Best Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad (2025)

There are various types of fully-funded scholarships abroad, like merit-based, need-based, and university-specific scholarships. The eligibility criteria and admission requirements for each type of scholarship differ depending on various factors. For example, to apply for Commonwealth scholarships in the UK, you need to have completed your UG within the last 10 years. Whereas if you’re applying for a fully-funded scholarship in China, you should have 2-3 years of training in basic Chinese language. Likewise, let’s look at various kinds of fully-funded scholarships abroad:

Government-Funded Scholarships

Government-funded scholarships are provided by the government of the host country. Some of the well-known fully funded government scholarships include the Chinese government scholarship, the DAAD Scholarship, the MEXT Scholarship, and the Fulbright Scholarships.

University-Sponsored Scholarship

Many universities cover full tuition, accommodation, and other costs for their international students. Such kinds include the Yale University Scholarship, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and the Stanford University Scholarship.

International Organization and Special Program Scholarships

Apart from the government and university-funded scholarships, there are also fully funded aids provided by several organisations for international students. These scholarships are awarded by international bodies or special collaboration programs. Some of the well-known scholarships funded by international organisations are the Chevening Scholarship and Rhodes Scholarship.

Some fully-funded scholarships for Indian students include the Fulbright scholarships (USA), the MEXT scholarships (Japan), the Swiss Government Excellence scholarships, and the Commonwealth scholarships (UK). These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and may also include your travel expenses from India. 

Here are the top 20 fully-funded scholarships for Indian students:

• Fulbright Scholarship
• MEXT Scholarship 
• Commonwealth Scholarship 
• Chevening Scholarship 
• Rhodes Scholarship 
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship 
• Vanier Scholarship 
• DAAD Scholarship 
• Felix Scholarship
• Australian Awards Scholarship
• ACI Foundations Scholarship
• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 
• Ontario Trillium Scholarships 
• Australia Awards Scholarships 
• Netherlands Government Scholarships
• Hungary Government Scholarships
• GREAT Scholarships 
• Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarship
• Italian Government Scholarships for Indian Students 

Let’s discuss these fully-funded scholarships for studying abroad in detail:

Fulbright Scholarship

The Fulbright Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program sponsored by the U.S. government. This scholarship provides opportunities for international students, scholars, professionals, and artists to study, research, and teach in the United States. Apart from academic excellence, Fulbright looks for candidates who can contribute to cultural exchange between the U.S. and their home country. It is one of the most competitive programs, with thousands of applicants for a limited number of seats each year. Here's a look at some other factors of this scholarship: 

MEXT Scholarship 

The MEXT Scholarship or the Monbukagakusho Scholarship is a fully funded Japanese government scholarship program offered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. This scholarship supports international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research studies in Japan. To get this, you need to go through an embassy recommendation process, which includes written tests and interviews, making it a rigorous but rewarding opportunity. Here are some of the key facts of this scholarship: 

Commonwealth Scholarship 

The Commonwealth Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship program aimed at students from low-income families in Commonwealth countries. It supports one-year master’s degree programs in the UK at participating universities. Usually, the living stipend is generous enough to cover major expenses in the UK, reducing financial stress for scholars. Preference is often given to candidates whose studies directly benefit their home country’s development. Let us take a detailed look at some of the other details of the scholarship: 

Chevening Scholarship 

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship offered by the UK government to outstanding international students from over 160 eligible countries, including India. It supports a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. This program connects scholars to a global alumni network of over 50,000 professionals worldwide. Since applications close almost a year in advance, it is important for you to prepare early. Here are some other details of the scholarship: 

Rhodes Scholarship 

One of the oldest scholarships in the world, Rhodes is famous for its focus on not just academic brilliance but also leadership and character. Only a handful of Indian students are selected each year, making it extremely competitive. The Rhodes Scholarship enables outstanding students from around the world to pursue full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Oxford. Let us discuss the other aspects of this scholarship in detail: 

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a highly prestigious, fully funded scholarship program for international students to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge, UK. Scholars often pursue projects aimed at solving global challenges, with additional funding available for family support or research travel. The selection rate is under 1.5%, making it one of the most selective scholarships globally. Let us take a look at some other details of this scholarship: 

Vanier Scholarship 

The Vanier CGS is designed to position Canada as a hub for top-tier research talent. With CAD 50,000 per year, it is one of the highest-value scholarships worldwide. Successful applicants are usually those with a strong publication record or demonstrated research impact in their field. Some of the specifications of the scholarship include:

