Many deserving Indian students face significant financial barriers when trying to access quality higher education both in India and abroad. This is often because they lack sufficient funds to cover the high costs of tuition and living in a new city or country. The confusing eligibility criteria and elaborate selection process add to the students’ difficulties. Unable to find available funding options, most academic achievers are forced to abandon their dreams and compromise their future goals.
To solve this, many overseas universities and organisations offer merit-based scholarships to students with an excellent academic track record. These scholarships award meritorious candidates by waiving their overseas tuition and funding their travel and living costs. So, scroll down to discover our curated picks of top merit scholarships, with their eligibility criteria, benefits, and application tips.
Key Highlights for Merit-Based Scholarships
- Merit scholarships provide funds and grants for full or partial tuition fees and also include an allowance to live abroad.
- These awards are very competitive, with thousands of students applying each year.
- Popular merit scholarship examples are the Rhodes Scholarship and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
- The UK’s Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is offering scholarships worth 4,000 pounds (INR 4,72,170) to students with first-class results in 2026.
- For the academic year 2025-2026, the Reliance Foundation will welcome 5,000 students through its UG merit-based scholarship program.
What is a Merit-Based Scholarship?
Merit-based scholarships assist deserving students in receiving a high-quality education both in their home country and abroad. Their eligibility requirements demand students who hold a track record of excellence in academics, arts, sports, or leadership. Many private and governmental colleges abroad provide merit scholarships to diversify their student body and recruit high-achieving students. Unlike need-based scholarships, this scholarship is based on your future potential rather than your current financial status.
Let us discuss how they differ and the various types of merit scholarships:
Difference Between Merit vs Need-based Scholarship
Merit-based and need-based scholarships serve the common purpose of helping deserving students fund their higher education. The applicants can choose a scholarship for their undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or even a PhD or research opportunities. However, the eligibility criteria of each differ during the selection process. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with an excellent academic track record. On the other hand, need-based scholarships require a low household income certificate from students to prove insufficient funds for education.
The table below compares the two scholarships in detail:
| Feature | Merit-Based Scholarships | Need-Based Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Basis for Award | Academic excellence Artistic skills Athletic abilities Leadership qualities | Proof of financial need. |
| Requirements | High GPA scores SAT/GRE/IELTS test scores Special talents or extracurricular achievements. | Proof of low family income and assets |
| Application Focus | Personal achievements Work portfolios Leadership roles | Financial aid form- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) |
Types of Merit-Scholarships
The various types of merit-based scholarships include academic, athletic, artistic, and talent-based scholarships. This shows these awards serve the funding requirements of students who excel in diverse backgrounds. Let us discuss the types of merit scholarship to help you understand your best fit:
- Academic Scholarships: This is the most common type of merit scholarship, awarded to students with high academic scores and those who qualify in exams such as the SAT or GRE. However, there are many universities in the US without the GRE, where you can apply and qualify.
- Athletic Scholarships: These are specially designed for talented sportspersons or athletes who have the potential to enhance the university’s sports team.
- Artistic Scholarships: These are for creative students who excel in music, dance, theatre, or visual arts. The selection committee may require an audition or a creative portfolio.
- Leadership and Talent-Based Scholarships: Students who have contributed to community service, demonstrated leadership potential, or shown entrepreneurial skills are considered.
Top 15 Merit-Based Scholarships for Indian Students
For Indian students who dream of studying abroad, finding the right merit-based scholarships can be a daunting task. Some of them only provide a full or partial tuition fee waiver to ease the burden of university fees. Others, in addition to a fee waiver, provide living allowances or stipends (a yearly or monthly sum) to help overcome the high cost of living overseas.
To help you find your best fit, here is a curated list of the top scholarships for Indian students that reward academic merit. We will also discuss merit scholarship eligibility, their benefits, and deadlines for 2026:
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships (USA)
The Fulbright-Nehru foreign student program is counted among some of the most prestigious merit scholarships for indian students. Each year, it helps around 4,000 international students pursue their master’s or doctoral education across different universities in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree, and must show English proficiency with a minimum score of:
- Paper-Based TOEFL: 550
- Internet-Based TOEFL – IBT: 79-80
- IELTS: 6.5
Average Award:
Covers full tuition, a living stipend, J-1 visa sponsorship, travel costs, and health insurance.
Application Deadline:
September or October 2026.
