Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad

Each year, more Indian students pack their bags and head abroad, not just chasing a degree, but a broader world of learning and experience. Global classrooms are where ideas mix, cultures meet, and careers begin. And while the dream of studying overseas is exciting, the price tag that comes with it can feel like a deal-breaker for many. 

That’s why fully funded scholarships matter more than ever. They don’t just reduce costs, they remove them. Covering everything from tuition to travel and living expenses, these programs make it possible for talented students to study at top universities without worrying about money. 

That’s why, we’ve rounded up some of the top fully funded scholarships for Indian students in 2026. You’ll find details about what each one covers, who can apply, and how to get started, so you can plan your study abroad journey without worrying about the finances. 

What Does “Fully Funded” Actually Mean? 

Unlike partial scholarships which cover only a percentage of tuition, a fully funded scholarship is a comprehensive financial package that leaves no stone unturned. Typically, these prestigious awards cover: 

• Tuition Fees: 100% of your academic fees for the entire duration of the program. 
• Living Expenses (Stipend): A generous monthly allowance to cover accommodation, food, local travel, and personal expenses. 
• Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare from your home country (India) to the host country at the start and end of the course. 
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and accident coverage for the entire study period. 
• Additional Allowances: Often includes funds for books, research, thesis preparation, and sometimes even a one-time settlement allowance upon arrival. 

Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in 2026 

Here are some of the best options available in 2026 for Indian students who want to study abroad without financial worries: 

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK) 

The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It allows students from over 160 countries, including India, to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university of their choice. 

What it covers: 

• Full university tuition fees 
• Monthly living allowance 
• Travel costs to and from the UK 
• Visa application fees 
• Additional grants for essential expenditures 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

The scholarship focuses on leadership potential and requires a commitment to your home country: 

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of India and commit to returning for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends. 
• Work Experience: Have at least two years of post-graduation work experience (equivalent to 2,800 hours). This can be full-time, part-time, voluntary work, or paid/unpaid internships. 
• Academic: Hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for entry into a postgraduate programme at a UK university (typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 Honours degree). 
• University Offers: Apply to three different eligible UK Master’s courses and receive an unconditional offer from at least one of them by the specified deadline (usually around July 2026 for the 2025/2026 intake). 

2. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship (USA) 

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship is jointly funded by the governments of the United States and India, administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). It is one of the most prestigious and recognised awards, specifically targeting Indian students to pursue a Master’s degree at select U.S. universities. 

What it covers: 

• Full tuition fees 
• Living and travel expenses 
• Health insurance 
• Visa and round-trip airfare (J-1 Visa Support) 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

This fellowship targets high-achieving, mid-career professionals: 

• Academic: Hold an equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s degree (typically a four-year Bachelor’s, a Master’s degree, or a full-time Postgraduate Diploma after a shorter UG course) with at least 55% marks. 
• Professional Experience: A minimum of three years of full-time (paid) professional work experience in your field of study. 
• Commitment to Return: Demonstrated commitment to returning to India immediately after the program and contributing to national development in your area of expertise. 
• Fields of Study: Focus is generally on fields like Arts and Culture Management, Environmental Science/Studies, International Legal Studies, Public Health, Urban and Regional Planning, etc. 

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EU) 

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) program, funded by the European Union, offers a unique opportunity to study in multiple countries during one program. It’s one of the most diverse and globally recognized scholarships for master’s students. 

What it covers: 

• Full tuition fees 
• Monthly living allowance (EUR 1,000–1,200 per month) 
• Travel and installation costs 
• Health insurance and visa-related expenses 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

Indian students apply as ‘Partner Country’ applicants, making them eligible for the highest level of funding: 

• Academic: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent first degree) with an excellent academic record. Final-year students may apply but must graduate before the program starts. 
• Residency: Must not have resided or carried out their main activity (studies, work, etc.) for more than 12 months over the last five years in any European Union Member State. 
• Language: Must meet the English language proficiency requirements (IELTS/TOEFL) of the specific Joint Master’s program consortium. 

4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany) 

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarship is a flagship program funded by the German government to attract talented international students for postgraduate studies, research, and training in Germany. 

