Are you an Indian student planning to begin your study abroad journey? Good news a wide range of abroad scholarships for Indian students 2026 are now available for the 2026–2027 academic year. In this comprehensive guide, we explain both fully funded and partial scholarships offered by the world’s top universities, including their financial benefits, eligibility requirements, and the step-by-step application process to help you apply with confidence and increase your chances of success.
Studying through abroad scholarships for Indian students 2026 is a transformative opportunity that allows talented learners to gain a global perspective, access world-class facilities, and build an international professional network. While the high cost of education in countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia can be a major barrier, these scholarships are specifically designed to reduce or eliminate that burden for deserving Indian applicants. They often reward academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to India and the global community.
Today, more than 1,000 programs fall under abroad scholarships for Indian students 2026, offered by leading universities and governments worldwide. These scholarships typically cover full tuition fees and provide monthly stipends, accommodation support, health insurance, and travel allowances. Beyond financial support, many programs also offer mentorship, leadership training, and career networking, preparing Indian students for long-term success in international careers.
Study abroad programs
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, USA
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship 2026 is a premier opportunity for Indian citizens with at least three years of professional work experience. Administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), this fellowship is designed for highly motivated individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities. It covers tuition, living expenses, and airfare for Master’s programs in fields like Arts and Culture Management, International Affairs, Public Administration, and Journalism. For the 2026-2027 cycle, candidates must have completed an equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university with at least 55% marks.
- Institution: Various U.S. Universities
- Study in: USA
- Level of Study: Master’s
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
2.Tata Scholarship for Cornell Uni, USA
The Tata Scholarship 2026 is a massive endowment established by the Tata Education and Development Trust. It allows approximately 20 Indian undergraduate students to attend Cornell University regardless of their financial circumstances. This scholarship covers the total cost of undergraduate tuition and provides a generous allowance for living expenses. Preference is given to students accepted into the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, the College of Engineering, and majors in the applied sciences. Applicants must be Indian citizens who have completed their secondary school in India and demonstrate significant financial need.
- Institution: Cornell University
- Study in: USA
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
3.Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, UK
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 is aimed at talented Indian students who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. This award covers full tuition, airfare, and a monthly stipend of approximately £1,347 (or £1,652 for those in London). It focuses on six developmental themes, including Science and Technology for Development and Strengthening Global Peace. Indian applicants must apply through the Ministry of Education (MoE) portal and have a minimum of 60% marks in their bachelor’s degree.
- Institution: Participating UK Universities
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
4.Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program that offers a life-changing opportunity for Indian professionals with leadership potential. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the scholarship provides full financial support for a one-year Master’s degree in any subject at any UK university. It includes tuition fees, a set living allowance, and return flights. India has one of the largest Chevening programs in the world, reflecting the strong educational bond between the two nations. Applicants must have at least two years of work experience and a clear vision for how they will contribute to India’s development upon their return.
- Institution: Any UK University
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: Master’s
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
5.DAAD Scholarship (EPOS), Germany
The DAAD Scholarship 2026 for “Development-Related Postgraduate Courses” (EPOS) is a major draw for Indian engineers and social scientists. Germany offers world-class education with almost zero tuition fees at public universities, and this scholarship adds a monthly stipend of €992 for Master’s and €1,300 for PhD students. It also covers health insurance and travel grants. Applicants from India should ideally have at least two years of professional experience in a relevant field and a bachelor’s degree not older than six years.
- Institution: German Public Universities
- Study in: Germany
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
6.Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars, USA
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program 2026 is one of the most prestigious graduate fellowships in the world. It provides up to three years of full funding for any graduate degree at Stanford University, including the MBA, JD, MD, and PhD programs. Indian students who are selected receive a stipend for living and academic expenses, a travel grant, and a tuition fellowship. The program focuses on building a multidisciplinary community of future leaders who can solve complex global problems.
- Institution: Stanford University
- Study in: USA
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
7.Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded, postgraduate award which enables exceptional young people from India to study at the University of Oxford. For 2026, five scholarships are available for Indian citizens. It covers all university and college fees, a personal stipend of over £19,000 per annum, and private health insurance. Candidates are selected based on academic excellence, character, leadership, and a commitment to service. This is widely considered the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship program in the world.
- Institution: University of Oxford
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: Postgraduate (Master’s / PhD)
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
8.Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026 offers approximately 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK, with a significant portion traditionally awarded to Indian scholars. It covers the full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge, including tuition, a maintenance allowance of £21,000 per year, and airfare. The selection committee looks for intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a “commitment to improving the lives of others.” It is available for almost any subject offered at the university.
University program directory
- Institution: University of Cambridge
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
9.National Overseas Scholarship (NOS), Government of India
The National Overseas Scholarship 2026-2027 is a Government of India initiative specifically for students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans. It provides financial assistance for pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees abroad. For the 2026 intake, the scholarship covers actual tuition fees, a maintenance allowance of $15,400 per year (for the USA) or £9,900 (for the UK), and incidental travel expenses. A total of 125 slots are available annually to help marginalized Indian students access global education.
