Top 10 Life-Changing Scholarships to Study Abroad for Free

Scholarships help to manifest the long-secured dream of studying abroad for many Indian students. Whenever an Indian student is asked about their finances for studying abroad, more than 50% of them would be found relying on a 100% scholarship for studying abroad. Check this article to learn about the top 10 life-changing scholarships to study abroad.

In a recent poll by Shiksha.com, more than 88% of students answered that they plan to finance their abroad education by means of a scholarship. And why not? Scholarships act like financial aid that need not be repaid. For this reason, scholarships turn out to be life-changing awards that help students get to their dream universities and study a course that aligns with their career prospects. Read this article to learn about the top 10 life-changing scholarships for Indian students. 

1,. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

Offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), these fellowships support outstanding Indian students pursuing master's degrees in the U.S. They cover tuition fees and living expenses and provide J-1 visa support. Applicants must have a U.S.-equivalent bachelor's degree with at least 55% marks and a minimum of three years of professional work experience.

2. Chevening Scholarships

Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships enable Indian students to pursue one-year master's degrees in the UK. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare. Eligibility includes a strong academic background and at least two years of work experience. ​

3. Commonwealth Scholarships

These scholarships are aimed at talented individuals from Commonwealth countries, including India, to undertake master's and Ph.D. studies in various Commonwealth nations. They typically cover tuition fees, airfare, and a living allowance. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to contributing to their home country’s development. 

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs)

EMJMDs are prestigious, integrated master's programs offered by consortium of European universities. Indian students can receive full scholarships covering tuition, travel, and living expenses. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree and meet specific program requirements.

5. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

Offered by the Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, NOS supports students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized sections to pursue master's and Ph.D. programs abroad. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances. Eligibility includes a minimum of 60% marks in the qualifying examination and a family income below INR 8 lakh per annum.

6. JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians 

This program offers loan scholarships to Indian students for full-time postgraduate, Ph.D., and postdoctoral studies abroad. Loan amounts range from INR 1 lakh to INR 10 lakh, with the possibility of a partial travel grant and gift award based on performance. Applicants must have a consistently good academic record and a minimum of 60% marks in their undergraduate studies.

7. Felix Scholarship

Established to support academically gifted and underprivileged students from India and other developing countries, the Felix Scholarship enables them to pursue postgraduate studies at universities like Oxford, Reading, and SOAS in the UK. It covers tuition fees and living expenses and provides a return airfare. Candidates should hold a first-class bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university.

8. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

This scholarship is targeted at Indian women graduates with a consistently good academic record who are aiming to pursue higher education abroad in fields such as social work, public health, and education. It covers tuition fees and living expenses. Applicants must have at least two years of work experience in the relevant field. 

9. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

Administered by the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development, this fellowship is intended for young Indian scholars with a consistently brilliant academic record in the fields of history, economics, and political science. It provides an opportunity to study at the University of Oxford, covering expenses such as travel, living, and other allowances. ​

10. Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships

This merit-based program offers interest-free loan scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad across various disciplines. Applicants should have a consistently excellent academic record and have secured admission to a reputable international university.

This was all about the top life-changing scholarships for Indian students to study abroad for free. If you wish to study abroad, try Shiksha’s Counselling Services for free.