Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad

Indian students can access government-funded and international scholarship programs for Master’s, PhD, and research studies abroad. Options include the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS), Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, Commonwealth Scholarships, DAAD programs, and other central, state, and international funding opportunities. Depending on the scheme, funding may cover tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and other study-related costs.

Indian government scholarships to study abroad support talented individuals to study in top universities, as it will motivate more Indians to gain valuable skills and contribute back to Indian society. Considering the high number of Indians abroad, India has ties with foreign countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, France, and Italy. 

If you’re wondering how to study abroad on a scholarship, this guide covers the top Indian government scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Find Your Scholarship Match

How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad from India? 

Let’s start with the number that stops most Indian students cold.

A one-year Master’s program in the United States costs between INR 25-65 lakhs when you factor in tuition, housing, food, visa, and health insurance. The UK runs INR 22-45 lakhs. Even Germany often cited as “free” –  costs INR 8-18 lakhs once living expenses are included.

According to RBI data, education loan disbursements for overseas studies crossed INR 100,000 crore in FY2024-25.

Government scholarships can significantly reduce these expenses. Depending on the scheme and destination, funding may cover tuition fees, maintenance allowance, airfare, visa costs, medical insurance, and other approved expenses.

Types of Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad

Indian students can access overseas education funding through three broad channels:

Central government schemes: Funded or administered by Indian government ministries, these include programs such as the National Overseas Scholarship and eligible interest subsidy schemes.

Bilateral and international partnerships: Indian students can also apply for scholarships and fellowships supported by foreign governments and international organisations, including Fulbright-Nehru, Commonwealth Scholarships, DAAD programs, and Erasmus Mundus. Application and nomination processes vary by program.

State government schemes: Several Indian states offer overseas education assistance for eligible residents. Availability, funding amounts, eligible categories, and application requirements vary by state and academic year.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad at a Glance

If you’re comparing multiple scholarships, this quick overview can help you identify the best option based on your study level and destination. The detailed eligibility and benefits for each scholarship are explained below.

Scholarship	Best For	Covers
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)	Master’s & PhD	Tuition, airfare, living expenses
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship	Master’s in USA	Fully funded
Commonwealth Scholarship	Master’s & PhD in UK	Tuition, stipend, airfare
DAAD Scholarship	Master’s & PhD	Monthly stipend & research support
Fulbright-Kalam Fellowship	Climate research	Research funding
State Overseas Scholarships	UG/PG (selected states)	Varies by state and scheme

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

• Governing ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) 
• Established: 1954 
• Annual intake: 125 slots (SC: 115, Denotified/Nomadic/Semi-Nomadic Tribes: 6, Landless Agricultural Labourers/Traditional Artisans: 4)
• Level: Master’s and PhD only

What It Covers

Component	Amount
Annual living allowance (USA/Canada)	USD 15,400
Annual living allowance (UK)	€9,900
Tuition fees	Actual (paid directly to university)
Return economy airfare	Actuals (once at start, once at end)
Visa, medical insurance	Actuals, subject to limits
Annual Contingency allowance	USD 1,500 / €1,100

Note: Scholarship benefits and allowances may be revised. Always check the latest NOS guidelines issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment before applying.

Eligibility

• Indian citizen belonging to an eligible category under the scheme, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans.
• Age: Below 35 years (for Master’s), below 40 years (for PhD) as of the application closing date
• Must have secured admission at a foreign university before applying (offer letter mandatory)
• Annual family income: Below INR 8 lakhs (combined all sources)
• Minimum 60% marks in the qualifying degree
• Only one scholarship per family at a time

Application Window

The NOS 2026-27 guidelines were published on April 23, 2026. Applicants should check the official National Overseas Scholarship portal and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announcements for the latest application rounds, deadlines, and results.

Selection Process

Applications are assessed according to the eligibility and selection criteria specified in the current NOS guidelines. Applicants should check the official NOS portal for the latest selection process and requirements.

Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship: For US-Bound Students

Students exploring scholarships for Indian students in USA often consider the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship as one of the most prestigious fully funded options.

• Administered by: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
• Level: Master’s only (US universities)
• Application window: July 15 each year (for the following academic year)

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship is a prominent fellowship for eligible Indian students pursuing Master’s-level study in the United States. Its eligibility criteria and selection process differ from those of the National Overseas Scholarship.

What It Covers

The fellowship provides financial support for eligible program expenses, along with J-1 visa sponsorship and other benefits specified by USIEF. Applicants should check the current fellowship terms for the exact benefits and funding available for their application cycle.

Who It’s For

Students with outstanding academic records applying for a Master’s in USA at any field at a US university. USIEF prioritises candidates with demonstrated leadership, community impact, and a credible plan to apply their US education back in India.

A key distinction from NOS: you do not need a prior admission offer from a US university when you apply to USIEF. USIEF assists fellows with university placement as part of the program.

What Makes a Competitive Application

USIEF looks beyond grades. Successful applicants typically have a coherent narrative connecting their Indian experience, their chosen field, specific US programs, and a concrete return plan. Avoid generic statements such as ‘I want to learn and grow.’ Instead, clearly connect your academic goals, previous experience, chosen field, and plans after completing the fellowship.

Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship: For Climate Researchers

• Jointly funded by: USIEF and the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India 
• Level: Doctoral and Postdoctoral research 
• Focus: Climate change, clean energy, environmental sustainability 
• Application window: Typically November–December each year

Named after Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, this fellowship supports Indian scientists working on climate-related research at US universities or research institutions.

The award covers round-trip airfare, J-1 visa, stipend, and health insurance for periods of 6-12 months. This is not a full degree program fellowship it funds a research visit or collaboration. Candidates must have an Indian host institution and a confirmed US collaborator.

Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme: Loan Relief for OBC/EBC Students

• Governing ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment 
• Target group: OBC and Economically Backward Class (EBC) students 
• Level: Master’s and PhD abroad 
• Nature of support: Interest subsidy on education loans (not a direct grant)

This scheme does not give you money directly. Instead, the government pays the interest on your education loan while you are studying abroad and for a 6-month moratorium period after completion.

How It Works

If you take a bank education loan of, say, INR 35 lakhs at 10% per annum, the interest cost during your 2-year program is approximately INR 7 lakhs. Under this scheme, MoSJE reimburses this interest directly to your lending bank. You repay only the principal.

Eligibility

• OBC (Central List) or EBC (income below INR 2.5 lakhs/year) category
• Loan taken from a scheduled bank for a recognised overseas Master’s or PhD program
• Pursuing first Master’s or PhD (not applicable for second Master’s)
• Not availing any other full scholarship from government sources

For students who don’t qualify for NOS but still need an education loan, this scheme meaningfully reduces the cost of borrowing.

Commonwealth Scholarships: UK-Funded, India-Nominated

Among the leading UK scholarships for Indian students, the Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the most sought-after government-funded programmes.

• Funded by: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 
• Administered in India by: Association of Indian Universities (AIU) 
• Level: Master’s and PhD at UK universities 
• Application window: October–December each year

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission funds hundreds of students from Commonwealth countries annually.

What makes this unique is the nomination structure. The scholarship covers: tuition fees (paid to university), return airfare, living stipend (£1,712/month, £2,000 in London), thesis grant, and arrival allowance.

DAAD Scholarships: Germany’s Fully Funded Option

• Funded by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) 
• Level: Master’s, PhD, Research 
• Application window: Varies by program (typically October–November for the following year)

DAAD is the world’s largest academic exchange organisation, and one of the most popular Germany scholarships for Indian students, offering funding for Master’s, PhD, and research programs. Germany’s public universities charge no tuition for most programs DAAD scholarships layer living expenses on top of this.

