Undergraduate Scholarships 2025 – List of Scholarships
Given below is a list of both national and international scholarships available for Indian students to pursue undergraduate courses. Additionally, the tentative application timelines are also mentioned to help students.apply within the stipulated deadlines.
National Level Undergraduate Scholarships
National-level undergraduate scholarships are offered by various institutions and organisations to support students pursuing undergraduate courses within India. Here is a brief overview of some key scholarships, including details on eligibility, award amounts, and application processes.
L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarships
L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarships aims to empower aspiring female scientists from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across India. Open to women pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degrees in science-related fields, the program offers financial support of up to ₹1,00,000. Applicants must have scored at least 85% in their Class 12 science stream and have a family income below ₹6 lakh per annum. Since its inception in 2003, this initiative has supported numerous young women in fields such as engineering, medicine, life sciences, and cosmetology, fostering greater gender diversity in STEM education and careers.
G. P. Birla Scholarship
The G. P. Birla Educational Foundation offers the G. P. Birla Scholarship to meritorious and financially needy students from West Bengal or Jharkhand who passed Class 12 in 2025 with at least 85% (WBCHSE/JAC) or 90% (ISC/CBSE), and whose family income is below ₹3,00,000 annually. It covers tuition and hostel fees up to ₹50,000 annually (renewable for four years), with an additional ₹7,000 in the first year for books.
Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship Scheme
The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship Scheme is a merit-cum-means scholarship that supports economically disadvantaged students from Class 11 to postgraduate levels, including ITI, diploma, and professional courses. Monthly financial aid ranges from ₹500 to ₹3,200, depending on the course and category. Eligibility is based on academic performance, family income, and age, with specific relaxations for female and differently-abled applicants.
Inspire Scholarship (SHE) – DST
Ishan Uday Scholarship
As part of the government’s initiative to promote inclusive education, the Ishan Uday Scholarship targets undergraduate students from the North Eastern Region (NER). It offers ₹5,400 per month for general undergraduate courses and ₹7,800 per month for professional courses. Applicants must be domiciled in the NER and enrolled in a recognized Indian institution, with family income not exceeding ₹4.5 lakh per annum. Each year, 10,000 new scholarships are awarded. The scheme aims to promote access to higher education in underrepresented regions. Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal.
Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships aims to support meritorious students from low-income families pursuing undergraduate courses in any stream. Applicants must score at least 60% in Class 12 and have a family income below ₹15 lakh (priority is given to those below ₹2.5 lakh). Up to 5,000 students receive scholarships worth ₹2 lakh over the duration of their degree. An online aptitude test is mandatory.
HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme
The HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme is a merit-cum-need-based scholarship that helps underprivileged students facing financial hardship or personal crises. Open to students from Class 1 to postgraduate levels—including diploma, ITI, and professional courses—the programme offers financial assistance ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹75,000, depending on the academic level. Applicants must have scored at least 55% in their previous examination and have a family income not exceeding ₹2.5 lakh annually.
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students
Administered by the Ministry of Education, the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students provides financial assistance to meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Indian nationals who have scored above 80% in their Class 12 board examinations with their annual family income not exceeding ₹4.5 lakh are eligible. Recipients receive ₹12,000 per annum during the first three years of undergraduate studies and ₹20,000 per annum for postgraduate courses or the final year(s) of professional programs. Applicants must be enrolled in regular degree courses at recognized institutions and must not be availing themselves of any other scholarships. The scholarship amount is disbursed directly into students’ bank accounts through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
Kotak Kanya Scholarship
Offered by Kotak Education Foundation, Kotak Kanya Scholarship supports meritorious girl students from low-income families pursuing professional undergraduate courses such as engineering, medicine, law, and more. Each student receives up to ₹1.5 lakh per year, renewable for the entire course duration. Eligibility requires a minimum of 85% in Class 12 and an annual family income below ₹6 lakh. Applicants must be admitted to a recognized institution. The scholarship promotes gender equity and helps create career-ready female professionals.
International Level Undergraduate Scholarships
International undergraduate scholarships are financial aid opportunities provided by foreign universities, governments, and global organizations to support students pursuing undergraduate studies outside their home country. These scholarships aim to promote academic excellence, cultural exchange, and global collaboration. Below is a brief overview of some prominent international scholarships, highlighting key details such as eligibility criteria, award benefits, and application guidelines to help students explore and apply for global educational opportunities.
Fulbright-Nehru Undergraduate Program (USA)
Administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), this program offers Indian students the opportunity to study in the U.S. for one academic year. It covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and proficiency in English.
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
Offered by the Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this National Overseas Scholarship Scheme supports students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized communities to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies abroad. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Applicants must meet specific academic and income criteria.
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan provides scholarships to Indian students for undergraduate studies in Japan. The MEXT scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, and travel expenses. Applicants should have completed 12 years of schooling and be proficient in English or Japanese.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (UK)
This UK government initiative offers scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK. The Commonwealth Scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses. Selection is based on academic merit and potential to contribute to the development of the candidate’s home country.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Bachelor Degrees (Europe)
Funded by the European Union, this program offers scholarships for international students to pursue joint bachelor degrees across multiple European universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses. Applicants must meet the specific eligibility criteria of the chosen program.
Tata Scholarship for Cornell University (USA)
Funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust, this scholarship supports Indian students admitted to undergraduate programs at Cornell University. It covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, living expenses, and travel. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The Inlaks Foundation offers Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships to Indian students for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at top institutions in the U.S., UK, and Europe. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Selection is based on academic merit, leadership potential, and extracurricular achievements.
K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Diploma Courses
Offered by the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, these scholarships support Indian students pursuing diploma courses in polytechnic institutions. Preference is given to female students, children from lower-income families, and those with disabilities. The scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition and other academic expenses.
Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) Scholarship
Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) Scholarship is designed for Indian students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue undergraduate studies in arts, commerce, science, and other disciplines. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic costs. Selection is based on academic performance and financial need.
Orange Tulip Scholarship
The Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS) is a prestigious program managed by Nuffic Neso, aimed at supporting talented students from select countries, including India, to pursue higher education in the Netherlands. It offers partial to full tuition fee waivers, and in some cases, additional allowances depending on the university . Eligible applicants must be citizens of participating countries, must not have previously studied or worked in the Netherlands, and must have secured admission to a participating Dutch institution . The scholarship covers various fields of study and is available for both bachelor’s and master’s programs. Application deadlines typically fall between February and May annually, varying by institution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I apply for these undergraduate scholarships?
The application timelines for each scholarship vary. Most national-level scholarships begin accepting applications between April and October, while international scholarships often have deadlines from December to May, depending on the destination country and university. Students are advised to check the official websites for the exact application windows.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships. However, some scholarships restrict recipients from holding multiple awards simultaneously, especially government-funded ones. It's important to read the terms and conditions of each scholarship before applying or accepting an offer.
How are international scholarships different from national ones?
International scholarships are typically funded by foreign governments, universities, or international organizations, and they support studies abroad. They often cover full tuition, travel, and living expenses. In contrast, national scholarships are for study within India and are funded by Indian government bodies, foundations, and private organizations, usually covering tuition and academic-related expenses.
What documents are typically required for applying to undergraduate scholarships?
Applicants are typically required to submit several essential documents. These commonly include academic transcripts (Class 10 and 12 mark sheets), income certificate or proof of financial need, proof of identity and domicile, admission letter or proof of enrollment, and a valid category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable. Some scholarships may also require a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal essays.