Indian Government Scholarships to Study Abroad: Your 2026 Guide

Studying abroad is a dream for thousands of Indian students every year. In 2024, over 7.6 lakh Indian students pursued higher education overseas, according to education today. While international education offers unmatched global exposure, skill development, and career advancement, its high tuition fees, visa charges, and living expenses often create a financial gap too wide for many aspirants to bridge.

This is where Indian government scholarships to study abroad stand out, not just as financial aid, but as government-backed investments that offer a strong return on education and give students a global competitive edge. From covering tuition fees to providing travel allowances, these scholarships are designed to empower deserving students, including those from marginalized and economically weaker sections, to achieve their academic and career goals.

If you are planning your overseas education in 2026, understanding the available scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government is crucial. This guide focuses on helping you understand the eligibility, secure the maximum benefits, and master the application strategy for top Indian government scholarships to study abroad.

Indian government scholarships for studying abroad are financial assistance programs offered by various ministries and organizations under the Government of India. Their primary aim is to help students overcome financial constraints while pursuing higher studies in international universities.

These scholarships are tailored for different groups of students:

• Students from marginalized communities such as the Scheduled Castes (SC), the Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
• Students with financial need, whose academic goals are limited by economic challenges.
• Meritorious students with excellent academic performance.
• Postgraduate and doctoral aspirants looking for international research opportunities.
  

Most of these scholarships cover:

• Tuition fees
  
• Living expenses (accommodation, food, etc.)
  
• Travel allowances (airfare)
  
• Insurance and contingency grants
  

By leveraging Indian government scholarship for abroad studies, students can significantly reduce their financial burden and focus entirely on academic growth and global exposure.

These Indian government scholarships to study abroad offer some of the best financial returns on education, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and more. Each of these programs is designed to deliver maximum ROI by turning academic potential into global success.

Here’s a detailed look at the most prestigious and high-value government scholarships available for Indian students in 2026:

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) has been one of India’s oldest and most impactful initiatives for promoting inclusive global education. Launched to support students from marginalized communities, NOS has enabled hundreds of scholars to pursue advanced degrees in leading universities worldwide. Its focus on equitable access and full financial support makes it one of the highest ROI scholarships for Indian students.

• Administered by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

• Target Audience: Students from SC, ST, OBC, economically disadvantaged, and other marginalized communities

• Eligibility:
  • Annual family income below ₹8 lakh
  • Age not exceeding 35 years
  • Admission to Master’s or Ph.D. programs in recognized foreign universities (preferably within top 500 QS World Rankings)

• Coverage:
  
  • 100% funded – covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel allowance
  • Living allowance of USD 15,400 per year (approx. ₹12.8 lakh) for the USA and equivalent support for other countries

• Terms and Conditions:
  • Maximum of 10% of total slots per State/UT
    
  • Students must maintain satisfactory academic performance abroad
    
  • Applicable only for recognized foreign institutions
    

• Application Timeline:
  • Applications are typically open between September and October each year on the official NOS portal.

• Why it’s High-ROI:
  • With full financial coverage and preference for top-ranked institutions, the NOS is among the best government scholarships to study abroad for marginalized groups.

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs, established in 1959 under the Commonwealth framework. Jointly supported by the Indian and UK governments, it has produced generations of scholars contributing to academia, research, and public policy. Its strong reputation and full coverage make it a top pick for students looking for an exceptional return on academic investment.

• Administered by: Ministry of Education, Government of India
  
• Target Audience: Indian students pursuing postgraduate programs in Commonwealth countries (mainly the UK)
  
• Eligibility:
  • Indian citizenship required
  • Must have secured admission to a recognized university in a Commonwealth nation
  • Excellent academic track record and English proficiency
    
• Coverage:
  
  • 100% funded – includes full tuition fees, return airfare, and monthly living allowance
    
  • Airfare
    
  • Living allowance of £1,378 per month (approx. ₹1.46 lakh), depending on the location
    

• Terms and Conditions:
  • Funding duration: up to 1 year for Master’s and 3 years for PhD
  • Subject to annual academic progress review
  • Students must return to India upon completion
    

• Application Timeline:
  • Applications usually open between August and October, with deadlines around 21 October 2025 via the Commonwealth portal.

• Why it’s High-ROI:
  • This scholarship is especially popular for students pursuing scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government after graduation, as it focuses on postgraduate studies.

