Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarships are a form of financial aid provided to students to help them cover their education costs and other expenses. These are awarded based on merit, need or a combination of both. They can come from various sources, such as the government, universities, private organizations, corporations, foundations and individuals. Some scholarships cover the full cost of tuition fee and living expenses. They are generally known as fully funded scholarships.

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad

Two of the best grants for Indian students to study abroad include Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships and Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships. Additionally, there are several countries that offer fully funded scholarships for Indians in particular. These include the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, China, Japan and most of the EU member states.

Steps to Get a Scholarship for Indian Students

Obtaining a scholarship is easy if one goes about the process strategically. Mentioned below are some tips:

• Research scholarships: Finding the perfect scholarship and applying for it is time-consuming. Thus, one should start researching scholarships in advance so as to find the best options that suit their academic profile and interests.
  
• Check eligibility: It is necessary to check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship since it varies based on the country or university one is applying to.
  
• Prepare for standardized tests: Applicants require standardized test scores, such as the IELTS or TOEFL for English language proficiency or the GRE, GMAT, or SAT as proof of academic proficiency. Start preparing for these as soon as possible in order to get a good score.
  
• Contact universities: Check the official website of universities or contact them directly via email to learn more about the financial aid options they offer.
  
• Apply early: More often than not, scholarship deadlines are well before the start of the academic term. It is vital to keep oneself up to date about the timeline.
  
• Write a strong application: Use the application essay as an opportunity to highlight any scholastic and co-scholastic achievements, personal strengths and career goals.

How can students increase their chances of being awarded scholarships?

Students can apply for various scholarships whilst studying abroad to decrease their financial burden. Although the process is highly competitive there are certain strategies and methods they can use in order to significantly increase their chances of being selected to receive a grant. Mentioned below are some examples:

• Prepare and Follow a Schedule: Numerous scholarships have early deadlines which need to be checked by the students themselves. Make sure all documents are ready to go once the portals open up.
  
• Thorough Research: Students should make sure they have a list of every single scholarship they might be eligible for regardless of how well-known they are along with their requirements. They should apply to as many of them as they can to increase their chances of getting one. Smaller scholarships frequently have less competition, enhancing one’s chances of winning.
  
• Multiple Drafts: One should aim to create multiple drafts and play around with the structure in addition to writing different introductions and conclusions to pick one that is best suited at the end.
  
• Individuality and Expression: Students should use an anecdote that sets their essay apart from the competition. One must showcase their passion, be clear about their objectives and most importantly be themselves.
  
• Word Limit: Every word counts. Ensure that the essay does not go over the limit and there aren’t any unnecessary tangents in it.
  
• Grammar and Formatting: There is no room for error when it comes to spelling, grammar or the essay’s formatting. Proofread it multiple times and get second opinions.
  
• Extracurricular Activities: Many scholarships favour students who are interested in their communities and are well-rounded. Join sports teams and engage in volunteer work.
  
• LORs: Request school teachers for strong letters of recommendation and give them plenty of time to draft them.
  
• Tailored Application: Change the application to reflect the objectives of each scholarship. To learn what the scholarship provider values, do some research about the organisation.

What are the best Scholarships for Indian Students?

Mentioned below are some of the best scholarships for Indian students in the UK, Canada, Australia and the US respectively.

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
Commonwealth Scholarships are given to qualified individuals who have the potential to make a positive impact globally. Around 800 students are allowed annually to pursue postgraduate degrees with UK universities as per their ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth. Students from India, a Commonwealth country, who can’t afford to fund their studies on their own can apply for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarships program. Chevening Scholarships are offered to candidates with passion, vision and skills that are needed to shape a better world. These awards are offered to study in the UK for one year for a fully funded master’s degree course.

Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships
Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarships are offered on the commencement of a coursework degree. These are offered to undergraduates and postgraduates, including international students.

Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is an international postgraduate award given to students to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are offered to deserving Indian students to study in universities in the US, UK and other European countries. It is one of the best scholarships for Indian students to study in Europe and includes university courses and special programs. It is given to students doing full-time Masters, M.Phil., or Doctoral degree courses.

Erasmus Mundus
Erasmus Mundus scholarship is for Indian students in the UK who want to pursue a master’s degree. A student must have a bachelor's degree or be in their last year of bachelor’s studies and graduate before the master's program starts.

Felix Scholarship
Felix Scholarship is for unprivileged students from India and other developing countries who want to pursue post-graduation education in the Universities in the UK.

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are for those students who want to pursue a master’s degree or research in a US educational institution. The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) offers these scholarships to the most outstanding students, academics and professionals in India.

Tata Scholarship
Tata Scholarship is given to highly talented Indian students to do their Bachelor’s degree at Cornell University.

UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award is for those international students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and want to apply to British Columbia University for undergraduate programs.

Australia Awards Scholarship
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) offers fully funded scholarships to students who want to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study. These are given to students from 50 developing countries particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region, including India.

Australian Embassy Fully Funded Scholarships
These scholarships offered by the Australian Embassy are for undergraduate, master’s, PhD and MBA courses and are given to international students, including students from India.

University of Melbourne Scholarships
The University of Melbourne Scholarships are given to deserving local and overseas students to study and do research work at Melbourne University.

Adelaide Scholarship International (ASI)
The University of Adelaide grants Adelaide Scholarship International (ASI), a fully funded scholarship for international students who want to pursue 2-year master’s degrees and 3-year doctoral research degrees.

Canam Consultants is India’s leading study abroad consultant group, where students can get the proper career guidance.  Contact us to learn more today!