Jan 07, 2025
Pursuing higher education abroad isn’t just about gaining a degree, it provides a holistic experience by equipping comprehensive knowledge, building global networks, and discovering new cultures. But one of the most empowering aspects of this journey is the availability of scholarships. Yes, we know how important scholarships are for international students.
Beyond government-funded options, universities themselves provide substantial scholarships for international students, including Indians. These scholarships may cover tuition fees fully or partially and sometimes even extend to living expenses. The earlier you apply for these scholarships, the higher your chances of getting them.
This article introduces some of the most prestigious study abroad scholarships for Indian students, highlighting options across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Asia. Read on to details of these scholarship opportunities, including scholarship values, eligibility, and a lot more.
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The United States is renowned for its prestigious universities and extensive scholarship opportunities. As per the recent IIE’s Open Doors Report, out of the 1,057,188 international students in the USA, 268,923 were Indian students. Most of these got scholarships to pursue their higher education in the country, all thanks to the umpteen financial assistance opportunities. Among the many choices, let’s have a closer look at some exceptional scholarships offered by US universities for Indian students.
| Scholarship | University | Value & Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
| Admission Merit Scholarship | California Lutheran University | Up to $32,500 | This scholarship has automatic consideration, students are evaluated based on their academic performance and additional factors. | Rolling Admission Deadlines |
| Presidential Merit Scholarship | University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa | $28,000 Tuition Fee Waiver + $1,500 stipend for four years. | Requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 and either an SAT score of 1420-1600 or an ACT score of 32-36. | Mid-December for Spring Intakes & May for Summer/Fall Intakes |
| First-Year Global Wildcat Award | University of Arizona | Up to $20,000 | This is for first-year students and the scholarship value is determined by GPA. | July 1 for Fall Intakes & December for Spring Intakes |
| International Outreach Scholarships | University of Cincinnati | Up to $15,000 | This scholarship has automatic consideration, and international students are reviewed based on admission application materials. | No Separate Application is Required |
| Merit-based Scholarships | University of Albany (SUNY Albany) | $7,000 per Year for Two Years | This scholarship is automatically considered, and students must be enrolled at UAlbany full-time for at least 12 degree-applicable credits. | No Separate Application is Required |
With world-class education and supportive scholarships, the US continues to be a top choice for Indian students. But if the US doesn’t suit your preference, let’s explore the scholarship opportunities in the UK.
The United Kingdom offers a stellar academic experience paired with a rich cultural heritage. Its universities also provide generous scholarships for students who excel academically or demonstrate strong potential. The best part is that some of these universities offer fully funded scholarships as well.
| Scholarship | University | Value & Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
| International Excellence Scholarships (PG) | University of Leeds | Up to 50% Fee Reduction | Applicant must have an excellent academic track record with proven work experience and extracurricular activities. | Around Mid-May |
| International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship | University of Sheffield | £10,000 Tuition Fees Reduction | Applications are open for all eligible international students. Applicants need to have the login credentials of the university to access the scholarship application form. | Around Mid-May |
| India Merit Award | University of Glasgow | £5,000 Tuition Fee Discount | This scholarship has no additional application form. Qualified students will be informed about this discount during their registration. | No Separate Application is Required |
| Scholarship | University | Value & Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
| Think Big International Scholarships | University of Bristol | Up to £13,000 per Year of study | This scholarship is open to all international students enrolled for full-time degrees. Some exceptions are Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science. | Around February |
| India High Fliers Undergraduate Scholarships | University of Birmingham | £5,000 | This scholarship is open to the highest-performing students who are classed as domiciled in India. Students enrolled in MBChB Medicine and Surgery or BDS Dental Surgery are exempted from this scholarship. | Around May |
The UK’s gigantic scholarship system makes it an attractive destination for ambitious students with their exclusive study abroad scholarships for Indian students.
If you are eyeing Canada next, you will be pleased with its strong focus on financial support for international students.
