Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, offering exposure to world-class education, global career opportunities, and cultural experience. However, the cost of studying abroad — including tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance — can be prohibitively expensive. To support talented and deserving students, the Indian government and related official programs provide scholarships and funding opportunities for higher education abroad.
These scholarships can be fully funded or partially funded, and many cover major expenses such as tuition fees, living costs, travel costs, and research allowances. Edwise International
1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
Overview:
The National Overseas Scholarship is one of the most important government support schemes for Indian students from marginalized and low-income backgrounds, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, and traditional artisans. nosmsje.gov.in
Eligibility:
- Indian citizens from specified marginalized communities
- Demonstrated financial need (family income limits apply)
- Admission to a recognised foreign university (Master’s or PhD)
- Usually, minimum academic requirements (e.g., percentage in qualifying exams) IDP Education
Benefits:
- Financial assistance for tuition fees
- Living expenses abroad
- Airfare and travel allowances
- Contingency or research expenses depending on level of study Buddy4Study
Application:
Applications are typically done through the official portal managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment or associated government scheme portals. nosmsje.gov.in
2. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
Overview:
Though technically a bilateral program administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are supported through government cooperation and widely open to Indian applicants. This prestigious program supports Indian students to pursue Master’s degrees and advanced studies in the USA. Wikipedia
Eligibility:
- Indian citizens with a US-equivalent bachelor’s degree
- Minimum academic performance (e.g., 55% or equivalent)
- Professional experience in some cases
- Leadership qualities and academic potential LinkedIn
Benefits:
- Tuition fee support
- Monthly living stipend in the US
- Health insurance coverage
- Travel/airfare support
- Visa support and settling-in allowance LinkedIn
Deadline:
Annual competition with deadlines usually in February–April each year, depending on the specific fellowship type and the USIEF announcement cycle. LinkedIn
3. Commonwealth Scholarships (India)
Overview:
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is an internationally recognised government-backed scholarship supported through the Indian Ministry of Education and the Commonwealth Secretariat. It allows Indian students to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. Edwise International+1
Eligibility:
- Indian citizen or resident
- Academic excellence (typically a strong undergraduate performance)
- Demonstrated potential and financial need for certain categories LinkedIn
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance/stipend
- Travel support (often economy airfare)
- Thesis or research funding for PhD applicants LinkedIn
Deadline:
Applications usually open late in the year, with deadlines often in December–January for scholarships starting the following academic year. Edwise International
4. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships
Overview:
The ICCR Scholarship Scheme is a prominent government-linked program offering scholarships to Indian students for study abroad. While ICCR primarily facilitates cultural exchange programs, it also supports higher education abroad at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Edwise International
Eligibility:
- Indian citizens with confirmed admission abroad
- Minimum academic score requirements (varies by program)
- Fulfil language proficiency standards for the destination course Edwise International
Benefits:
- Tuition fee support
- Monthly stipend in many cases
- Travel support depending on the agreement with host countries Edwise International
Application:
Applicants typically need to apply via ICCR’s official scholarship portal or through designated channels when scholarship calls are announced. Edwise International
5. State Government Overseas Scholarships
Many Indian states also run state-level overseas scholarship schemes for students from that state to pursue studies abroad. These include programs such as:
- Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi (SC Welfare)
- Mahatma Jyothiba Phule Overseas Vidya Nidhi for BC/EBC
These state schemes often support Indian students from specific categories with study abroad funding, including tuition and living costs. Telangana ePass
Example Highlights:
- Family income caps often apply (e.g., < ₹5 lakh per annum)
- Eligible countries include USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Singapore, etc.
- Scholarship grants can be up to ₹20 lakhs or as per admission cost
- Requires minimum academic and language test scores (like GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS) Telangana ePass
Tips to Apply for Government Scholarships Abroad
✔ Start Early:
Scholarships for international study often have deadlines many months before the academic term begins — usually 8–12 months in advance.
✔ Meet Eligibility Requirements:
Confirm specific eligibility criteria such as minimum percentages, entrance test scores, and language proficiency conditions before applying.
✔ Gather Strong Documents:
Prepare academic transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose (SOP), and financial documents well ahead of time.
✔ Apply to Multiple Programs:
Increase your chances by applying to several scholarships simultaneously (national, bilateral, and state-level).
✔ Use Official Portals:
For government schemes, use official portals like scholarship government sites and authorised application systems to avoid scams or misinformation. Education.gov.in
Final Thoughts
Government scholarships for Indian students to study abroad provide an excellent opportunity for talented students to pursue global higher education without excessive financial burden. From the National Overseas Scholarship for underprivileged students to Fulbright-Nehru and Commonwealth Scholarships, there are options at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
If you’re planning to study abroad — whether in the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, or other major destinations — exploring these government scholarships early, understanding the eligibility criteria, and planning your application timeline can dramatically increase your chances of success.