Apply:
Fulbright Foreign Student Program Page
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening Scholarship is provided by the UK Government’s flagship global programme. It helps high achievers from India pursue a master’s degree and covers their full tuition fees.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must hold citizenship of an approved country, like India, and must aim to return at least two years after their scholarship expires. Additionally, they must possess about 2,800 hours (2 years) of work experience after graduation. Next, applicants must apply for about three courses from a UK-based university and hold an unconditional offer from at least one of them.
Average Award:
Includes full tuition fees, visa fee, arrival and departure allowance, and monthly living allowance. It also includes the cost of TB testing, £75 (₹8,900) and a travel top-up allowance.
Application Deadline:
October 7, 2025
Apply:
Official Chevening Scholarship Page
3. Inlaks Scholarships
The Inlaks program supports exceptional young Indians for Master’s, M.Phil, or PhD programs at top institutions in the US, UK, and Europe. This merit-based scholarship program widens the perspective of talented students by offering funds for courses that last between 9 months to 4 years.
Eligibility Criteria:
An Indian citizen born after 1 January 1995 must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in India. If the applicant holds an undergraduate degree from outside India, they must have worked or continuously resided or studied in India for at least two years after their graduation. Additionally, they must have an offer of admission for the scholarship’s academic year. The acceptable scores are:
| Subjects | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture | 65%, CGPA 6.8/10, or GPA 2.6/4 |
| Mathematics, Sciences, Environment | 70%, CGPA 7.2/10, or GPA 3/4 |
Average Award:
Covers tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, and health allowance, up to $100,000 (₹87,97,420) for four years.
Application Deadline:
March 31, 2026
Apply:
4. Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
The Narotam Sekhsaria scholarship is funded by a non-profit foundation that aims to support the educational needs of meritorious students. It provides postgraduate scholarships, mentorship, and a wide scholarship network of students from diverse backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian nationals residing in India under the age of 30 must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised and accredited Indian university. Final-year students who are graduating are also eligible.
Average Award:
An interest-free loan of up to ₹20,00,000 that needs to be repaid one year after finishing the course in instalments.
Application Deadline:
Expected on March 17, 2026.
Apply:
5. K.C. Mahindra Scholarship
The K.C. Mahindra Education Trust offers interest-free loans of up to ₹10,00,000 to meritorious Indian students. The trust has offered this scholarship since 1956, showing its commitment to supporting scholars who want to pursue postgraduate degrees.
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian nationals holding a first-class degree or an equivalent diploma from a recognised Indian university. They must also have an admission offer from a foreign university in the present academic year.
Average Award:
₹10,00,000 to top 3 K.C. Mahindra fellows each and ₹5,00,000 to each remaining successful applicants
Application Deadline:
April 2026
Apply:
K.C. Mahindra Education Trust Page
6. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
This is one of the most sought-after fully funded scholarships for indian students. Under this scholarship, about 80 full tuition scholarships are given to international students who want to pursue PG degrees at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility Criteria:
Based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Applicants must also describe their passion and the reason why they chose a particular field at the university.
Average Award:
Covers full tuition, university composition fee, a maintenance allowance of £21,000 (₹24,98,985) for 12 months and for 4 years for PhD scholars. It also includes travel costs, along with visa costs and the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Application Deadline:
Varies with selected course.
Apply:
7. Rhodes Scholarships (UK)
The Rhodes program stands as one of the oldest merit-based scholarships for international students. It provides fully-funded awards to international applicants who plan to study at the University of Oxford for postgraduate degrees in any field.
Eligibility Criteria:
An Indian passport holder with at least four years of academic schooling or a degree. Applicants must be aged between 18 to 23 for UG programs or below 27 with a First Class honours degree for PG programs.
Average Award:
Covers full University of Oxford course fees and college fees, and even the application fee. It also provides a stipend of £19,800 (₹23,54,350) per annum, a fee for International Health Surcharge (IHS), and two economy-class flights. Additionally, the student Visa fee and renewal fee, along with a settling allowance, are also provided.
Application Deadline:
Applications for India close on October 1, 2025.
Apply:
8. Vanier Canada-Canada Graduate Research Scholarship
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship awards financial aid to world-class doctoral candidates studying at Canadian institutions. It recognises their leadership skills and scholarly achievement by reserving 15% scholarship for international applicants and easing their cost of living in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicant must be a non-Canadian resident enrolled in a doctoral program at an accepted Canadian institution.