Student loan information
- Institution: Any Recognized Foreign University
- Study in: Worldwide
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
10.Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The Inlaks Scholarships 2026 provide the opportunity for young Indians to study at top-rated institutions in Europe, North America, and the UK. The scholarship covers tuition fees, adequate living expenses, and one-way airfare, with a maximum funding cap of $100,000. It is particularly known for supporting unconventional fields of study, including the fine arts, humanities, and social sciences, alongside more traditional STEM subjects. Applicants must be below 30 years of age and hold a first-class degree from a recognized university in India.
Internship listings
- Institution: Top Global Universities
- Study in: USA, UK, Europe
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
11.Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees.
The Erasmus Mundus program 2026 is a unique opportunity for Indian students to study in at least two different European countries. These high-level integrated study programs are fully funded by the European Union. The scholarship covers tuition, library and laboratory costs, full insurance, and a monthly allowance of €1,000 for the entire duration of the program. It is an excellent way for Indian students to gain multi-country experience and earn a double or joint degree from prestigious European institutions.
- Institution: Consortium of European Universities
- Study in: Multiple European Countries
- Level of Study: Master’s
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
12.MEXT Scholarship, Japan
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2026 for Indian students is a fully funded opportunity to study at Japan’s leading universities. It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend of approximately 143,000 Yen, and round-trip airfare from India. The scholarship is available for undergraduate, research, and Master’s/PhD levels. Japan is a world leader in robotics, automotive engineering, and biotechnology, making this a top choice for Indian STEM students. The application process usually involves a written exam and interview conducted by the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi.
- Institution: Japanese Universities
- Study in: Japan
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
13.GREAT Scholarships, UK
In partnership with the British Council, the GREAT Scholarship 2026 offers Indian students £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course in the UK. For the 2026-27 session, over 25 UK universities are participating in the program specifically for Indian applicants. While not always “fully funded” for living costs, the significant tuition waiver makes prestigious UK education highly accessible. This scholarship is available across a wide range of subjects, including business, law, and design.
- Institution: Participating UK Universities
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: Master’s
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
14.Melbourne Research Scholarship, Australia
The University of Melbourne offers approximately 600 Graduate Research Scholarships for the 2026 intake. For Indian PhD and Master’s by Research students, this scholarship provides a full tuition waiver, a living allowance of $37,000 per year, a relocation grant, and health cover. It is highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit. With Melbourne being home to one of the largest Indian student communities, this scholarship provides both financial security and a familiar cultural environment.
- Institution: University of Melbourne
- Study in: Australia
- Level of Study: Master’s by Research / PhD
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
15.Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, Canada
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026 at the University of Toronto is the most prestigious and competitive scholarship for international students in Canada. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of undergraduate study. Indian students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership in their schools are nominated by their high school principals. This scholarship aims to identify students who are original and creative thinkers within their school community.
- Institution: University of Toronto
- Study in: Canada
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
16.Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships, offers Excellence Scholarships 2026 to Indian researchers and artists. These scholarships provide a monthly payment, exemption from tuition fees, health insurance, and airfare. They are primarily for PhD or Postdoctoral research at one of the public universities or recognized institutes in Switzerland. This is an ideal choice for Indian scholars in fields like particle physics, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech manufacturing.
- Institution: Swiss Public Universities
- Study in: Switzerland
- Level of Study: PhD / Postdoctoral / Research
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
17.Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, France
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 is a tool developed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to enable French higher education institutions to attract top foreign students. For Indian applicants, the scholarship provides a monthly allowance of €1,181 for Master’s and €1,700 for PhD students, along with international travel, health insurance, and cultural activities. It covers four main fields: Law, Economics and Management, Engineering Science, and Political Science.
- Institution: French Universities and Grandes Écoles
- Study in: France
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
18.University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
The University of Sydney offers the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship 2026 for high-achieving Indian students. The award provides up to $40,000 for one year, which can significantly cover tuition costs. While not always fully funded for the entire duration, it is one of the most substantial merit-based awards in Australia. Indian students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs are automatically considered based on their academic ranking.
- Institution: University of Sydney
- Study in: Australia
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
19.Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, Hungary
The Stipendium Hungaricum 2026 is a government-funded scholarship program for Indian students to study in Hungary. It provides tuition-free education, a monthly stipend, accommodation contribution, and medical insurance. Hungary is home to some of Europe’s oldest universities with strong programs in medicine and technology. The application for Indian students is often processed in coordination with the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the Ministry of Education in India.
Internship listings
- Institution: Hungarian Universities
- Study in: Hungary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Master’s / PhD
Click here for deadlines and the step-by-step application process.
