SKIP TO WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR
Most Indian students aspire to study abroad, but financial limitations prove to be a stumbling block. To resolve this issue, the Indian government has come up with a number of scholarships that encourage students to further their studies outside India.
The Indian government provides scholarships to study abroad that not only cover the cost of tuition and living but also acts as a leveller by enabling students belonging to all walks of life, and more so those belonging to weaker economic or underprivileged classes, to gain education abroad.The Indian government provides a host of scholarships to facilitate students pursuing education overseas. The scholarships are available to students looking to study graduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses. Knowing the purpose and eligibility of each can help narrow down the scholarships that suit your profile. Let us take a glimpse at some of the leading Indian scholarships to study abroad:
Authority: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
About: The National Overseas Scholarship supports students from SC, ST, OBC, and other marginalised groups in pursuing Master's or PhD degrees abroad. It focuses on promoting educational empowerment for underrepresented communities.Authority: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
About: Funded by the US and Indian governments, the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships support outstanding Indian students for Master's, research, and teaching roles in the USA, fostering cross-cultural academic exchange.Authority: Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India
About: This prestigious Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship offers one seat annually to qualified Indian scholars for research at the University of Oxford in History, Economics, or Political Science.Authority: Tata Trusts
About: The JN Tata Endowment offers loan scholarships to Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, with the flexibility to combine this with other scholarships.Authority: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
About: This scholarship primarily targets foreign students who are looking to study in universities and institutions in India. ICCR scholarships are significant for fostering global educational and cultural ties with other countries. A noteworthy point is that Indians are not the direct recipients of this scholarship.Before applying, it is necessary to identify if you are eligible for the Indian government scholarships for studying abroad and qualify each scholarships' eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria are different based on the course of study, income category, merit in academics, or reserved classes (SC, ST, OBC, or EWS).
While the majority of scholarships are based upon academic merit, some are based upon need. Some scholarships are only eligible to students who have been accepted to a foreign university, whereas some accept applications in advance. You will usually have to provide test scores (such as GRE or IELTS) and evidence of income, and have a valid passport.|
Scholarship |
Academic Requirement |
Age Cap |
Income Cap |
Other Notes |
|
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) |
60% in UG/PG |
Below 35 |
₹8 LPA |
Reserved categories only |
|
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships |
UG/PG + work experience |
Below 40 (recommended) |
No specific cap |
SOP and research proposal |
|
Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship |
60% in PG + PhD in the relevant field |
Between 30–40 years |
No specific cap |
3+ years of teaching experience |
|
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship |
Consistent academic record |
Below 45 |
No cap |
Interview-based |
Not sure if you qualify? AECC India's experienced team can guide you through category-specific requirements and ensure you have all the right documents ready on time. Book a free eligibility assessment today.
After identifying the appropriate scholarships for your requirement, the second step is applying accurately and within the time. Every scholarship has their portal, submission pattern, and evaluation criteria. Whether it is the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) portal, ICCR A2A platform, or MEA's specific website, overlooking a minute requirement can leave you behind.
Step-by-Step Guide|
Scholarship |
Application Opens |
Deadline |
|
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) |
February–March |
April |
|
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships |
January |
June |
|
Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship |
December |
January |
|
ICCR Scholarships |
December |
March |
Note: Students should note that deadlines for Indian government scholarships provided here are for reference only. Candidates are advised to verify the scholarship deadlines during the scholarship application process.
Useful Links:Don't wait—research all your choices, know your deadlines, and apply confidently. Many thousands of scholarships are forfeited each year because of missed deadlines or lack of knowledge. Take full advantage of the aid that exists.
AECC India is here to simplify things. Right from identifying the correct scholarship to submitting your application, we will accompany you at every step. Book a free consultation with us today and take a step closer to pursuing your education abroad.Eligibility varies with the scholarship. General eligibility requires candidates to be of Indian citizenship, show academic merit, study at a foreign university that is recognised by the government, and belong to a specific income or socio-economic category. The age bar usually lies between 30-35 years for PhD and PG scholarships.
Every scholarship has its portal and schedule. Begin by visiting the official website (such as NOS Portal, USIEF and ICCR prepare your documents (such as transcripts, SOP, proof of income), and be sure to apply before the deadline. A test or interview might be a part of some programmes.
Yes, the Indian government provides several scholarships and fellowships for citizens who are looking to study abroad. The Indian government scholarships are a way for the Indian government to reward those who have the required academic skill but lack financial means to make it abroad.
For some scholarships, such as NOS and Fulbright, securing an admission offer is a prerequisite for the final selection. But in general, you can start the scholarship application process before the final university admission letters are sent out.
Unfortunately, the majority of the governmental scholarships do not provide extensions. Apply early and monitor updates at official portals.
Scholarships cater to a range of courses and countries, with some focused on specific fields or destinations like the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
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Swati Batra, with 5+ years of experience in international education counselling, has guided numerous students to study abroad. Known for personalised guidance and high visa success rates, she helps students choose the best courses and secure scholarships. Outside work, Swati enjoys social media activities and engaging with students online.
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