What it covers: 

• Tuition fees (if applicable – most public universities in Germany have none) 
• Monthly living stipend (around €934 for graduates, €1,200 for PhD students) 
• Travel allowance 
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance 
• Study and research subsidies 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

Eligibility varies widely by the specific DAAD program, but common requirements include: 

• Academic: A completed Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with a strong academic record (usually a first-class or equivalent). 
• Gap Since Last Degree: Your last degree must typically have been completed within the last six years. 
• Work Experience: Required for some targeted programs, such as the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS), which often require two years of professional experience. 
• Language: Proficiency in the language of instruction (English or German, depending on the course). 

5. Australia Awards Scholarship (Australia) 

Funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australia Awards Scholarship supports students from developing countries, including India, to study at top Australian universities and TAFE institutions. The aim is to build long-term partnerships and contribute to sustainable development. 

What it covers: 

• Full tuition fees 
• Return airfare to and from Australia 
• Establishment allowance for accommodation and books 
• Living expenses (stipend) 
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) 
• Pre-course English training (if required) 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

The AAS is highly competitive and focused on specific development-related fields: 

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of India and apply for a course that falls within the priority fields of development for India. 
• Academic: Hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree. 
• English Proficiency: Meet the minimum English language requirements (usually IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores). 
• Commitment to Return: Agree to return to India for a minimum of two years after completing the scholarship. 
• Age: Must be over 18 years of age on the date of commencement. 

6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada) 

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is one of Canada’s most prestigious programs, created to attract and retain world-class doctoral students. It supports individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and strong leadership skills. 

What it covers: 

• CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years 
• Covers tuition fees, research expenses, and living costs 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

The selection criteria focus heavily on proven excellence in academia and leadership: 

• Level of Study: Must be seeking your first doctoral degree (PhD) or a joint graduate research program (e.g., MD/PhD). 
• Duration of Study: Must not have completed more than 20 months of doctoral studies as of May 1st of the application year. 
• Academic Excellence: Must have achieved a first-class average (or equivalent) in each of the last two years of full-time study. 
• Nomination: Candidates cannot apply directly. They must be nominated by only one Canadian institution that has a Vanier CGS quota. You must express interest to your chosen university’s graduate faculty. 

7. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (Asia-Pacific) 

The Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) is a fantastic opportunity for students from developing member countries, including India, to study postgraduate programs in economics, management, science, and technology in leading universities across the Asia-Pacific region. 

What it covers: 

• Full tuition fees 
• Monthly subsistence allowance (including housing) 
• Travel expenses to and from the study destination 
• Books, materials, and research allowance 
• Medical insurance 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

This program is aimed at mid-career professionals: 

• Citizenship: A national of an ADB borrowing member country (India is eligible). 
• Age Limit: Must not be more than 35 years old at the time of application. 
• Work Experience: Have at least two years of full-time professional working experience after a university degree. 
• Academic: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a superior academic record. 
• Return Policy: Must agree to return to your home country after completing the program. 
• Application Process: You must gain admission to an approved Master’s course at a Designated Institution (the list of universities is fixed and includes institutions like the University of Tokyo, Hong Kong UST, etc.). 

8. Rhodes Scholarship (UK) 

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs, established in 1902. It offers exceptional students the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford, fully funded by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford. 

What it covers: 

• Full university and college fees 
• Annual living stipend 
• Round-trip airfare to Oxford at the beginning and end of studies 
• Visa and health insurance coverage 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

The selection process is highly competitive: 

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India, holding an Indian passport. 
• Age Limit: Must be aged 18-23 (with an exception for older candidates who completed their first UG degree later than usual, up to age 27). 
• Academic: Must have completed, or be completing, an undergraduate degree by July 2026 and have a consistently First Class academic record. 
• Selection Criteria: Demonstrated achievement in the four core criteria: (1) literary and scholastic attainments, (2) energy to use talents to the full, (3) truth, courage, devotion to duty, etc., and (4) moral force of character and instincts to lead. 

9. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK) 

The Commonwealth Scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is designed to help talented students from Commonwealth countries (including India) pursue master’s or PhD studies in the UK. It focuses on supporting students who would otherwise be unable to afford studying abroad. 

