Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, which is why millions of students take the daunting step of leaving their home country and head to newer pastures. That being said, the road to overseas education is no walk in the park! Students often have to navigate through many financial hurdles before they can finally attend their dream university. Moreover, the cost of studying abroad is quite high and more often than not, the only way students can achieve their dream of studying abroad is through a scholarship. The good news is that there are plenty of international scholarships for Indian students. As more and more Indian students have shown interest in studying abroad, the number of scholarships to study abroad for Indian students has also increased. Let’s learn more about abroad scholarships for Indian students.
Before we get into a specific international scholarship for Indian students, let’s understand the different types of scholarships available –
Merit-based: These scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic background or scores obtained in qualifying exams.
Need-based: Need-based scholarships are primarily awarded to students who hail from low-income families.
Subject-specific: There are several international universities and institutions that grant subject-specific scholarships to students who plan to pursue a specific field of study.
Student-specific: This type of scholarship is awarded to students who can categorise themselves on the basis of various factors such as gender, race, religion, family and medical history.
Destination-specific: Destination-specific scholarships differ from country to country. There are many public authorities, governments and universities who offer funds to students from a particular country.
Sports-based: As the name suggests, sports-based scholarships are awarded to the best of the best sportspersons. Generally, the criteria for this type of scholarship requires applicants to continue with training and representing their university at various sports events.
Now that we know the differences types of scholarships available, let’s learn about the best international scholarship for Indian students.
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Best UK International Scholarship for Indian Students
UniAcco Fly High Scholarship:
The UniAcco Fly High scholarship program instituted by UniAcco to recognize and reward Indian students who are either studying in the UK or will commence their course in 2024. The thought behind instituting this scholarship was to enable committed and passionate students to achieve their goals by lightening the financial burden that comes with studying abroad. UniAcco, the leading student accommodation provider in the UK, believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to pursue their dreams. The UniAcco Fly High Scholarship helps break down any barriers that prevent exceptional students from attending leading colleges.
Eligibility Criteria –
There are three categories of the UniAcco Fly High Scholarship –
- In the Leader category, any Indian student pursuing post-graduate studies or commencing a postgraduate course in 2024 in the UK, who has remarkably contributed towards a social/noble cause can apply.
- In the Scholar category, any Indian student pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK or who will commence a postgraduate course in 2024 and has demonstrated academic excellence is eligible to apply.
- In the All Rounder category, any Indian undergraduate student who is currently pursuing undergraduate studies in the UK or will begin the course in 2024 is eligible to apply.
Expenses Covered –
The scholarship amount can be used as per the discretion of the winners.
Field Of Study –
Any undergraduate or postgraduate course in the UK.
Time Of Application –
To be announced soon.
No. Of Scholarships –
6.
Acceptable Universities –
All accredited UK based universities.
Maximum Scholarship Amount –
Rs 4,97,596.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK government. They are reserved for international students who show exceptional promise. International students can use Chevening Scholarships to pursue a one-year postgraduate degree at any UK university in the subject of their choice. The scholarship aims at developing future global leaders.
Eligibility Criteria –
- Either a graduate or postgraduate student.
- Pursue a master’s degree in the UK.
- At least 2 years of work experience preferred.
Expenses Covered –
- Tuition costs.
- Living expenses.
- Travel cost to and from the UK.
- Other allowances, including full or partial support based on candidate requirements.
Field Of Study –
Any one-year master’s program in the UK.
Time Of Application –
August second week till July every year.
No. Of Scholarships –
65 annual scholarships for Indian students.
Acceptable Universities –
All UK universities affiliated with Chevening
Maximum Scholarship Amount –
Rs 17,90,089.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
Indian students who wish to a Master’s and PhD programme in the UK should definitely apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship. This scholarship program is for deserving students from the Commonwealth nations (which Indian is a part of), who show signs of contributing significantly to their nations.
Eligibility Criteria –
- The applicant has to be an Indian citizen.
- English has to be the medium of education.