The UGC Scholarship is a government initiative designed to promote academic excellence and facilitate global exposure for Indian students. Backed by the University Grants Commission, it supports bright minds who have secured admission to top international universities. While not as old as other schemes, its focus on merit and affordability provides a solid return on investment for students.

• Administered by: University Grants Commission (UGC)
  
• Target Audience: Indian students with a minimum of 60% marks in their qualifying examination
  
• Eligibility: 
  • Admission to a foreign university for undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs
  • Must demonstrate financial need or academic excellence
• Coverage
  • Covers tuition fees and living expenses (amount varies based on destination)
  • Travel expenses reimbursed under certain conditions

• Terms and Conditions:
  • Applicants must not hold another full scholarship simultaneously
  • Award amount depends on university location and program type
    

• Application Timeline:
  • Applications are accepted annually through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), generally between May and July.

• Why it’s High-ROI:
  • By supporting a broad range of programs and levels, the UGC scholarship provides a strong return on investment for students aiming for recognized international degrees.

Launched to commemorate the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, this scheme provides comprehensive financial assistance for Scheduled Caste students aspiring to pursue higher education overseas. It reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to social equality and education-driven empowerment. With its full coverage and merit-based selection, it offers an excellent educational and financial ROI for deserving students.

• Administered by: Dr. Ambedkar Foundation
  
• Target Audience: Scheduled Castes students pursuing higher education abroad

• Eligibility:
  • Must belong to the Scheduled Caste category
  • Proof of admission to a foreign university for Master’s or PhD studies
    

• Coverage:
  • Fully funded – covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs
  • Living allowance capped as per government guidelines (subject to annual updates)
    

• Terms and Conditions:
  • Preference to applicants with prior academic excellence
  • Recipients must adhere to scholarship guidelines and academic progress reports
    

• Application Timeline:
  • Applications are invited periodically on the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation website – usually between August and November each year.

• Why it’s High-RO
  • This scholarship is a great option for SC students looking for Indian government scholarship to study abroad in 2026.

The ICCR Scholarships were established to promote cultural exchange and strengthen India’s educational diplomacy. Over the decades, ICCR has sponsored thousands of students from India and abroad, encouraging academic collaboration and cross-cultural learning. With comprehensive financial support across multiple study levels, it stands out as a versatile and impactful funding option.

• Administered by: ICCR
  
• Target Audience: Undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students under cultural exchange programs

• Eligibility:
  • Open to meritorious students selected under bilateral education exchange programs
  • Admission confirmation from recognized foreign universities
    

• Coverage:
  • Fully funded – tuition, airfare, and monthly living expenses
  • Living allowance between ₹18,000 – ₹35,000 per month, depending on program level and destination country
    

• Terms and Conditions:
  • Recipients must fulfil cultural participation obligations under ICCR’s mandate
  • Duration varies based on program (UG/PG/PhD)
    

• Application Timeline:
  • For the academic year 2025–26, applications opened on 20 February 2025 and closed on 30 April 2025, via the ICCR portal.

• Why it’s High-ROI:
  • ICCR scholarships are versatile and cater to students across multiple study levels, making them a top choice among scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government.

These Indian government scholarships to study abroad are specifically designed for students who have completed their undergraduate studies and wish to pursue postgraduate or doctoral degrees overseas. Each of these programs provides strong financial and academic support, ensuring that deserving graduates can access world-class institutions without financial barriers.

1. Commonwealth Scholarship (MHRD): Covers Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Commonwealth countries.
   
2. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship: Supports postgraduate studies in the USA, UK, and Europe.
   
3. JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education: Provides loan scholarships for PG/doctoral/postdoctoral studies overseas.
   

These scholarships are ideal for students aiming to pursue higher studies after completing their graduation in India. They are highly competitive but immensely rewarding.

Applying for Indian government scholarships to study abroad can seem daunting, but breaking it down into clear steps makes the process manageable. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for 2026 aspirants:

Not all scholarships are suitable for every student. Begin by identifying the ones that match your:

• Study level: Undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs
  
• Field of study: Some scholarships are discipline-specific
  
• Target country: Certain scholarships are limited to specific destinations (e.g., Commonwealth Scholarship for the UK)
  
• Eligibility criteria: Age limits, income limits, academic requirements, or category-based eligibility (SC/ST/OBC/general)
  

Pro Tip: Keep a list of all scholarships you are eligible for, along with their application deadlines.

