The cost of studying abroad is non-negotiable, but paying full tuition is optional.
As overseas education costs continue to surge, with international students in the UK facing average costs around £22,290 (or ₹28.3 lakh), scholarships are no longer a bonus; they’re the essential financial key for most Indian families. With over 1.8 million Indian students currently studying abroad, the competition for limited funds is fierce.
The good news? Universities and governments are responding with expanded funding options (merit-based, need-based, and country-specific). Students who master the application strategy and align their profile with the right criteria dramatically improve their chances of securing funding.
This guide breaks down exactly how to get scholarship to study abroad in 2026 using a clear, research-backed system. We’ll help with the practical steps towards building a profile for full or 100% funding, including advice for those applying right after their 12th grade.
Types of Scholarships Available to Study Abroad for Indian Students
Understanding the main scholarship categories helps you decide where your profile fits best. Each type supports a different goal, whether it is academic performance, financial need or country-specific priority areas.
Here’s a snapshot of the most common scholarships for Indian students planning to study abroad.
| Scholarship Type | What It Covers | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Based Scholarships | Tuition reduction for strong academics. Useful when researching how to get a scholarship to study abroad. | University of Toronto International Scholar Award, Imperial College Global Excellence |
| Merit-Based Scholarships | Financial support for students who cannot pay full fees. Helps those asking how to get a free scholarship abroad. | Harvard Financial Aid, ETH Zurich Excellence Need-Based Grants |
| Government Scholarships | Full or major funding from national governments. Important for those exploring how to get a 100% scholarship to study abroad. | Fulbright USA, Chevening UK, DAAD Germany |
| Country Specific Scholarships | Awards are offered only to students applying to that country. Helpful when deciding how to apply for a scholarship abroad. | Manaaki New Zealand, Destination Australia |
| University Specific Scholarships | Direct funding from individual universities. Useful for how to apply for universities abroad with a scholarship. | UCL Global Undergraduate Award, University of Sydney Vice Chancellor’s Award |
| Program Specific Scholarships | Funding is limited to certain subjects like STEM, public health or MBA. | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Awards, MIT STEM Fellowships |
| Private or External Scholarships | Offered by trusts or organisations in India and abroad. Supports students asking how they can get a free scholarship to study abroad. | Inlaks Scholarship, JN Tata Endowment, KC Mahindra Scholarships |
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad Country-wise
The first step in getting a scholarship to study abroad in certain nations is to find out what each place has to offer Indian students in 2026. Each country has its own laws for who can apply, how to get money, and how to apply.
1. United States Scholarships
Most scholarships in the USA are merit-based, need-based, or university-funded. Strong academics, SAT or GRE scores (where required), a focused SOP, and early applications significantly improve your chances.
| Scholarship | Typical Award Amount | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Fully funded; tuition + living stipend | Strong academics, leadership, community contribution |
| Knight-Hennessy (Stanford) | Up to full tuition + stipend | High GPA, leadership, GRE/GMAT where required |
| Strong academics, leadership, and community contribution | USD 20,000–50,000 (₹18.4L–₹46.0L) | Academic excellence and a purpose-driven study plan |
| Yale Young Global Scholars | Partial to full funding | Strong transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters |
| University of Oregon ICSP | Tuition waiver up to full | Demonstrated financial need and community involvement |
Tip for 2026: Apply 10-12 months before intake and maintain strong academic consistency to remain competitive.
Students who want to go to the US should get their grades up, write great essays, and have clear proof of their finances. Applying early increases your chances of getting institutional scholarships.
