Scholarships for Indian students abroad

Learn about numerous scholarships that are specifically designed for Indian international students available across popular study destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Jul 24, 2025   |   3 minute read

A Comprehensive Guide for the US, UK, Canada, and Australia

Studying abroad can dramatically enhance your career and life experiences, but we understand the cost implications can seem overwhelming. 



Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA

The United States offers extensive financial aid for Indian students:

  • Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships: Perfect for postgraduate studies, covering tuition, airfare, textbooks, and a living allowance.

  • Tata Scholarship at Cornell University: Exclusively for Indian undergraduates with financial needs, offering complete tuition and living support.

  • Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship: Significant financial assistance for Indian MBA candidates at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.



Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

The UK provides various scholarships to ease financial pressures:

  • Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded by the UK government, covering tuition fees, monthly living stipends, and flights.

  • Commonwealth Scholarships: Focused on postgraduate students from India and other Commonwealth nations, covering full tuition, airfare, and living expenses.

  • GREAT Scholarships: Offered through partnerships between UK universities and the British Council, providing major tuition fee discounts specifically for Indian students.



Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

Canada’s inclusive educational environment offers notable scholarships:

  • Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarships: Funding research and academic collaborations specifically between Indian and Canadian institutions.

  • Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS): Merit-based financial aid for master's and doctoral candidates from India, covering tuition and living costs.

  • University-specific Awards: Prestigious universities such as the University of Toronto and McGill University extend significant scholarships aimed at Indian students.



Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia

Australia combines top-tier education with generous scholarships:

  • Australia Awards Scholarships: Comprehensive funding from the Australian government, covering full tuition, accommodation, living costs, airfare, and health insurance.

  • Destination Australia Program: Aims to attract students to regional Australian universities with substantial financial incentives.

  • University-specific Scholarships: Leading institutions such as the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University provide dedicated scholarships for Indian international students.



Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Prospects

To enhance your chances of securing scholarships, focus on:

  • Outstanding Academic Performance: Showcase high grades and any special achievements clearly in your applications.

  • Impressive Essays: Craft your statement of purpose (SOP) thoughtfully, outlining your career goals, academic interests, and the reasons you deserve the scholarship.

  • Strong Recommendations: Obtain impactful recommendation letters (LORs) that genuinely highlight your academic strengths and personal attributes.


How GradGuide Can Support You

At GradGuide, we provide practical advice and clear guidance tailored to Indian students seeking scholarships abroad. Our personalized counseling and step-by-step approach simplify the complex scholarship application process, ensuring you're fully informed and confidently prepared.


Have specific questions about scholarships or need detailed assistance with your application process? Get in touch—we’re here to guide you through every step of your journey

Things to know if you're considering sending your child abroad

Things to know if you're considering sending your child abroad

Is exceptional academic performance mandatory for scholarships?

Great academic results certainly help, but scholarships also assess leadership qualities, extracurricular activities, and financial need.

When should Indian students start scholarship applications?

Aim to start preparing your scholarship applications at least 8-12 months before your intended study start date.

Do scholarships fully cover living costs for Indian students?

Many comprehensive scholarships, like Fulbright and Chevening, do provide full living expenses coverage, though some scholarships might cover only partial expenses.

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