Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad: A Complete Guide for 2025

Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the high cost of international education often stands as a barrier. Fortunately, the Government of India offers several scholarship schemes to support deserving students in pursuing quality education at top global universities. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more, ensuring that financial limitations don’t hold back academic ambitions.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top Indian government scholarships for studying abroad in 2025, including their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.

Why Consider Government Scholarships for Overseas Education?

Government-funded scholarships are reliable, transparent, and designed to support Indian students from diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re from an economically weaker section or a high-performing academic achiever, there are scholarships tailored to your goals. These schemes:

● Reduce or eliminate financial stress

● Improve access to globally ranked universities

● Promote equal opportunities across castes and communities

● Encourage excellence in research, science, humanities, law, and more

Top Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships (USA)

These prestigious fellowships are awarded to outstanding Indian students pursuing a master’s degree in the United States. Managed by the USIEF, the program supports academically strong professionals committed to community leadership.

Key Highlights:

• Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance
  
• Requires a minimum of 3 years of work experience
  
• Applicants should have a minimum of 55% in their undergraduate degree
  
• English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) required
  
  

Ideal For: Mid-career professionals aiming for postgraduate programs in areas like Public Policy, International Affairs, Arts, and Development Studies.

2. Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme for Overseas Studies

This subsidy-based initiative supports students from OBC and Economically Backward Classes (EBC) by helping them manage interest payments on education loans during their study period abroad.

Eligibility:

• Family income should be below ₹8 lakh (OBC) or ₹2.5 lakh (EBC)
  
• Admission in Master’s, M.Phil., or PhD courses abroad
  
• Education loan must be taken under the Indian Banks Association (IBA) model
  
  

Coverage:

• Interest subsidy during the moratorium period (course duration + one year)
  
  

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3. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for SC/ST Students

This flagship program by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment supports students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized groups to study abroad in specific fields like science, engineering, medicine, and management.

Eligibility:

• Family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per year
  
• Minimum 60% marks in the qualifying exam
  
• Age limit: 35 years
  
• Only two children from the same family can apply
  
  

Benefits:

• Tuition and living expenses
  
• Medical insurance
  
• Travel costs and incidental allowances
  
  

Seats Available (Annually):

• 100 scholarships for SC candidates
  
• 20 scholarships for ST candidates

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4. Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship

This program supports Indian researchers who wish to work on climate-related issues in the United States. It’s ideal for pre-doctoral, post-doctoral, and academic research.

Key Features:

• Monthly stipend
  
• J-1 visa support
  
• Health insurance and professional allowances
  
  

Eligibility:

• Ongoing PhD registration in India
  
• A strong academic background and a published paper or thesis
  
  

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5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Though not directly a government scholarship, it’s worth mentioning for its strong reputation and partial funding model. These scholarships are awarded to students pursuing postgraduate degrees in the U.S., UK, and Europe in fields like humanities, law, and fine arts.

Coverage:

• Tuition and living expenses up to USD 100,000
  
• One-way airfare
  
• Health allowance
  
  

Eligibility:

• Age limit: 30 years
  
• 65–70% in undergraduate exams (depending on field)
  
  

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6. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarships

This merit-based scholarship supports Indian women graduates pursuing higher education in the UK, US, or Europe in social sciences, public health, and gender studies.

Benefits:

• Tuition fee support
  
• Strong alumni network and mentoring opportunities
  
  

Eligibility:

• Minimum two years of work experience
  
• Strong academic track record
  
• Admission to a recognized institution abroad
  
  

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7. Cornell University Tata Scholarship

Funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust, this program supports Indian students pursuing undergraduate degrees at Cornell University, USA.

What It Covers:

• Full tuition and annual costs throughout the four-year undergraduate program
  
  

Eligibility:

• Indian citizenship
  
• Financial need as demonstrated by the student’s family background
  
• Completion of schooling in India
  
  

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8. Indian Global Leaders Scholarship (Australia)

Offered by the University of Queensland, this scholarship targets Indian students enrolled in Business, Law, or Economics.

Funding:

• Partial tuition coverage ranging from AUD 5,000 to 20,000
  
• Access to employability programs and alumni networks
  

Who Can Apply:

• Indian students with a strong academic record
  
• Must meet the university’s admission requirements

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Additional Notable Scholarships for Indian Students

Aside from the major ones listed above, here are other opportunities Indian students can explore:

• Goa Education Trust Scholarships – For Goa residents pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK
  
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees – Funded by the European Union for Master’s in Europe
  
• Commonwealth Scholarships – For students from Commonwealth countries studying in the UK
  
• Ontario Trillium Scholarships – For doctoral programs in Canada
  
  

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How to Apply for Government Scholarships to Study Abroad?

Getting a scholarship can make your international education significantly more affordable. Here’s a step-by-step process to get started:

1. Identify the Right Scholarship

Select scholarships based on your course, destination, and background (merit, need-based, caste-specific, etc.).

2. Check Eligibility

Read all criteria carefully—age, income limits, academic qualifications, or nationality requirements.

3. Prepare Your Application

Typical documents include:

• Academic transcripts
  
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)
  
• Recommendation letters
  
• English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
  
• Income certificates (for need-based schemes)
  
  

4. Apply Online

Most scholarships have dedicated online portals. Ensure that you submit the application before the deadline.

5. Track the Application

Stay updated on results, interview calls, or any document resubmission requirements.

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Why Choose AVF Consultants?

At AVF Consultants, we help you explore the right scholarship based on your goals and guide you through the complete application process—from shortlisting to documentation. Our expert counselors have years of experience assisting students in securing financial aid and making their overseas education affordable.

Personalized scholarship matching
SOP and documentation support
End-to-end guidance for visa and education loan process

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FAQs – Scholarships to Study Abroad by Indian Government

Q1. How can I get an Indian government scholarship to study abroad?

You can apply through official government portals, provided you meet the eligibility criteria regarding academic performance, financial status, and age.

Q2. What expenses are covered by these scholarships?

Scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, visa fees, and even health insurance depending on the program.

Q3. Can I apply for these scholarships after the 12th?

Most Indian government scholarships are for postgraduate or research-level education. However, a few private scholarships support undergraduate students.

Q4. Are there scholarships specifically for SC/ST or women students?

Yes. The National Overseas Scholarship supports SC/ST candidates, while Lady Meherbai D Tata Trust offers scholarships for Indian women.

Q5. What is the best time to apply?

The ideal time is 8–12 months before your academic program begins. Many scholarships close applications between January and April.

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Final Thoughts

With the right scholarship, studying abroad is no longer just a dream—it’s a well-supported opportunity. Indian government scholarships are powerful tools to promote educational equity and global exposure. Whether you’re aiming for the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, make sure you explore these options early and prepare your application thoroughly.

Need help finding the perfect scholarship?
 Contact our expert counselors at Study and Work Abroad – AVF Consultants, and let us help you make your global study journey a reality.