2. United Kingdom Scholarships
Indian students planning to study in the UK should apply early because most UK scholarships close months before the intake. Universities prefer strong academics and a clear statement of purpose.
| Scholarship | Typical Award Amount | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Fully funded + stipend | Strong leadership and at least 2 years of experience |
| GREAT Scholarship India | £10,000 (₹12.7L) | Good academic profile and country-specific eligibility |
| Commonwealth Master’s | Tuition + living allowance | Academic merit and development-linked study plan |
| UCL Global Undergraduate | £5,000–£15,000 (₹6.3L–₹19.0L) | Strong academics and personal statement |
| Imperial College India Scholarship | Partial to full tuition | High grades in STEM programs |
These scholarships are given to people who do well in school, show leadership potential, and have clear career ambitions. Students who are clear on how to receive a scholarship to study abroad tend to do better.
3. Canada Scholarships
Canada is suitable for students looking for transparent eligibility criteria and strong post-study opportunities. Most scholarships in Canada are entrance-based. Maintain strong Class 12 scores for UG and a competitive GPA for PG. Some universities consider extracurriculars and community work.
| Scholarship | Typical Award Amount | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate | CAD 50,000/year (₹34.0L) | Research excellence and leadership |
| University of Toronto Lester B Pearson | Full tuition + books | Top academic performance and school nomination |
| UBC International Scholars | CAD 30,000–70,000 (₹20.4L–₹47.6L) | Strong profile, extracurriculars, academic record |
| York University Global Entrance | CAD 20,000 (₹13.6L) | Good grades and strong application essays |
| McGill Entrance Scholarships | CAD 3,000–12,000 (₹2.0L–₹8.2L) | High school academic excellence |
Students searching for how I apply for scholarships abroad should review provincial portals and university websites, since Canada awards many institution-specific scholarships.
4. Australia Scholarships
Australia offers consistent Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia and funding for students who are performing well and those pursuing research pathways.
| Scholarship | Typical Award Amount | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards | Full tuition + living | Academic merit and development-aligned goals |
| Destination Australia | AUD 15,000 (₹9.7L) | Regional campus enrollment and academic merit |
| Monash International Merit | AUD 10,000–50,000 (₹6.5L–₹32.5L) | Consistently high grades |
| ANU Chancellor’s | Partial to full tuition | Academic rank and leadership |
| University of Sydney RTP | Tuition + stipend | Strong research proposal for master’s or PhD |
Australian universities value clear academic performance and well-structured applications. Early deadlines matter because seats fill fast.
5. New Zealand Scholarships
New Zealand offers clear, structured scholarships which help students explore how to get a free scholarship abroad or how to get 100 percent scholarship to study abroad.
| Scholarship | Typical Award Amount | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship | Full tuition + living | Academic merit and community involvement |
| University of Auckland Excellence | NZD 10,000 (₹5.6L) | Strong grades and statement of purpose |
| AUT International Excellence | NZD 7,000 (₹3.9L) | Academic merit |
| Victoria Tongarewa | NZD 5,000-10,000 (₹2.8L–₹5.6L) | Strong academic background |
| Waikato International Excellence | NZD 5,000-15,000 (₹2.8L–₹8.4L) | High school or bachelor scores |
New Zealand scholarships value consistent academic records and early submissions. For STEM and agriculture programs, research alignment improves chances.
Documents Required for Scholarships 2026
Students planning to apply for scholarships abroad in 2026 should prepare a clear and organised set of documents well in advance. Scholarship committees use these documents to evaluate academic consistency, eligibility, financial need, clarity of purpose, and overall readiness for international study.
Always keep both digital and physical copies ready. Submit only certified, updated documents exactly as requested on the official scholarship or university website.
Essential Documents Checklist
You will typically need the following documents when applying for international scholarships:
- Academic transcripts from school or university to demonstrate academic performance and eligibility.
- Degree or provisional certificates (school leaving certificate, bachelor’s or master’s degree) to confirm completion of previous education.
- A valid passport with clear personal details, which is mandatory for identity verification across all scholarship portals.
- English language test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo, depending on the scholarship requirement, to prove academic language readiness.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your academic goals, career plans, and why you require funding. This is one of the most critical evaluation documents.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from academic or professional referees to assess your discipline, skills, and future potential.