What it covers: 

• Full tuition fees 
• Airfare to and from the UK 
• Living and accommodation allowance 
• Thesis and study travel grants 
• Warm clothing allowance and visa fee reimbursement 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

The selection process is highly competitive and is typically managed by a National Nominating Agency in India (usually the Ministry of Education): 

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen or permanent resident of India. 
• Academic: Hold an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class (equivalent to a strong 60-65% in Indian standards). A relevant Master’s degree is required for PhD applications. 
• Inability to Afford: Must be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship. 
• Application Route: Candidates must apply through a Nominating Agency in India (Embassy Nomination is not applicable for this program). 

10. MEXT Scholarship (Japan) 

The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship, offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, provides Indian students the chance to pursue undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, or research studies in Japan – all fully funded. 

What it covers: 

• Full tuition and entrance examination fees 
• Monthly living stipend 
• Round-trip airfare to and from Japan 
• Accommodation assistance 
• Language training (for those needing Japanese proficiency support) 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

Eligibility varies significantly depending on the category (Undergraduate, Research/Postgraduate, Teacher Training, etc.): 

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India. 
• Age Limit (Postgraduate/Research): Must be under 35 years of age as of April 1st of the year of arrival. 
• Academic: Undergraduate: Completed 12 years of schooling. Postgraduate/Research: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). 
• Language: While Japanese proficiency is a huge advantage, it is generally not mandatory for the initial application, as the program includes language training. 
• Application Route: The most common route for Indian students is the Embassy Recommendation, which involves a written exam and an interview conducted by the Japanese Embassy in India. 

11. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK) 

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and supports outstanding international students to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. It’s one of the most competitive scholarships in the world, aiming to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving others’ lives. 

What it covers: 

• Full tuition and college fees at the University of Cambridge 
• Maintenance allowance for living expenses 
• One return economy airfare at the beginning and end of the course 
• Visa and immigration costs 
• Additional funds for academic development, fieldwork, or family support (if applicable) 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

The selection criteria are based on four pillars: academic excellence, reasons for course choice, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential. 

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom. 
• Academic: Must apply to pursue one of the eligible full-time postgraduate degrees (PhD, MLitt, or one-year Master’s programs). Ineligible courses include MBA, MFin, and undergraduate degrees. 
• Application Process: You must apply for admission to the University of Cambridge and a Gates Cambridge Scholarship simultaneously through the University’s standard postgraduate application form. 

12. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships (Global) 

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is one of India’s most prestigious private funding programs, helping talented young Indians study at top universities in the US, UK, and Europe. Established in 1976, it supports students who show exceptional academic and creative promise. 

What it covers: 

• Full or partial tuition fees 
• Living and travel expenses 
• Health insurance (in some cases) 
• Maximum funding up to USD 100,000 

Eligibility for Indian Students: 

Inlaks has specific, often strict, criteria regarding age and fields of study: 

• Citizenship & Residency: Must be an Indian citizen holding an Indian passport and resident in India at the time of application. 
• Age Limit: Must be under 30 years of age on December 31st of the year of application (e.g., typically born on or after January 1, 1995, for the 2025 cycle). 
• Academic: Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university (minimum grade requirements apply: usually 65% for Arts/Humanities and 70% for Sciences/Math). 
• Prior Degree: Applicants who hold a Master’s or other postgraduate qualification from an institution abroad are generally not eligible. 
• Admission Requirement: Prior admission to the university and course chosen is essential. The Foundation will not consider applicants without evidence of admission. 
• Exclusions: The scholarship does not cover fields such as Business and Finance (including MBAs), Computer Science, Engineering (except specific programs at Imperial College London), Medicine, and Fashion Design. 

Ready to Apply? Let’s Get You There 

Money should never be the reason to give up on your dream of studying abroad. With so many fully funded scholarships available, talented students from India have more opportunities than ever to access world-class education, without worrying about financial barriers. All it takes is good research, preparation, and the confidence to apply. 

If you’ve been dreaming of studying in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, or anywhere else, now’s the time to take that first step. Explore your options, put your best foot forward, and let your ambition lead the way. 

Need help finding the right scholarship or applying to your dream university? Talk to Shuraa Education’s experts today. We’ll guide you through every step of your study abroad journey, from choosing the best program to preparing your application and visa. Your global education starts here.