How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad?

Studying abroad is expensive. Tuition, living costs, travel, and exam fees add up fast.
But thousands of Indian students get scholarships every year. Even you can, too, even if you are not a topper.

This guide explains, in very simple words, how to get a scholarship, what you must prepare, what mistakes to avoid, and how to improve your chances of studying abroad.

 

1. Why Scholarships Are Given?

Scholarships are given to support talented or deserving students so universities, governments, and organizations can attract the right candidates and promote global education. Scholarships are given mainly for three reasons:

Reason	Meaning	What helps you win
Merit	You are good in studies or skills	High marks, projects, awards
Need	You need money support	Income documents
Talent	You are good in sports, arts, coding, research	Certificates, portfolios

This is not true.
Even students with average marks get funding if they apply correctly and show proof of achievements.

Also read: Study Abroad made FREE for Indian students

2. What types of scholarships can Indian students get?

You can get merit-based, need-based, athletic, research, and country/university-specific scholarships. Below are the list of different types of scholarships that you could be eligible as an Indian student planning to study abroad. 

Also Read: Best Country to Migrate in Next 5 Years

3. Who is eligible for scholarships to study abroad?

Most scholarships need 70–85% academics, good SOPs, and sometimes English tests or extracurriculars. Below is a simple table that explains what you need for most scholarships:

Even if you have 65 - 70%, you can still target:

• Germany public education
• France scholarships
• Erasmus Mundus
• Norway free tuition
• University-level discounts

Also Read: Top 10 Life Changing Scholarship to Study Abroad for FREE 

4. Which countries offer the easiest scholarships for Indian students?

Germany, Canada, the UK, and Europe offer the highest number of scholarships for Indian students.

Related Read: Best Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students 2025

5. When Should you Apply for Scholarship? Correct Timeline to Apply (Month-wise)

Apply 8–12 months before your intake, with most scholarship deadlines falling between October and March for the next year’s admissions.

For September/Fall Intake

Start 12 months early

For January/Spring Intake

Start by March - April of the previous year.

Related Links:

• How to apply to foreign universities from India?
• Can you Study Abroad for Free?
• 5 Things to consider before choosing a Study Abroad Destination

6. 7-Step Process to Get a Scholarship Abroad 

You get a scholarship by choosing the right program, matching eligibility, preparing strong documents, and applying before deadlines. This is the exact step sequence students can easily follow.

Step 1: Identify the Right Scholarship Category

Choose based on your strengths:

Step 2: Shortlist Country + Universities Early

Start 10 - 14 months before intake.
Shortlist:

• 3 countries

• 5 - 7 universities

• 8 - 12 scholarships

Tip: Germany, UK, Australia, and Europe have the most predictable scholarship frameworks.

Step 3: Build Your Eligibility Profile

To qualify for major scholarships, ensure:

• Min 70 - 75% (merit scholarships)

• Min 80 - 90% (govt-funded competitive scholarships)

• Good English proficiency:

  • IELTS 6.5 - 7.5

  • TOEFL 85 - 100

• Strong academic consistency

• Leadership, volunteering, or research preferred

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents 

Step 5: Apply 8 - 12 Months Before the Intake

Deadlines usually fall between:

• September - December (for Fall 2025)

• March - May (for Spring/Fall university scholarships)

Apply before the official window to stand out.

Step 6: Prepare for Scholarship Interviews (If Required)

Govt-funded scholarships often include an interview.
Expect questions on:

• Leadership experience

• Study purpose

• Career goals

• How you'll contribute after returning

• Financial need (if applicable)

Step 7: Accept and Maintain Scholarship Conditions

Most scholarships require:

• Maintaining a certain GPA

• Participating in mentorship programs

• Reporting academic progress

• No violations of visa rules

Other Useful Reads:

• How to Concentrate on Studies?
• Study Abroad: How should students shortlist colleges and look beyond rankings?

