Studying overseas can be one of the biggest investments an Indian student makes. Tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, flights, and visa costs can make international education expensive. Finding the right study abroad scholarships for Indian students can make a substantial difference in financing your higher education journey.

For Indian students planning to study abroad in 2027, securing study abroad scholarships for Indian students can significantly reduce this financial burden. For a broader overview of international destinations, visa rules, and student planning, explore our comprehensive Wisdomland Study Abroad Guide.

Scholarships may provide:

Full or partial tuition-fee support
Monthly living allowance
Travel assistance
Health insurance
Accommodation support
Research funding
Visa-related support
University fee waivers

Some scholarships are offered by foreign governments, while others come from universities, companies, foundations and international organisations.

This guide explains the best study abroad scholarships for Indian students in 2027, including key funding opportunities across the UK, USA, Germany, Europe, Canada, and Australia.

Important: Scholarship deadlines change every year. Some 2027 scholarship deadlines are already confirmed, while others have not yet been announced. Always check the official scholarship provider before applying.

Table of Contents

Best Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students 2027

Indian students should evaluate study abroad scholarships for Indian students based on their target destination, academic level, chosen course, and eligibility requirements.

Some of the most important programmes to research include:

Scholarship	Country/Region	Level
Chevening Scholarship	UK	Master’s
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship	UK	Master’s
GREAT Scholarships	UK	Master’s
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters	Europe	Master’s
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	USA	Master’s/PhD
DAAD Scholarships	Germany	Master’s/PhD/Research
University Scholarships	USA/UK/Europe/Canada/Australia	UG/PG/PhD
Research Scholarships	Global	Master’s/PhD
Government Scholarships	Various	Various
Corporate Scholarships	Various	Various

Not every scholarship is available for every Indian student.

Eligibility may depend on:

Academic marks
Course
University
Age
Work experience
Leadership experience
Family income
English-language requirements
Nationality
Career goals

1. Chevening Scholarship for Indian Students

Chevening is one of the most prestigious UK government study abroad scholarships for Indian students seeking postgraduate degrees. You can check official eligibility requirements directly on the Chevening Scholarships Official Portal.

It supports eligible students pursuing a master’s degree in the UK.

For the 2027–28 cycle, applications opened in August 2026 and closed in October 2026. The official timeline shows interviews in March–April 2027, results from mid-June 2027 and an 8 July 2027 deadline for successful candidates to submit an unconditional UK university offer.

Therefore, Indian students who missed the 2027–28 application window should start preparing for the next Chevening cycle.

What makes Chevening attractive?

It can provide substantial financial support for eligible scholars, while also providing access to a global professional network.

Typical applicant profile

Students should have:

A strong academic background
Leadership potential
Relevant work experience
Clear career objectives
Strong communication skills
A clear reason for choosing the UK

Chevening is highly competitive, so applicants should begin preparing their application well before the next application window.

2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is another major UK funding scheme supporting eligible students from Commonwealth nations. Full details on deadlines and nominating routes are available via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Indian students are among the nationalities that can be eligible under applicable Commonwealth programmes.

For the 2027/28 academic year, the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission states that applications are open and close at 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026. The programme is for study beginning in September/October 2027.

Important eligibility requirements

Applicants generally need to:

Be a citizen or eligible resident of an eligible Commonwealth country
Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country
Hold the required undergraduate qualification
Be available to start study in September/October 2027
Demonstrate that they cannot otherwise afford UK study without the scholarship

The CSC also uses nominating agencies, and those agencies can have their own deadlines and additional eligibility requirements.

Important for Indian students

Do not look only at the CSC deadline.

Your Indian nominating agency’s deadline may be earlier.

3. GREAT Scholarships for Indian Students

GREAT Scholarships are offered through the British Council, the UK government and participating UK universities.

For the 2026–27 academic year, the programme provides £10,000 toward tuition fees for eligible one-year taught postgraduate courses. India is one of the participating countries.

The participating universities and courses vary.

