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Best Abroad Studies Scholarship Opportunities for Indian Students

 

Want to study abroad but stressing over the cost? 

GOOD NEWS! 

Abroad studies scholarships offer the crucial financial support that a lot of students require and dream off.

“A scholarship is a fund offered by schools, colleges, universities, or other organisations as a financial aid for the students with excellent ability but little to zero money. Some more flexible scholarships permit students to apply despite their academic skills or finances.”

Researching every little thing about the Abroad studies scholarship can be a pretty daunting task.
So we’ve made this process easier by breaking down each scholarship question to help you study abroad.

In this article, you’ll find answers to the following questions:
1) Everything you need to know about abroad studies scholarship
2) How is scholarship different from grants and student loans?
3) Who can apply for a scholarship to study abroad?
4)
Different Types of Abroad Studies Scholarship
5)
List of Foreign Scholarship for Indian Students
6) List of Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian government

Let’s start with the basics:

1. Everything You Need to Know About Abroad Studies Scholarship

Lots of students desire to study abroad. It’s obvious that an international experience brings students the opportunity to make friends from different cultures, travel abroad, join an internship, develop professional connections, and engage themselves in a new society, all while obtaining a prominent education. That’s why students are joining in hordes to take their talents and education abroad.

But many students think that studying abroad is too costly to dream for. They have limited budgets. Plus, they don’t know where and how to follow the scholarship application process in a different nation.

The truth is lots of universities, colleges, and other institutions set goals to hire a particular number of students overseas with a purpose to expand their student body and cultivate the cultural experiences. That’s why they develop scholarships, especially for international students who otherwise may not have it within their financial means.

Fortunately, there are a variety of abroad studies scholarships available, including general ones and more specific funding schemes. Some are provided by the government, some by private firms, and others by foreign charitable organizations and individual universities.

The amount of money paid for scholarship depends upon which scholarship you get and who is offering it. Most scholarships cover your basic expense of studying. It includes the tuition and student fees, books charges, and other school-related payments. Sometimes, scholarships also cover your living expenses, like the payment for food and lodging.

2. How is Scholarship Different from Grants and Student Loans?

Students often mislead the terms scholarships, student loans, and grants. Or use them interchangeably. Of course, they are there to help students financially. Yet each one has its own eligibility requirements and guidelines. 

Let’s have a look at the unique characteristics of scholarships, grants, and student loans to understand the difference and know why scholarships are better than others.

Key difference between scholarships and grants

Both scholarships and grants are financial aids, which means students don’t have to pay back the money. However, grants are need-based, and most likely go to youngsters who can't afford the study costs. On the other hand, many scholarships are allocated based on academic merit , sportistics, or creative abilities.

Key difference between scholarships and student loans

Contrary to scholarships, student loans are a type of financial help that students can apply at financial institutions which they have to pay back. 

3. Who can Apply for a Scholarship to Study Abroad?

Any individual who fulfills the application requirements can apply for scholarship. Indeed, it’s a clear answer, but different scholarships aim at different students. Keep an eye on scholarships you meet the requirements of. Check if the universities update the scholarship application deadlines, and whether the national or international students can apply for it.

Here are some of the most common scholarship application requirements:
• Registration or Application Form for scholarships
• Motivational Letter or Personal Essay to support the application
• Recommendation Letter
• Academic Transcripts or any  Athletic Accomplishment

4. Different Types of Abroad Studies Scholarship

There are many types of scholarships available to each student with unique abilities. The primary six are:

Merit-Based

For the students having an academic record or extraordinary achievements in sports or any other service to the community.

Student-Specific

Students who meet the requirements based on gender, family, religion, and medical history can go for such scholarships.

Destination-Specific

A handful of public authorities, governments or institutions offer bursaries (monetary awards) and funds to students from a specific country.

Subject-Specific

Some universities and institutions reward students who intend to pursue a career in a specific field of study.

Need-Based

Focused on students dealing with financial problems. These scholarships require your parent’s financial background. You may have to submit certain documents like family income, tax statements, employment proofs, etc.

Sports-Based

Offered to first-class athletes. These scholarships are a call to contribute to your community with rigid training and present your university at events while taking care of your education.

 

With so many alternatives, it can be a little complicated to decide which abroad studies scholarship to go for. That’s why we prepared the list of scholarships provided to Indian students eager to study abroad.

5. List of Scholarships to Study Abroad for Indian Students

1. Tata Scholarship - Cornell University, USA

Tata Education and Development Trust offers this scholarship in partnership with Cornell University to support around 20 scholars from India. The trust grants the scholarship annually and selected students will get the scholarship throughout their undergraduate period at Cornell University. 

Eligibility: The student must be an Indian resident who has completed secondary school in India and be qualified for need-based scholarship. 

2. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship - UK

Commonwealth Scholarships Commission offers this abroad studies scholarship to Indian students with education in English medium. It approximately covers Rs 31,60,764 that includes tuition fee, living expenditures, and economy class return plane tickets.

Eligibility: At least 60% marks in Social Sciences and Humanities or a minimum of 65% marks in the Science, Technology, Agriculture and Engineering field.

3. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award - British Columbia University, Canada

This scholarship is open to international students looking for undergraduate programs from British Columbia University, Canada. It covers tuition fees, living expenses and other financial costs.

Eligibility: One has to meet the requirements of the scholarship. English language is a must. And students should also submit all the need-based documents.

4. Australia Awards Scholarship

It’s a fully paid scholarship, covering tuition expenses, living costs, accommodation bills, return air ticket, and much more. 

Eligibility: It is open only for undergraduate, recently graduated, and postgraduate candidates belonging to particular Indian universities. 

5. Australian Embassy Fully Funded Scholarships

This scholarship is available for applicants of Undergraduate, Masters, PhD and MBA courses at specific Australian universities.

Eligibility: Any student who has attained a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying degree can apply for this.

6. List of Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian government

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs)

EMJMDs are Masters level programs offered by institutes across Europe. It primarily covers the expenses of course, traveling, living and insurance.

Eligibility: The scholarships are open for students from all parts of the world. The student must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. They should also possess an equal level of education.

2. Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

This scholarship is for excellent Indian students seeking Masters in the U.S.A

Eligibility: Students need the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree with the total of 55% marks. They must have a proven record of leadership skills with 3 years of work experience. Plus, students must commit to return to India and contribute to their society.

3. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships - the USA, UK and Europe

It’s an opportunity for youth with unique talent in any industry to expand their knowledge abroad and enhance their skills to work in the community. 

The foundation offers two types of abroad studies scholarship
1) University courses 
2) Specific programs.

Eligibility: The Scholarships are open to all Indian citizens, below 30 years of age, holding a good first degree from a recognised institute of India. They must have a minimum of two years of work experience. 

4. Orange Tulip Scholarship

Provided by high-level education institutions, worldwide universities, and government organizations, this scholarship aims at talented Indian students eager to study a Bachelor's or Master's degree in The Netherlands.

Eligibility: Applicant should be an Indian resident and be in the enrollment process at The Netherlands or have been admitted to a Dutch university

5. GREAT Education Scholarships

British Council provides this scholarship to potential Indian students to support their study in the U.K. The scholarship covers a minimum of £10,000 as tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate program.

Eligibility: Students seeking the scholarship must be an Indian resident and have been admitted to the listed Universities in the U.K. They should also have proclaimed leadership potential and skills.

 

Summing Up
As you can see, there are a variety of abroad studies scholarships available to apply for. Most students are eligible for partial funding in some form. Do your own research and submit all listed documents correctly in order to increase your odds of being awarded.