8. How to get scholarships to study in Germany?

To get scholarships for studying in Germany, Indian students should apply through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Here is the timeline and steps to get scholarships for studying in Germany for Indian students -

1. 12-18 months before the course commencement date | The Preparation Period:- This is the perfect time to start researching for the available scholarships and matching your qualifications with the eligibility criteria of available ones. If you start preparing by this time, you will be able to apply and gather the required documents that you might not be having already. Explore the different government-funded, university funded and foundation based scholarships during this time.
2. 6-12 months before the course commencement | The Application Period:- To apply for the German scholarships, Indian students need to get their academic qualification documents verified by means of getting an APS Certificate. This certificate typically takes 4-6 weeks to get processed and hence this is the perfect time to get one.
   1. Next up is drafting the personalised SOP and a resume for your scholarship application. This is the time to highlight your academic achievements, career goals, professional achievements and any social work that you may have done. 
   2. Apply to a German university and make sure you get an offer before applying for a scholarship as a university's acceptance letter is usually a requirement for scholarship applications. 
   3. Now apply for all the selected scholarships from their dedicated websites, such as university official websites, external bodies' websites granting the scholarship and government websites.   
   4. Note that applications for most scholarships release between March and October, a year ago before the targeted intake.  
3. 4-6 months before the course commencement | The Visa Application Period:- Start preparing to apply for a student visa at this stage. Check out mock visa interviews, sample visa interview questions and answers and online assessments. You may also be required to generate proof of financial means to showcase that you can support your living costs even after getting a full scholarship. The same varies on a case by case basis.  

9. How to get a scholarship to study in Japan?

Below are steps to apply for scholarships in Japan.

1. Maintain a good percentage of marks, i.e. above 80% marks in classes 10th, 11th and 12th for UG admissions and above 70% marks in UG degree for PG admissions. 
2. Research scholarships available for your chosen course and check your eligibility for the same. Go to the MEXT Scholarship websites, which is the most sough-after scholarship to study in Japan for international students. 
3. Prepare your documents and take the language based exams such as IELTS/TOEFL/PTE for English language and Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) for the Japanese language. 
4. Now submit your application for your scholarship, the applications for which release from Apr-May of the preceding year - an year ahead of your course start date. 

10. Which are some of the famous scholarship to study abroad by Indian government?

Some famous scholarships offered by Indian government for Indian students to study abroad are-

• National Overseas Scholarships
• Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships (awarded by United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF))
• Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship - a fully funded Indian government scholarship to study abroad, winners are placed at the St. Antony College, University of Oxford London.
• Commonwealth Scholarship - offered for studying in commonwealth countries like the UK by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

11. What are some Common Mistakes That Make Students Lose Scholarships?

Students lose scholarships mostly by applying late, submitting weak documents, or choosing scholarships they don’t actually qualify for.

12. How Do I Decide Which Scholarship Is Right for Me? “If You Are Like This Then Apply for This” 

Match your academic score, budget, goals, and strengths to the scholarship type that fits your profile best.

13. What Are Some Example Student Profiles to Help You Understand This Better?

Seeing sample student profiles makes it easier to understand which scholarship suits your academic background and goals.

Example 1 - Priya (78%, BCom, No internships)

She can get:

• Holland Scholarship

• Germany funding

• University-level merit scholarship

• Need-based scholarships

Why?
Her marks are okay and European universities focus more on SOP quality.

Example 2 - Arjun (85%, BTech, 1 internship)

He can get:

• DAAD

• Erasmus

• University merit scholarships

• Research assistantships

Example 3 - Aisha (65%, Arts student)

She can target:

• Norway free tuition

• France Govt grants

• University entrance scholarships

Example 4: “The High Scorer”

• Profile: 92% CBSE, IELTS 7.5, no major extracurriculars.
• Best Fit: Merit-based scholarships like DAAD, Erasmus+, GREAT Scholarship.
• Why: Strong academics = high eligibility.

Example Profile 5: “The All-Rounder”

• Profile: 78%, moderate extracurriculars, good SOP.
• Best Fit: University-specific scholarships (Canada, UK, Australia).
• Why: Balanced profile works well for partial fee waivers.

Example Profile 6: “The Budget-Conscious Student”

• Profile: 80%, family income < ₹8L, basic extracurriculars.
• Best Fit: Need-based scholarships (DSU Italy, Australia Awards).
• Why: These programs focus on financial background + decent academics.

Example Profile 7: “The Research Lover”

• Profile: BTech with projects, 1 publication, GRE 320.
• Best Fit: Fulbright, DAAD Research Grants, Erasmus+ Joint Master’s.
• Why: Research-heavy programs match the profile.

