or scholarships.
Which country gives 100% scholarships to Indian students?
No country guarantees a 100% scholarship to every Indian student. However, countries such as UK, USA and several European destinations offer fully funded scholarships covering tuition and living costs for selected international applicants.
Which university gives full free scholarships for Indian students?
Several universities offer full or substantial funding to international students, but eligibility varies. Harvard and other highly selective universities may provide need-based financial aid, while scholarships such as Chevening fund eligible students at participating UK universities.
Which country is easy to get a scholarship for international students?
No country is automatically easy for scholarships because selection depends on the programme and applicant profile. Germany can be attractive because many public universities have low or no tuition, while scholarships can help cover living expenses.
Which scholarship can be easier of all for Indian students to study abroad?
There is no scholarship that is universally easiest for Indian students. Your chances depend on academic performance, work experience, leadership, financial background, course and eligibility. Look for scholarships specifically matching your profile rather than focusing only on competition.
Who is eligible for a scholarship in India to study abroad?
Eligibility varies by scholarship. Requirements may include Indian citizenship, academic performance, family income, age, course, university admission and specific social or community categories. For example, National Overseas Scholarship eligibility is limited to specified eligible groups.
How to get a free government scholarship?
Start by checking official government scholarship portals for eligibility, application dates and required documents. Choose schemes matching your category, academic level and course, then submit the application with accurate academic, financial and admission details before the deadline.
When should I start searching for scholarships?
Start searching for scholarships 9-12 months before your intended intake. Some major scholarships open months before university applications or have separate nomination timelines. Starting early gives you time to prepare documents, essays, tests and recommendation letters.
What is the last date to apply for scholarships?
There is no single last date for scholarships. Each scholarship follows its own application cycle. For example, the National Overseas Scholarship had an application window earlier, while other scholarships have different deadlines.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4979 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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