For example, current India-related GREAT opportunities include universities offering programmes in areas such as:

Education
Data and FinTech
Healthcare
Engineering
Pharmaceutical science
Law
Arts
Music
Other postgraduate subjects

Is GREAT fully funded?

No.

The £10,000 award is primarily a contribution toward tuition.

Students may still need money for:

Remaining tuition
Accommodation
Food
Travel
Visa
Insurance
Personal expenses

The application deadline also varies by university.

For 2027, students should wait for the official 2027–28 GREAT announcements rather than assuming the 2026–27 award amount or participating universities will remain unchanged.

4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

Indian students interested in Europe should strongly consider Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.

These are international master’s programmes delivered by a consortium of universities.

Students can study at universities in multiple European countries as part of the same programme.

The European Commission states that students from around the world can apply and that some Erasmus Mundus programmes offer full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide. Scholarships can cover participation costs and contribute toward travel, visa and living expenses.

When should Indian students apply?

In most cases, applications are submitted between October and January for courses beginning the following academic year. However, each master’s programme has its own deadline.

Why Erasmus Mundus is attractive

It can offer:

International study experience
Multiple university locations
Potential full scholarship
Travel support
Living allowance
International networking

Students should search the official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue and apply directly to the relevant consortium programme.

5. Fulbright Scholarships for Indian Students

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a major US scholarship programme for international students.

It supports graduate students, young professionals and artists from outside the United States.

The programme operates in more than 160 countries and awards approximately 4,000 foreign student grants annually. Country-specific eligibility and application procedures are managed through Fulbright Commissions, Foundations or US Embassies.

For Indian students, the appropriate application route depends on the specific fellowship program managed by the USIEF Fulbright Portal.

Potential support can include:

Funding support
Health benefits
J-1 visa sponsorship
Academic/research support
Enrichment activities

The exact benefits and eligibility depend on the programme.

6. DAAD Scholarships for Indian Students

Germany is an attractive destination for Indian students because of its strong universities, research opportunities and comparatively different tuition structures.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides numerous scholarship opportunities.

These can include funding for:

Master’s degrees
PhD programmes
Research
Development-related postgraduate courses
STEM programmes
Specific academic disciplines

A current DAAD master’s programme for funding beginning in 2027 provides support for eligible postgraduate study in Germany and can fund a complete master’s programme or an eligible study period.

A current DAAD scholarship listing also shows funding beginning in October 2027 and a monthly scholarship rate of €992 for the applicable master’s programme.

However, DAAD offers many individual funding options, so applicants should check the official DAAD Official Portal to confirm eligibility and deadlines.

7. DAAD STEM Scholarships

Indian students interested in:

Computer Science
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Engineering

should also check specific DAAD STEM scholarship opportunities.

A current DAAD STEM programme supports eligible full-time master’s degrees at state or state-recognised universities in Germany and is designed for programmes beginning in winter term 2027/28.

The current listing states a scholarship value of €992 per month, along with insurance-related benefits.

This can be particularly attractive for Indian students considering:

AI
Data Science
Computer Science
Engineering
Mathematics
Natural Sciences

8. University Scholarships for Indian Students

University scholarships are one of the most important funding sources for Indian students studying abroad.

Universities may provide:

Merit scholarships
International student scholarships
Tuition discounts
Country-specific awards
Department scholarships
Research funding
Graduate assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Research assistantships

Students should check the university’s official funding page after selecting their course.

Example

Suppose a UK university charges:

Tuition: £25,000

A university scholarship provides:

Scholarship: £5,000

Your remaining tuition becomes:

£20,000

You still need to plan for living expenses and other costs.

This is why students should calculate the net cost after scholarship, not simply look at the scholarship amount.

Scholarships for Indian Students in UK

The UK is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for Indian students.

Important scholarship options include:

Chevening
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships
University scholarships
Department scholarships
Research funding

For Indian students, the UK can be particularly attractive for one-year master’s programmes.

However, tuition and living expenses can still be substantial.

Students should compare:

University fees
London vs non-London living costs
Scholarship value
Accommodation
Visa costs
Travel
Post-study career opportunities

Scholarships for Indian Students in USA

The USA has thousands of universities and a wide range of funding opportunities.