For Master’s students (DAAD Master’s Scholarships for International Students), the monthly stipend is €992 plus a study and travel allowance. For doctoral researchers, the stipend is €1,300-€1,400/month.

German language requirements depend on the program. Some English-taught programs may not require German proficiency.

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State Government Scholarships to Study Abroad

Beyond central schemes, several Indian states run their own overseas education grants.

Several Indian states offer overseas education assistance for eligible residents. Scholarship availability, funding amounts, eligible categories, income limits, study levels, and university requirements vary by state and application cycle. Check your state government’s official scholarship or welfare department portal for current opportunities.

Students can also compare fully funded scholarships for international students offered by universities and international funding organizations.

Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad After 12th

Most Indian government scholarships focus on postgraduate education. However, a few government-supported and state-funded opportunities are available for undergraduate students planning to study abroad after Class 12.

• ICCR Scholarships for international academic exchange programs.
• Some state-level overseas education schemes may support eligible undergraduate students, depending on the student’s domicile, category, course, institution, and the current scheme rules.
• Students who do not qualify for government scholarships can also explore university scholarships and education loans.

Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad After Graduation

Indian government scholarships are more widely available for postgraduate and doctoral studies. Most fully funded schemes are designed for students pursuing Master’s, PhD, or research programs abroad.

Study Level	Recommended Scholarships	Best Destinations
Master’s	NOS, Fulbright, Commonwealth	USA, UK, Europe
PhD	NOS, DAAD, Fulbright-Kalam	USA, Germany
Research	Fulbright-Kalam, Agatha Harrison	USA, UK

Who Is Eligible for Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad?

While each scheme has specific criteria, these are the baseline requirements across most Indian government overseas scholarships:

You may be eligible if:

• You meet the citizenship or residency requirements of the scholarship.
• You satisfy the required academic qualifications.
• Your chosen course and institution meet the scholarship’s requirements.
• You meet applicable income criteria for need-based scholarships.
• You satisfy any age, category, work experience, or other scheme-specific conditions.
• You provide the documents required by the scholarship provider.

You may not be eligible if:

• Your academic qualifications do not meet the scheme’s requirements.
• Your chosen course or institution is not eligible under the scholarship.
• You do not meet applicable income, age, category, or residency requirements.
• You are already receiving funding that cannot be combined with the scholarship.
• You do not meet other conditions specified in the current scholarship guidelines.

Check the scheme guidelines carefully if:

• You are applying for an online, hybrid, or part-time program.
• You already hold a qualification at the same study level.
• Your chosen country, university, or course has specific eligibility restrictions.
• You plan to receive funding from another scholarship or financial assistance program.

How to Apply for Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad

The application process differs slightly by scheme, but this 8-step framework applies broadly.

Step 1: Identify your scheme Map your category (general/OBC/SC/ST), academic level, target country, and financial situation to the right scheme. Review the eligibility criteria carefully before applying so you can focus your time on scholarships that match your profile.

Step 2: Prepare for language tests Check the language requirements of your chosen university and scholarship. Depending on the program, you may need to submit IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted English-language proficiency score.

Step 3: Apply to universities Do not wait for the scholarship to apply to universities. Apply to 6–10 shortlisted programs simultaneously. Check whether your chosen scholarship has specific university ranking, recognition, or institution eligibility requirements before applying. Aim for offer letters by February.

Step 4: Gather documents Depending on the scholarship, you may be asked to provide documents such as:

• Valid Indian passport
• Category/caste certificate, if applicable
• Income certificate, if required
• Academic mark sheets and degree certificates
• Offer/admission letter from overseas university
• IELTS/TOEFL score report
• Statement of Purpose, if required
• Letters of recommendation, if required
• Passport-size photographs (as specified)
• Bank statements or other financial documents, if required

Step 5: Write your SOP (see next section)

Step 6: Apply through the official scholarship portal. Submit your application through the portal specified by the scholarship provider. For the National Overseas Scholarship, applicants should use the official NOS application portal. Other scholarships may have separate application systems, so always follow the current instructions issued by the administering authority.

