Indian government scholarships for studying abroad help Indian students to attend leading universities outside India without worrying about paying for fees. Since the cost of studying abroad is rising, these scholarships now make it possible for talented yet poor students to go after their education goals. In 2025, many Indian students are learning overseas because of government scholarships. The article focuses on the top Indian government scholarships for studying abroad 2025 wanting to pursue education in another country in 2025 as well as on scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government after 12th. and how to apply.

Also Read: Study Abroad Insurance

Why Choose Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad?

Indian government scholarships for studying abroad are to help students excel academically, support those who need support, and make sure students from India interact with the world. Such programs pay the student’s tuition, help with living costs, cover traveling fees, and occasionally visa fees, giving more students the opportunity to study abroad. If you are a graduate of high school and are thinking, “Can I get scholarship from India to study abroad?” A postgraduate person hoping for a PhD can find specific programmes offered by the Indian government based on their skills and interests.

Benefits of Government Scholarships

• Financial Support: Pays for tuition, accommodation, trip by air, and insurance expenses.
• Merit-Based and Need-Based: It helps academically gifted students with financial problems.
• Global Opportunities: Being able to study in top colleges in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
• Social Empowerment: Attention is given to SC, ST, and OBC under the ICDS.

Also Explore: Study Abroad Education Loan 

Top Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad 2025

Indian government scholarships for studying abroad 2025 cover almost all the educational costs. Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students will find here a detailed overview of the most important ones.

1. National Overseas Scholarship

Indian government scholarships for studying abroad like National Overseas Scholarship from the Indian government are created to improve the situation of students who belong to marginalized groups including SC, ST, Denotified Nomadic Tribes, and Landless Agricultural Labourers. In 2025, the available awards are 125, and 30% are meant for women.

• Eligibility: Should score at least 60%, below the age of 35, and have a family income of less than 8 lakh rupees each year.
• Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, airfare, and visa fees.
• Application: Apply via nosmsje.gov.in from April to May 2025.
• Fields: Master’s and PhD programs in accredited foreign universities.

2. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship

Can I get scholarship from India to study abroad? Yes, the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship is a prestigious option for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in the USA. It targets students with leadership qualities and professional experience.

• Eligibility: Equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree with 55% marks, 3 years of work experience, under 30 years.
• Coverage: Tuition, airfare, living costs, and health insurance.
• Fields: Arts, Economics, Environmental Science, Public Health, and more.
• Application: Submit through apply.iie.org by May 15, 2025.

3. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan

Scholarship to study abroad by Indian government offered by the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme helps students from OBC and EBC groups by paying interest on their loans for foreign studies.

• Eligibility: You must be accepted into an allowed course abroad and your family should earn below ₹8 lakh if you are OBC or less than ₹2.5 lakh if you are EBC.
• Coverage: Interest subsidy during the loan repayment moratorium period.
• Application: Through designated banks and state governments.

4. The JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education

Indian government scholarships for studying abroad often tend to be administered with the help of trusts like the JN Tata Endowment, allowing students to get loans for master’s, PhD, and research courses.

• Eligibility: Indian nationals, strong academic record, admission to a reputed foreign university.
• Coverage: Loan up to ₹10 lakh, partial travel grant up to ₹50,000.
• Application: Online test and interview, apply by March 2025 via jntataendowment.org.

5. Cornell University Tata Scholarship

Scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government after 12th from the Indian government are limited, but Cornell University Tata Scholarship helps 20 Indian students every year attend Cornell University in the USA.

• Eligibility: Indian citizens, admission to Cornell, financial need.
• Coverage: Up to $25 million fund covering tuition and living expenses.
• Application: Automatic consideration upon admission to Cornell.

How to Apply for Scholarship to Study Abroad by Indian Government

Scholarship to study abroad by Indian government applications require careful preparation. Follow these steps to maximize your chances:

1. Research Scholarships: Identify schemes matching your academic profile and financial needs.
2. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet academic, age, and income criteria.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather academic transcripts, admission letters, income certificates, and standardized test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, etc.).
4. Apply Online: Use official portals like nosmsje.gov.in, apply.iie.org, or sakshat.samarth.edu.in.
5. Meet Deadlines: Submit applications well before closing dates (typically March–May 2025).
6. Follow Up: Track application status and respond to any additional requests.

Also Explore: Study Loan

Challenges and Tips for Success

Indian government scholarships for studying abroad are very difficult to get due to both restricted places and strict requirements. Out of a huge number of applications, only 350 Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships were given in the year 2024. Here is how to make yourself unique:

• Academic Excellence: Maintain a GPA above 3.4 or 60% marks.
• Strong SOP: Write a compelling Statement of Purpose highlighting your goals and leadership.
• Standardized Tests: Score high on GRE (above 300), IELTS (6.5+), or TOEFL (100+).
• Early Preparation: Start preparing 12–18 months in advance to meet deadlines.

Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government After 12th

Scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government after 12th, they mainly support students seeking a master’s or doctoral degree. At the same time, there are university-run awards and other programs funded by local governments that assist in student finance, for example, Cornell University Tata Scholarship and Telangana’s Chief Minister’s Overseas Scholarship. Anyone interested in merit-based help needs to get 1300 or more on the SAT and 30 or more on the ACT, and then get accepted by a top university.

Also Read: How to Study Abroad

Conclusion

Indian government scholarships for studying abroad, which help them have an equal chance with people worldwide. From National Overseas Scholarship to Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, they encourage students to study widely and take care of their financial concerns. Following the requirements and getting prepared well enables students to achieve their aim of studying abroad. Check out some Indian government scholarships for studying abroad 2025 and set out on the road to a good future.

Also Visit: Class24 StudyAbroad

Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad FAQs

Is it possible for me to get a scholarship from India to study overseas after 12th?

Yet, the choices are fairly restricted. Cornell University Tata Scholarship is open to helping earning undergraduate students. Having excellent marks on SAT/ACT and being admitted to well-known schools is important.

How can a student be qualified for Indian government scholarships for learning in foreign countries in 2025?

Typically, you have to get 60% or more, be less than 35 years old, and make less than ₹8 lakh a year to be eligible. Sometimes, the scheme you choose calls for either employment experience or test results.

To which countries can people travel for studies using Indian government scholarships?

Studies in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and other places with accredited universities can be made possible by scholarships.

Which process should I follow to secure a scholarship for studying abroad on the Indian government’s website?

Make your application through nosmsje.gov.in or apply.iie.org. Give the application center your academic documents, admission paperwork, and proof of your income before the deadline.

Are the scholarships provided by the Indian government for studying abroad completely funded?

Are the scholarships provided by the Indian government for studying abroad completely funded?