In today’s hyper-competitive world, facing an economic crisis at a global level, the biggest dilemma for the youth is securing employment. No wonder education plays a huge part in ensuring students acquire the necessary skills to be employable. It is in this context that pursuing a master’s degree to gain that competitive edge becomes crucially important for graduate students, especially with many professional courses only available at the postgraduate level.

With the cost of education constantly on the rise, though, it becomes difficult for students to pursue further education without considerable financial resources at their disposal, especially for those who wish to pursue their higher education abroad. Thankfully, there are many a scholarship for graduate students to avail that can help them either completely fund their study abroad experience, or supplement it greatly.

International Scholarships for Graduate Students of India

Today, we are going to look at some open scholarship opportunities for graduate students from India looking to study abroad. So here are the top international scholarships for Indian graduates looking to pursue their higher education abroad:

1. Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Programme

Introduced by the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, this scholarship programme aims to offer financial support to meritorious Indian students who are willing to pursue a postgraduate degree programme at top-ranking institutions. The scholarship is given in the form of an interest-free PG loan to students who have a high academic record.

Indian citizens who are below 30 years of age are eligible for this scholarship. They must have completed graduation from a recognised Indian university/institute. Also, they must have been accepted into the top-ranking educational institutions to pursue postgraduate studies.

Application Deadline: March 17, 2021

2. Aga Khan International Scholarship

This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to outstanding students from selected developing countries who lack financial resources for their studies. Indian graduates and postgraduates who are below 30 years of age are eligible to apply for this scholarship, provided they are willing to pursue a master’s level of PhD course abroad. The students selected for this scholarship will get assistance for their tuition fees and living expenses.

Application Deadline: March 22, 2021

3. J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship

This is a loan scholarship for Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate, doctoral, postdoctoral or research studies abroad. The students will also receive a ‘Travel Grant’ and a ‘Gift Award’ which is linked to their academic performance. Since 1892, when the scholarship was introduced, the programme has helped around 5,350 students in pursuing their higher education abroad.

The students are required to have secured at least 60% marks in their last qualifying examination. The age of the applicants must be below 45 years. They must have a good academic record and experience in their fields, specialisation or training.

Application Deadline: March 08, 2021

4. Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program

The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) is offering this 6-week professional development program for full-time senior secondary school teachers in India. This is a non-degree and non-credit academic program that will take place at a university in US. The teachers of Class 6 to 12 who have completed at least 5 years of full-time teaching in disciplines like English, English as foreign language (EFL), Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Special Education are eligible.

They must hold a bachelor’s degree and living and teaching in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Also, they must obtain a minimum score of 450 in TOEFL or 61 in iBT TOEFL or equivalent English language examination.

Application Deadline: March 10, 2021

5. National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for SC Students

Run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this scheme offers support for overseas higher education to low-income students who belong to Scheduled Caste (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribe, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisan categories. Under this scholarship, the financial assistance is provided for pursuing master’s level or PhD courses abroad.

The students are required to have obtained at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination. The age of the candidates must be below 35 years. Also, their annual family income must not exceed INR 8 lakh from all sources. The support includes maintenance allowance of USD 15,400/GBP 9,900 per annum, contingency allowance of UDG 1,500/GBP 1,100, tuition fees and other benefits.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2021

6. Charpak Master’s Program

Campus France is offering this scholarship program for students pursuing master’s level courses in France. Under this program, meritorious students who are below 30 years of age are provided a living allowance of EUR 700, a tuition fee waiver up to EUR 5,000 and various other benefits. The program is open for students who are currently enrolled or have studied at an Indian Institution of higher learning or young professionals employed in a company for a maximum of 3 years at the time of application.

Application Deadline: April 09, 2021

7. K. C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad

Introduced by the K. C. Mahindra Education Trust, this is a loan scholarship for graduate students in India who wish to pursue post-graduate studies abroad. The scholarship aims to support deserving and needy students and help them continue their higher education. Indian students who have secured admission or have applied for admission in reputable foreign universities are eligible to get an interest-free loan up to INR 8 lakh. The students are required to have obtained a first-class degree or equivalent diploma from a recognised university.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2021

8. Inlaks Scholarships

This scholarship is meant to provide opportunities to graduate students to pursue a full-time master’s, MPhil, or a doctorate program at top-rated American, European and UK institutions. The students selected under this scholarship receive full tuition fees, adequate living expenses, one-way travel allowance and a health allowance.

The scholarship is open for Indian students below 30 years of age who hold a first-class degree or equivalent from a recognised Indian university/institution. They must have prior admission to the institution and course chosen at the time of the application. Also, they must have resided continuously or been employed or have been studying in India, for at least two years, post their return to India.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2021

9. Charles Wallace India Trust Long Term Scholarship, UK

The Charles Wallace India Trust offers this scholarship for Indian students who are aged between 28 and 38 years. The students who have a first degree, diploma or professional qualification in their specialization are provided with financial assistance that covers accommodation and living costs in the UK, fees and a contribution to international fare. The grant provides an opportunity to students to study and gain wider experience as well as exposure in the UK.

Application Deadline: In the month of December

10. Chevening Scholarships

The UK Government offers this scholarship for Indian professionals who wish to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university. Under this scholarship programme, the future leaders are provided with an opportunity to study in the UK on full-funded scholarships. The students are required to return to India for a minimum of two years after the award has ended. They must have an undergraduate degree equivalent to upper second-class 2:1 honour degree in the UK. Also, they must have at least two years of work experience.

Application Deadline: November 03, 2020

11. Korean Government Scholarship Program

This scholarship program is run by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Korea. It is meant to support master’s, doctoral and research studies of Indian students in Korea. The age of the students must be below 40 years (for master’s and doctoral programme) and 45 years (for research program). Also, they must fulfil the minimum qualification requirement for respective program. The scholarship includes variable benefits for students such as settlement allowance, monthly allowance, research allowance, tuition fee waiver and other benefits.

Application Deadline: March 19, 2021

12. Felix Scholarship for Indian Students

Offered by the University of Reading, England, this scholarship is meant to support the study of Indian students who are pursuing their postgraduate studies at the University of Reading. The students are required to have at least a first-class bachelor’s degree from an Indian University or equivalent institution. The students selected for this scholarship get tuition fees, a maintenance grant and a general allowance for return flight, books and clothes.

Application Deadline: January 30, 2021

13. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

Indian students who are looking for financial assistance to pursue MBA from Stanford Business School can avail this scholarship. They are expected to possess qualities like intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential and personal qualities and contributions. The scholars get 80% waiver in the cost of tuition and associated fees under this fellowship.

Application Deadline: May 22, 2020

14. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

This scholarship is meant for women graduates who are engaged in social work, social science, public health, and the welfare of children and women. Every year, up to 10 women candidates receive this scholarship to pursue a master’s degree overseas.

Application Deadline: Not specified

15. Rotary Peace Fellowships

The key objective of this fellowship is to promote peace with the help of academic training, global networking opportunities and practice. Every year, 50 fellowships are awarded for master’s degree and 50 for certificate studies at premier universities. The candidates are required to hold a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in English to be eligible for this scholarship. The financial assistance offered under this scholarship include tuition fee waiver and other benefits.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2021

16. Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship, UK

Run by the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India, this scholarship offers part-cost awards to Indian students for research and education in any subjects available at the University of Cambridge and Oxford. Indian students who are below 30 years of age are eligible to apply provided they have applied for and secured admission in a full-time course at the University of Cambridge or the University of Oxford. The students can avail up to INR 3,00,000 under this scholarship.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2021

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