Indian students can investigate:

University merit scholarships
Need-based institutional aid
Department scholarships
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Graduate assistantships
Fulbright
Private scholarships

For master’s and PhD students, assistantships can sometimes provide significant financial support.

Students should check whether international students are eligible for each specific award.

Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

Canada offers scholarships through:

Universities
Departments
Research programmes
Government programmes
Private organisations

Indian students should check:

Entrance scholarships
International student awards
Graduate funding
Research funding
University assistantships

Funding opportunities can differ significantly between undergraduate and graduate programmes.

Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia

Indian students considering Australia should investigate:

University scholarships
Research scholarships
Government-supported opportunities
Faculty scholarships
International student awards

Before accepting a scholarship, check whether it covers:

Tuition
Living expenses
Health insurance
Travel
Research expenses

Scholarships for Indian Students in Europe

Europe is one of the strongest regions for students looking for international scholarships.

Important opportunities include:

Erasmus Mundus
DAAD
University scholarships
National government scholarships
Research funding

Countries Indian students can investigate include:

Germany
France
Italy
Netherlands
Sweden
Finland
Ireland
Belgium
Austria

Scholarship availability differs by country and university.

Fully Funded Scholarships vs Partial Scholarships

This is one of the most important things Indian students should understand.

Fully Funded Scholarship

A fully funded scholarship may cover most major expenses such as:

Tuition
Living expenses
Travel
Insurance
Accommodation

But students should always check the exact scholarship conditions.

Partial Scholarship

A partial scholarship covers only part of the total cost.

For example:

Total education cost: ₹35 lakh

Scholarship: ₹8 lakh

Remaining amount: ₹27 lakh

The student still needs a financial plan for the remaining amount.

How Much Can Indian Students Get Through Scholarships?

There is no standard scholarship amount.

Depending on the programme, funding could be:

₹1 lakh
₹5 lakh
₹10 lakh+
Full tuition
Monthly living allowance
Travel allowance
Insurance
Multiple forms of financial support

For example, the current GREAT Scholarship provides £10,000 toward tuition for eligible postgraduate courses.

A current DAAD master’s scholarship example provides €992 per month.

Erasmus Mundus scholarships can contribute toward participation costs, travel, visa and living expenses.

The exact value for 2027 depends on the individual scholarship.

Scholarships Based on Academic Merit

Merit scholarships generally consider academic performance.

Indian students may be assessed using:

Class 10 marks
Class 12 marks
Bachelor’s CGPA
Master’s grades
Entrance test scores
Academic awards
Research achievements

A strong academic record can improve your chances, but some scholarships also consider:

Leadership
Work experience
Community service
Research
Career objectives

Scholarships Based on Financial Need

Need-based scholarships focus on a student’s financial circumstances.

Students may be asked to provide:

Family income information
Income certificates
Tax documents
Bank statements
Parent/guardian financial information

International universities can have different definitions of financial need.

Always check the exact requirements.

Scholarships for Bachelor’s Students

Scholarships are available for some international undergraduate students, although major government scholarships often focus more heavily on postgraduate study.

Indian students applying for bachelor’s programmes should investigate:

University merit scholarships
International student awards
Need-based financial aid
Country-specific scholarships
Private scholarships
Institution-specific tuition waivers

Scholarship availability can vary considerably between universities.

Scholarships for Master’s Students

Master’s students have some of the widest international scholarship opportunities.

Important programmes include:

Chevening
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
GREAT
Erasmus Mundus
DAAD
Fulbright
University scholarships

Indian students should begin researching master’s scholarships at least several months before their intended intake.

Scholarships for PhD Students

PhD students should focus on research-based funding.

Potential sources include:

University PhD scholarships
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Government scholarships
DAAD
Fulbright
Commonwealth PhD scholarships
Research councils
Supervisor-funded projects

For PhD applicants, contacting prospective supervisors can be an important part of the funding strategy.

Can Indian Students Get Scholarships Without IELTS?

