Are you an Indian student aspiring to pursue a master's degree abroad but concerned about the financial implications? You're not alone. In 2025, over 1.8 million Indian students are studying abroad, underscoring the growing ambition for international education. However, the average annual expenditure for an Indian student abroad can reach up to $70,000, encompassing tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
This significant investment makes a scholarship for Masters abroad for Indian students a crucial avenue for many. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to Indian students aiming to study overseas, offering financial relief and making global education more accessible.
Types of Scholarship for Masters Abroad for Indian Students
Indian students pursuing a master’s abroad can access several types of scholarships based on merit, need, or specific eligibility criteria. Understanding these types helps students identify which opportunities suit their profile and financial situation.
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, or significant achievements in extracurricular activities. Merit-based scholarships reward talent and potential rather than financial need.
2. Need-Based Scholarships
Designed to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, need-based scholarships consider a student’s financial situation. They aim to make higher education abroad accessible to those who may not have the resources to fund their studies independently.
3. Government-Funded Scholarships
Scholarships provided by governments, either in India or the host country, are often fully funded and cover tuition, living expenses, and travel. These scholarships usually have clearly defined eligibility criteria and are highly competitive.
4. University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships to attract talented international students. These can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both, and are often designed to incentivise academic excellence and diversity on campus.
5. Private and Non-Governmental Scholarships
Private foundations, NGOs, and corporate organisations also provide scholarships. These may be merit-based, need-based, or target students pursuing specific fields or demonstrating unique talents or community service.
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Want to explore loan options alongside scholarships? Take a look at our 2025 Guide to the Top 5 Education Loans in India for a quick comparison of banks and NBFCs offering study abroad financing.
Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
Many Indian students wonder, “How can I get a scholarship to study abroad?” To support talented and deserving candidates, the Government of India offers several scholarships for international studies. These programs provide financial assistance covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and more, making global education more accessible.
Financial Aid Options for Master's Abroad Indians
Indian students aiming for a master’s degree abroad have access to several scholarships and financial aid schemes provided by the Indian government and allied organisations. The scholarships can be categorised into fully funded, partially funded, and loan-based options.
1- Fully Funded Scholarships for Masters Abroad for Indian Students
- Commonwealth Scholarship (via Ministry of Education - MHRD) (Fully Funded): Offered for postgraduate study in Commonwealth countries, this scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and research support, enabling students to pursue high-quality education abroad.
- Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship (Postdoctoral Funding at Oxford): A prestigious fellowship providing full support for research at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, including a stipend, airfare, and living costs.
2- Partially Funded Scholarships & Grants
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship (Cultural & Academic Exchange Grant): Supports postgraduate education abroad through tuition coverage, basic living allowance, and accommodation subsidies, fostering cultural exchange and international academic collaboration.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship (Prestigious International Award): Covers tuition fees and living expenses for postgraduate students in arts, humanities, design, social sciences, and STEM fields, allowing study at top universities in the USA, UK, or Europe.
- Raman-Charpak Fellowship (Research Internship Grant): Funds Indian students undertaking research internships in France at master’s or PhD level, covering stipend, accommodation, and travel costs.
3- Loan-Based Financial Aid Options for Master’s Abroad Indians
- JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship (Low-Interest Loan Grant): Provides loan scholarships ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh for Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, with minimal or zero interest when repaid on time.
If you're considering studying abroad but don't have collateral to pledge, our guide on education loans without collateral for abroad, including top lenders and interest rates, is a great place to start.
Leading International Scholarship for Masters Abroad for Indian Students
Beyond Indian government scholarships, numerous international scholarships help Indian students pursue master’s and postgraduate studies abroad. These awards are offered by universities, foundations, and international programs, providing funding for tuition, living expenses, travel, and other essentials.
Scholarships to Study in the USA for Indian Students
The United States remains one of the top destinations for Indian postgraduate aspirants, especially in STEM, business, and research-driven fields. Several universities and global organisations offer scholarships that fully or partially cover tuition and living expenses. Below are some of the most popular options.
