University scholarships
The most common kind. Often merit-based, sometimes partial, and frequently considered automatically when you apply.
Know your options
Types of study abroad scholarships
Government scholarships
Offered by destination countries and usually very competitive. Most are for master’s or research study.
Government of India schemes
Some national and state schemes support particular groups of students. Check eligibility carefully.
Assistantships and fellowships
Common for research degrees, where students may receive a stipend for teaching or research work.
Private and external awards
From foundations, trusts and organisations, often for specific fields or backgrounds.
Education loans
Not a scholarship, but often part of the funding plan. Compare interest, moratorium and collateral terms.
Well-known examples
Major scholarships open to Indian students
A few examples, checked in October 2026. Each has its own eligibility, deadlines and conditions, which change each year.
| Scholarship | Country | Mainly for | Official information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | United Kingdom | One-year master’s; work experience needed | chevening.org |
| Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships | United Kingdom | Master’s study; India is an eligible country | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission |
| Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships | USA | Master’s, research and professional fellowships | USIEF |
| DAAD scholarships | Germany | Mainly postgraduate and research study | DAAD |
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships | Ireland | Students at Irish higher education institutions | Check with Irish universities and the official programme page |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Europe | Master’s programmes across several European universities | Check the official European Union pages |
| National Overseas Scholarship | India (Government of India) | Eligible students from specified groups, for master’s and PhD abroad | Ministry of Social Justice |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns →
Career Captain is not affiliated with any scholarship body. Eligibility and deadlines change every year, so always read the official rules before applying. Beware of anyone who promises a scholarship in return for a fee.
Improve your chances
How to apply for study abroad scholarships
Do
- Start early: many deadlines fall a year before the course starts
- Apply to several scholarships, not just one
- Write an honest, specific statement for each application
- Build a strong academic record and real achievements
- Keep documents ready: transcripts, recommendations, test scores
Avoid
- Building your whole plan around a single scholarship
- Copying statements or exaggerating achievements
- Missing small eligibility details
- Paying anyone who promises a guaranteed award
Who you will speak with
A counsellor with real workplace experience
Career Captain is led by Anil Velpula, a certified career counsellor with more than 20 years of corporate, training and mentoring experience.
His work across GE Capital, Synchrony and Cognizant gives a practical view of what different careers actually demand day to day. That perspective sits alongside the assessment results, so recommendations stay grounded in real courses, real jobs and the student’s own circumstances.
Questions families ask
Frequently asked questions
Which country gives 100% scholarships to Indian students?
No country gives full scholarships to every student. Some government awards, such as Chevening in the UK, and some university awards cover most costs, but they are rare and highly competitive. Plan a budget that works without one.
Can I study abroad for free?
Very few students study abroad entirely for free. Low-tuition public universities, such as many in Germany, still involve living costs and proof of funds. Scholarships can reduce the cost but rarely remove it.
Are there scholarships for studying abroad after 12th?
Yes, mainly from universities, and usually partial. Government scholarships for bachelor’s degrees are less common than for master’s study. See study abroad after 12th.
When should I apply for study abroad scholarships?
Usually at the same time as, or before, your university applications. Some major scholarships close many months before the course begins, so start planning about a year ahead.
Does Career Captain help with scholarships?
Yes. Scholarship guidance is part of our study abroad counselling, with realistic expectations, because eligibility never guarantees an award. See study abroad counselling.
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Related guidance
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