Top 10 Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025

Pursuing higher education abroad is a dream for many Indian students. However, the financial constraints often associated with international studies can be daunting. To alleviate this burden, numerous scholarships are available to support talented and deserving Indian students. Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but financial constraints can be a major challenge. FS Global brings you a curated list of the top 10 scholarships for Indian students in 2025, helping you achieve your academic dreams without financial worries.

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

Overview: These fellowships are offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) to outstanding Indian students wishing to pursue a master's degree in the U.S.

Benefits:

• J-1 visa support

• Round-trip economy class air travel

• Funding for tuition and living expenses

• Accident and sickness coverage

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens with at least a bachelor's degree

• Demonstrated leadership qualities

• Three years of professional work experience

• Proficiency in English

Application Deadline: Typically in June each year.

For more details, visit the USIEF website.

2. Chevening Scholarships

Overview: Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential and strong academic backgrounds to pursue a one-year master's degree in any subject at any UK university.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipend

• Travel costs to and from the UK

• Arrival and departure allowances

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens

• Bachelor's degree

• At least two years of work experience

• Meet the Chevening English language requirement

Application Deadline: Applications typically open in August and close in November.

For more information, visit the Chevening Scholarships website.

3. Commonwealth Scholarships

Overview: These scholarships are aimed at students from Commonwealth countries, including India, to pursue master's and Ph.D. studies in the UK.

Benefits:

• Airfare to and from the UK

• Tuition and examination fees

• Stipend for living expenses

• Thesis grant (if applicable)

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens

• Bachelor's degree for master's applicants; master's degree for Ph.D. applicants

• Proficiency in English

Application Deadline: Usually in December.

Detailed information is available on the Commonwealth Scholarships website.

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Overview: This program offers full scholarships to students worldwide to pursue joint master's degrees across multiple European universities.

Benefits:

• Tuition fees

• Travel expenses

• Monthly living allowance

Eligibility:

• Bachelor's degree

• Proficiency in English and/or another language of instruction

• Additional requirements as specified by the consortium offering the program

Application Deadline: Varies by program, typically between October and January.

For program-specific details, visit the Erasmus Mundus catalog.

5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Overview: These scholarships support young Indian students to pursue full-time master's, M.Phil., or doctoral programs at top-rated institutions in the U.S., UK, and Europe.

Benefits:

• Tuition fees

• Living expenses

• One-way travel allowance

• Health allowance

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens residing in India at the time of application

• Bachelor's degree

• Admission to a top institution and course

• Candidates must be below 30 years of age

Application Deadline: Typically in March.

More information can be found on the Inlaks Foundation website.

6. Australia Awards Scholarships

Overview: Offered by the Australian government, these scholarships aim to promote knowledge and education links between Australia and its neighboring countries, including India.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees

• Return air travel

• Establishment allowance

• Contribution to living expenses

• Overseas Student Health Cover

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens

• Bachelor's degree

• Meet the specific requirements of the chosen course and institution

• Proficiency in English

Application Deadline: Usually in April.

For detailed information, visit the Australia Awards website.

7. GREAT Scholarships (UK)

Overview: A joint initiative by the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign and participating UK higher education institutions to attract international students, including those from India.

Benefits:

• £10,000 (minimum) towards tuition fees

• Access to exclusive networking events

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen with a bachelor’s degree

• Strong academic and extracurricular record

Application Deadline: Varies by university

More details

8. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship (USA)

Overview: This prestigious fellowship, funded by the Reliance Group and Stanford University, supports Indian students pursuing an MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB).

Benefits:

• Covers 80% of tuition fees for a two-year MBA program

• Opportunity to connect with leading global business professionals

• Access to exclusive networking events

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen with a bachelor’s degree

• Must return to India after completing the program

• Strong leadership and academic record

Application Deadline: May 2025

Apply here

9. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University (USA)

Overview: The Tata Education and Development Trust funds this scholarship for Indian students admitted to Cornell University for undergraduate studies.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage for up to eight semesters

• Living expenses partially funded

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen

• Must be admitted to Cornell University

• Demonstrated financial need

Application Deadline: January 2025

More details

10. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Overview: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships for Indian students pursuing master’s or Ph.D. programs in Germany.

Benefits:

• Full tuition waiver

• Monthly stipend of €850–€1,200

• Travel allowance

• Research grants

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen with a bachelor’s/master’s degree

• Strong academic record

• Must meet German university admission requirements

Application Deadline: Varies (typically September–October 2024)

Explore here

Conclusion

With these top scholarships for Indian students in 2025, studying abroad is now more accessible. FS Global ensures you have the right guidance to achieve your dreams.

Stay updated with the latest scholarship opportunities by following FS Global!