Higher education, both in India and abroad, can be a significant investment. Fortunately, numerous scholarships support meritorious and deserving Indian students. Whether you’re aiming for the IITs, Ivy Leagues, or anything in between, here’s your updated guide to the top scholarships available for Indian students in 2025.
1. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- For: Indian students pursuing full-time Master’s, MPhil, or Doctoral programs abroad (except engineering, computer science, and business).
- Covers: Tuition, living expenses, and one-way airfare.
- Deadline: Typically March–April 2025.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- For: Outstanding Indian professionals pursuing a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
- Covers: Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs.
- Deadline: Expected to open in August 2024 for the 2025 intake.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
- For: Indian students applying to UK universities for Master’s and PhD programs.
- Covers: Tuition fees, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
- Administered by: Ministry of Education, Government of India.
4. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA)
- For: Indian citizens applying for master’s or research programs in the U.S.
- Covers: Tuition, airfare, living allowance, and insurance.
- Deadline: Usually May–July 2024 for the 2025-26 academic year.
5. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- For: Graduates and doctoral students for study and research in Germany.
- Covers: Monthly stipend, travel, and tuition (mostly free at public universities).
- Highly regarded: Especially for STEM, social sciences, and humanities.
6. Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford)
- For: Exceptional Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at Oxford.
- Covers: All university fees, living expenses, and airfare.
- Highly competitive: Seeks academic excellence, leadership, and public service.
7. JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education of Indians
- For: Indian students pursuing higher education abroad.
- Nature: A Loan scholarship with a low interest rate.
- Amount: ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 depending on need and merit.
8. KC Mahindra Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies Abroad
- For: Indian students accepted into top international universities.
- Amount: Up to ₹8,00,000 per student.
- Preference: Given to applicants in engineering, natural sciences, and medicine.
9. Aditya Birla Scholarship (India)
- For: Students admitted to prestigious Indian institutes (IIMs, XLRI, IITs).
- Value: Substantial tuition assistance with mentorship opportunities.
- Based on: Academic merit and leadership potential.
10. Google Generation Scholarship (Asia-Pacific)
- For: Female students in computer science and related fields.
- Support: USD 1,000 for tuition and professional development.
- Goal: Promote gender equity in tech.
Bonus Tip: Scholarship Portals to Monitor
Final Word
With so many funding options available, affordability shouldn’t stand in the way of ambition. Each scholarship has different criteria, so planning early, organizing documents, and aligning with your academic goals is essential. Whether you’re targeting an MBA, PhD, or research fellowship, 2025 is rich with opportunity.