- Secure a minimum of 60% marks in Social Sciences and Humanities or a minimum of 65% marks in the field of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture.
- Preliminary interviews conducted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development for shortlisting deserving students.
Expenses Covered –
- Tuition fee.
- Economy class return airfare.
- Living expenses.
Field Of Study –
- Engineering and Technology.
- Pure and Applied Science.
- Agriculture.
- Social Sciences and Humanities.
Time of Application –
August.
No. Of Scholarships –
No specific number; depends on deserving candidates.
Acceptable Universities –
All UK universities.
Maximum Scholarship Amount –
Rs 31,60,764.
Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by Newcastle University and is one of the best scholarships for Indian students to study abroad. Indian students who wish to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK can apply for this scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria –
Students who wish to pursue either undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
Expenses Covered –
College tuition up to £3,000 for one year.
Field of Study –
- Undergraduate courses.
- Postgraduate courses.
- Integrated master’s programs.
Time of Application –
February.
No. Of Scholarships –
225 annual scholarships.
Acceptable Universities –
Newcastle University, UK.
Maximum Scholarship Amount –
Rs 2,98,541.
Rhodes Scholarships
The Rhodes Scholarships is a prestigious international scholarship for Indian students. This scholarship is given to five outstanding Indian students to study at Oxford University with an intention to promote selfless future global leaders.
Eligibility Criteria –
- Candidates should be an Indian citizen.
- Formal education in India for at least 4 out of the last 10 years.
- Either passed 10th or 12th standard or Be a final year student of an undergraduate degree of an Indian University.
- Should be of 19 years and not more than 25 years of age.
- Should have secured First Class.
Expenses Covered –
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
Field Of Study –
- MBA
- Any full-time post graduation degree
Time Of Application –
September.
No. Of Scholarships –
5 scholarships for Indian students.
Acceptable Universities –
Oxford University, UK.
Maximum Scholarship Amount –
Rs 64,26,240.
Erasmus Mundus
Erasmus Mundus is a great international scholarship for Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria –
- BSc in either mathematics, physics, computer sciences or similar fields.
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 180 ECTS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and closely related fields.
- Computer networking, programming and operating systems knowledge are preferred.
- Fluent in English.
Expenses Covered –
- Travel expenses up to €1000 annually.
- Tuition and insurance coverage at €4000 annually.
- Other costs at €1000 per month for the duration of the course.
Field of Study –
- Masters.
- Joint Degree Programs.
Time of Application –
Between September and January.
Acceptable Universities –
Universities in the UK, Europe and the USA.
Maximum Scholarship Amount –
Rs 53,93,340.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships is a generous scholarship to study abroad for Indian students. They are offered to deserving students who wish to study in the UK, Europe and the USA.
Eligibility Criteria –
- Indian Citizens who hold an undergraduate degree from a recognised Indian university.
- At least 2 years of work experience.
- Prior admission to the institute or course.
- Below age 30 at application time.
Expenses Covered –
- Tuition fees.
- Living Expense.
- Air travel.
Field of Study –
- Masters Degree.
- Masters Diploma.
- Masters Certificate Postgraduate programs.
Time of Application –
January.
Acceptable Universities –
Universities in the UK, Europe and the USA.
Maximum Scholarship Amount –
Rs 73,798,306.
Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarship is a trustworthy international scholarship for Indian students, especially those coming from underprivileged backgrounds. In fact, this scholarship is open to students from other developing countries as well, who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree at a UK university.
Eligibility Criteria –
- Underprivileged Indian students.
- First-class Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university.
- Below 30 years of age.
Expenses Covered –
- Full course fees.
- Living expenses of around £14,500.
- One to and fro flight from India to the UK.
Field of Study –
- MBA.
- Full-time Master’s degree or Full-time DPhil degree.
Time of Application –
September.
No. Of Scholarships –
20 per year.
Acceptable Universities –
The University of Oxford.
Maximum Scholarship Amount –
Rs 71,40,606.
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