Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad for Masters

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.

Table of Contents:

  1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
  2. Inlaks Scholarship
  3. The National Overseas Scholarship
  4. Chevening Scholarships
  5. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

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:

ParticularsDetails

Benefits

  • J-1 visa support
  • Round-trip economy class air travel
  • Funding for tuition fees, living and related costs, and accident and sickness coverage

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

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, 1995
  • 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
  • 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

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

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program aims to enhance leadership among international students studying in US universities. The fellowship is given for 10 months to mid-career professionals and those interested in non-degree study in the US.

  • The student must have an undergraduate degree.
  • The students must have a minimum of 5 years of full-time professional experience.
  • The student must have demonstrated leadership qualities and a record of public service in their community.
  • The student must have limited US experience and show proof of English language skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there fully-funded scholarships available for Indian students to study abroad?

Yes, several scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more. Some fully funded scholarships are the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship and the Chevening Scholarship.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time for a Master’s?

Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships. Applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances of receiving them. However, some scholarships may have limitations, so check the scholarships details before applying.

Do I need to return to India after completing my studies?

Some scholarships, such as the Fulbright-Nehru and Chevening, require you to return to India and contribute to your home country for a specific period. Other scholarships may allow you to stay abroad if you find employment.

Can I work part-time while on a scholarship abroad for a Master’s?

Yes, you can work part-time while studying for your Master’s degree. Several countries and scholarships allow you to work. However, the working hours may vary depending on the country.

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

You must maintain a high academic score, gain relevant work experience, and build a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LoRs). Applying early is a great way to improve your chances of getting a scholarship for your Master’s degree abroad.

Copyright © Unifi Lending LLC. All Rights Reserved 2025.