- Resume or CV highlighting projects, internships, achievements, leadership roles, and relevant skills.
- Financial documents such as bank statements, income proofs, or tax returns, required mainly for need-based or partial scholarships.
- Research proposal, mandatory for MS by Research or PhD applicants, outlining research objectives and feasibility.
- Portfolio, required only for design, architecture, media, or creative programs to evaluate technical and creative ability.
Practical Tips to Remember While Applying for Scholarships Abroad
Applying for scholarships is as much about planning as it is about eligibility. Keep these points in mind to avoid common mistakes:
- Start preparing documents at least 3–6 months before deadlines to avoid last-minute rejections.
- Tailor each SOP and application to the specific scholarship criteria instead of submitting generic content.
- Choose referees early and brief them clearly so your LORs align with the scholarship’s goals.
- Double-check currency values, eligibility conditions, and deadlines on official websites before applying.
- Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously to maximise funding opportunities.
- Maintain a dedicated folder (cloud + offline) with clearly labelled documents to stay organised.
These small but strategic steps significantly improve your chances of securing a study abroad scholarship in 2026.
Conclusion
The journey to securing a study abroad scholarship may seem difficult, but it becomes a possible goal with dedication and the right resources.
Do detailed research, write your applications to specific criteria, and meet your deadlines. However, if you find the process hectic, consider getting help from expert counsellors from Leap Scholar.
Leap Scholar streamlines your admission process and provides valuable resources, including IELTS coaching and personal guidance.
For those seeking quality and affordable IELTS online coaching, Leap Scholar‘s Free Masterclass Program is a golden opportunity. Register soon to secure your spot and gain access to secret tips for IELTS preparation, live doubt-clearing sessions, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How can I get a 100 percent scholarship to study abroad?
You can increase your chances of a 100 % scholarship by maintaining strong academics, meeting country-specific requirements, and applying early. Full funding is usually offered through government programs like Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD, and New Zealand Manaaki, or through competitive university awards for high-merit applicants. A strong SOP, solid recommendation letters, and a clear study plan are essential.
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What is the 20 lakh scholarship?
A 20 lakh scholarship usually refers to high-value funding offered by government bodies, trusts, or universities for Indian students. Examples include the JN Tata Endowment, Inlaks Scholarships, and state government education funds. These awards typically support tuition, living costs or both, depending on the program.
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Is 20 lakhs enough to study abroad?
It depends on the country and course. In countries like Germany and some parts of Europe, 20 lakhs can cover a major portion of your living and tuition expenses. In the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, 20 lakhs may cover only part of the tuition, so students often combine scholarships with savings or education loans.
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Which country gives scholarships easily?
Countries with the most accessible scholarships for Indian students are Germany, New Zealand, and some European nations because of low tuition models and government-backed funding. The UK and USA also offer large numbers of scholarships, but they are more competitive and require strong academics, clear goals, and early applications.
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Can I apply for multiple study abroad scholarships simultaneously?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time. In fact, it’s encouraged to maximise your chances of securing financial aid. Ensure that each application is tailored to the specific requirements of the scholarship you’re applying for.
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What should I include in my resume for study abroad scholarship application?
Your resume should highlight academic achievements, international experiences, projects, extracurricular activities, language proficiency, and any other relevant skills. Tailor your resume to match the specific requirements of the scholarship.
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How many personal references should I include in my study abroad scholarship application?
Include at least two personal references, preferably one academic and one professional. Choose individuals who can speak to your character, skills, and potential for success.
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Is it necessary to write a personal essay for International scholarships for Indian students application?
Yes, many scholarship applications require a personal essay. Use this opportunity to share your personal story, motivations, and the impact you anticipate from studying abroad. Tailor each essay to the specific requirements of the scholarship.
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Can I apply for government-funded International scholarships for Indian students to study abroad?
Yes, many countries offer government-funded scholarships for international students. Check with the relevant government agencies or embassies for information on available programs.
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