Scholarships to Study in the UK for Indian Students
From Oxford to Imperial, the UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities. Indian students have access to numerous fully funded and partially funded master’s scholarships from both government organisations and private foundations.
Scholarships to Study in Canada for Indian Students
Known for its welcoming immigration policies and research-friendly education system, Canada provides generous funding options for Indian master's students through both universities and national programs.
Want to know how education loans can actually save you money through tax benefits? Explore Education Loan Benefits in India and Abroad (2025) to get the full picture.
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Eligibility forTop Scholarships for Indian Postgraduates Abroad
Before applying for scholarships for Indian students to study masters abroad, students must meet certain essential requirements. These requirements are especially relevant for those seeking masters study grants for Indian students overseas, helping them understand what it takes to secure funding.
1. Most scholarships require applicants to have achieved a strong academic record or a minimum GPA/grades as specified by the funding organisation.
2. Applicants must provide an acceptance letter or proof of application from a recognised international university.
3. Demonstrating English language competence through tests like IELTS or TOEFL is often mandatory.
4. Many scholarships are restricted to students of specific countries, so that citizenship verification may be required.
5. Certain scholarships have maximum age limits, which must be adhered to during application.
6. Some awards are subject-specific, limited to particular disciplines or courses.
7. For need-based scholarships, students must provide proof of family income or financial status.
8. Professional or postgraduate scholarships may require relevant work experience.
9. Applicants typically submit a statement of purpose or motivational essay highlighting their goals, interests, and suitability for the scholarship.
10. Scholarships often ask for recommendation letters from professors, mentors, or employers.
11. Certain programmes require students to submit medical fitness certificates or health-related documentation.
12. Some scholarships value community involvement, leadership roles, or extra-curricular achievements as part of the selection process.
Documents Required for Scholarship for Masters Abroad for Indian Students
Most scholarship for Masters abroad for Indian students ask for a similar set of documents. Keep these ready:
1. Academic Records – Class 10th onwards + UG transcripts/degree
2. Offer Letter / Admission Proof (if applicable)
3. IELTS / TOEFL / PTE Scorecard
4. Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Scholarship Essay
5. 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
6. Updated Resume (CV)
7. Passport / ID Proof
8. Income Certificate / ITR (for need-based scholarships)
9. Research Proposal (only for research-focused scholarships)
10. Certificates of Achievement / Extracurriculars (optional but valuable)
Preparing for Scholarships Abroad: Reddit Insights
Planning during undergraduate studies can make a big difference for students aiming for Masters or PhD programs overseas. Here’s a real-life query shared by an Indian student on Reddit:
Reddit User shared:
"I'm currently doing integrated zoology (UG, PG, and research honours combined) at a pretty prestigious university in my state, just started my first year. Though I would like to go abroad for my masters or PhD for a wider research scope, as I'm very much passionate about it. I know nothing about the said topic, though, so that any information could be helpful. The things I should be alert about during my UG years, what categories (grades, projects, extracurriculars) the universities abroad consider for eligibility of the scholarship, how to apply, everything, really."
Insight:
Students often start planning for higher studies abroad early, but are unsure which academic and extracurricular factors influence scholarship eligibility. Universities typically look at:
- Academic grades and GPA
- Research experience, internships, and projects
- Leadership roles and extracurricular involvement
- Clear motivation and well-crafted application documents
What we infer from the above case:
1. Early awareness of scholarship requirements is crucial.
2. Strong academic and research profiles enhance eligibility.
3. Extracurriculars and leadership can significantly boost applications.
4. Preparing documents like SOPs and recommendation letters well in advance is essential.
Tip:
Start preparing from the first year itself. Focus on grades, research, and extracurriculars, and research available scholarships to maximise your chances of securing Masters study grants for Indian students overseas.
Securing a scholarship for Masters abroad for Indian students can significantly ease the financial burden of international education, allowing you to focus on academics, research, and career growth. Familiarising yourself with available scholarship types, beginning preparations in advance, and maintaining a solid academic and extracurricular profile can greatly improve your chances of earning financial support.
For students exploring financial aid options, Propelld offers flexible education loans and guidance tailored to Indian students aspiring to study abroad, helping make global education more accessible and achievable.
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