Average Award:
CAD 40,000 (~₹25,46,446) per year for PhD students for 3 years.
Application Deadline:
October 17, 2025
Apply:
9. Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (Australia)
The Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship rewards high-achieving international students. It provides a partial tuition waiver to help students from economically disadvantaged nations access quality education in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be a meritorious applicant from a developing country under the World Bank (Gross Domestic Product per capita of US$10,000 or less). The applicant must also meet the requirements of an Overseas Fee place in a bachelor’s degree. They should have completed schooling outside Australia or taken up a foundation course in Australia.
Here are the accepted boards and the accepted percentage score for Indian applicants:
| Accepted Indian Education Board | Accepted Percentage Score |
|---|---|
| All India Senior School Certificate (AISSC) Indian School Certificate (ISC) Indian State Board Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) | 96 |
Average Award:
Covers a 25% tuition fee remission.
Application Deadline:
Varies by intake.
Apply:
Official Page of The University of Melbourne
10. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Confederation, under its Government Excellence Scholarships, rewards meritorious postgraduate researchers each year. Under this merit-based scholarship, the participants can conduct a one-year research project in any discipline at one of Switzerland’s public-funded universities. This promotes cultural and research exchange among over 180 nations.
Eligibility Criteria:
The applicant must have earned a master’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university and be born after December 31, 1990. They must submit a clearly defined research plan, a letter of support from a Swiss supervisor, and a brief resume.
Average Award:
Includes a monthly stipend of CHF 1,920 (₹2,12,448) to cover costs of living.
Application Deadlines:
November 2025 for Indian Applicants.
Apply:
11. Felix Scholarships (University of Oxford, UK)
The Felix fellowship enables outstanding Indian students to pursue postgraduate studies in any topic at leading universities in the UK. These institutions include the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies. Since 1991, it has provided financial assistance to deserving students by covering the cost of a full degree course as well as living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Oxford:
Applicants must be Indian nationals with a first-class undergraduate or master’s degree from a recognised Indian university. They must not have any degrees earned outside of India and must be willing to return to India once the course is completed.
Average Award:
Covers 100% of course fees, a grant of about £19,000 (₹22,57,540) for living costs, and one return flight from India to the UK.
Application Deadline:
December 2025 or January 2026, as per the course application deadline.
Apply:
12. International Scholarships (University of British Columbia, Canada)
The University of British Columbia (UBC) allocates about $35 million each year to provide merit-based scholarships and grants to high-achieving International students. All the course applicants are automatically considered for UBC’s merit-based award.
Eligibility Criteria:
International applicants who are applying to UBC for the first time after their secondary or post-secondary education are eligible. They must also hold a Canadian study permit and have an excellent academic record.
Average Award:
- $10,000 to $20,000 (₹8,79,742 – ₹17,59,484)/year for those who qualify for International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES).
- $10,000 to $25,000 (₹8,79,742 – ₹21,99,355)/year for those who qualify for Outstanding International Student (OIS).
Application Deadline:
- Winter Session (September 2026 to April 2027)
- Summer Session (May to August 2026)
Apply:
13. Australia Awards Scholarships
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Australian Government offers various fully-funded scholarships in Australia. It provides opportunities for students from developing countries, including India, to pursue UG and PG degrees in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants are not required to write a qualifying exam. However, students must demonstrate English competence with a high IELTS score. It also demands a solid academic record, leadership abilities, and a commitment to returning to India for at least two years after the course is completed.
Average Award:
Covers complete tuition, round-trip air tickets, an establishment allowance, and a biweekly contribution to living expenses. It also includes Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), costs for Pre-course English (PCE) if necessary, and academic or fieldwork support.
Application Deadline:
Around April or May 2026.
Apply:
Official Australian Awards Website
14. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of merit-based scholarships for international students to pursue postgraduate study and research in Germany. The German Federal Foreign Office funds these awards for a duration between 10 months to 2 years. It also supports creative merit scholarships in the fields of architecture, fine art/design/film, performing arts, and music.
Eligibility Criteria:
A strong academic record and a well-articulated study or research proposal for doctoral scholarships. The applicants must show proficiency in the language of instruction, along with relevant work or internship experience.
Average Award:
It awards scholarship payment of €992 (₹1,01,303)/month, annual study allowance (€460/₹46,975), health insurance, and travel allowance. (Master’s scholarship)
Application Deadline:
Varies by program.
Apply:
15. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP)
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship is a scholarship program financed by both the Japanese government and the World Bank. It assists students from underdeveloped nations, including India, to pursue master’s degrees in development-related subjects. Recipients can study at partner universities across the world, including in Japan. The scholarship provides scholars with the necessary skills and knowledge to help their home countries thrive.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicant must be a citizen of a developing nation member of the World Bank and hold a bachelor’s degree earned at least three years before applying. The student must have three years of full-time work experience in a development-focused field. They must show a commitment to return to their home country post-studies.
Average Award:
The scholarship award covers two economy-class flight tickets and a travel allowance of US$600 (₹52,786). It also grants funds for two years of tuition fees, a living stipend, and basic medical care.
Application Deadline:
- Slot 1: January 15 to February 27, 2026
- Slot 2:March 30 to May 29, 2026
Apply:
How to Qualify and Apply for Merit-Based Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before applying for merit-based scholarships, read all the requirements carefully and mark your calendar with the application deadlines. Start planning at least a year before your higher education plans to find the best scholarships for your career goals. To guide you on how to get a merit-based scholarship, let us discuss some important steps:
Building a Strong Academic Profile
To make an impact, aim for high GPAs and choose electives and courses that demonstrate your passion for your chosen field of study. Additionally, devote extra time to preparing for scholarship exams to study abroad, like the SAT, GRE, or GMAT. Many institutions abroad require passing scores in these tests as a prerequisite for admission.
Step 1: Research and Find the Right Scholarships
Begin by shortlisting the best universities in your chosen field. Then, visit the colleges’ websites and scholarship pages to confirm your eligibility. Next, examine government portals like the National Scholarship Portal to determine if they cover your preferred university or country. Finally, review the scholarship list on career platforms to see if you missed anything.
Step 2: Prepare a Strong Application
To improve your chances, collect and upload copies of documents such as:
- Secondary school documents for undergraduate programmes
- Bachelor’s degree and other related documents for postgraduate admissions
- Offer letter from your chosen university
- Reports of test scores for exams such as the SAT, GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Proof of citizenship and address
- Work portfolio for creative merit scholarships
Step 3: Write a Compelling Scholarship Essay
The scholarship essay or Statement of Purpose (SOP) allows you to communicate your potential to the selection committee. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while writing:
- Instead of submitting a general essay, write it according to the aim of the scholarship.
- Mention instances from your volunteering or community service experiences.
- Before submitting, read your essay aloud and proofread to make sure it is free of typing mistakes.
- You can also ask your mentor to review it and provide constructive feedback.
Unlock Excellence with Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships help you fulfil your academic and career aspirations, whether in India or overseas. It rewards academic high achievers who show all-rounder skills in leadership, sports, and creative fields. The award covers their full tuition fee, air travel tickets, and living allowances to support their overseas education. Despite being a competitive scholarship, you can get selected by planning for a strong application.
At LeapScholar, our counsellors assist you with one-on-one guidance on finding the right scholarships and refining your application. So, why wait? Connect with us to apply to your dream university today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Do I have to repay funds offered under merit scholarships?
Most of the merit-based scholarships work as a free aid to support the living and education costs of high-performing students. However, some foundations, such as the K.C. Mahindra and Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarships, provide interest-free loans and partial grants. Therefore, you must check the terms and conditions before applying.
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Are there merit scholarships that don’t just look at grades?
Merit scholarships come in various types. Apart from academic scholarships, many universities offer awards for athletes and creative students. These scholarships evaluate your skills in arts, dance, music, sports, and even business acumen. Most universities prefer all-rounders to enhance the diversity of their student body.
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Are merit scholarships hard to get?
Merit-based scholarships are one of the hardest awards to land. This is because students from all over the world apply for them and compete for a limited number of available seats. Fully funded merit scholarships are even more competitive and difficult to obtain, as they cover the total cost of living and education. However, you can strengthen your application by personalising your essay and highlighting a strong record of high GPA scores.
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Can I renegotiate merit scholarships?
Yes, some of the scholarship providers allow you to renegotiate if you have received a better offer from another university. Depending on their policies, you can contact a university’s admissions cell to ask them to consider your negotiation request.
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What is the definition of a 100% merit scholarship?
If you are awarded a 100% merit scholarship, you will be completely exempt from tuition payments for the remainder of your academic career. Some offer travel and book allowances, as well as a stipend to aid with living expenses while overseas. These scholarships have stringent eligibility standards and are highly sought after among applicants.
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