Example Profile 8: “The Creative/Artistic Student”

• Profile: Good portfolio, average grades, strong creative work.
• Best Fit: Arts/Design-specific scholarships (NABA, UK Arts Scholarships).
• Why: Portfolio matters more than marks.

14. What is the list of Documents you need for your Scholarship?

You mostly need transcripts, SOP, LORs, resume, passport, test scores, and proof of achievements. Below table list out all the required documents to study abroad and their purpose. 

15. How Much Money Can You Save?

You can save anywhere from ₹1 lakh to ₹30+ lakh depending on the country and scholarship type.

16. What are the Best Scholarships for Indian Students?

Popular choices include DAAD, Chevening, Fulbright, Erasmus+, and major university-funded scholarships.

Region	Scholarship	Eligibility (Who Can Apply)	Funding / Coverage	Main Requirements	Annual Intake Period
United Kingdom	Chevening Scholarships	Professionals with 2+ years work experience applying for a Master’s degree	Full tuition, living cost, airfare	Leadership skills, strong SOP, work experience	September–October
	GREAT Scholarships	UG/PG international students	£10,000 tuition support	Good academics (60–70%+), clear SOP	September
	Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships	Master’s applicants from Commonwealth countries	Full tuition, stipend, airfare	Academic merit, financial need	September
Germany	DAAD Scholarships	Master’s/PhD applicants	Tuition-free study, €850–1200/month stipend	75%+ academics, research interest	September–October
	Deutschlandstipendium	UG/PG students	€300/month	Academic merit, community involvement	Rolling intake
	Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships	UG/PG/PhD students	Tuition support + monthly stipend	Social engagement, environmental interest, good academics	September
United States	Fulbright Scholarships	Master’s/PhD applicants	Full tuition, stipend, travel	Strong academics, leadership	August–September
	Knight-Hennessy (Stanford)	Master’s/PhD applicants	Full funding + living stipend	Academic excellence, leadership, innovation	September
	AAUW International Fellowships	Women applying for Master’s/PhD	USD 20,000–50,000 funding	Women-only, strong academics	November
Canada	Vanier Graduate Scholarships	PhD applicants	CAD 50,000 per year	High research profile, strong academics	September
	Ontario Graduate Scholarships	Master’s/PhD applicants	CAD 5,000 per term	Academic merit	Varies by university
Australia	Australia Awards	Master’s applicants	Full tuition, travel, living expenses	Leadership, willingness to return home after study	February
	Destination Australia Scholarship	UG/PG students	AUD 15,000 per year	Study at regional campus, basic merit	February / July
Europe (Multiple Countries)	Erasmus+ Joint Masters	Master’s applicants	Full tuition + €1,000–1,400/month stipend	Academic merit, mobility across countries	September
	ENS Scholarships (France)	UG/Master’s applicants	€1,000/month stipend	Entrance exam or selection test, top merit	October
	Sciences Po Emile Boutmy	UG/Master’s applicants	€3,000–12,000 tuition grant	Academic excellence	September
	Italy DSU Grant	UG/PG applicants	Housing, meals, stipend	Income-based + basic academic eligibility	August–September

Know more about scholarships:

• Types of scholarships available for Study Abroad aspirants
• Private Trusts offering Scholarships and Loans for studying abroad
• What are the chances of receiving a Scholarship?
• Common Expenses Covered in Scholarship
• What Are The Requirements To Obtain an Education Loan for Studying Abroad

So that’s it for this article. Now you know the main scholarships, what they offer, and what you need to do to apply. And honestly, if you’ve read this far, you’re already ahead of most students. Many people want scholarships, but very few actually sit down and take the first step. You just did.

Here’s what I want you to do next:
pick a few scholarships that match your goals, note down their deadlines, and start preparing your documents one by one. It doesn’t have to be perfect from day one, just start!. Even a small action today can save you lakhs tomorrow.

And remember, you don’t need to be a topper or have a “perfect profile” to win a scholarship. You just need to stay organised, apply on time, and tell your story honestly.

Your study abroad dream is completely possible and you’re a lot closer to it than you think.
Now go ahead, take that first step. In case you are stuck, Shiksha can help you find the right scholarship for you. You can always reach out to Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors; they are always there to guides you with course selection, profiles, applications, and finding the right scholarships for your profile.