Scholarships can cut the cost of studying abroad sharply, but the best ones are competitive and the deadlines come early. Some are run by governments, some by universities and some by private trusts, and eligibility for Indian students changes from year to year. This guide covers the major scholarships open to Indian students in 2026, how to apply and how to improve your chances, checked on 28 October 2026.
- Chevening applications for 2027-28 were open from 4 August to 6 October 2026, according to GOV.UK, so the next round is expected to open in August 2027
- Commonwealth Master's Scholarships for India need a Ministry of Education nomination as well as a CSC application
- India is not on recent Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship country lists
- Always confirm eligibility on the official site.
What Are the Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad?
Leading options include Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK, the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships in the USA, DAAD in Germany, Erasmus Mundus in Europe, MEXT in Japan, and private awards such as Inlaks and the Tata Scholarship at Cornell. Universities also offer many partial merit scholarships that are easier to win.
| Scholarship 2026 | Country | Level | What it usually covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | UK | Master's | Tuition, living allowance, flights |
| Commonwealth Master's | UK | Master's | Tuition, living allowance, flights |
| Fulbright-Nehru | USA | Master's and research | Tuition, living costs, travel |
| DAAD (including EPOS) | Germany | Master's and PhD | Monthly stipend, insurance, travel |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Europe | Master's | Tuition, living allowance, travel |
| MEXT | Japan | UG, master's, PhD | Tuition, monthly stipend, flights |
| Inlaks Shivdasani | Various | Master's and PhD | Tuition and living costs |
| Tata Scholarship at Cornell | USA | Undergraduate | Need-based aid for Indian students |
Award values change every year, so check the official page for current amounts. Fully funded awards are highly competitive, so most successful students also apply for partial university scholarships at the same time.
Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian StudentsRead →Which Scholarships Can Indian Students Get in the UK?
Chevening, funded by the UK government, covers a one-year master's for people with at least two years of work experience. Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships support students with financial need and need a Ministry of Education nomination. Other options include Gates Cambridge, Rhodes at Oxford, Felix Scholarships, Charles Wallace India Trust awards and many university merit awards.
GOV.UK says Chevening applications for 2027-28 ran from 4 August to 6 October 2026. You must apply to three eligible UK courses and commit to returning home for two years after the award. For Commonwealth Scholarships, complete both the Indian nomination process and the CSC online application, because missing either can disqualify you.
Commonwealth ScholarshipRead →Which Scholarships Can Indian Students Get in the USA?
The Fulbright-Nehru programme, run in India by USIEF, offers master's and research fellowships. Private awards include the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation and the Tata Scholarship for Indian undergraduates at Cornell. Many US universities also offer assistantships, which can waive tuition and pay a stipend, especially for PhD and some STEM master's students.
Fulbright-Nehru cycles change. One listing reported in September 2026 that no 2027-28 master's round had been announced, so check the USIEF website for the current cycle before planning around it. For most Indian master's students in the US, departmental funding, assistantships and university merit awards are the most realistic sources of support.
How to Get Scholarship for MS in the USA for Indian StudentsRead →Which Scholarships Are Available in Europe and Asia?
DAAD offers many scholarships for Indian students in Germany, including EPOS for development-related master's courses, with deadlines that vary by course. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters fund study across two or more European universities. Japan's MEXT covers tuition and a monthly stipend, and France's Eiffel scholarship supports selected master's and PhD students.
Germany's public universities charge low or no tuition in most states, so even a partial DAAD award can cover most costs. Erasmus Mundus applications go directly to each programme consortium, usually between October and January. MEXT has an embassy route through the Embassy of Japan in India, with applications usually opening in spring.
Which Scholarships Are Available in Canada, Australia and New Zealand?
In Canada, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto supports outstanding undergraduates, and most other funding comes from universities. In Australia, universities offer many partial merit scholarships, and the regional Australia Awards programme lists India, though eligibility varies by round. India is not on recent Manaaki New Zealand country lists.
For these countries, university scholarships are your main route. Many Australian and New Zealand universities offer awards worth 10 to 50 percent of tuition, often assessed automatically when you apply. Check each university's international scholarships page for Indian student awards and deadlines.
What Documents Do Scholarship Applications Need?
Most applications need your academic transcripts and degree certificate, an English test score such as IELTS or TOEFL, a CV, two or three recommendation letters, one or more essays or a statement of purpose, and a passport. Some need an admission offer, proof of financial need, or a research proposal for PhD awards.
Prepare these early, because recommendation letters and transcripts take time to arrange. Keep scanned copies ready in the formats each portal accepts. For need-based awards, gather your family's income documents in advance.
How Can You Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship?
Start 12 to 18 months before your intake. Shortlist scholarships whose goals match your profile, check eligibility on the official site, and note every deadline. Write a tailored essay for each award, get strong recommendation letters, keep your English test and grades competitive, and apply to several scholarships and universities at once.
- Read the selection criteria and answer each one with a specific example
- Show leadership, impact and a clear plan for after your studies
- Ask referees early and give them your CV and goals
- Keep within word limits and proofread every essay
- Apply for partial university awards as well as fully funded ones
Many scholarships need an admission offer first, so apply to universities early. Keep a simple tracker of deadlines and documents. If you are not selected, ask for feedback where possible and apply again with a stronger profile.
How to Get an Education Loan for Abroad Studies in 2026Read →