Sometimes.

A scholarship itself may not require IELTS, but the university may require proof of English proficiency.

Depending on the institution, alternatives can include:

TOEFL
PTE
Cambridge English
Other approved tests
Previous education in English, where accepted

Do not assume that “IELTS not required” means that English-language requirements do not exist.

Always check the university’s official admission requirements.

Can Indian Students Get Scholarships Without Work Experience?

Yes, depending on the scholarship.

Some scholarships are open to recent graduates.

Others require:

Professional experience
Leadership experience
Research experience
Specific employment history

For example, certain prestigious leadership-oriented scholarships have professional-experience requirements, while many university merit scholarships do not.

Always check the individual eligibility criteria.

How to Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships in 2027

Step 1: Choose your country

Decide whether you want to study in:

UK
USA
Canada
Australia
Germany
France
Ireland
Netherlands
Other countries

Step 2: Choose your course

Select:

Bachelor’s
Master’s
MBA
PhD
Research programme

Step 3: Find universities

Compare:

Ranking
Tuition
Course content
Location
Employment opportunities
Scholarship availability

Step 4: Find scholarships

Search for options across government and university portals, or consult the curated Wisdomland Scholarships Hub. Additionally, government options like the National Overseas Scholarship can be tracked via the official NOS Government Portal.

Government scholarships
University scholarships
Private scholarships
Subject-specific scholarships

Step 5: Check eligibility

Verify:

Nationality
Academic qualification
CGPA/marks
Age
Work experience
Course
University
English requirements

Step 6: Prepare documents

Common documents include:

Passport
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
CV
Statement of purpose
Personal statement
Recommendation letters
Research proposal
English test score
University application documents

Step 7: Submit the application

Submit before the official deadline.

Step 8: Track the application

Keep:

Application number
Confirmation email
Login credentials
Deadline
Interview details
Scholarship correspondence

2027 Scholarship Application Timeline for Indian Students

Because every scholarship follows a different calendar, students should start early.

October–December 2026

Research:

Scholarships
Universities
Courses
Tuition fees
Education loans
IELTS/TOEFL
Documents

This period is especially important because some scholarships for 2027 study have deadlines in late 2026.

For example, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for 2027/28 close on 20 October 2026.

Some DAAD programmes funding study beginning in 2027 also have application deadlines during 2026.

January–March 2027

Focus on:

Remaining scholarship applications
Erasmus Mundus programmes
University scholarships
Admission applications
Scholarship essays

Erasmus Mundus states that most applications are submitted between October and January, although each programme has its own deadline.

April–June 2027

Focus on:

Scholarship decisions
University offers
Financial planning
Education loans
Accommodation

July–September 2027

Complete:

Final university formalities
Visa
Accommodation
Travel
Financial arrangements

Education Loans After Getting a Scholarship

A scholarship does not always cover the entire cost of studying abroad.

Suppose:

Total cost: ₹40 lakh

Scholarship: ₹10 lakh

Remaining: ₹30 lakh

The student may then explore an education loan or other funding for the remaining eligible expenses.

This is particularly relevant for expensive destinations such as:

USA
UK
Canada
Australia

A scholarship can therefore reduce the amount a student needs to borrow.

Scholarship vs Education Loan

Feature	Scholarship	Education Loan
Repayment	Usually no	Yes
Interest	Usually no	Yes
Competition	Often high	Depends on lender
Academic criteria	Often	Varies
Income assessment	Sometimes	Usually
Amount	Varies	Can be substantial
Main benefit	Reduces education cost	Covers funding gap

Before taking an education loan, compare:

Interest rate
Processing fee
Collateral requirement
Moratorium period
Repayment period
Total interest payable

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship

1. Start early

Do not wait until your university admission is complete.

2. Apply for multiple scholarships

One scholarship should not be your only funding plan.

3. Build a strong academic profile

Good marks and relevant achievements can strengthen merit-based applications.

4. Show leadership

Leadership can be particularly important for major international scholarships.