Step 7: Complete scholarship-specific verification. Follow the verification requirements of your chosen scheme carefully. You may be asked to provide additional documents, respond to queries, or complete verification before your application proceeds to the next stage.

Step 8: Prepare for further assessment, if required. Some scholarship programs may include interviews or additional assessments. Be prepared to explain your academic plans, choice of program, career goals, and how the scholarship will support your study-abroad plans.

If you already have a university offer, explore scholarships after receiving an admission letter and check which applications remain open.

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What Should an SOP for a Government Scholarship Include?

The Statement of Purpose can help selection committees understand your academic goals, experience, motivation, and plans after completing your studies.

Structure your SOP around four questions:

1. What specific problem are you trying to solve? I want to study federated learning techniques to explore privacy-preserving credit models that could improve financial inclusion for workers with limited formal income records.

2. Why is this specific program the best place to solve it? Mention relevant faculty members, labs, courses, or research groups. Specific details can demonstrate that you have researched the program carefully and understand how it aligns with your goals.

3. What have you already done in this direction? Highlight relevant awards, publications, internships, fieldwork, research, or community projects that demonstrate your experience and long-term interest in the field.

4. What will you do when you come back? The Fulbright-Nehru application explicitly asks this. Even for NOS, a credible return plan (a specific job sector, a startup idea, a research institution you want to join) significantly strengthens your case.

Common SOP mistakes to avoid:

• Spending too much of the SOP on childhood or family background without connecting it to your academic goals
• Listing every course in your degree program
• Generic sentences like “this university has excellent faculty”
• No specific mention of how the scholarship will enable something that wouldn’t otherwise happen
• Exceeding the specified word or page limit

Can You Stack Multiple Scholarships?

This is one of the most asked questions and the answer is nuanced.

Scholarship-stacking rules vary by scheme. Some programs prohibit recipients from receiving another government scholarship or financial award for the same course, while others may permit supplementary funding under specific conditions. Always check the terms of every scholarship before accepting multiple sources of financial assistance.

Best practice: Declare all funding sources in every application. Misrepresentation can result in scholarship cancellation, blacklisting from future government schemes, and in some cases legal recovery proceedings for amounts already disbursed.

Are There Return Requirements for Overseas Scholarships?

This section is almost never discussed in scholarship guides and it catches many awardees off-guard.

NOS bond requirement: NOS recipients should review the current scheme guidelines carefully for any conditions related to returning to India, employment after completing their studies, bonds, sureties, or repayment obligations. These conditions can have important financial and career implications.

Fulbright return requirement: Fulbright J-1 visa holders are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement under US immigration law. This means you cannot directly convert your J-1 to an H-1B or immigrant visa without first returning to India for two years (or obtaining a waiver).

DAAD return expectation: Return or post-study requirements can vary by DAAD funding program. Applicants should review the conditions attached to their specific scholarship before accepting an award.

Understanding these obligations before you accept an award is critical. The return requirement is not a punishment it’s the policy rationale for why these scholarships exist.

What If You Don’t Receive a Government Scholarship?

Government scholarships are highly competitive, with only a limited number of students selected each year. If you are not awarded a scholarship, an education loan can help you continue your study abroad plans without delaying your admission.

Government Scholarship	Education Loan
Limited seats	Available to eligible students
Merit-based selection	Based on lender eligibility
No repayment	Repayment after moratorium
Highly competitive	Higher approval chances

If a scholarship doesn’t cover your expenses, an education loan can help bridge the funding gap and keep your study abroad plans on track.

Compare Education Loan Options

Final Thoughts on Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad

Indian government scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad, but eligibility, funding, and selection criteria vary by scheme.

Start researching opportunities early, check the latest official guidelines, and keep your documents ready. If scholarships do not cover your full study-abroad expenses, you can also explore education loan options with Nomad Credit to bridge the funding gap.