Scholarships for indian students to study abroad for masters hero image

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad for Masters

Scholarships
Share this blog
WhatsApp Facebook LinkedIn Twitter/X Copy Link

Indian students can apply for several fully funded and partial Masters scholarships to study abroad, including Fulbright-Nehru for the USA, Chevening for the UK, Inlaks (up to USD 100,000 for USA/UK/Europe), and NOS for low-income students.

Pursuing a Master’s degree abroad is a dream for many Indian students, as the degree offers global exposure, career growth, opportunities to learn new skills, personality development, and more. However, the cost of studying abroad can create a financial burden. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to support Indian students planning to study abroad for their master’s.

Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship is designed to provide meritorious Indian students with study opportunities in the US. Students who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and are committed to returning and contributing to their communities in India can apply for the fellowship. The study abroad Master’s scholarship details are as follows:

Particulars Details

Benefits

  • J-1 visa support
  • Round-trip economy class air travel
  • Funding for tuition fees, living and related costs, and accident and sickness coverage (up to an $80,000 cap for two years)

Eligibility

  • Must have completed the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55% from a recognized Indian university
  • Must have 3 years of professional work experience (full time)
  • Should display experience in leadership & community service
  • Must not be enrolled in a US degree program or must not have any degree from a US

Looking for more funding options in the US? Explore our complete guide to scholarships for Indian students in USA, including Fulbright and university-specific merit scholarships.

Inlaks Scholarship

Inlaks Scholarships are awarded to Indian graduates with exceptional talent, character, and motivation to fulfill their potential. The scholarship is given to students studying at a top-rated university across the UK, Europe, and the USA. The duration of your program can be between 9 months and 4 years.

The scholarship value depends on your course, which includes tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, and a health allowance for up to USD 100,000. The eligibility criteria for the study abroad scholarship are as follows:

  • The student must be an Indian passport holder
  • The student must be born on or after January 1, 1996
  • The student must hold a degree from a recognized university in India
  • Foreign university graduates must have lived, worked, or studied in India for two years post-graduation to apply
  • Students must have 65% or a CGPA of 6.8/10 for Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, and related fields
  • Students must have a 70% or a CGPA of 7.2/10 for Mathematics, Sciences, and related fields 
  • The student must have proof of admission
  • Applicants with a conditional English certification must obtain it before applying for the scholarship
  • Deferred admission students must have a valid offer for the academic year

The National Overseas Scholarship

The National Overseas Scholarship scheme is for low-income students from marginalized communities, which includes SCs, Nomadic Tribes, Landless Laborers, and Traditional Artisans. The eligibility criteria for the scholarship abroad for a Master’s degree are as follows:

  • You must have at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in a Bachelor’s degree
  • Applicant must be a J-1 visa holder
  • The age limit for the applicant should not be more than 35 years
  • The student’s family income must not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum
  • Covers tuition and living maintenance of INR 7.20 lakh/year (approx) for eligible categories.
  • The admitted university must rank among the world’s top 500 in the latest QS World University Rankings
  • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer is required if the applicant is employed

The National Overseas Scholarship is one of several Indian government scholarships for studying abroad available to eligible students. Explore other government-funded opportunities before applying.

Browse All Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are given to students pursuing one-year Master’s degrees in the UK. The scholarship is fully funded, including the cost of flights, accommodation, and course fees. The eligibility criteria for the scholarship are:

  • Must commit to return to the home country for 2 years after the scholarship ends
  • Must have 2 years of work experience, which equals to approx 2,800 hours
  • Must have an undergraduate degree that qualifies for a Master’s program
  • Must have an unconditional offer letter from a UK university

DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities for Indian students pursuing a Master’s degree in Germany. It supports outstanding students across various academic disciplines and aims to promote international academic exchange.

Particulars Details
Benefit
  • Monthly stipend of approximately EUR 992 for Master’s students
  • Full or partial tuition fee support (where applicable)
  • Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
  • Travel allowance
  • Research and study allowance
Eligibility
  • Must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
  • Strong academic record
  • Relevant professional experience may be required for selected programs
  • Admission to an eligible German university
  • Meet the English or German language requirements of the chosen program

    Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship (Europe)

    The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship sponsored by the European Union. It allows students to study at multiple universities across Europe while earning a joint or multiple Master’s degree.

    Benefits

    • Monthly living allowance of EUR 1,400
    • Full tuition fee waiver
    • Travel allowance
    • Installation allowance
    • Health insurance throughout the program

    Eligibility

    • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
    • Meet the admission requirements of the selected Erasmus Mundus program
    • Strong academic performance
    • Language proficiency as specified by the program
    • Open to students from India and other non-EU countries

    Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (United Kingdom)

    The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries, including India, who cannot otherwise afford to study in the UK.

