Top Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad

Indian economy is growing multi-fold, and a key component of this resurging economy is education. Despite boasting some of the best educational institutions, the nation grapples with limited seats, propelling a growing number of Indian students to seek educational opportunities abroad.

It has been reported by research in Bengaluru, that the number of Indian students aiming to study abroad will touch 1.8 million by 2024. This highlights the increasing aspirations of Indian students for international education, driven by the recognition of global opportunities and the desire for a high-quality education.

Indian government scholarships for studying abroad play a crucial role in making international education more accessible for students around the world. International education often comes with significant costs, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.

By offering scholarships, institutions and organizations contribute to the following:

1. Creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment
    

2. Encouraging students to excel in their chosen fields
    

3. Helping institutions attract and retain high-achieving individuals who can make significant contributions to the academic community.
    

4. Promoting knowledge exchange on a global scale
    

5. Addressing socioeconomic disparities by enabling students from lower-income families to access education opportunities and Developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can lead to economic growth and innovation.
    

6. Building future leaders, thinkers, and change-makers
    

7. Making international education more accessible, ensuring that talented individuals, regardless of their financial background.
    

In this post, we'll explore some of the top Indian government scholarships for studying abroad that can help aspiring students achieve their dream of pursuing education in prestigious global institutions. Read on!

Top Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad in 2024

 

Here is a list of the top 7 Indian government scholarships for studying abroad:
 

1. Great Wall Program

 

The Great Wall Program, a fully funded scholarship collaboration between the Chinese Ministry of Education and UNESCO, is designed to support students and scholars from developing countries in pursuing studies and research in China.

Such Indian scholarships for masters abroad cater to both general and senior research scholars who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Eligibility criteria and application process
 

• Eligibility criteria for The Great Wall Program include not being a citizen of the People's Republic of China, maintaining excellent physical and mental health, and possessing a bachelor's or master's degree or its equivalent.
   

• General scholar applicants should have a high school diploma or above and be under 45 years
   

• Senior scholar applicants should be under 50 years old, holding a master's degree or a position as an associate professor or higher.
   

Key features and benefits
 

• Such Indian government scholarships for studying abroad cover various aspects, including a tuition waiver for comprehensive use by the host university, free university dormitory accommodation, or an accommodation subsidy.
   

• Stipends are provided at CNY 3,000 per month for general scholars and CNY 3,500 per month for senior scholars, along with comprehensive medical insurance.
   

Fields of Study and Country

For the Chinese Government Scholarship-Great Wall Program 2024, opportunities are available for Ph.D. and post-degrees in one-year programs at designated universities in China.
 

2. The JN Tata Endowment – Higher Education of Indians

The JN Tata Scholarship for studying abroad assists in funding female students pursuing education in various fields, including social work, public health, gender studies, education, communication of development, rural development, and child health.

Established in 1892 by Jamsetji Nusserwanjee Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, the 131-year-old J.N. Tata Endowment has granted loan scholarships to over 5700 Indian students from across the country.

Eligibility criteria and application process
 

• The scholarship requires the applicant to be an Indian citizen, to be no older than 45 by June 30, 2024, and to have graduated with a minimum average of 60% in undergraduate or graduate studies from an accredited Indian university.
   

• A recognized graduate programme (postgraduate in Indian terminology) must be pursued by candidates. Applicants are welcome to reapply if they were not chosen the previous year or were unable to accept the scholarship when they were.
   

• As long as there is at least one full academic year left to be completed at the time of the scholarship award, candidates who are presently pursuing postgraduate studies abroad may apply after their first year or the start of their second year.
   

Key features and benefits
 

• The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians offers a loan scholarship to Indian students pursuing master's, Ph.D., and postdoctoral studies abroad. This scholarship is granted to individuals aspiring to engage in full-time programs with an awarded amount that ranges from INR 1,00,000 to INR 10,00,000.
   

• The Tata Trust Scholarship 2024 aims to provide financial support to individuals seeking higher education, whether within India or in another country.
   

• This scholarship, administered through the JN Tata Endowment, is exclusively merit-based, recognizing and honouring individuals with outstanding abilities to contribute significantly to the country.
   