DAAD Scholarship 

The DAAD Scholarship is a renowned, fully-funded scholarship program aimed at supporting international students and researchers to study or conduct research in Germany, primarily at the postgraduate level. It is one of the most flexible programs, and supports a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and science to arts and social sciences. It also provides free German language courses for international scholars, which helps in integrating into academic and cultural life in Germany. Some details of this scholarship are listed below:

Felix Scholarship

The Felix Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program aimed at academically talented Indian students who are in need of financial support. This scholarship is also available to students of a few other developing countries. It particularly prioritizes Indian students who come from underprivileged backgrounds. Besides financial support, it also offers a supportive community through alumni networks. Over the years, many Felix scholars have gone on to hold leadership positions in academia and industry. Here are some of the details of the scholarship: 

Australian Awards Scholarship

The Australian Awards Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship program offered by the Australian government. It enables students from developing countries to pursue full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational education in Australia at participating universities. It also offers fieldwork allowances for research-based degrees, making it highly suitable for development-oriented studies. Here are some details of the scholarship: 

It is best to begin your scholarship search 12 to 18 months before your program starts. Since funding opportunities are released well in advance, early planning gives you enough time to prepare documents, meet eligibility requirements, and stay ahead of deadlines.

Most prestigious scholarships open their applications almost a year before the next academic session. If you are targeting the fall intake - the most popular semester for international students, you should aim to apply at least 12 months before your intended start date.

Starting early not only improves your chances of securing funding but also reduces last-minute stress and ensures you have multiple opportunities to explore.

Applying for fully-funded scholarships can be tedious and complex, especially because there aren’t many of them available. Some steps include researching and shortlisting scholarships, attaching necessary documents like your proof of funds, bank statements, financial documents, and meeting the set eligibility criteria (varying according to countries). 

Let us take a detailed look at the application process to help you navigate through it easily: 

Step 1: Research and Shortlist Scholarships

Find the fully funded scholarships that match your academic level, field of study, nationality, and career goals. For this, check the official websites of universities, government bodies, and organizations offering these scholarships.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Carefully read the eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify based on academic background, nationality, course, and financial need. Different scholarships have different eligibility requirements, like for a fully-funded scholarship in Japan, you need to pass the second level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. If you want to study in Italy, the eligibility criteria for various scholarships differ (Group A/ 3 months, Group B, 6 or 9 months).

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Start preparing the required documents beforehand. Some of the essential documents include test scores, academic transcripts, proof of financial background, documents supporting national identity, and proof of enrollment in related programs.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Fill out the application form online or offline as required. Be sure to provide accurate and complete information.

Step 5: Write a Strong Personal Statement or Essay

Explain your motivation to study in the specific course, your achievements, career aspirations, and how the scholarship will help you make an impact in your field and your community.

Step 6: Submit Before Deadlines

Submit your application and all required documents before the scholarship deadline. Late submissions are usually not accepted.

Step 6: Follow Up

After submission, monitor your application status through the scholarship portal or email. Prepare for interviews if shortlisted.

There are over 1,000 fully funded scholarships available for Indian students studying abroad. Universities like Yale meet the 100% demonstrated financial needs of students. Make sure to follow the tips when applying for a fully-funded scholarship, because getting it will alleviate your financial burdens to a great extent.

• Start Early: Begin researching options 12 to 18 months ahead of your intended study date, and mark all the application dates to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.
• Research Thoroughly: Identify scholarships that match your field, nationality, degree level, and profile. You must also check the official websites for current eligibility criteria, required documents, and other essential details.
• Apply Broadly: Make sure to apply to multiple scholarships for which you’re eligible. Apply to as many scholarships as you can to increase your chances of getting a scholarship.
• Demonstrate Academic Excellence: Try aiming for high grades, especially in subjects relevant to your chosen field of study. This will improve your chances of accessing any merit-based scholarship and keep you ahead of others. 
• Prepare a Strong Application: You must also ensure to create separate applications for each scholarship. Craft your essays and applications according to the requirements and the objective of the scholarship. This will help you create a better impression among the committee members. 
• Show Financial Need: For need-based scholarships, prepare honest and well-documented financial statements or proof of inability to self-fund. Make sure that you possess legitimate documents of proof to attach to your application. 
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering questions about your goals, motivation, course selection, and leadership experiences. Make sure to be confident and unique with your answers, as it will create a better impression upon the interviewer. 

A fully-funded scholarship can greatly alleviate your financial woes, and we’re here to help. Many countries like the US, the UK, Germany, and lesser-talked-about ones like Turkey and Japan offer 100% scholarships for international students, mostly for master's and PhD, but also for bachelor's. Connect with Yocket - we’ve helped students gain scholarships worth USD 35 million - and we can help you too! Our advisors will help you through various applications, deadlines, and scholarship awards. Let’s connect!