Best Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students 2026 [Guide]

Fully funded scholarships are financial awards that cover all major study-related expenses for international students, unlike partially funded scholarships. 

Let’s discuss key aspects to understand it better:

• Coverage: They always include tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes health insurance.
• Eligibility: Requirements do vary by scholarship and depend on academics, financial need, nationality, or language proficiency.
• Duration: Some cover only the first year of studies, while most of them fund the entire program until graduation.
• Application Requirements: Usually include essays, recommendation letters, and interviews.

Fully funded scholarships to study abroad can be merit-based, need-based, or university-specific. For instance, Commonwealth Scholarships require a recent UG completion, while some Chinese government scholarships expect basic Chinese language training.

Below are the major types of scholarships available for international students:

Government-Funded Scholarships

These are offered by the host country’s government. Popular examples include the Chinese Government Scholarship, DAAD Scholarship (Germany), MEXT Scholarship (Japan), and Fulbright Scholarship (USA).

University-Sponsored Scholarships

Many universities fully cover tuition, accommodation, and other expenses for international students. Examples are the Yale University Scholarship, Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and Stanford University Scholarship.

International Organisation & Special Program Scholarships

These scholarships are funded by international bodies or special programs for global students. Well-known examples include the Chevening Scholarship and Rhodes Scholarship.

Some of the oldest and most popular fully funded scholarships to study abroad, such as the Rhodes and Fulbright, provide opportunities for Indian students.

Here are the major fully funded scholarships to study abroad that Indian students should apply for:

• Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
• MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
• Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
• Chevening Scholarship (UK)
• Rhodes Scholarship (UK)
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
• Vanier Scholarship (Canada)
• DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
• Australian Awards Scholarship (Australia)
• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Let’s take a closer look at the top fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, and more:

Fulbright Scholarship

Application Deadline: October 2025

The Fulbright Scholarship started in 1946. It is sponsored by the U.S. government to promote understanding through education. The program helps international students, scholars, and professionals study, research, or teach in the United States.

Awards/Benefits: Full tuition coverage, US student visa (J-1) sponsorship, round-trip airfare, living expenses & related costs, and health insurance, including accident and sickness coverage

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Strong undergraduate or postgraduate academic performance
• Minimum IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80
• UG, PG, or research programs

MEXT Scholarship 

Application Deadline: May 2026

The MEXT Scholarship is also called the Monbukagakusho Scholarship, and it is offered by Japan’s Ministry of Education. It helps international students who want to study for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, or research programs in Japan. The selection process includes embassy recommendations, written tests, and interviews.

Awards/Benefits: Full tuition coverage, travel expenses, a monthly allowance (¥117,000/₹68,800), and living support

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Strong academic record (minimum 80% in 12th grade for UG applicants)
• Applicable for UG, PG, PhD, and research programs

Commonwealth Scholarship 

Application Deadline: 14 October 2025

The Commonwealth Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for Indian students from low-income backgrounds in Commonwealth countries. It supports one-year master’s and PhD in the UK. Preference is given to candidates whose studies help their home country develop.

Awards/Benefits: Full tuition fees, airfare to/from the UK, living allowance, and travel allowances

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen or British-protected person
• Holds a bachelor’s degree (for PG) or a relevant master’s for PhD
• Show evidence for financial need
• Strong academic record (for UK master’s, typically 2:1 or upper second class)
• Meets English language requirements

Chevening Scholarship 

Application Deadline: 7 October 2025

The Chevening is a fully funded scholarship for outstanding international students, including Indians. It supports a one-year master’s degree at any UK university and connects scholars to a global network of over 50,000 alumni. Early preparation is crucial since applications close almost a year in advance.

Awards/Benefits: Full tuition fees, living stipend, round-trip airfare, additional allowances (arrival, settling-in), and sometimes visa support

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Holds a bachelor’s degree
• Relevant work experience (often required)
• Meets English language requirements

Rhodes Scholarship 

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

The Rhodes Scholarship began in 1902. It is a fully funded program for top international students, and they can pursue PG degrees at the University of Oxford. Each year, usually 1 to 2 students from India are chosen. Candidates are selected for their academics, leadership, and character, which makes the process very competitive.