• The benefits of such s scholarship for abroad studies by the Indian government include financial assistance for tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for deserving candidates.
   

Fields of Study and Country

Focused on higher studies overseas, such as Master's, Ph.D., and Post-doctoral fellowships, the Endowment emphasizes merit-based recognition to support individuals who demonstrate exceptional abilities, aiming to contribute significantly to the country. 
 

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships represent a fully-funded program supported by the European Commission, open to international students from any part of the world who aspire to pursue studies at a European University.

For the academic year 2023-24, over 174 Indian students, with a majority being women, have been honoured with the esteemed Erasmus Mundus scholarships.

Eligibility criteria and application process

Applications are open to students at the master's level from around the world. Eligibility requires a bachelor's degree or being in the final year of bachelor studies with graduation before the commencement of the master's program. Demonstrating a level of learning equivalent to a bachelor's degree is also acceptable.

Non-European candidates should not have resided in any eligible European nation for more than 12 months in the last 5 years.

International students aiming to avail of Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are required to demonstrate English proficiency through exams such as IELTS or TOEFL. Other accepted English tests include Duolingo, PTE, CanTest, etc. In addition to language proficiency, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
 

• Previous qualifications and transcripts

• A score of 6.5 in IELTS or an equivalent test

• Completion of 16 years of education

• Students with a lower GPA are also eligible for the scholarship

• A statement of purpose

• Two letters of recommendation

• Residency certificate

• An essay detailing the study plan or research project

Applicants can apply to up to three Erasmus scholarship programs, and if rejected in one, they have the option to submit another application.

Key features and benefits
 

• Erasmus Mundus Scholarship benefits include a monthly stipend ranging from 1100 to 1500 EUR and a 100% tuition waiver. 

• Other benefits include travel allowance, airfare for travel to Europe, and travel allowance for those journeying during their course of studies.

• Work visa granted upon course completion, with graduates having the flexibility to choose any country for employment.
   

Fields of Study and Country

Acknowledged as one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Europe, the Erasmus Mundus Scholarships offer recipients the opportunity to pursue master's or doctoral degrees in European universities. 

 

4. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

 

This scholarship program is exclusively based on merit and is designed for women graduates involved in various fields such as social work, social welfare (including child welfare), education, and special education for children, among others.

Eligibility criteria and application process
 

• Indian women aged between 21 and 35 are eligible, provided they hold a first-class degree or its equivalent from a recognized Indian university.
   

• Additionally, applicants must have secured admission into a reputable foreign university for a postgraduate degree or diploma program.
   

• The selected candidate is required to furnish a copy of the 'Financial Capacity' document, demonstrating her capability to fund her education.
   

• Shortlisted candidates will undergo either a personal or online interview with the board of trustees.
   

• To apply for this scholarship, candidates need to undergo a straightforward application process, which involves submitting necessary documents and completing the application form. Interested individuals can obtain the application form link by sending an email to the scholarship department, specifying details such as the course and specialization they intend to pursue abroad.
   

Key features and benefits

The scholarship provides a tuition fee component of INR 3,60,000 per chosen candidate, contingent upon the candidate's performance during the interview.

Fields of Study and Country

Indian women applying for this scholarship should be able to demonstrate a consistently outstanding academic record and must have applied or secured admission to esteemed universities in the United States, UK, or Europe. 
 

5. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

 

Established by His Highness Aga Khan, the Aga Khan Foundation's International Scholarship Programme (ISP) is designed to assist exceptionally talented students from developing countries who lack alternative means of funding their postgraduate education.

Eligibility criteria and application process.
 

• Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or comparable training/professional experience, as well as outstanding academic records.
   

• They must demonstrate a multi-source funding plan and true financial necessity.
  
  In addition to demonstrating significant leadership potential, professional experience, extracurricular and entrepreneurial accomplishments, and volunteer work, they should be accepted into a recognised postgraduate school.
   

• Under-30-year-old professionals are given priority.
   

• Applicants should get in touch with the relevant national organisation to request an application form to be eligible for the scholarship.
   

Key features and benefits
 

• The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses for the student but does not include living expenses for family members or the expenses associated with international travel.
   

• Awards from the AKF ISP are set up as half loans and half grants, with 50% of the total award value being repaid. The term of the degree programme is covered by this Indian government scholarship for study abroad.
   

• For Ph.D. students, scholarships are granted for the first two years, after which alternative funding sources are expected.
   

• The five-year repayment period begins six months after graduation, the end of studies, or the removal of support due to the student's inability to satisfy the academic requirements required of ISP students.
   

• A service charge of 5% per annum is levied on the loan amount, requiring the head of the family or another guarantor to co-sign the loan agreement.
   

Fields of Study and Country

The program supports individuals in pursuing full-time postgraduate studies at esteemed higher education institutions of their choosing in various countries.
 

6. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships 

 

Every year, talented students from India can get support to study in the USA through the Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowship program.

Eligibility criteria and application process.
 

• For eligibility, graduates, teachers, artists, and professionals can apply. The program has specific minimum requirements based on academic fields.
   

• The Fulbright Scholarship looks for high academic and professional merit, a well-defined program proposal, potential project outcomes, and ambassadorial skills.
   

• Applicants must have at least three years of relevant full-time professional work experience, not have another U.S. degree, and not be enrolled in a U.S. degree program.
   

Key features and benefits
 

• Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships are for outstanding Indians to pursue a master's degree at select U.S. colleges and universities. The benefits include J-1 visa support, round-trip air travel, funding for tuition and fees, and living costs.
   

• This scholarship offers Indian students the chance to pursue a master's degree in specific subjects. Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships, lasting six to nine months, are for Indian students already enrolled in a Ph.D. program.
   

• It was established in 1946 and has provided opportunities to over 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and scientists to study, teach, and conduct research internationally.
   

Fields of Study and Country

Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowship offers Indian students the chance to pursue a one- or two-year master's degree in the USA in various subjects, including Arts and Culture Management, Economics, and others.
 

7. National Overseas Scholarship Scheme

 

The National Overseas Scholarship under the Central Sector Scheme is designed to help students with low family income from categories like Scheduled Castes, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, and Traditional Artisans pursue higher education such as master’s or Ph.D. degrees abroad.

Eligibility criteria and application process.
 

• Applicants must be below 35 years old as of April 1, 2022, and the total family income should not exceed 6,00,000 INR.
   

• To be eligible for the government scholarship for abroad studies, candidates need at least 60% marks or equivalent grades in the qualifying examination. For Ph.D. courses, the qualifying exam is a master’s degree, and for master’s degree courses, it's a bachelor’s degree.
   

• Only two children from a family can benefit from the National Overseas Scholarship.
   

• Meeting the minimum score requirements for tests like IELTS, PTE, GMAT, GRE, etc., is necessary.
   

• For graduation-level courses, the scholarship is not available.
   

• Interested candidates can apply online through the Ministry's portal: https://nosmsje.gov.in, considering their eligibility and suitability based on the scheme guidelines.
   

Key features and benefits
 

• 30% of the awards each year are reserved for women candidates, and if there are not enough eligible women, the slots will be given to suitable male candidates.
   

• Each financial year, 125 slots are available for this scholarship.
   

• The primary goal is to support economically disadvantaged students from specified categories in obtaining higher education abroad, enhancing their economic and social status.
   

Fields of Study and Country

The scholarship provides financial assistance for pursuing master’s and Ph.D. courses abroad in accredited Institutions/Universities.

Conclusion

Indian government scholarships for studying abroad play a crucial role in facilitating Indian students' pursuit of higher education abroad.

Government scholarships provide financial assistance to students and enhance access to quality education for deserving students. They often consider merit and academic excellence as criteria for selection and further promote international collaboration and partnerships between educational institutions.

Affiniks Study Abroad stands out as a premier consultancy, offering invaluable support and resources to students navigating the landscape of Indian government scholarships for studying abroad. The expertise provided by Affiniks equips students with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, enabling them to seize the opportunities presented by these scholarships for their higher education journey.

Head over to Affiniksstudyabroad.com for further assistance!