Best Study Abroad Countries: Complete Guide for Students
Choosing the right study destination can transform your career prospects. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the top countries offering world-class education.
5 Government Scholarships To Fund Your Study Abroad Dream
Share this Blog
Facebook
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Twitter
Email
Share this Blog
Are you dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the massive costs? Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from pursuing higher education in top international universities. The Indian government offers several scholarship programs specifically designed to help students like you achieve their study abroad goals without burning a hole in your parents’ pockets.
At Global Campus, we’ve helped hundreds of students from Delhi NCR region secure these life-changing scholarships. Today, we’re sharing insider knowledge about 5 government-funded scholarships that could be your ticket to studying at world-renowned universities.
Need guidance? Let us help you!
Table of Contents
Why Study Abroad Scholarships Matter More Than Ever
Let’s be honest – studying abroad is expensive. With tuition fees ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 annually, plus living expenses, the total cost can easily cross ₹50 lakhs for a master’s degree. This is where government scholarships become game-changers.
These aren’t just financial aids – they’re investments in your future that come with zero interest rates, no collateral requirements, and often cover everything from tuition to accommodation.
1. National Overseas Scholarship
The National Overseas Scholarship is one of India’s most comprehensive scholarship programs for students from SC, ST, OBC, minority communities, and differently-abled categories.
What’s Covered:
- Complete tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel expenses
- Visa and other incidental costs
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Family income should not exceed ₹8 lakhs per annum
- Need graduation degree for master’s programs
- Master’s degree required for PhD applications
- Only available for SC, ST, OBC, minority, and differently-abled students
Application Process: The scholarship application opens annually, usually in October-November. You need to submit academic transcripts, income certificates, category certificates, and a detailed study plan.
Pro Tip from Global Campus: Start preparing your documents 3 months before the application deadline. Many students miss out simply because of incomplete documentation.
2. Nehru Master's Fellowship
This prestigious fellowship, administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), offers Indian students the opportunity to pursue master’s degrees at selected American universities.
Available Fields:
- Economics
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Public Health
- Environmental Science/Studies
- International Legal Studies
- Higher Education Administration
- Women’s Studies/Gender Studies
- Urban and Regional Planning
- International Affairs
- Sustainable Development
What Makes It Special:
- Full funding for 1-2 years
- Covers tuition, living expenses, and health insurance
- Access to top American universities
- Networking opportunities with alumni network
Selection Criteria: Academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to return to India and contribute to development are key factors.
3. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship
Established in 1976, the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation has been quietly funding Indian students’ education at premier universities in the US and Europe for almost five decades.
Coverage:
- Tuition fees up to $100,000
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
- Books and equipment
Target Universities: The scholarship primarily supports admission to top-tier universities in the United States and Europe, including Ivy League institutions.
Application Timeline: Applications typically open in September and close by January. The selection process includes written applications, interviews, and reference checks.
Success Strategy: This scholarship values originality and innovation. Focus on presenting unique research ideas or career goals that demonstrate how you’ll contribute to India’s development.
4. Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship
Named after Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, this fellowship specifically targets climate change research and is perfect for PhD scholars focused on environmental issues.
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in a PhD program in India
- Research focus should be on climate change or environmental issues
- Strong academic background required
Benefits:
- Research opportunity in the United States
- Access to American research facilities
- Collaborative research with US institutions
- Monthly stipend and research allowance
Application Focus: Your research proposal should clearly demonstrate how your work will benefit both India and global climate solutions.
5. Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme
While not a traditional scholarship, this scheme provides interest subsidy on education loans for overseas studies, making international education more affordable.
How It Works:
- Government pays the interest on your education loan
- Available for one year of study
- Reduces your overall loan burden significantly
Eligibility:
- Must have at least 60% marks in master’s degree
- Loan should be from a recognized financial institution
- Course should be in approved foreign universities
Financial Impact: This scheme can save you ₹2-5 lakhs in interest payments, depending on your loan amount.
Application Strategy That Works
Start Early:
Most successful applicants begin their preparation 12-18 months before the intended start date. This gives enough time for standardised tests, application preparation, and document collection.
Craft Compelling Essays:
Your personal statement and study plan are crucial. They should clearly articulate:
Why you want to study abroad
How the specific program aligns with your career goals
Your contribution to India’s development post-graduation
Build Strong Recommendations:
Letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or community leaders can significantly strengthen your application. Choose recommenders who know your academic and professional capabilities well.
Prepare for Interviews:
Most scholarships include interview rounds. Practice common questions and be prepared to discuss your research interests, career goals, and motivation for studying abroad.
The Global Campus Advantage
As one of Delhi NCR’s leading study abroad consultants, Global Campus offers:
Comprehensive Scholarship Guidance: We help identify the right scholarships based on your profile, academic background, and career goals.
Application Support: From essay writing to interview preparation, our experienced counselors provide end-to-end support.
Documentation Assistance: We ensure all your documents are complete, authentic, and submitted on time.
Success Track Record: Over 300 students have secured various scholarships with our guidance in the past five years.
Studying abroad doesn’t have to remain a distant dream. With proper planning, strategic applications, and professional guidance, these government scholarships can make your international education goals achievable.
The key is to start early, stay organized, and present your best self in applications. Remember, thousands of Indian students are currently studying abroad on these scholarships – you could be next.
Ready to begin your scholarship journey? Contact Global Campus today for a personalized consultation. Let’s turn your study abroad dreams into reality.
Book a Free Consultation today!
Related Blogs
How CBSE Students Can Build Study Abroad-Ready Profiles
Discover how CBSE students can build strong profiles for studying abroad without compromising board exam performance. Balance academics with profile-building.
Over 2 Lakh Indians Dumped Their Citizenship in 2024
While India dreams of becoming “Vishwaguru” (world leader), its own citizens are saying “Thanks, but no thanks” to Indian citizenship! Here’s Why Students Are Running from “Vishwaguru” India to Study Abroad!