Best Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government (2026)

Yes, the Indian government offers several scholarships to study abroad. Some of these scholarships are directly funded by the Indian government (e.g., National Overseas Scholarship), while others are funded jointly by governments of various countries through international bilateral agreements (e.g., Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships). 

Private scholarships, such as the Inlaks Shivdasani and JN Tata Endowment, operate independently but are officially recognised by the Government of India.

Central government scholarships for studying abroad are generally targeted at postgraduate and doctoral students. However, if you have completed 12th grade and want to study abroad with government support, there are state-level schemes you can apply to.

State Government Scholarships

Here are state government scholarships you can apply for to study abroad after 12th.

1. Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence (RGS)

The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence (RGS)scheme is administered by the Government of Rajasthan and provides financial assistance to meritorious students of Rajasthan to study in top foreign universities of the world.

• Benefits: Tuition fee up to ₹ 50 lakh per year, living expenses up to ₹ 12 lakh per year (if family income is under ₹ 25 lakh), an advance payment of ₹ 3 lakh ( if family income is under ₹ 8 lakh ). 
• Eligibility:
• Bonafide Resident of Rajasthan. 
• Less than 35 years of age.
• Admitted/obtained an offer letter in the top 150 World QS-ranked Universities.
• Application Deadline: Typically opens in April
• Where to Apply:RajSSO Portal.

2. Prabhuddha Overseas Scholarship

The Karnataka Prabuddha Overseas Scholarship is funded by the Government of Karnataka's Department of Social Welfare to help SC and ST students from Karnataka pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes at top-ranked foreign universities.

• Benefits: Tuition fee( Income below ₹8 lakh: 100% coverage; ₹8–15 lakh: 50% coverage; above ₹15 lakh: 33% coverage) . 
• Eligibility:
• Must be included in the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes of the State of Karnataka.
• Must be between 21 and 35 years of age.
• Must have secured admission to a full-time degree program at an overseas university/college
• Must have cleared standardised tests like GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS exams with minimum score marks
• Application Deadline: Typically opens in June
• Where to Apply:Social Welfare Department Services.

University-Specific Merit Scholarships

If you wish to study abroad after 12th, many universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia will consider you for merit-based awards based on your academic performance and leadership achievements.

Examples include:

• University of Toronto International Scholar Awards
• University of British Columbia International Scholars Programme
• Monash University International Merit Scholarships
• University of Sydney International Scholarships
• University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships
• University of Birmingham Global Excellence Scholarships

Indian government scholarships provide financial support for postgraduate and PhD students abroad. These scholarships are funded by various ministries, government bodies, and public institutions. They may cover tuition fees, living expenses, research grants, travel costs, or a combination of these benefits, depending on the scheme. 

Here’s a list of overseas scholarships offered by the Indian government for studying abroad.

1. National Overseas Scholarship

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a central sector scheme administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that provides fully funded support to students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans to pursue master's or PhD programmes abroad.

• Benefits: Full tuition fees, visa fees, and medical insurance premiums; an annual maintenance allowance of USD 15,400 (₹14.6 lakh ) or £9,900 (₹ 12.4 lakh) (for UK), contingency allowance of USD 1,500 (₹1.4 lakh) or £1,100 (₹1.4 lakh) per year for books and academic expenses; and economy-class return airfare.
• Eligibility:
• Must belong to SC, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT), Landless Agricultural Labourers, or Traditional Artisan categories (valid caste certificate mandatory). 
• Age below 35 years for master's (as of 1 April of the selection year) and below 40 years for PhD. 
• Minimum 60% marks in the qualifying bachelor's degree (for master's) or master's degree (for PhD). 
• Annual family income must not exceed ₹8 lakhs. 
• Must hold an unconditional offer letter from a QS Top 500-ranked institution (first round). Offers from other QS-recognised institutions may be considered in the second round. 
• Not more than two children from the same parents or guardians can benefit under this scheme.

• Application Deadline: First round opens in April/May for 40 days. The second round opens in September/October for 40 days.
• Where to Apply:NOS Official Portal

2. Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans

The Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans, funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides a 100% interest subsidy on education loans taken from IBA-registered scheduled banks for OBC and EBC students pursuing postgraduate, M.Phil., or PhD studies abroad. 

