Every year, about 200,000 Indian students venture abroad to study their choice of courses. If you are wondering, how have these overcome financial hurdles? Then here is the answer: with the help of fully funded scholarships. These fully funded scholarships for Indian students provide a golden opportunity to achieve their academic goals without worrying about finances. In this article, let us explore the latest fully funded scholarships for international students.
What is the Meaning of Fully Funded Scholarship?
Fully funded scholarships cover educational costs such as tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and living expenses (in some cases). These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden on students, thus helping them to solely focus on their studies.
Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA
Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru scholarship is offered for Indian students pursuing master's degrees in the USA. It covers full funding for tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare (for two years of master’s program). This scholarship is sponsored by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). To be eligible for this scholarship, students should have a bachelor's degree and work experience with potential leadership qualities. The Fulbright-Nehru scholarship is offered in fields such as 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. The scholarship provides a great opportunity to network with global leaders and alumni support.
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Sponsored by Stanford University, this scholarship is open to graduate students from all disciplines. It covers tuition fees, living stipend, and additional benefits like academic and leadership development programs. Graduates who display exceptional leadership and academic potential are eligible for this program. Knight-Hennessy scholars receive up to three years of funding to pursue graduate studies at Stanford. These scholars get leadership training, global exposure, and mentorship.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living allowances, with pre-academic English language training if required. Candidates applying for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program should have five years of professional experience, which would help them in the mid-career program. To be eligible for this scholarship, the candidate must be a graduate with five years of professional experience. The candidates should demonstrate leadership qualities with a proven track record in public service. It is one of the fully funded scholarships for Indian students for masters.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
JJ/WBGSP programme is available for students of some developing countries with relevant professional experience. The scholarship is offered in 41 different master’s courses in 24 universities of United States, Europe, Africa, etc. To be eligible for this scholarship, the candidate should be a national of a World Bank member developing country and should hold a bachelor’s degree, which was earned at least three years prior to the application date. Candidates should also have three years of paid, development-related work experience. The scholarship covers tuition fees, the cost of medical insurance, travel fares, and living expenses.
Read Further: USA Scholarships for Indian Students
Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK
Here is the list of fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad.
Chevening Scholarships
Sponsored by the UK Government, Chevening Scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. To be eligible for the Chevening Scholarship, you must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country and hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies for any UK master’s program. Indian students with potential leadership qualities and work experience are selected for this program. Chevening Scholarship provides access to a global network of leaders, which can be helpful for the students in the future. This scholarship also includes fully funded MBA scholarships for Indian students.
Rhodes Scholarships
Rhodes Scholarship is sponsored by Rhodes Trust, which offers students tuition fees, living stipend, and airfares. Students with outstanding academic achievements and leadership qualities under 25 years of age are eligible for application. Students planning to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford can apply for Rhodes Scholarship. The selection process is rigorous, with an interview to assess intellectual excellence and vision to contribute to society. Every year, around 100 Rhodes Scholarships are awarded to selected students across the world.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Gates Cambridge Scholarship is sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It fully covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for Indian students and other international students too. Students planning to pursue postgraduate programs at the University of Cambridge can apply for this scholarship. This scholarship provides an opportunity for personal development and global networking. Students with exceptional academic backgrounds from around the world are eligible to apply.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are sponsored by the UK Government. It completely covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfares. To be eligible for this scholarship, the candidate has to be a citizen of Commonwealth nations. Commonwealth Scholarships are available in fields such as Engineering, Health Sciences, and Technology. This scholarship is available for both master’s and PhD programs. Commonwealth Scholarships are given to those students who aspire to contribute to their home country’s development after studies.
Read Further: UK Scholarships for Indian Students
The Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarships are sponsored by Felix Trust, which covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel fares. Students with financial need and academic excellence are eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship is awarded in all disciplines at selected UK universities. Students get lifelong support and mentorship.
Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
DAAD Scholarships
Sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance. Graduates with at least two years of work experience are eligible to apply for this scholarship. DAAD scholarship is available in fields of engineering, science, arts, and more. This scholarship facilitates students with exposure to Germany’s academic and industrial environment.
Heinrich Böll Scholarship
Heinrich Böll Foundation sponsors the Heinrich Böll Scholarship. Students who receive this scholarship get a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and research costs. As per the eligibility criteria, students with strong academic records and social commitment will be chosen for this scholarship in the fields of master’s and doctoral programs. This scholarship provides engagement in political and environmental projects for the scholars.
Erasmus+ Program
Sponsored by the European Union, this programme covers tuition fees, travel allowance, and living expenses for those who receive it. It is open to both graduates and postgraduates who want to pursue postgraduate or doctoral studies in Germany. If you are looking for fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students, you can opt for the Erasmus+ Program.
Deutschlandstipendium
Deutschlandstipendium is sponsored by the German Government and private organizations, providing financial support and mentoring to academically excellent students who prove their abilities in social engagement. It is open at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and provides opportunities such as networking with industry leaders and alumnus support to the scholars.
