Top Scholarships To Study Abroad After 12th: Types & Process

Studying abroad is something every student aspires to at least once, especially in countries like the USA, the UK, and Canada. There are many ways to ease your financial burden and one of them is securing scholarships to study abroad after 12th grade. 

Apart from cross-disciplinary studies, international institutes and colleges also provide world-class facilities. By becoming a part of these institutions, Indian students gain global exposure and a chance at a better quality education. More than 20% of International students are Indians in these three countries, that is, the USA, the UK, and Canada.

To know more about scholarships and how you can apply after the 12th for your higher studies such as undergraduate and graduate, let’s dive deep into this blog.

Types of Scholarships

Scholarships come in various forms and each is designed to support students and their families financially and help them achieve educational goals in the best possible way. There are three major types of scholarships to study abroad after 12th which provide financial assistance to Indian students and help ease the financial burden.

Government-funded Scholarships	Funded by Indian government
Externally-funded Scholarships	Funded by private organisations
University-specific Scholarships	Funded by university itself

Government Funded Scholarships

There are several government-funded scholarships for Indian students who want to study in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada after completing their 12th grade for undergraduate and graduate programmes.

Here’s a list of scholarships for each of the three countries, that is, the USA. the UK, and Canada.

_{Note: These scholarships are funded by Indian government.}

Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships (USA)

This scholarship can be availed by Indian students applying for master’s or doctoral degrees in the USA. This scholarship allows recent graduates and first-time visitors to the USA to stay for a year.

Awards

1. Tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowance are covered in this fellowship.
2. Provides funding for master’s degrees from the USA to Indian students. 

Eligibility

1. The student should be an Indian citizen residing in India at the time of application.
2. The student must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in India. 
3. Some universities require work experience as well as at least 1 year to be accepted for a master’s programme. 
4. Proof of standardised tests like IELTS with a minimum band of 6.0.

Application process

1. The student must submit an online application through the USIEF website during the application window.
2. The student must have documents like a statement of purpose, recommendation letter, scores of standardised tests and a study/research objective.
3. The student must have an offer letter from a recognised university in the USA.

SN Bose Scholarship (USA)

Under the S.N. Bose Scholarship programme, Indian students can study science and technology research at a few American universities. 

Awards

1. Stipend, airfare and health insurance are covered in this scholarship.
2. Financial support to Indian students for a research internship in U.S. universities for a time period of 10-12 weeks.

Eligibility

1. The student should be an Indian citizen residing in India at the time of application.
2. The student should have a good academic record and a minimum of 60% overall.

Application process

1. The student needs to apply via the official portal of the scholarship.
2. The student must have documents like a statement of purpose, recommendation letter, scores of standardised tests and a study/research objective.

Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) provides scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries, including India, to study for master’s and doctoral degrees in the United Kingdom. 

Awards

1. Tuition fees, living expenses, and travel allowance to and from the UK  are covered in this scholarship.
2. Supports Master’s 1-year programme and Ph.D’s 3-year research programme.

Eligibility

1. The student should be an Indian citizen. 
2. The student must have a bachelor’s degree in order to enrol for the Master’s programme and a master’s degree in order to enrol for Ph.D programme.
3. Some universities require work experience as well as at least 1 year to be accepted for a master’s programme and Ph.D programme.
4. Proof of standardised tests like IELTS with a minimum band of 6.0.

Application process

1. Apply via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online portal during the application window. 
2. Academic transcript, certificate, references, statement of purpose for master’s degree, and research proposal for Ph.D.

Chevening Scholarship (UK)

The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious award funded by the UK government that provides opportunities for outstanding individuals from various countries, including India, to pursue graduate programmes.

Awards

1. Tuition fees, living expenses, and travel allowance to and from the UK  are covered in this scholarship.
2. Supports Master’s 1-year programme in any university in the UK.

Eligibility

1. The student should be an Indian citizen. 
2. The student must have a bachelor’s degree in order to enrol for the Master’s programme and a minimum of two years of work experience.
3. Scores of standardised tests like IELTS with a minimum band of 6.0.

Application process

1. Apply via the Chevening Scholarship online portal during the application window. 
2. The student must have documents like a statement of purpose, recommendation letter, scores of standardised tests and a study/research objective.

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme (Canada)

The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme (CCSP) is a collaboration between the Canadian government and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom. Its goal is to give deserving students from Commonwealth nations, including India the chance to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in Canada. 

Awards

1. Tuition fees, living expenses, and travel allowance to and from Canada are covered in this scholarship.
2. Supports Master’s 2-year programme and Ph.D’s 4-year research programme.

Eligibility

1. The student should be an Indian citizen. 
2. The student must have a bachelor’s degree in order to enrol for the Master’s programme and a master’s degree in order to enrol for Ph.D programme.
3. Some universities require work experience as well as at least 1 year to be accepted for a master’s programme and Ph.D programme.
4. Proof of standardised tests like IELTS with a minimum band of 6.0.

Application process

1. Apply via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s online portal during the application window. 
2. Academic transcript, certificate, references, statement of purpose for master’s degree, and research proposal for Ph.D.

Externally-Funded Scholarships

Indian students wishing to study abroad in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada after completing their 12th grade are eligible to apply for scholarships funded by various external organisations. Certain study areas, places, or educational establishments may be the focus of these scholarships. Here are some of the external private organisations offering scholarships.