Canada combines top-tier education with a welcoming environment, and scholarships here often reflect the country’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Most of these scholarships are based on academic merit and have 100% coverage options as well.
| Scholarship | University | Value & Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
| International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships | Lakehead University | Up to CAD 40,000 spread over four years | This is a renewable scholarship provided the required average is achieved in each academic year. | No Separate Application is Required |
| International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships | University of Guelph | Up to CAD 21,500 spread over four years | This scholarship is based on the admission average and is open for all degree programs. Applicant must be registered in a full-time course (minimum 2.0 credits) for both the fall and winter semesters. | No Separate Application is Required |
| President's Level Support (Entrance Scholarship) | University of Windsor | Up to CAD 16,000 spread over 8 terms | This renewable Entrance Scholarship is for students registered in a full-time course. The scholarship will be paid for a maximum of 8 instalments. | No Separate Application is Required |
| Brock Scholars Award | Brock University | Up to CAD 13,600 spread over four years | This entrance scholarship is open to all incoming international students. It is renewable for up to three years. | No Separate Application is Required |
| International Student Entrance Scholarships | University of Waterloo | CAD 10,000 | This entrance scholarship is open for all international students with an admission average of 90% or above. | No Separate Application is Required |
These are just a handful of universities, be rest assured that Canadian universities ensure that no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints. Next, let’s head Down Under to discover scholarships offered by Australian universities.
Australia with its high-ranking universities and vibrant cities has become an academic hotspot for Indian students. Here’s a roundup of popular scholarships offered by Australian universities:
| Scholarship | University | Value & Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
| Postgraduate Academic Excellence International Scholarship | University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | 30% Tuition Fee Reduction | This scholarship is open to all high-achieving commencing international students enrolling in a postgraduate coursework program at UTS. | No Separate Application is Required |
| Global Citizens Scholarship | University of Adelaide | Up to 30% or 15% Tuition Fee Reduction | This scholarship is open to all commencing international students. They require excellent academic scores. | No Separate Application is Required |
| India $10,000 Early Acceptance Scholarship | Macquarie University | Up to AUD 10,000 per year | This scholarship is exclusively for citizens of India who are enrolled as a full-time international student commencing a postgraduate coursework degree. | No Separate Application is Required |
Do note that these universities also offer scholarships for bachelor’s level students. You can check the details on their respective official websites.
| Scholarship | University | Value & Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
| George Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship | Swinburne University of Technology | 30% Tuition Fee Reduction | This scholarship is open to international students with high academic performance commencing an undergraduate course at the Hawthorn campus. Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting, Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting / Bachelor of Business (double degree) and one-year honours degrees are exempted from this scholarship. | No Separate Application is Required |
| International Excellence Scholarship | The University of Newcastle | Up to AUD 24,000 over a full-time 4-year degree | This scholarship is open to all high-performing students with a strong academic background and provides an ongoing incentive for continued academic achievement. | No Separate Application is Required |
As you have already read, most of the scholarships available in Australia are open to international students with exceptional academic results. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about how to get scholarships to study abroad in Australia as these scholarships don’t separate applications.
Australia’s vibrant campus life and abundant funding options make it a fantastic choice for Indian students. Let’s now explore the scholarships available at Australia’s closest neighbours in the Pacific region, yes, we are talking about the opportunities in New Zealand.
New Zealand is becoming increasingly popular for its high-quality education and peaceful surroundings. Beyond the scholarships based on academic achievements, there are many opportunities based on factors such as country of origin, area of study or leadership potential. Some university-specific scholarships that might interest you are listed below.
| Scholarship | University | Value & Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
| India High Achievers Scholarship | University of Auckland | Up to NZD 20,000 | This scholarship provides tuition fee reduction for new international students from India. Applicant must be enrolled in a full-time postgraduate study of one year or more at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. | Around October for Semester One intakes and April for Semester Two intakes. |
| Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship | University of Waikato | Up to NZD 15,000 | This scholarship is intended for international students proving academic excellence and a confirmed place at the university. Students pursuing online degrees at the university are not eligible for this course. | Around December end. |
| Master's Research Scholarship | Massey University | Up to NZD 15,000 | This scholarship is for international students enrolling in the research component of a Massey University master's degree. They should have 90 credits or more research components. | Around February |
| UC Master's Scholarship | University of Canterbury | Up to NZD 14,000 | This scholarship is for international students studying for a research master’s degree at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. | The Application Deadline is Yet to be Announced |
| Wellington Graduate Award | Victoria University of Wellington | NZD 5,000 | Applicants must be enrolled in a full-year program with at least 90 points in coursework. Vocational Master's degrees, such as the MBA, MIM or MIS are not eligible for this course. | November First Week |
Applying for these New Zealand scholarships offers a gateway to an enriching educational and cultural experience. But if you are looking for something closer to the heart of Europe, then the following scholarships are worth your attention.
