Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad: Your Ultimate Guide to Overseas Education Funding

Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost? For thousands of Indian students, financial challenges can often become the biggest hurdle in pursuing global education. Fortunately, several Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad are available to support deserving candidates in achieving their academic dreams. From Fully funded scholarships for Indian students to interest subsidies on educational loans, these scholarships for Indian students span across graduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. levels. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most reputed Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government after 12th, their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply. We’ll also touch upon how platforms like Supreme Forex can help you manage international finances efficiently – from forex cards to sending tuition fees abroad.

Why Choose Indian Government Scholarships?

Scholarships for Studying Abroad by the Indian Government after 12th or after graduation offer more than just financial aid. They symbolize a commitment to equity, access to global learning, and upliftment of underrepresented communities. Whether you’re from a marginalized group or a meritorious student with financial constraints, there’s likely a scholarship suited to your profile.

These fully funded scholarships for Indian students cover tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and even research grants. Moreover, getting selected for a reputed international scholarship adds significant weight to your academic resume.

Top Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government after 12th

Let’s dive into some of the most popular foreign scholarships for Indian students:

1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme for SC Students

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme supports SC, Denotified, Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic Tribes, and Landless Agricultural Labourer students pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. degrees abroad. Funded by the Indian government, it covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more. With an annual income cap of ₹8 lakh, it aims to empower marginalized communities through global education opportunities.

Organized by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Level: Master’s and Ph.D.

Coverage:

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Travel allowance
• Contingency grant
  

Eligibility:

• Must belong to Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, or Landless Agricultural Labourers.
  
• Annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
  
• Minimum 60% in the qualifying examination.
  

Why Apply: It’s one of the most inclusive scholarships encouraging higher education among socially disadvantaged groups.

2. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans

The Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans offers full interest subsidy on education loans for overseas studies taken from scheduled banks under the IBA model. It is available to students from economically weaker sections (family income ≤ ₹6 lakh) belonging to SC and OBC categories, helping reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.

Organized by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Level: Master’s and above

Coverage:

• Full interest subsidy on education loans taken from scheduled banks under the Education Loan Scheme of IBA
  

Eligibility:

• Annual family income ≤ ₹6 lakh
• SC/OBC category students
• Must have secured admission to an approved course abroad
  

Why Apply: You don’t get a direct scholarship, but the interest-free loan structure significantly reduces the burden of repayments.

3. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are prestigious, Fully funded scholarships for Indian students to pursue a master’s degree in the U.S. They cover tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance. Aimed at professionals with leadership potential, the fellowship supports fields like public health, environmental science, and education, promoting academic excellence and cross-cultural exchange between India and the United States.

Organized by: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)

Level: Master’s

Coverage:

• J-1 visa support
• Tuition and living costs
• Airfare and health insurance
  

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen with at least three years of professional experience
• Demonstrated leadership and community service
• Strong academic record

Why Apply: These are prestigious fellowships, often seen as a launchpad for global leadership roles.

4. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship is a prestigious award for Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad in top universities in the USA, UK, or Europe. It offers funding up to USD 100,000, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel. The scholarship targets academically outstanding individuals with exceptional talent in fields like humanities, fine arts, and social sciences.

Organized by: Inlaks Foundation

Level: Postgraduate

Coverage:

• Tuition, living expenses, and travel (up to $100,000 USD)
  

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen under 30 years
• Admitted to top-ranked institutions in the US, UK, or Europe
• Strong academic and extracurricular profile
  

Why Apply: Highly competitive but extremely rewarding in terms of funding and prestige.

5. Fulbright-kalam Climate Fellowship

The Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship is a prestigious initiative by the U.S.-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) supporting Indian researchers working on climate change. Offered at the doctoral and postdoctoral levels, it funds research, travel, and living expenses in the U.S., fostering collaborative solutions to global climate challenges. It promotes innovation and strengthens Indo-U.S. ties in environmental research.

Organized by: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)

Level: Doctoral and Postdoctoral

Coverage: 

• J-1 visa 
• stipend
• airfare
• accident and sickness coverage
• research allowance

Eligibility: Indian citizens with academic/professional expertise in climate science, and a valid Ph.D. registration (for doctoral)

Why Apply: Gain international research exposure, collaborate with top U.S. institutions, and contribute to impactful climate solutions.

6. The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians

The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians offers loan scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral studies abroad. Amounts range from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, with potential partial travel grants. Selection is merit-based and includes an online test and interview, supporting students from diverse fields studying at globally reputed institutions.

Organized by: Tata Trusts

Level: Postgraduate

Coverage:

• Loan scholarships (₹1 lakh – ₹10 lakh)
• Partial travel grants

Eligibility:

• Indian nationals with consistent academic record
• Must have secured admission to a recognized overseas university

Why Apply: Offers flexibility and is open to a wide range of fields and countries.

7. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded one-year research fellowship offered by the Government of India at St. Antony’s College, Oxford University. Aimed at exceptional Indian scholars under 30, it supports advanced research in history, economics, and political science, covering tuition, travel, and living expenses. It honors Agatha Harrison’s legacy in education and diplomacy.

Organized by: Ministry of Human Resource Development

Level: One-year research position at Oxford University

Coverage:

• Full tuition and maintenance allowance
• Travel expenses
  

Eligibility:

• Indian nationals with a Ph.D.
• Age below 30 years
• Consistent academic record
  

Why Apply: Exclusive research opportunity at Oxford—perfect for aspiring academicians.

8. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust

The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust offers scholarships to Indian women graduates pursuing higher education at reputed international universities. Focused on fields like public health, social work, and development studies, the trust supports tuition and travel expenses. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and admission to a recognized institution abroad. It empowers women to become global changemakers.

Organized by: Tata Education Trust

Level: Master’s degree for women

Coverage:

• Tuition support
• Travel allowance
  

Eligibility:

• Indian women graduates from reputed universities
• Admission into reputed international institutions
• Preference for Social Sciences, Public Health, Education, and Development Communication

Why Apply: Empowers Indian women to pursue leadership in critical development fields.

State Government Scholarships

In addition to central schemes, state governments also offer Foreign scholarship for Indian students:

1. Chief Minister’s Overseas Study Scheme (Telangana/Andhra Pradesh)

This scholarship supports SC, ST, OBC, and Minority students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh pursuing postgraduate or doctoral studies abroad. It offers financial assistance covering tuition, living expenses, and travel for selected candidates at top international institutions.

2. Maharashtra Foreign Scholarship

Offered by the Government of Maharashtra, this scholarship aids socially and economically disadvantaged students pursuing postgraduate education abroad. It covers tuition fees and other study-related costs to empower meritorious students and promote higher education opportunities among underprivileged communities.

3. Rajasthan Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence

This merit-based scholarship provides financial aid to outstanding students from Rajasthan for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs abroad. It includes tuition and maintenance expenses, aiming to encourage global academic exposure and nurture future leaders across diverse fields.

4. Kerala Overseas Scholarships

Administered by Kerala’s Backward Classes Development Department, this scheme supports students from OBC and minority communities pursuing higher education abroad. It covers tuition, living costs, and travel, ensuring equal access to international education for socially and economically backward candidates.

How to Get a Full Scholarship to Study Abroad?

Now that you know about the schemes, here’s how to get Foreign scholarship for Indian students:

• Start your research at least 12-15 months before your desired intake
  
• Maintain an excellent academic record
  
• Gain community service or leadership experience
  
• Ace your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
  
• Meet all documentation and deadline requirements
  

How Supreme Forex Can Help with Studying Abroad

Once you win a scholarship or secure admission, you’ll need to send money abroad for tuition, accommodation deposits, and living expenses. That’s where Supreme Forex steps in:

Services Tailored for Students:

• Student Forex Cards – Multi-currency Forex Cards. Load multiple currencies at locked-in exchange rates
  
• Send Money for Tuition Fees – Quick, compliant outward remittance through RBI-approved channels
  
• Live Currency Exchange – Best rates for USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and more
  
• Document Assistance – Help with Form A2, PAN, and KYC requirements
  
• Study Abroad Support – Resources and guidance tailored to students and parents
  

With Supreme Forex, you enjoy convenience, compliance, and competitive pricing – all under one roof.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How can I study abroad for free?

Apply for fully funded scholarships like Fulbright-Nehru, Commonwealth, or NOS. Combine them with university grants and on-campus jobs to reduce costs further.

Q. How to get scholarships to study abroad from India?

Start early, maintain academic excellence, demonstrate leadership, and submit a compelling SOP. Focus on both central and state government schemes.

Q. Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

Yes, but check each scheme’s guidelines. Some may restrict combining benefits.

Q. Do I need to pay tax on scholarships received from the Indian government?

No. Scholarships are generally not taxable in India.

Q. Are there Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government after 12th?

Yes. Some schemes like the NOS or Chief Minister’s Overseas Scheme are open to students who’ve completed their 12th and gained admission to a bachelor’s program abroad.

Also Read – https://www.supremeforex.com/blogs/best-country-to-study-abroad-for-indian-students/

Final Thoughts

Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad open up a world of opportunity for academically driven and deserving Indian students. From full tuition to research grants and interest subsidies, these schemes reduce the financial barriers that often prevent talented individuals from accessing world-class education.

And when it’s time to handle finances, whether it’s sending money abroad, securing a forex card, or managing travel cash, Supreme Forex offers unmatched student-friendly solutions.

Empower your global journey with the right scholarship and seamless financial tools. Your dream of studying abroad is closer than you think.