I have been helping hundreds of students in achieving their dreams of studying abroad for several years as a study abroad education consultant. Personally, I think the world of scholarships and all the different forms of scholarships is confusing.
I decided to write this article to inform you about the Indian government scholarships for 2025. These scholarships will ease the financial load and enable talented students to pursue overseas education.
Table of Contents
Summary
Here is an overview of the key scholarships that the Indian government offers to study abroad:
Central Government Scholarships: Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, National Overseas Scholarship, and more.
State Government Scholarships: Kerala State Higher Education Council Scholarships, YSR Vidyonnathi Scheme, and others.
Benefits Covered: Tuition fees, living and travel expenses, and additional allowance.
Eligibility: varies according on the scholarship, usually needing income and academic merit.
Total Financial Aid: Varies according to the curriculum, ranging from ₹2 lakhs to USD 33,800 each year.
Central Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
Fulbright-Nehru MastersFellowships
In my experience, Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowships are one of the most sought-after scholarships, awarded to deserving students who demonstrate leadership potential and possess the academic credentials and professional experience necessary to study in the USA.
For a maximum of two years of study, the fellowship covers living expenses, tuition, airfare, and health insurance. They provide scholarships for postgraduate study in disciplines including public administration, science, arts, public health, and economics.
- Benefits Covered: Tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.
- Eligibility: Indian nationals have an excellent academic background, work experience, and a clear study plan relevant to their are
- Total Amount: Variable, depending on the program and duration.
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
- Benefits Covered: Costs of tuition, maintenance allowance, travel expenses, and emergency funds.
- Eligibility: Students from specific communities whose family income is less than ₹8 lakhs per year.
- Total Amount: Up to USD 33,800 annually.
JN Tata Endowment - Higher Education of Indians
- Benefits Covered: Loan scholarships with a low-interest rate.
- Eligibility: Indian students who have been admitted to a prestigious overseas university and have a solid academic record.
- Total Amount: ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakhs.
Great Scholarships India
- Benefits Covered: Tuition fees and health care.
- Eligibility: Indian students with an undergraduate degree and English proficiency test.
- Total Amount: Maximum funding of GBP 10,000
Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
- Benefits Covered: Maintenance allowance, university fees, and flight fares.
- Eligibility: Students holding a Master’s degree in relevant fields with academic excellence.
- Total Amount: Approximately £29,944 annually.
Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Program of Interest Subsidy
- Benefits Covered: Interest subsidy on loans for the moratorium period.
- Eligibility: Indians from the Economically Weaker Section whose family's earnings do not exceed ₹6 lakhs per year.
- Total Amount: Based on the loan amount approved.
State Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
Thus, there exist a few state government scholarship lists. These scholarships have enabled those with financial hardships students to continue higher education overseas. Based on my findings, I have observed students using state scholarships to further their studies overseas.
Students who reside in their respective states and have exceptional academic records are often eligible for these scholarships.
In addition to covering tuition fees, several state governments additionally assist with maintenance allowances and accommodation expenses for students in postgraduate and doctorate studies.
I’ve highlighted a few of the most popular ones for you to look into with your own states.
Ambedkar Overseas Vidyanidhi Yojana
Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department Program
Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) Scholarships
Dr. Panjabarao Deshmukh Lodging Nirvaha Bhatta
Karnataka Minority Development Corporation (KMDC) Scholarships
Conclusion
In my own experience, I have seen students who are getting scholarships from the Government of India who have excellent academics and they are all very blessed. Some scholarships provide full living expenses and full tuition fees along with all the additional support.
Opportunities also arise for those belonging to minority communities or economically weaker sections of society. Take some time to explore and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or get in touch because your dream may come sooner than you think. All the best