• Benefits: Full interest subsidy on education loans above ₹7.5 lakh taken from scheduled banks under the IBA Model Education Loan Scheme, for the moratorium period (course duration + 1 year or 6 months after employment, whichever is earlier)
• Eligibility:
• Must belong to the OBC or EBC category with family income below ₹8 lakh per annum.
• A loan should be availed from a scheduled bank under the Education Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks Association (IBA) for the purpose. 
• Must not be availing any other interest subsidy on the same loan
• Application Deadline: Applications are processed on a rolling basis through Canara Bank
• Where to Apply: Through your lending bank or Canara Bank portal.

The Indian government provides access to several overseas scholarships through international agreements, which are bilateral or multilateral treaties that cover tuition, living stipends, and airfare for students studying abroad.

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships (India–US Educational Exchange Programme)

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are a joint programme of the US and Indian governments, administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), that funds outstanding Indian students to pursue a master's degree at accredited universities in the USA.

Benefits: The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships cover tuition and required fees, economy-class return airfare from India to the USA, a monthly living allowance, health and accident insurance, and J-1 visa support.

Eligibility:

• Bachelor's degree equivalent to a US four-year degree from a recognised Indian university, with a minimum of 55% marks; or a completed master's degree; or a full-time postgraduate diploma (if the bachelor's was under four years). 
• Minimum three years of full-time, paid professional work experience relevant to your proposed field of study by the application deadline. 
• Must not already hold a degree from a US institution or be enrolled in a US degree programme. 
• Demonstrated leadership and community service experience. 
• Government of India employees (IAS, IPS, IFS, and allied services) are not eligible. 

Application Deadline: Typically opens in February and closes in May. 

Where to Apply: USIEF Official Portal

2. Raman-Charpak Fellowship (India–France Research Exchange Programme)

The Raman-Charpak Fellowship is jointly funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the French Institute in India (IFI/French Embassy) and funds Indian PhD students to carry out 2–5 months of doctoral research at a French university or R&D institution.

Benefits: Monthly stipend, economy-class return airfare between India and France, health insurance for the duration of the stay, support for attending conference/seminar /workshop during stay.

Eligibility:

• Must be currently enrolled in your 2nd or 3rd year of PhD programme at a recognised Indian university or research institution. 
• Maximum age 30 years as on 1st April of the call year
• Must have secured a written consent or invitation letter from a host professor or lab in France before submitting the application.
• Duration of research stay must be between 2 and 5 months.

Application Deadline: Typically opens in September and ends in December

Where to Apply: CEFIPRA Official Portal

3. Commonwealth Master's Scholarship 

The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship is funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for master’s and PhD students to study in the UK. 

Benefits: Full tuition fees paid to the university; approved return airfare; monthly stipend for living expenses; thesis grant (for PhD candidates); warm clothing allowance.

Eligibility:

• Must hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree combined with a relevant postgraduate qualification, by September of the intake year. 
• Must be unable to fund UK studies independently without this scholarship.
• Must be available to begin studies in the UK in September of the award year

Application Deadline: Typically opens between September and November.

Where to Apply: SAKSHAT portal

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree (EU-India Agreement) 

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships, funded by the European Union, provide fully-funded support to pursue joint master's degrees across multiple European countries.

Benefits: Monthly student contribution of up to €1,400 (₹1.4 lakh) for the full programme duration; travel and installation allowance; full tuition fee waiver; health insurance contribution

Eligibility:

• Must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent (180 ECTS minimum) from a recognised institution
• Must apply to a specific Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme (each programme has its own subject focus and eligibility)
• Must not have lived, studied, or worked in any EU country for 12 months or more in the 3 years before the application deadline
• English proficiency proof (IELTS or TOEFL scores accepted by most programmes)

Application Deadline: Most programmes open in October and close in January. Check the specific programme's website for details.

Where to Apply: Erasmus Mundus Catalogue

5. DAAD Scholarships (Indo-German Academic Exchange)

The DAAD Scholarships, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), provide financial assistance to pursue master's, doctoral, postdoctoral, and research programmes at universities and research institutions in Germany.

Benefits: Monthly allowance of €992 or ₹ 1 lakh (for graduates) or €1,400 or ₹1.5 lakh (for doctoral candidates), health, accident, and personal liability insurance, travel subsidy and language course allowance.

