Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the cost of international education can be a major barrier. To support deserving students, both the central and state governments in India offer a variety of scholarships that cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs. These scholarships help students access world-class education without financial stress.
This guide provides a detailed list of major government-funded study abroad scholarships, along with eligibility criteria and benefits.
Central Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for SC, ST, and OBC Students
- Offered by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Eligibility:
- Open to SC, ST, and OBC students
- Family income should be below ₹8 lakh per annum
- Must have secured at least 60% in the last qualifying exam
- Admission to a recognized university abroad
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, visa fees, airfare, and living expenses for postgraduate and PhD programs
2. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Offered by: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
- Eligibility:
- Indian students applying for master’s programs in the US
- Minimum three years of work experience
- Strong leadership qualities and academic performance
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and health insurance
3. Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme for OBC and EBC Students
- Offered by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Eligibility:
- Open to Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Economically Backward Classes (EBC)
- Annual family income must be below ₹8 lakh
- Admission to a top-ranking foreign university
- Benefits: Provides funding for tuition, living expenses, and airfare
4. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
- Offered by: Ministry of Education
- Eligibility:
- Only for research scholars in history, economics, and political science
- Age limit: 30-40 years
- Minimum of 60% marks in postgraduation
- Benefits: Covers living expenses, travel costs, and tuition fees for studies at the University of Oxford, UK
5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Offered by: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
- Eligibility:
- Indian students applying for master’s or PhD programs in top international universities
- Must have completed a bachelor’s degree in India
- Strong academic and extracurricular profile
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses up to $100,000
State Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
1. Maharashtra Government Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- Maharashtra domicile students from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities
- Must have secured admission to a foreign university
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹6 lakh
- Benefits: Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare
2. Karnataka Government Overseas Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- Open to SC, ST, and OBC students from Karnataka
- Must have at least 60% marks in undergraduate studies
- Family income should be below ₹8 lakh per annum
- Benefits: Tuition fees, travel allowance, and maintenance allowance for master’s and PhD programs
3. Tamil Nadu Government Overseas Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- SC/ST students from Tamil Nadu
- Must have an offer from a top 200 university abroad
- Family income should be below ₹6 lakh per annum
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses
4. West Bengal Government Swami Vivekananda Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- For meritorious students from West Bengal pursuing higher education abroad
- Family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, accommodation, and other educational expenses
5. Andhra Pradesh NTR Videshi Vidyadharana Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- Open to economically weaker sections and minority students
- Must have secured admission to a foreign university
- Family income should be below ₹6 lakh per annum
- Benefits: Financial assistance for tuition, travel, and living expenses
How Kandor Can Help You Apply for Scholarships
Kandor is an AI-powered study abroad platform that simplifies the process of applying for scholarships, universities, and visas.
Scholarship Matching: Get personalized recommendations based on your academic profile and eligibility.
Application Assistance: Guidance on filling out scholarship applications and writing strong essays.
University Selection: Find universities that align with your budget and career goals.
Visa Support: Step-by-step guidance on visa applications and documentation.
Final Thoughts
Government scholarships make it possible for Indian students to pursue higher education abroad without financial burdens. If you are planning to study overseas, research and apply for these funding opportunities early. Platforms like Kandor can help streamline the process and maximize your chances of securing financial aid.
