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

Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about expenses?

You're not alone. Every year, thousands of Indian students aim to pursue higher education in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia. Fortunately, the Government of India offers various scholarships to support deserving students in achieving this dream.

Government scholarships are a golden opportunity for Indian students to fund their international education dreams. With proper planning and timely applications, you can study at the world’s top universities without financial burden.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top government scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, eligibility criteria, benefits, application deadlines, and expert tips.

Why Consider a Government Scholarship?

• Financial assistance for tuition, living expenses, and travel.
• Recognition & prestige from top government bodies.
• Boosts your academic and career profile.
• Often provides access to exclusive alumni networks.

Top Government Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad in 2025

1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

– For SC/ST/OBC/EBC Students

Offered by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen below 35 years
• Belonging to SC, ST, OBC, or EBC category
• Family income under ₹8 lakhs per annum
• An admission offer from a recognised foreign university is mandatory.
  

Coverage: visa, airfare, living allowance, tuition fees, and contingency.

Courses Supported: Master's, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral studies

2. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens below 30 years
• Admission into elite international universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and top-ranked institutions worldwide.
• Minimum first-class in undergraduate degree

Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel

Fields: Humanities, Fine Arts, Social Sciences, Design, etc.

3. Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

Offered by: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens with a bachelor's degree (4 years)
• Demonstrated leadership and community work

Coverage: Tuition, living cost, airfare, and accident/sickness coverage. 

Field: Public Administration, International Affairs, Environment, etc.

4. Commonwealth Scholarships—UK

Offered by: UK Government via Commonwealth

Eligibility:

• Indian nationals with at least 60% in Social Science and 65% in Science/Tech fields
• Admission to a UK university

Coverage: Tuition, airfare, living allowance

Courses: One-year Master’s programs

5. DAAD Scholarships—Germany

Offered by: German Academic Exchange Service

Eligibility:

• Indian graduates with 2 years of work experience
• Strong academic background

Coverage: Tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend, travel allowance

Fields: Engineering, Architecture, Business, Public Policy

6. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship—UK

Offered by: Ministry of Education, India

Eligibility:

• Indian nationals under 40
• Ph.D. degree with outstanding academic records

Coverage: Stipend, travel, and allowances for a year at Oxford University

Government Scholarship for Indain Students to study Study Abroad Official Websites

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Target Level	Study Destination	Official website
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)	Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (India)	Master's, Ph.D.	Global (esp. USA, UK)	nosmsje.gov.in
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	Inlaks Foundation (Private, India)	Master's	USA, UK, Europe	inlaksfoundation.org
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships	USIEF (India & U.S. Government)	Master's, Ph.D., Research	United States	www.usief.org.in
Commonwealth Scholarships	UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)	Master's, Ph.D.	United Kingdom	cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
DAAD Scholarships	DAAD—German Academic Exchange Service	Master's, Ph.D., Research	Germany	www.daad.in
Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship	Ministry of Education (India)	Research Fellowship	United Kingdom (Oxford)	www.education.gov.in

How to Apply for Government Scholarships?

• Research and select scholarships tailored to your academic programme and target country.
• Check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
• Organise all supporting documents, including your statement of Purpose, letters of Recommendation, educational qualifications, and proof of income.
• Apply online through official portals.
• Appear for interviews/tests if required.

2025 Guide: FAQs About Government Scholarships for Indian Students Planning to Study Abroad

What are the top government scholarships for Indian students to study abroad?

Top scholarships include the National Overseas Scholarship, Inlaks Foundation Scholarship, Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, Commonwealth Scholarship, DAAD Scholarship, and Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship.

Who can apply for Indian government scholarships to study at foreign universities?

Eligibility includes Indian citizenship, a strong academic background, confirmed admission to a foreign university, an age limit (usually below 35–40), and, in some cases, income/caste criteria.

How can I apply for a government scholarship to study abroad?

Apply through official scholarship portals by submitting required documents such as academic transcripts, SOPs, LORs, income certificates, and admission proof.

Do these scholarships cover full tuition and living expenses?

Yes, most government scholarships provide full or partial funding, including tuition fees, living allowance, and travel expenses.

When should I start applying for scholarships?

Begin at least 8–12 months before the academic year starts. Deadlines for most scholarships fall between September and March.

Are there scholarships specifically for SC/ST/OBC category students?

Yes, the National Overseas Scholarship is exclusively available for SC, ST, OBC, and EBC category students meeting income and academic criteria.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?

Only SC, ST, OBC, and EBC category students who meet the required academic and income criteria are eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship.

What documents are required for the scholarship application?

You need academic transcripts, an SOP, LORs, a passport, an admission letter, an income certificate, and a caste certificate (if applicable).

Is IELTS/TOEFL mandatory for applying?

Yes, most scholarships require proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE/GMAT based on university requirements.

Which countries are covered by Indian government scholarships?

Popular destinations include the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, and more, depending on the scholarship programme.