Scholarships

Indian Government Scholarship For Abroad Studies

Indian Government Scholarship For Abroad Studies

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Check out these Indian government scholarship for abroad studies. Find details on active scholarships, amount/expense covered, eligibility criteria, & much more.

GyanDhan
Rohit Gidwani
Updated on:  28 Mar 2024  | Reviewed By: 
Aman 
| 752 | 10  min read

Studying abroad is a dream for many students, offering a chance to experience new cultures and world-class education. However, the cost of studying in another country can seem like a major hurdle. Luckily, the Indian government scholarship for abroad studies is here to help. This blog highlights scholarships from the Indian government, aimed at supporting students financially for their overseas education. Covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, these scholarships make studying abroad achievable. Whether you're aiming for a master's or a PhD, there's support to help you reach your academic dreams without the financial worry. Let's explore how these scholarships can open doors to your international education goals.

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Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government

Does Indian Government give scholarships for studying abroad? - this is a question that is often asked when an Indian student plans to study abroad. The answer is yes, there are Indian government scholarships for abroad studies. There are several scholarships, but some of the top scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government after graduation are provided here. Below is a table that shows the names of these scholarships and associated benefits. Later these scholarships are explained in detail. 

Scholarship Name Benefits

Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

  • list items Educational expenses
  • list items Cost of living
  • list items Travel funds
  • list items Support for J-1 visa
  • list items Insurance for accidents and illness

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

  • list items Assistance with J-1 visa
  • list items Monthly allowance
  • list items Health and accident insurance
  • list items Round-trip economy airfare support

National Overseas Scholarship

  • list items One-time payment of 15,400 USD
  • list items Educational expenses
  • list items Textbook costs
  • list items Flight expenses
  • list items Living expenses
  • list items Health insurance
  • list items Visa charges

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree

  • list items Monthly allowance of 1,100 to 1,200 EUR
  • list items Tuition coverage
  • list items Library access
  • list items Insurance
  • list items Additional benefits

Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

  • list items Provision of approximately 30,000 EUR
  • list items Includes reimbursement for flight costs

Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies

  • list items Interest subsidy on educational loans.

Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are granted to exceptional Indian students pursuing an MS in the US. This Indian government scholarship for abroad studies is designed to cultivate future leaders and professionals committed to serving their communities' well-being.

Areas of study: Arts and Culture Management including Heritage Conservation and Museum Studies; Economics; Environmental Science/Studies; Higher Education Administration; International Affairs; International Legal Studies; Journalism and Mass Communication; Public Administration; Public Health; Urban and Regional Planning; and Women’s Studies/Gender Studies.

Duration: 1 - 2 years

Type: Merit-based & Need-based

Eligibility: 

  • list items Bachelor's degree with 55%
  • list items 3 years experience
  • list items Community service
  • list items  Bachelor's degree with 55%
  • list items 3 years experience
  • list items Community service

 

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Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships support Indian scholars registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution to conduct research essential to their dissertations/thesis in the US. This initiative aims to foster bilateral research collaborations and enhance scholarly exchange between India and the US.

Area of Study: Agricultural Sciences, Anthropology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, and Computer Science, covering cyber security, digital economy, quantum computing, and more.

Duration: 6 - 9 months

Type: Merit-based

Eligibility:

  • list items PhD registered at an Indian institute
  • list items Need to submit Ph.D. thesis

National Overseas Scholarship

The National Overseas Scholarship is an Indian government scholarship for abroad studies designed to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from specific marginalized communities in India, facilitating their pursuit of higher education abroad. This scholarship aims to uplift students who are part of Scheduled Castes, denotified nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, landless agricultural laborers, and traditional artisans, by enabling them to attain advanced knowledge and skills from universities overseas.

Areas of study: Engineering and Management; Pure Sciences and Applied Sciences; Agricultural Sciences and Medicine; International Commerce, Accounting, and Finance; and Humanities and Social Sciences.

Duration: Up to 2 years for Masters and 3 years for Ph.D., subject to the actual duration of the program.

Type: Merit-based & Need-based

Eligibility:

  • list items Must be from specified marginalized communities
  • list items Minimum 60% in qualifying exams
  • list items Age limit of 35 years
  • list items Family income within government limits
  • list items Admission is secured or in process at accredited institutions abroad

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Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs) are prestigious, integrated, international study programs delivered by consortia of higher education institutions from different countries around the world. These scholarships aim to foster excellence, innovation, and internationalization in higher education. EMJMDs provide opportunities for students worldwide to pursue high-quality master's level education in various fields while experiencing study and research in at least two different countries within the program.

Areas of study: A wide range of disciplines are covered, including but not limited to Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

Duration: 1-2 years, depending on the specific program and study cycle.

Type: Merit-based

Eligibility:

  • list items Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • list items Meet the language requirements of the host universities
  • list items Can be of any nationality (programs encourage applications from all over the world)
  • list items Specific requirements may vary by program

Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship is an esteemed grant sponsored by the Government of India, designed primarily for Indian scholars who wish to pursue academic research in the field of Modern Indian Studies in areas like History, Economics, and Political Science thus it is considered under Indian government scholarship for abroad studies. This fellowship is hosted exclusively at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, UK, providing a unique opportunity for scholars to engage deeply with their subjects in one of the world's leading academic environments.

Areas of study: Modern Indian Studies with a focus on History, Economics, and Political Science.

Duration: 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance.