5. Write a targeted personal statement

Explain:

Why this course?
Why this university?
Why this country?
What are your career goals?
What impact do you want to create?

6. Quantify your achievements

Instead of:

“I have leadership skills.”

Write about the actual project, result or impact you achieved.

7. Prepare recommendation letters early

Professors and employers need time to prepare strong references.

Common Scholarship Mistakes Indian Students Should Avoid

Mistake 1: Waiting until 2027

Some 2027 scholarship deadlines occur during 2026.

Mistake 2: Applying only for fully funded scholarships

Partial scholarships can also reduce your total cost significantly.

Mistake 3: Using old information

Scholarship amounts and deadlines change.

Mistake 4: Ignoring university scholarships

University funding can sometimes be easier to access than highly competitive government scholarships.

Mistake 5: Using a generic personal statement

Tailor every major scholarship application.

Mistake 6: Ignoring remaining costs

A £10,000 scholarship does not mean the entire UK education is free.

Mistake 7: Missing nomination deadlines

Some government scholarships have an additional nomination or agency process.

Study Abroad Scholarship Checklist

Before submitting your application:

Check nationality eligibility
Check course eligibility
Check university eligibility
Check academic requirements
Check age requirements
Check work-experience requirements
Check English requirements
Prepare passport
Prepare transcripts
Prepare degree certificates
Update CV
Write personal statement
Arrange recommendation letters
Prepare research proposal if required
Check scholarship deadline
Check university deadline
Check nomination deadline if applicable
Submit application
Save confirmation
Track application status

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the best study abroad scholarships for Indian students in 2027?

Major programmes to research include Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright, DAAD and university-specific scholarships.

Which scholarship is best for Indian students to study in the UK?

Chevening, Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships and university scholarships are among the major options to research.

Which scholarship is best for Indian students to study in Germany?

DAAD offers numerous scholarships and funding programmes. Erasmus Mundus can also be relevant for eligible European joint master’s programmes.

Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships abroad?

Yes. Some programmes provide full or substantial funding. However, students must check exactly what tuition, living expenses, travel and insurance costs are covered.

Can Indian students get scholarships for master’s abroad?

Yes. Master’s students have access to many major international scholarships, including Chevening, Commonwealth, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Fulbright and university scholarships.

Can Indian students get scholarships for bachelor’s abroad?

Yes. Many universities offer merit-based and international student scholarships for undergraduate applicants.

Can I apply for multiple study abroad scholarships?

Yes, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and comply with the individual scholarship’s rules concerning other funding.

Can I get an education loan after receiving a scholarship?

Potentially, yes. The scholarship can reduce your total funding requirement, while an education loan may help finance the remaining eligible costs.

When should Indian students start applying for 2027 scholarships?

Ideally, during 2026. Some scholarships for 2027 study have deadlines in late 2026, so waiting until 2027 can cause students to miss important opportunities.

Is IELTS required for study abroad scholarships?

It depends on the scholarship and university. Even when a scholarship does not directly require IELTS, the university may require proof of English proficiency.

Final Thoughts

For Indian students planning to study abroad in 2027, scholarship research should begin before the university application process is finished.

The strongest strategy is to create a funding plan that includes:

Scholarships + university funding + personal funds + education loan where required.

Start by researching major programmes such as:

Chevening
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus
Fulbright
DAAD
University scholarships
Research scholarships

Do not depend on a single scholarship.

Also remember that 2027 scholarship deadlines are not the same as 2027 university admission deadlines. Some scholarship applications close months earlier.

For example, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship for 2027/28 has a confirmed October 2026 deadline, while Chevening’s 2027–28 application window has already closed. Erasmus Mundus generally uses an October–January application period, and individual programmes set their own deadlines.

For Indian students, the biggest financial mistake is to look only at the scholarship amount.

Instead, calculate:

Total tuition + living expenses + travel + insurance + visa costs − scholarship = actual funding requirement

That number should be used to plan savings, family funding and an education loan if necessary.

With early planning and multiple applications, finding study abroad scholarships for Indian students can substantially reduce the cost of studying abroad in 2027.