Before starting the application, carefully read the eligibility criteria. Key points include:

• Academic qualifications: Minimum marks, degree type, or relevant coursework
  
• Age limits: Some scholarships, like NOS, have age caps
  
• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen
  
• Admission requirement: Many scholarships require confirmation of admission to a recognized university abroad
  

Pro Tip: Even if a scholarship says “preferred” for a criterion, aim to meet it fully—it strengthens your application.

Document preparation is often the most time-consuming step. Typical documents include:

1. Academic transcripts and certificates
   
   • Mark sheets from 10th grade, 12th grade, undergraduate, and postgraduate (if applicable)
     
   • Degree certificates
     
2. Proof of admission (if required)
   
   • Offer letters or acceptance letters from the foreign university
     
3. Identity and residence proof
   
   • Passport, Aadhar card, voter ID
     
4. Category certificate (for SC/ST/OBC or other reserved categories)
   
5. Income certificate
   
   • For scholarships with income limits
     
6. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
   
   • Outline your academic goals, career aspirations, and reasons for choosing the scholarship and university
     
7. Letters of Recommendation
   
   • Academic or professional references highlighting your achievements and potential
     
8. Financial documents
   
   • Bank statements or any other proof to support scholarship claims
     

Pro Tip: Scan and save all documents in PDF format. Keep both the original and photocopies ready, as some portals require submission during verification.

Most Indian government scholarships for studying abroad are applied for online. Common portals include:

• National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
• ICCR Scholarships
• UGC Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarship (via MHRD): Apply through the Ministry of Education portal
  

Application Tips:

• Create an account on the official portal
  
• Fill in all personal, academic, and financial details carefully
  
• Upload scanned documents in the specified format
  
• Double-check information to avoid errors
  

Pro Tip: Take screenshots of each step as a backup in case of portal errors.

Your SOP can make or break your application. A well-written SOP should:

• Introduce yourself and your academic journey
  
• Explain why you want to study abroad and how the scholarship will help
  
• Highlight your career goals and contributions to society
  
• Mention any relevant achievements, internships, or research experience
  

Pro Tip: Tailor each SOP according to the scholarship’s objectives. For example, NOS emphasizes empowerment of marginalized students, while Commonwealth scholarships focus on leadership potential.

Strong letters of recommendation validate your academic and professional abilities. Key tips:

• Choose referees familiar with your work and achievements
  
• Give them at least 4–6 weeks to prepare the letter
  
• Provide them with your CV, SOP, and details of the scholarship
  

Pro Tip: Ensure the recommendation letters are on official letterhead and signed or submitted digitally through the scholarship portal.

Before final submission:

• Review all sections for completeness
  
• Ensure all documents are correctly uploaded
  
• Check eligibility statements and declaration forms
  

Pro Tip: Early submission is better. Avoid last-minute uploads to prevent technical glitches.

Some scholarships may require:

• Written tests (rare but possible)
  
• Interviews – in person or online
  
• Additional documentation verification
  

Stay alert for emails or portal notifications and respond promptly.

• Most portals allow you to log in and track your application
  
• Keep a note of the reference/application number
  
• Note scholarship award announcements and dates for acceptance
  

Pro Tip: Maintain a spreadsheet of all scholarships you applied for with deadlines, submission status, and follow-ups.

Once selected:

• Complete any required formalities with the Indian government
  
• Coordinate with your university for visa and admission procedures
  
• Prepare for travel and accommodation abroad
  

Proper planning ensures a smooth transition from scholarship approval to starting your international education.

• Write a Strong SOP: Clearly articulate your academic and career goals. Highlight how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
  
• Get Strong Recommendations: Obtain letters from professors or professionals familiar with your academic and personal qualities.
  
• Meet Deadlines: Early submission improves your chances.
  
• Plan Finances: Even with scholarships, budget for any additional costs to avoid last-minute stress.
  

Following these strategies will give you a competitive edge among other applicants seeking government scholarship to study abroad.

Indian government scholarships are transformative tools for students aspiring to study abroad in 2026. From tuition fee coverage to living expense support, these scholarships make global education more accessible to students from all backgrounds.

At Leapscholar, we specialize in guiding students through every step of their study abroad journey. From scholarship selection to university applications and admissions, our expert counselors provide personalized assistance, ensuring you make informed decisions.

Start your journey today, explore the right scholarships for you, and take the first step toward a successful global education experience with Leapscholar.