Type: Merit-based

Eligibility:

  • list items Indian nationals with excellent academic records
  • list items Ages 30 to 40
  • list items Ph.D. in relevant field
  • list items Scholarly publications
  • list items Minimum 3 years teaching at graduate/postgraduate level or industry experience

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Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy

The Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies is a government initiative that provides financial support to economically weaker sections of Indian society to pursue higher education abroad. Though it is not directly considered as an Indian government scholarship for abroad studies but it is an initiative that helps to reduce interest on education loans indirectly helping you in your higher education. This scheme specifically targets students from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), enabling them to undertake postgraduate courses in recognized institutions overseas without the burden of interest during the period of their study.

Areas of study: The scheme supports a wide array of subjects and fields of study available at the postgraduate level, including but not limited to Engineering, Management, Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Medicine, Commerce, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Duration: The interest subsidy is provided for the duration of the course plus one year or six months after getting a job, whichever is earlier.

Type: Need-based

Eligibility:

  • list items Belong to SCs/OBCs
  • list items Family income within government limits
  • list items Admission to a postgraduate course abroad
  • list items A loan from a scheduled bank under the IBA scheme

 

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Other Prominent Scholarships

Now that you have seen all the top Indian government scholarship for abroad studies, there are a few more prominent scholarships that are worth mentioning because when you search for scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government you will come across these on different websites. So, to make it easy for you we have compiled a list for you. These scholarships are - 

Scholarship Name Benefits

The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships

  • list items Up to $100,000 for tuition and living expenses
  • list items Specific allowances for travel costs
  • list items Opportunity for study at top international universities

The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust

  • list items Financial support for studies abroad
  • list items Focus on women and children's welfare
  • list items Encourages Indian women for higher education
  • list items Supports social work, public health, education fields

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Program

  • list items Interest-free loans up to INR 20 lakhs
  • list items Study at top institutions worldwide
  • list items Wide discipline support
  • list items Mentoring from experts

Aga Khan Foundation - International Scholarship Programme (ISP)

  • list items Grants and scholarships for postgraduate studies
  • list items 50% scholarship, 50% loan basis
  • list items Assistance for living expenses and tuition

Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships are awarded to highly talented Indian students to pursue higher education or professional training at top American, European, and UK institutions. These scholarships aim to identify and support exceptional individuals who demonstrate potential to contribute significantly to their chosen fields and society at large.

Areas of study: Various, excluding Engineering, Computer Science, Business Studies, Medicine, Public Health, Fashion Design, Music, and Film Animation.

Duration: Up to 2 years, depending on the program.

Type: Merit-based

Eligibility:

  • list items Indian resident
  • list items Under 30 years of age
  • list items Hold a first-class undergraduate degree
  • list items Have been admitted to a prestigious institution

The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship is designed for Indian women graduates who wish to pursue higher education abroad. The scholarship focuses on supporting outstanding women to achieve excellence in their respective fields, particularly in areas that contribute to the advancement of society.

Areas of study: Social Work, Social Sciences, Education, Education & Welfare of Children with Special Needs, Gender Studies, Child Health, Development, Public Health, Rural Development Work, and Environmental Sciences.

Duration: Varies based on the chosen program.

Type: Merit-based

Eligibility:

  • list items Indian women
  • list items Graduate with a strong academic record
  • list items Demonstrated experience in related fields
  • list items Admission to a recognized university abroad

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Program

The Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Program offers merit-based interest-free loan scholarships to Indian students with a high academic standing, aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies in prestigious institutes in India and abroad.

Areas of study: Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Law, Architecture, and Management.

Duration: Up to 2 years, depending on the course.

Type: Merit-based, Loan Scholarship

Eligibility:

  • list items Indian nationals
  • list items Under 30 years of age
  • list items Graduated with a first-class degree
  • list items Secured admission to a high-ranked institution

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Aga Khan Foundation - International Scholarship Programme (ISP)

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their education. The ISP is dedicated to effective development in the fields of education and culture with an emphasis on scholarships awarded for study outside one's home country.

Areas of study: Open to a wide range of disciplines except for undergraduate studies, medical degrees, and PhDs.

Duration: For the length of the graduate program.

Type: Need-based

Eligibility:

  • list items Nationals of AKF's target countries
  • list items Excellent academic records
  • list items Admission to a reputable institution of higher education
  • list items Demonstrate financial need

As we wrap up this overview of Indian government scholarship for studies abroad, it's clear that these financial aids are invaluable for students aiming to pursue higher education on a global stage. They significantly lower the financial hurdles, making international learning experiences more accessible. Remember to explore further scholarships on the GyanDhan portal to find the one that best suits your academic journey. Additionally, don't limit yourself to scholarships alone; check your eligibility for the best education loan options on GyanDhan to ensure you have all the resources you need for your overseas education. Take advantage of these opportunities to embark on an enriching academic adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit to how many times I can apply for the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship?

Applicants are restricted to applying for one Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship in a single cycle and cannot simultaneously apply for the Fulbright-Nehru and Kalam Fellowship.

For the Great Wall Program, is learning Chinese mandatory?

Yes, eligibility for the Great Wall Program requires at least one year of Chinese language training.

Can the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship be used for diploma courses?

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship only supports Master's degree programs and does not extend its funding to diploma courses.

Are there any specific reservations or conditions for the National Overseas Scholarship regarding family?

Yes, there's a reservation for female candidates and a limit that only two candidates from the same family can avail of this scholarship.

What kind of financial aid does the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy offer?

This scheme offers an interest subsidy on educational loans for overseas studies for students belonging to the OBC and EBC categories, aiming to promote higher education among these groups.

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