Studying overseas is a dream for many Indian students, but financial constraints can often stand in the way. To support bright and ambitious students from all walks of life, the Government of India offers several prestigious scholarships and financial aid programs. These not only cover tuition fees but also provide support for living expenses, travel, healthcare, and more. Many students seek help from study abroad consultants in Kolkata to navigate these opportunities smoothly.

Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s in the U.S., research in climate change, or a PhD in Europe, these government-backed scholarships open doors to world-class education—without the financial burden. If you are looking for the best consultancy for abroad studies or expert guidance from abroad education consultants in Kolkata, this guide will be your go-to resource.

Below is a detailed, up-to-date guide to the best scholarships for Indian students to study abroad in 2025.

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

Destination: United States
Coverage: All expenses included – tuition fees, travel, accommodation, and health insurance.
Level: Master’s
Highlights:

• Open to high-achieving professionals with at least 3 years of work experience.
• Covers academic fees, flight costs, monthly stipend, and full medical insurance.
• Best suited for students with strong leadership qualities and a passion for community impact.
  

Eligibility:

• Minimum 55% in undergraduate studies.
• Must not hold a U.S. degree.
• Valid IELTS score (minimum band 6.0).
• Requires employer endorsement (if currently employed).
  

Many students seeking to study abroad in the USA turn to study abroad consultants for USA in Kolkata for application help.

2. Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme

Focus: OBC & EBC Students
Level: Master’s, MPhil, PhD
Type: Need-based
Destination: Global
Support Offered:

• Complete interest waiver on student loans while studying overseas.
  

Eligibility:

• Must have secured admission to a recognized overseas institution.
• Family income: Not exceeding ₹8 lakh for OBC; ₹2.5 lakh for EBC.
• Must avail of loans under the Indian Banks Association scheme.
  

For students interested in study medicine in the UK Indian students often contact study abroad consultants for UK in Kolkata for detailed guidance.

3. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship

Founded: 1892
Funding: Loan (₹1 – ₹10 lakh) + Travel & Gift Grants
Level: PhD/Postdoctoral
Highlights:

• Interest rate as low as 2%.
• Additional grants awarded to top performers.
• Available across disciplines and study destinations.
  

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen with a minimum of 60% academic score.
• Undergraduate degree holder.
• Age below 45 years.

4. GREAT Scholarships – Pursue Your Education in the UK

Funding: Up to $10,000 + tuition & travel
Level: Postgraduate
Universities: 20+ UK institutions

Eligibility:

• Indian citizenship and undergraduate degree.
• Must meet the English language and admission requirements.
• Scholars serve as UK education ambassadors through alumni activities.
  

Covers:

• Tuition fees, health insurance, one-way airfare, and a living stipend.
  

Study abroad consultants for UK in Kolkata are popular among students pursuing this scholarship to maximize their chances.

5. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Destination: USA
Funding: Up to $100,000
Courses: Arts, Architecture, Sciences, Law, Social Work, etc.

Eligibility:

• Indian residency and born on or after Jan 1, 1994.
• Minimum 70% marks (Science) or 65% (Humanities).
• Proof of admission is mandatory.
  

Students frequently rely on study abroad consultants in Kolkata to apply for this prestigious scholarship.

Inlaks Foundation Info

6. Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship

Focus: Climate Research
Level: Doctoral, Academic, Professional
Sponsored by: USIEF & Government of India

Coverage:

• Monthly stipend, visa fees, health insurance, and travel.
  

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a registered PhD scholar in India.
• Not open to candidates nearing PhD submission or holding a PhD.
  

Fellowship Details

7. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust

Focus: Women Empowerment
Funding: Tuition support
Subjects: Public Health, Social Work, Women & Child Welfare

Eligibility:

• Indian women with a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of work experience.
• Must have secured admission to a recognized university in the US, UK, or Europe.
  

Women students often connect with abroad education consultants in Kolkata for focused scholarship support.

8. Cornell University Tata Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate
Funding: Fully Funded
For: Indian nationals who have secured admission to Cornell University.

Eligibility:

• Individuals holding Indian citizenship who finished their high school education in India.
• Demonstrated financial need required.
  

If you want to apply, overseas education consultants in Kolkata can guide you through the process.

9. Indian Global Leaders Scholarship – University of Queensland

Level: UG/PG
Fields: Business, Economics, Law
Funding: AUD 5,000–20,000 + Employability Support

Eligibility:

• Indian resident with strong academic performance.
• Applied to the specified fields at the University of Queensland.
  

Many students reach out to study abroad consultants in Kolkata to explore such opportunities in Australia.

10. National Overseas Scholarship for SC/ST Students

Provider: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Funding: Covers tuition fees, accommodation, visa charges, airfare, and healthcare expenses.

Seats:

• 100 for Scheduled Caste, 20 for Scheduled Tribe
  

Courses Covered:

• SC: Management, Science, Commerce, Medicine
• ST: Engineering, Technology, Science
  

Eligibility:

• Family income below ₹8 lakh
• Age below 35 years
• Minimum 60% academic score
  

Many beneficiaries consult study abroad consultants for France and other destinations to maximize benefits.

Other Notable Scholarships to Explore

• Goa Education Trust Scholarship
• Ontario Trillium Scholarship
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships
  

How to Win a Study Abroad Scholarship

• Plan Ahead: Begin researching and preparing your application well before the deadline.
• Meet All Criteria: Double-check academic, language, and financial eligibility.
• Ace Required Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT—prepare well and score high.
• Strong SOP & Essays: Write compelling personal statements highlighting your goals.
• Organize Documents: Keep transcripts, recommendation letters, and income proof ready.
• Seek Expert Advice: Consult education counselors or platforms like IDP or trusted overseas education consultants in Kolkata for guidance.
  

Studying at top international universities is no longer a distant dream for Indian students—it’s an achievable goal, thanks to the wide array of fully funded and merit-based scholarships provided by the Indian government. From master’s programs in the U.S. to doctoral research in Europe, these opportunities are designed to uplift deserving students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines.

Whether you’re a first-time undergraduate applicant or a seasoned researcher, there’s a scholarship tailored for you. All it takes is careful planning, a strong application, and the drive to succeed. By leveraging these scholarships, you not only gain access to world-class education but also broaden your horizons and become part of a global academic community.

If you’re ready to study abroad in 2025, start exploring these programs today—and take that bold step toward your future with support from reliable study abroad consultants in Kolkata.