Read Further: German Scholarships For Indian Students
Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia
Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship Awards
Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship is sponsored by the Australian Government to provide financial support to master’s and PhD scholars. The award is offered on a merit basis to these students. Every year, around 20 scholarships are provided to students from Asian countries and other regions. The scholarship offers a travel allowance of $4,500, an establishment allowance of $4,000, and a monthly stipend of $2,500 per month. It also offers $12,500 per semester, up to two years for master’s and up to four years for PhD scholars.
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Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
It is sponsored by the Government of Canada, providing an amount of CAD 50,000 per year for three years. Named after Major-General Georges P. Vanier, this scholarship attracts exceptional doctoral students demonstrating academic excellence, research potential, and leadership from various countries. The scholarship is offered in natural sciences, engineering, health, social sciences, and humanities.
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Sponsored by the University of Toronto, this scholarship attracts outstanding secondary school students applying for undergraduate programs. If you are looking for fully funded scholarships for Indian students after the 12th, then this is the most suitable option. The scholarship covers complete tuition, fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support. To be eligible for this scholarship, you should be an international student enrolled in the final year of secondary school.
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Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in South Korea
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
This scholarship is sponsored by the South Korean Government and it covers tuition fees, airfares, living expenses, and Korean language training. Students enrolling themselves in undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs are eligible for this scholarship in all academic fields. Global Korea Scholarship provides a complete cultural exchange and career opportunities in South Korea.
Korean Government Support Program for Foreign Exchange Students
This is another Korean Government initiative, providing a monthly allowance, round-trip airfare, and tuition support for international students. This scholarship is open to all disciplines and provides short-term academic and cultural immersion.
Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Japan
MEXT Scholarships
MEXT scholarship is sponsored by the Japanese Government for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD international students. Under the MEXT scholarship, the students can receive complete tuition, fees, travel costs, and monthly allowances. The scholarship is available in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more.
Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program
Another popular scholarship provided by the Japanese Government is the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program. This scholarship is provided in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank for master’s students from developing countries. The scholarship is provided in the fields of economics, management, health, environment, etc. Under this scholarship, the scholars are eligible to receive tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and medical insurance.
Fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Singapore
• Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
• ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship
Fully funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Ireland
• Government of Ireland Scholarships
• Trinity College Dublin Scholarships
• Naughton Foundation Fellowship
• UCD Global Excellence Scholarship
• Maynooth University Taught Master’s Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships for Indian Students in Dubai
• Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship
• Al Qasimi Foundation Scholarships
List of top 10 Fully funded scholarships for Indian Students
Scholarship Name |
Amount Covered |
Field of Study |
Type of Education |
Deadline |
Country Offering |
Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships |
Tuition, travel, living, health insurance |
Arts, public health, environment, etc. |
Master's programs |
Varies by year |
USA |
Chevening Scholarships |
Tuition, living expenses, travel |
Any discipline |
Master's programs |
November annually |
UK |
DAAD Scholarships |
Tuition, living expenses, health insurance |
Engineering, science, arts, etc. |
Master's/PhD programs |
Varies by course |
Germany |
Australia Awards Scholarships |
Tuition, living allowance, airfare, insurance |
All disciplines |
Undergraduate, Master’s |
May annually |
Australia |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships |
CAD 50,000/year for three years |
Sciences, engineering, health, social sciences |
Doctoral programs |
November annually |
Canada |
Rhodes Scholarships |
Tuition, living stipend, airfare |
Postgraduate studies at Oxford |
Master’s/PhD programs |
October annually |
UK |
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) |
Tuition, airfare, living expenses, language training |
All disciplines |
UG, Master’s, PhD |
October annually |
South Korea |
Singapore International Graduate Award |
Tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, settlement |
Science, engineering |
PhD programs |
December annually |
Singapore |
Government of Ireland Scholarships |
€10,000 stipend, tuition fee waiver |
All disciplines |
Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
March annually |
Ireland |
Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship |
Tuition, medical insurance, travel, stipend |
Engineering, science, medicine |
Master’s, PhD programs |
Rolling applications |
UAE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the most common eligibility criteria for fully funded scholarships for Indian students?
A. Common criteria include academic excellence, leadership qualities, relevant work or research experience, English language proficiency, and a clear statement of purpose. Some scholarships also require citizenship of a developing country and financial need.
Q. What are some of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships available to Indian students?
A. Prestigious scholarships include Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships (USA), Rhodes Scholarship (UK), DAAD Scholarships (Germany), Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada), and MEXT Scholarships (Japan).
Q. How can Indian students increase their chances of securing a fully funded scholarship?
A. To increase their chances, students should maintain a strong academic record, gain relevant work or research experience, actively participate in extracurricular and community activities, write a compelling application, and apply well before deadlines.
Q. What are the common application deadlines for fully funded scholarships?
A. Deadlines vary but are typically between September and December for most scholarships. Students should check individual scholarship websites for exact dates.
Q. Where can Indian students find reliable information and resources on fully funded scholarships?
A. Reliable sources include official scholarship websites, government portals, university websites, study abroad consultants, and online forums like StudyInIndia, DAAD, and Fulbright India.
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