    Particulars Details
    Benefits
    • Full tuition fees
    • Monthly living allowance
    • Round-trip airfare
    • Warm clothing allowance (where applicable)
    • Thesis grant (if required)
    • Additional study travel grants
    Eligibility
    • Must be an Indian citizen or permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country
    • Hold a first degree with at least upper second-class honours or equivalent
    • Demonstrate financial need
    • Have an admission offer from an eligible UK university

    Australia Awards Scholarships

    The Australia Awards Scholarships are fully funded scholarships offered by the Australian Government to students from eligible developing countries for full-time postgraduate study at participating Australian universities.

    Benefits

    • Full tuition fees
    • Return economy airfare
    • Living expenses
    • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
    • Establishment allowance
    • Academic support where required

    Eligibility

    • Meet the citizenship requirements of eligible countries
    • Satisfy the admission requirements of the chosen Australian university
    • Meet English language proficiency requirements
    • Agree to return to the home country after completing the program, as per scholarship conditions

    Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship

    The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship supports meritorious Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at leading international universities. It is offered as an interest-free loan scholarship.

    Particulars Details
    Benefits
    • Interest-free loan scholarship covering tuition and related educational expenses up to INR 20 lakhs
    • Mentorship from industry professionals
    • Leadership development opportunities
    Eligibility
    • Indian citizen residing in India
    • Bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university
    • Excellent academic record
    • Admission to a reputed international university for a postgraduate program
    • Strong overall profile, including extracurricular achievements and leadership potential

    Take the Next Step Towards Your Master’s Abroad

    Winning a scholarship can make studying abroad more affordable, but since many scholarships are highly competitive or only partially funded, it’s wise to have a backup financial plan.

    If your scholarship doesn’t cover all your expenses, an education loan for higher studies abroad can help finance the remaining tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other study-related costs.

    At Nomad Credit, you can compare loan options from multiple lenders and receive expert guidance to choose the best funding solution for your study abroad journey.

    Find the Best Scholarship

    Discover Top
    Scholarships for You!

    Check Scholarship Options
    Smiling woman with money

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are there fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad for a Master’s?

    Yes. Many scholarships cover most or all of your study expenses, including tuition fees, living costs, travel, and health insurance. Popular fully funded options include Fulbright-Nehru (USA), Chevening (UK), Erasmus Mundus (Europe), Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Australia Awards, and selected DAAD scholarships in Germany.


    Can I apply for more than one Master’s scholarship?

    Absolutely. There’s no restriction on applying for multiple scholarships, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each one. Applying to several scholarships can improve your chances of receiving financial support. Just be sure to check whether a scholarship allows you to accept another award at the same time.


    Which is the best scholarship for Indian students pursuing a Master’s abroad?

    There’s no single “best” scholarship, it depends on where you want to study and your academic and professional profile. For example, Fulbright-Nehru is a great option for the USA, Chevening is popular for the UK, Erasmus Mundus supports study across Europe, and DAAD is well known for Germany.


    Do I have to return to India after completing my Master’s?

    It depends on the scholarship you receive. Some scholarships, such as Fulbright-Nehru and Chevening, require scholars to return to India after completing their studies. Others may allow you to stay and explore career opportunities, provided you meet the country’s visa requirements.


    How can I improve my chances of getting a scholarship for my Master’s degree abroad?

    Start your applications early, maintain a strong academic record, prepare a compelling SOP, secure strong recommendation letters, and apply to multiple scholarships. Read our complete guide on how to get a scholarship to study abroad for expert tips.


    What if my scholarship doesn’t cover all my expenses?

    That’s quite common. If your scholarship only covers part of the cost, you can bridge the gap with personal savings, an education loan, or other funding options. Many students combine scholarships with education loans to manage tuition fees and living expenses comfortably.


    Can I work part-time while studying abroad on a scholarship?

    In most study destinations, yes. International students are generally allowed to work part-time while studying, even if they’re on a scholarship. The exact work-hour limits depend on your student visa and the country’s regulations, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest rules before taking up a job.


     

    Get Expert Admission Guidance
    It’s completely free.
    If not listed, select "Not Listed." If undecided, choose "Still Deciding."

    By continuing, you agree to Nomad Credit's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

    Related Blogs

    Get Expert Admission Guidance

    Helping students worldwide choose top universities and secure their dream admits.

    Students
    If not listed, select "Not Listed." If undecided, choose "Still Deciding."

    By continuing, you agree to Nomad Credit's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy