Top B.Tech Scholarships for Indian Students 2025 (Abroad)

Studying abroad after your B.Tech can open doors to top-tier research facilities, global careers, and higher salaries, yet the cost often feels too high. In fact, India sent over 7.6 lakh students abroad in 2024, underscoring a strong demand for international education despite financial constraints. Source: India Today

To make that dream more achievable, many governments, universities, and organisations now offer high-value scholarships specifically for B.Tech graduates. These awards help cover tuition and living costs, turning global ambitions into reality.

This guide highlights the most reliable scholarships available for Indian B.Tech students in 2025–2026, including merit-based and need-based programmes, complete with eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application tips.

• About 70% of Indian students choose STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) when deciding to study abroad, B.Tech being one of them.
• The U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, Ireland, and Australia are some of the most popular study destinations for Indian B.Tech and engineering students.
• Over 24.5% of Indian students in the U.S. are enrolled in engineering programmes.

International Scholarships for Indian B.Tech Students Studying Abroad

Here is a curated list of some of the most sought-after international scholarships for B.Tech students. However, you must also check the official websites for the most current eligibility criteria and deadlines.

Types of Scholarships Available for B.Tech Students

An international or national scholarship for B.Tech students will never be the same because they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. These grants are usually given based on a variety of criteria. Let’s help you understand these categories further so that you can target your applications more effectively.

These are the most common scholarship types that are awarded to B.Tech students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance. This requires you to have a high Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in your B.Tech and strong scores in standardised tests such as the GRE. A few others, like the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, require you to have the minimum qualifying marks (55%). If you have any published research papers or significant academic projects, they can also be key determinants for these awards.

These scholarships are specifically for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It means your eligibility is considered based on your family’s financial situation. Please note that academic merit is still important, apart from the demonstrated inability to afford the cost of education abroad.

Many universities across countries such as the U.K., U.S., and Australia offer their own scholarships. For instance, the U.K. specifically provides Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships for aspiring students. They generally aim to attract top talent from around the world. So, B.Tech students can always choose institutions that offer partial tuition waivers or even full funding packages. The best thing to do is to explore the financial aid section of the websites of the universities you are applying to.

Several national governments also offer scholarships to international students to promote their respective countries as a premier education destination. The best examples are the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (U.S) and the Chevening Scholarships (U.K.). These prestigious awards easily cover a significant portion of the expenses and can help add considerable weight to your CV.

Certain scholarships, like the SN Bose Scholars Program (US-India Collaboration) are designed only for those students pursuing specific fields of engineering. With the global demand for expertise in areas such as robotics, sustainable engineering, artificial intelligence, and data science, there is a growing number of scholarships available for B.Tech students enrolling in these programmes.

How to Apply for B.Tech Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing about any private or government scholarship for B.Tech students is not enough. There are some specific steps to follow when applying for these scholarships, as mentioned below:

Step 1: Research and Shortlist Relevant Scholarships

Search only for those scholarships that match your academic records. This involves checking your entrance exam scores, too. Check whether your income bracket or category matches the grants offered by the intended organisation or institute.

Most of the information about these scholarships for B.Tech students is already available on the websites of the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), AICTE, UGC, scholarship aggregators, and official websites of target institutes. You can also contact your target universities and ask, ‘is there any scholarship for B.Tech students?’

Step 2: Check All Eligibility Criteria

Always analyse the eligibility requirements carefully for each shortlisted scholarship. Some of the most common criteria include minimum marks in qualifying exams, annual family income limits, caste/disability status, domicile state, and entrance exam ranks. You must also meet age limits, course requirements, and category-specific guidelines before beginning any scholarship application.

Step 3: Gather Documents for Your Scholarship Application

Prepare digital and physical copies of all required documents (as discussed above) ahead of the application. Make sure to scan them in the correct format and file size. This ensures they will be ready to upload to online portals or submit with offline forms.

Step 4: Write a Compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Write a compelling scholarship essay or SOP as required by the specific scholarship scheme:

• Start with your motivation for applying and personal story.
• Highlight academic achievements, leadership, extracurriculars, and relevant challenges overcome.
• Clearly state your career goals and connect them to the scholarship’s value.
• Demonstrate financial need honestly and be specific.
• Proofread for clarity and ask mentors for feedback.
• Structure your SOP with a strong introduction, detailed body, and inspiring conclusion tied to your long-term vision.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Before the Deadline

Complete the application form for your B.Tech scholarship with accurate information beforehand. Upload all required documents and review the application carefully for errors. This will help you submit your application well before the deadline. Keep a copy of all submitted documents, including your online application, for future reference and tracking. Late or incomplete applications are usually disqualified.

Checklist: Documents Required for B.Tech Scholarship Applications

You must have the right documentation to apply for scholarships for bachelor’s students. Usually, most universities seek the following documents from applicants:

• ID Proof
• Qualifying Exam Marksheets
• Entrance Exam Scorecard
• Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate
• Address Proof
• Disability Certificate/Caste Certificate
• Letter of Recommendation (LoR)
• Bank Account Details
• Passport-size Photographs
• Transgender Certificate

Expert Tips to Win a B.Tech Engineering Scholarship

Seeking a national or merit scholarship for B.tech students is possible only through meticulous planning and strategies. On that note, here are some expert tips to ensure you win the best scholarship as a B.Tech student.

1. Start Early (The 12-18 Month Rule)

You must start your research and preparation at least a year to eighteen months before the intended intake. This allows you sufficient time to prepare for standardised tests, shortlist universities and scholarships, and write a compelling application.

2. Academic Excellence

Your B.Tech CGPA is one of the most critical components of your application. That is why you must make sure to maintain a high academic record throughout your undergraduate studies.

3. Standardized Tests

Take enough time to prepare for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and an English proficiency test such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Calculate your percentage of marks and aim for scores that will place you in a competitive range for your target universities.

4. Write a Compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP)

An SOP is your opportunity to communicate your passion for engineering and your career aspirations. Explain why you are the ideal candidate for the scholarship and make sure to personalise it for each application to let your unique story shine through.

5. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

Approach your professors or project guides who know you well for LORs. These people can easily speak about your academic abilities and potential for postgraduate study. Provide them with your CV, SOP, and other relevant details so they can write a strong and specific LOR.

6. A Professional Resume/CV

Make sure that your professional CV has a concise summary of your academic achievements, internships, projects, and other technical skills. You can also customise it to highlight experiences relevant to the specific programme and scholarship you are applying for.

Apply for the Best Scholarships for B.Tech Students

Most international scholarships for B.Tech students are highly competitive. However, you should not overlook smaller trusts or foundations in India that provide financial aid for studying abroad. Organisations such as the J.N. Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians and the K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad are also known for supporting Indian students.

Alternatively, you may try to secure Research Assistantships (RA) or Teaching Assistantships (TA) at your target universities for further grants. The best part is that these positions include a stipend and a tuition waiver. This can provide you with a valuable source of funding while giving you practical experience in your field.

If you are still confused about your decision, seek advice from our experts at Leap Scholar to choose the best scholarship for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)