5 Best Government Scholarships To Study Abroad For Indian Students

You will be happy to know that the Government of India offers several scholarships to help Indian students looking for rewarding career opportunities abroad. We have done detailed research on 5 top Government of India Scholarships that you should keep in mind while submitting your application. The list is organized by type of funding and preferred study location.

Two things are needed to support your dream to study abroad, qualifications and money. When it comes to aptitude and scoring good marks, one needs to work hard. But if funding is an issue, you can always rely on some source of outside support to sponsor your degree at a foreign institution.

Government of India Scholarship

There are different types of scholarships available for different levels of students. The right research and preparation can help you get the best out of them. Scholarships to study abroad are mainly divided into the following categories:

Merit-Based: Here, an applicant with high academic excellence in extra-curricular activities such as academic sports or community service is given priority for the scholarship.

Student-Centred: Some scholarships are based on the student’s gender, colour, religion, family, etc. Some countries or institutions may also consider scholarships based on a particular medical history or condition.

Depending on the destination: Many government agencies, governments, and universities offer scholarships and funding to students from a specific country. For example, the governments of New Zealand and the United Kingdom offer fellowships for foreign students from Commonwealth countries.

For Specific Subjects: Students who wish to pursue a specific subject of study may be eligible for grants from certain universities and institutions. For example, if a student wants to pursue MBA, they can get scholarships from institutes providing the same for this particular category.

As per requirements: These scholarships are awarded on the basis of the financial status of the student and are aimed at economically challenged students. To get this type of scholarship, you may be asked to submit your family income details and submit documents like ITR, employment certificate, income proof, etc.

For Athletes: This type of scholarship scheme is available only for the best athletes. The grant requires you to take part in rigorous training and represent your university in tournaments while balancing your studies.

Indian government scholarship

The Department of Higher Education, a division of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, India, is responsible for handling the scholarship application and approval process.

Not all scholarships in the list are awarded by the Government of India; Some are fully sponsored while others are partially sponsored. Most of the awards are for advanced degrees such as research, masters, and doctoral degrees.

5 Top Indian Government Scholarships To Fund Your Study Abroad Dream

1. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

Under this fellowship, which is fully funded by the government, an Indian student is placed at St. Antony’s College, Oxford University London for one academic year.

Scholarship Type: Merit

Total amount: £29,944.85

Subjects: History, Economics, and Political/Social Science

2. Fulbright-Nehru Master Fellowship

Fulbright-Nehru Master Fellowship is a Government of India scholarship to study abroad and help outstanding Indians. Earn a master’s degree at one of the top universities in the United States.

Scholarship Type: Eligibility

Amount or type of expenditure: Tuition, cost of living, travel allowance, health cover.

Subject: All (Masters only)

In addition, the Government of India partners with the same foundation to provide scholarships in other subjects and courses. These include:

Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship for Indian PhD. Students For Indian PhD. Students

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship

3. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Foreign Studies

The objective of this scheme is to provide interest subsidies to the meritorious students of Other Backward Classes. Classes (OBC) and Economically Backward Classes (ECW) with interest subsidy. It aims to help students to pursue higher education abroad and build a better life.

Scholarship Type: Need-Based

Amount or type of expenditure: Provides subsidy on the interest payable by the students during the study period.

Subject: All Subjects; master’s degrees.

These are some of the important Government of India Scholarships to study abroad. Apart from them, you can also explore some private scholarships and fellowship programs for international students run by private organizations that aim to help them study. fees and other expenses.

These are:

Orange Tulip Scholarship Program: To Study in Holland

The Great Wall Programme: Established by the Chinese government and UNESCO for students and scholars from developing countries to study in China.

JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education of Indians is for Indian students for PhD or postdoctoral study abroad in countries like the USA, Japan, and South Korea. Canada, Ireland, and other European countries.

4. National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students

It is one of the premier Government of India scholarships to study abroad, which helps Indian students from the Scheduled Castes to go and study abroad. 100 awards are given in a year.

Similarly, there is another scholarship for ST category students but the number of seats offered in it is only 20.

Scholarship Type: Student Centred

Amount or Type of Expenses: Tuition fees, cost of books, airfare, and cost of living.

Subject: Engineering, Technology, and Science (for ST students). SC students can apply for this Indian government scholarship to study abroad courses in management, pure and applied science, medicine, agricultural science, commerce, accountancy, and finance.

5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship was established in 1976, and since then, it has provided grants to talented Indian students. This fellowship is available to those who intend to pursue MPhil, Masters, or Doctoral programs in the United Kingdom, United States, or Europe.

Scholarship Type: Merit-Based

Amount or Expense Type: Provides a maximum support of INR 72,000 which includes tuition, accommodation, and a one-way travel allowance.

Subject: Liberal Arts and Humanities

Scholarships and Student Loans

The most important difference between student loans and scholarships is that student loans require repayment after the successful completion of the degree. Student loans are a type of financial aid that a bank or other financial institution lends to a beneficiary based on a number of factors.

A scholarship, on the other hand, is a grant given to a deserving candidate on the basis of academic performance or other achievements (sports, extra-curricular, etc.).

Student loans can be obtained from government bodies or major banks. Although most of the banks provide these loans at a very high rate of interest which may not be possible for the students.

Conclusively, the scholarships are much-needed gifts for students and candidates who wish to study abroad. The best part is that they do not have to return the money. Scholarships and grants are similar and they are mostly awarded based on the needs, merit, and social status of the student.

Indian government scholarships cover almost every subject, type of degree, and category of student. The registration and approval process to join the scholarship program can be rigorous. Still, for those who can complete the formalities and receive a grant, every part of the process will be worth it.