_{Note: These scholarships are funded by private organisations.}

TATA Scholarships for Indian students

The Tata Group mainly provides scholarships to Indian students who want to study overseas and in India. The Tata Group offers scholarships (JN TATA Endowment and TATA Trust Scholarships) at different levels of education with the goal of assisting deserving students. 

Awards

1. Tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowance, and other course related costs based on the programme are covered in this scholarship.

Eligibility

1. The eligibility criteria of the TATA Scholarships varies on the basis of specific scholarship programme within the TATA Group.
2. Usually, these scholarships are based financial need, academic merit, and leadership potential.
3. The student should be a citizen of India and would be eligible to apply in the USA, the UK, and Canada through this scholarship.

Application process

1. The official website of the Tata Group or related Tata Trusts usually announces the application procedures and deadlines for Tata scholarships.
2. The student must have documents like a statement of purpose, recommendation letter, scores of standardised tests and a study/research objective and submit their applications online within the given deadline.

Rotary Foundation Scholarships

The Rotary Foundation provides a range of scholarships to Indian students as well as other international students to study in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. 

Awards

1. Tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, travel allowance, and other course related costs based on the programme are covered in this scholarship.
2. This scholarship covers a range of level of study such as undergraduate, graduate, vocational training, and research studies.

Eligibility

1. The student should have strong academic performance and leadership qualities.
2. The student must be a citizen of the country where rotary clubs are present. 

Application process

1. Generally, applicants begin by getting in touch with their local Rotary Clubs to find out more about the opportunities for scholarships that are offered as well as the application process.
2. The student must have documents like a statement of purpose, recommendation letter, scores of standardised tests and a study/research objective.
3. For the final selection, shortlisted candidates may be interviewed by members of the Rotary Club or scholarship committees.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation provides scholarships to Indian students wishing to pursue their undergraduate and graduate studies in the USA, the UK, and Canada. This foundation aspires to provide financial assistance and leadership potential in various fields.

Awards

1. Tuition fees, living expenses, and one-way travel allowances are covered by the foundation.
2. The scholarship amount varies on the programme of study and financial needs of the student. 

Eligibility

1. The student should be an Indian citizen residing in India at the time of application.
2. The student should have a good academic record and must have an offer letter from the university.

Application process

1. Apply via the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation online portal during the application window. 
2. The student must have documents like a statement of purpose, recommendation letter, and proof of offer letter from the recognized university in the USA, the UK, or Canada.

University-Specific Scholarships

For Indian students who have completed their 12th grade and are interested in pursuing undergraduate studies, a number of universities in the USA, UK, and Canada offer special scholarships. The requirements for eligibility, the value of the awards, and the process for applying can change for these scholarships.

_{Note: These scholarships are funded by university itself.}

MIT Scholarships for International Students (USA)

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) provides need-based financial aid to international students, including Indian students, to help fund their undergraduate education.

Awards

1. Tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, and other course-related costs are based on the financial need of the student. 

Eligibility

1. Available for Indian students applying for undergraduate programmes.
2. Financial aid is mainly need-based, with MIT determining the amount of aid based on the family’s financial resources.

Application process

1. To be considered for undergraduate admission at MIT, the student must finish the standard application procedure.
2. After the admission, eligible students can apply for financial aid by submitting the necessary financial documents according to MIT’s guidelines.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious international scholarship programme that provides full-fee funding for graduate study and research at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, also available for Indian students. 

Awards

1. Tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, and other discretionary funding.
2. Also provides allowances for family members, fieldwork, and academic development.

Eligibility

1. The student should have a good academic record and must have an offer letter from the university.
2. The student should apply for a full-time graduate degree to be eligible for the scholarship.

Application process

1. Apply by the deadlines for admission to a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge and a college place (if applicable).
2. Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship separately online. Make sure to include a thorough research proposal and statement of purpose.
3. Arrange for letters of recommendation from people who can speak for the applicant’s academic and leadership abilities.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto, Canada)

The University of Toronto in Canada offers the prestigious Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to deserving international applicants for undergraduate programmes, including those from India.

Awards

1. Tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, incidental fees, and other educational costs throughout the 4 years of the undergraduate programme.
2. Gives access to seminars, workshops, and activities to improve leadership skills.

Eligibility

1. For all international students, including India.
2. The student should have a good academic record and must have an offer letter from the university.
3. The student should apply for a full-time graduate degree to be eligible for the scholarship.

Application process

1. The student must be nominated by their secondary school before the deadline set by the school.
2. Submit your application to the University of Toronto by the deadline for admission to an undergraduate programme.
3. If you are nominated, the school will send you instructions for the scholarship application process, which will include additional documentation and essays.
4. The shortlisted candidates are chosen on the basis of their extracurricular activity participation, leadership potential, and academic standing.

Conclusion

Scholarships are essential for aspirants planning to study abroad as they provide merit-based financial assistance. And they also help in distinguishing the resume of the student compared to other applicants while applying for Jobs. Besides the ones mentioned above, one can also apply for other Scholarships To Study Abroad After 12th. These include The Rhodes Scholarships, Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship, Felix Scholarships, Orange Tulip Scholarships, Tu Delft Holland Scholarships, and UCL Scholarships. To know more about scholarships, read our category-specific blog.

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