European countries have recently gained more recognition beyond the Big 4 when it comes to studying abroad. Among the many countries, Germany, France, and Ireland are the most preferred European study destinations. While they provide top-notch quality education and low tuition fees, another compelling reason that draws students is the availability of scholarships. Let’s have a glance at a few of them ahead.
| Scholarship | University | Value & Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
| UCD Global Excellence Scholarships | University College Dublin, Ireland | Up to 100% Tuition Fee Waiver | Applicants must be new commencing postgraduate students and meet the citizenship and residence requirements of this scholarship. It is only for self-funding students. | Around February and March |
| Max Arthur Macauliffe Special Merit Scholarship | University of Galway, Ireland | Up to 100% Tuition Fee Waiver | This scholarship is solely for Indian students starting one of the selected taught Master’s programs at NUI Galway. | Yet to be Announced |
| Radboud Encouragement Scholarship | Radboud University, Netherlands | Up to 100% Tuition Fee Waiver + Living Allowance | This is an academic excellence scholarship for international students having admission into an English-taught master’s program. | Around Mid-April |
| Scholarship | University | Value & Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
| Jim Kemmy India Scholarship (UG) | University of Limerick, Ireland | Up to €4,000 | This scholarship is for Indian students studying at the Kemmy Business School. Applicants must meet the English language requirements and have 75% and above in their 10th & 12th Grade. | Rolling Admission Deadlines |
These were some noteworthy options, beyond them are many options that Indian students can consider. Europe’s prestigious universities offer top-notch education with diverse funding opportunities, making it a prime destination for Indian students. Next, we will check the scholarship options that contribute towards Asia’s growing prominence in global higher education.
With its rapidly advancing education systems and a strong emphasis on research, Asia is becoming an increasingly attractive study destination for Indian students. Let’s look at some key scholarships in the region.
| Scholarship | University | Value & Coverage | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
| JCU Merit Scholarships | James Cook University, Singapore | Up to 100% Tuition Fee Waiver | This scholarship is open to international students including India. They must meet the academic entry requirements of JCU and submit the scholarship application form along with the required documents. | Varies |
| Merit Scholarship (International) | Curtin Singapore | Up to 50% Tuition Fee Waiver | This scholarship is open for eligible international students enrolled in a 200-credit master's degree program. | Rolling Admission Deadlines |
| International Student Scholarships | De Montfort University Dubai | Up to 40% Tuition Fee Waiver | This scholarship is based on academic merit, sports, and relevant work experience. It will be applicable for a year only for postgraduate programs at the Dubai campus. | Varies |
| Chancellor's Academic Merit Scholarship | University of Birmingham, Dubai | Up to 30% Tuition Fee Waiver | As the name indicates, this scholarship requires academic distinction. This scholarship is open for full-time and part-time master's degrees. | Rolling Admission Deadlines |
| STEM Postgraduate Bursary | Swinburne University of Technology, Malaysia | Up to 15% Tuition Fee Waiver | This scholarship is open for students enrolling in Master of Construction Management (MCM) and Master in Information Technology (MIT) courses at the Malaysia campus. | Rolling Admission Deadlines |
Asia’s leading universities offer not just affordability but also high-quality education and unique cultural experiences. These scholarships open doors to some of the region’s best international universities.
Wrapping up this article, scholarships are not just mere financial support they have become the cherry on the cake in your academic aspirations. Such scholarships have made the dream of studying abroad a reality for countless Indian students every year. You can be the next recipient of them.
While this article highlights some of the best scholarships available, the options don’t end here. To find the perfect scholarship that aligns with your academic and financial needs, connect with Team KC. Our experts will not only help you find the right University but will also guide you in shaping compelling scholarship applications to stand out. That’s what makes us one of the Top Education Consultants in India. Connect with our team of experts today and find your dream university and scholarship for the upcoming academic intake.
When applying for a scholarship, focus on meeting eligibility criteria, submitting strong academic transcripts, preparing an impactful personal statement, and adhering to deadlines. Additionally, highlight your leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work experience to make your application stand out.
To improve your chances, maintain high academic scores, gain notable achievements in extracurricular activities, secure strong recommendation letters, and alter your personal statement to align with the scholarship's objectives.
Yes, many universities and external organizations allow students to combine scholarships, provided the terms and conditions of each scholarship permit it. Always check the rules for overlapping funding.
Start with a strong opening, clearly articulate your goals, explain how the scholarship will help you achieve them, and highlight your unique achievements and motivations. Your statements should align with the scholarship’s mission.
Yes, many universities provide scholarships specifically for research students, such as research assistantships, doctoral grants, or master’s research funding. These are often merit- or research-specific.
External scholarships can be found through government programs, private organizations, NGOs, and platforms like the British Council, Tata Trusts, and Inlaks Foundation. Research global scholarships like the Commonwealth Scholarship or Erasmus Mundus for broader opportunities.