Studying abroad is an exciting journey of self and professional growth. But let’s be honest, financing education in a foreign country can be a tough task.
This is where scholarships come in. They are lifesavers, providing students with financial support to turn their dreams into reality. In 2025, several scholarships will be available for Indian students to study abroad, from Australia to US and beyond.
Popular Indian Students Scholarships
If you are planning to study abroad, the good news is that many scholarships are available to ease the financial burden. These scholarships come from various sources: governments, universities, and private organizations.
Let’s look at some of the top scholarships for Indian students in 2025.
1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
The National Overseas Scholarship is a lifeline for Indian students from economically backward classes, especially from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this scholarship covers tuition fees, travel and living expenses for postgraduate and doctoral studies abroad.
• Eligibility: Indian students with a confirmed admission offer from a foreign university.
• Benefits: Full tuition fee, travel allowance and monthly living stipend.
• Application Timeline: Application window opens in March every year.
This scholarship can ease the financial burden for students, so they can focus on academics rather than financial problems.
2. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA)
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are one of the most coveted scholarships for Indian students. Offered by United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), these fellowships aim to promote cultural exchange between India and US.
• Eligibility: Minimum 55% marks in latest degree and leadership potential.
• Benefits: Tuition fee, living expenses and airfare to US.
• Fields: Master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral programs in various fields.
Scholarships in USA for Indian students provide incredible opportunities to study in top institutions, including the prestigious Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, which helps students make a lasting impact in their field while gaining valuable experience in the US. Additionally, many leading universities offer scholarships that aspirants can explore.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarships are a golden chance for Indian students to pursue postgraduate studies in UK. These scholarships are part of UK government’s initiative to promote international education and collaboration between Commonwealth countries.
• Eligibility: Open to students from developing Commonwealth countries, including India with limited financial resources.
• Benefits: Full tuition fee, airfare and living allowance.
• Application Process: Managed by Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development, applicants need to apply through Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website.
Getting a Commonwealth Scholarship is a big achievement, especially for students who want to expand their academic horizon in the UK.
4. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships (Global)
The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships are to help young Indian students pursue higher education in US, UK, and Europe. This scholarship is especially for those with impressive academic records and want to contribute to their field.
• Eligibility: Undergraduate degree with excellent academic record and admission to a foreign university.
• Benefits: Full funding for tuition, travel and living expenses.
• Application Process: Highly competitive, based on leadership and academic excellence.
Other than this, there are numerous scholarships in Australia for Indian students offered by universities and government itself, and this is applicable to every top study destination.
5. JN Tata Endowment
The JN Tata Endowment was established in 1892 to provide loan scholarships to Indian students for higher education abroad. Although it is a loan scheme, the endowment also offers additional awards to deserving students so it’s worth applying for many.
• Eligibility: Open to students with good academic record and admission to a foreign university.
• Benefits: Financial support for tuition, travel and living expenses.
• Repayment: The loan must be repaid after the program.
6. GREAT Scholarships (UK)
The GREAT Scholarships program, funded by UK government and participating universities, offers scholarships to students from various countries including India. These scholarships are for postgraduate students to study in UK.
• Eligibility: Must meet specific English language proficiency requirements and have an offer from a participating UK university.
• Benefits: Tuition fee reduction for one year postgraduate programs.
• Application Process: Directly through participating universities.
7. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Interest Subsidy
The Dr. Ambedkar Scheme is another financial aid option for Indian students from economically weaker sections. This government sponsored scheme offers interest subsidies on education loans taken by students who have admission abroad.
• Eligibility: OBC, EBC and other underprivileged students.
• Benefits: Lower interest rates on loans, making education abroad more affordable.
• Application Process: Students can apply through designated banks and submit required documents.
Start early! Research each scholarship’s eligibility, deadlines, and application process thoroughly. The application process is competitive but with proper planning you can increase your chances. A study abroad consultant can help you with scholarships applications depending on your life once you have finalized your university. Make sure to connect with the right consultant to set things in order effectively!