Awards/Benefits: Full tuition at Oxford, annual living stipend, economy airfare, health insurance, and visa costs

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Aged 18–23
• Strong academic record

Gates Cambridge Scholarship 

Application Deadline: 15 July 2026

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship was established in 2000, and it is a fully funded scholarship for Indian students to pursue a PG at the University of Cambridge. Each year, approximately 5 to 10 Indian students are selected. 

Awards/Benefits: Full tuition, maintenance allowance, round-trip airfare, visa and immigration costs, plus additional support for family or research travel

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Applying for a full-time postgraduate or PhD course at Cambridge
• Strong academic record and leadership potential

Vanier Scholarship 

Application Deadline: October 2025

The Vanier CGS program began in 2008 and supports up to 166 new doctoral scholars each year. It’s very competitive because from 2013 to 2017, eligible Canadian institutions got an average of 1,084 applications each year. Only about 15% of those nominated won the award.

Awards/Benefits: CAD 50,000/year (₹31 L), covers tuition, living allowance, and research expenses

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Applying for a PhD at a Canadian university
• Strong academic record and showed research potential

DAAD Scholarship 

Application Deadline: October 2025

The DAAD Scholarship started in 1925, is one of the best fully funded scholarships for indian students to study in Germany. It is for international students and researchers to support PG and doctoral studies in many fields. It attracts thousands of applicants each year from more than 100 countries. The scholarship offers great chances for research and exchange at German universities.

Awards/Benefits: Full tuition (if applicable), monthly stipend (EUR 861 for graduates, EUR 1,200 for PhD), travel allowance, health and liability insurance, and optional German language courses

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Enrolled in or applying to a recognised German university
• Strong academic record
• Not receiving any other funding during the same timeline
• Language proficiency in English or German, depending on the program

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Application Deadline: Between Sept and December each year

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are offered by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS). They help international researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and artists study or research in Switzerland. The scholarships cover tuition, living costs, and research expenses, and also encourage collab with Swiss universities.

Awards/Benefits: Monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (₹1.96 L) for PhD researchers and CHF 3,500 (₹3.57 L) for postdoctoral researchers, health insurance coverage, return airfare, a one-time CHF 300 grant for rental deposit, and full-time research opportunities at Swiss universities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Accepted or planning to enroll at a Swiss university/research institution
• Relevant academic or research qualifications in your field
• Show research potential or artistic achievement

Australian Awards Scholarship

Application Deadline: May 2025

The Australian Awards Scholarship is a fully funded program by the Australian government for students from developing countries. It supports full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational education at participating Australian universities, with extra allowances for research-based fieldwork or development-oriented studies.

Awards/Benefits: Full tuition fees, round-trip airfare (economy class), establishment allowance (AUD 2,500/₹1.92 L), contribution to living expenses (stipend) (AUD 28,000/year/₹21.5 L), and health insurance (OSHC).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen from a developing country.
• Must commit to returning to India for at least 2 years after graduation.
• Meet academic and English language requirements.
• Eligible for undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational courses.

Applying for fully-funded scholarships as an Indian student includes 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 to study abroad that match your academic level, field of study, nationality, and career goals. 
• Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements: Check eligibility based on academics, nationality, course, and financial need. For example, Japan’s fully-funded scholarships require JLPT Level 2, while Italy’s differ by program, with Group A for 3 months and Group B for 6 to 9 months.
• Step 3: Prepare Required Documents: Prepare essential documents in advance, including test scores, transcripts, financial proof, identity documents, and enrollment proof.
• 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 SOP 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 documents by the deadline, as late submissions are not accepted. Monitor your status online or via email and prepare for interviews if shortlisted.

To get a fully funded scholarship to study abroad, you must meet strict eligibility criteria and position yourself as a strong academic and leadership-driven candidate. These scholarships are highly competitive, so the key is to show universities and funding bodies why you stand out and why you genuinely need full financial support.

Make sure to follow the tips when applying for a fully funded scholarship:

• Start Early and Track Deadlines: 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.
• Find Scholarships That Fit Your Profile: 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.
• Maintain Strong Academics: 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 on the interviewer.

Many Indian students dream of studying abroad, but often hesitate due to high costs. Fully funded scholarships to study abroad can make this possible, covering tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel. Researching early and preparing a strong application significantly improves your chances of securing these scholarships.

Yocket Premium can help you track scholarship deadlines, connect with past recipients, and get personalized tips for your applications. You can increase your chances of landing a fully funded scholarship with resources and expert guidance at your fingertips.