Eligibility:

• Must hold a first-class or upper-second-class bachelor's or master's degree, depending on the programme level
• Age limit varies by programme (typically below 32 years for master's, 36 years for PhD)
• German or English language proficiency required, depending on the programme

Application Deadline: Typically opens in September and closes by October–November.

Where to Apply: DAAD India

Many overseas scholarships are established under trust deeds registered in India and operate under government-supervised charitable frameworks. The Indian government recognises and sometimes even nominates candidates for these awards.

1. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship

The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship, funded by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, provides financial support to outstanding Indian students pursuing full-time master's, doctoral, or specialised professional programmes at leading universities in the USA, UK, and Europe.

Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, visa costs and health allowance up to USD 120,000 (₹1 crore).

Eligibility:

• Must be below 30 years of age at the time of application
• For Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture and related subjects, you must have a minimum academic grade of 65% or CGPA 6.8/10 or GPA 2.6/4 from a recognised university/institution.
• For Mathematics, Sciences, Environment and related subjects, you must have a minimum academic grade of 70% or CGPA 7.2/10 or GPA 3/4 from a recognised university/institution.
• Must have received admission from a leading university in the USA, UK, or Europe

Application Deadline: Typically opens in February and closes in March.

Where to Apply: The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

2. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship

The JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship, funded by the JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians, provides loan scholarships to pursue postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies at recognised universities abroad. 

Benefits: A loan scholarship of up to ₹ 20 Lakhs at a simple interest of 2% per annum

Eligibility:

• Must hold a first-class degree or equivalent diploma from a recognised Indian university
• Must be under 45 years of age as of 30 June of the application year
• Must hold an unconditional offer from a reputable foreign university for courses starting between August and February of the award year
• Must be pursuing full-time postgraduate, PhD, or post-doctoral studies abroad

Application Deadline: Typically opens in January and closes in March.

Where to Apply: The J N Tata Endowment

3. Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship

The Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship, funded by the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, provides interest-free loan scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies at leading universities in India and abroad across various academic disciplines.

Benefits: Up to ₹20 lakh interest-free loan scholarship.

Eligibility:

• Must be below 30 years of age in January of the application year
• Must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited Indian University. Final-year undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, and postgraduates can apply.
• Must have secured or be in the process of securing admission to a top-ranked global university for a master's programme

Application Deadline: Typically opens in January and closes in April.

Where to Apply: Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

4. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust

The Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarship, funded by the Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust, provides financial assistance to women pursuing postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies abroad.

Benefits: Covers part of the tuition fee worth between ₹ 3 lakhs and ₹ 6 lakhs.

Eligibility:

• Must be a woman graduate of an Indian university
• Must have a consistent and remarkable academic record.
• Must be pursuing a postgraduate degree abroad in social work, public health, mental health, gender studies, or related welfare disciplines
• Must have secured admission to a reputed university in the USA, UK, or Europe.

Application Deadline: Typically opens in February and closes in late March.

Where to Apply: Tata Trusts

Exchange rates used (1 USD ≈ ₹95, 1 GBP ≈ ₹125, 1 EUR ≈ ₹108) 

Here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you apply for an Indian government overseas scholarship.

1. Secure admission first: Most scholarships require you to hold a conditional or unconditional offer letter from a foreign university before you apply. For Fulbright-Nehru, you do not need pre-existing admission as USIEF will handle university placement after you are selected.
2. Prepare your mandatory documents in advance: You will generally need your academic transcripts, caste/income certificates (where applicable), a SOP, LOR, your passport copy, and your foreign university admission letter. Government schemes may additionally require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer.
3. Apply through the correct portal: Every scholarship has its own dedicated portal. For eg, USIEF for the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Scholarship, SAKSHAT for the Commonwealth Master’s Fellowship.
4. Prepare for interviews: Fulbright-Nehru, JN Tata Endowment, and Lady Meherbai D Tata Trust all include mandatory interview rounds as part of the selection process to assess your academic merit, research clarity, leadership potential, and commitment to your field.
5. Track your application status and deadlines: Bookmark the official portal for your scheme and check regularly for updates on the shortlist and award letters.

Most Indian government scholarships to study abroad have an application window of 6–8 weeks. And since most require a foreign university admission letter first, you are effectively managing two high-stakes applications simultaneously. Start your scholarship research 12–15 months before your intended start date to meet the deadline.

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