Top 10 Scholarships for Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2026

Fully funded scholarships for study abroad in 2026 have become an essential part of international students aiming to pursue higher studies abroad. Indians represent strong numbers who aspire to build a career abroad, with over 1.8 million Indian students studying abroad in 2025, compared to 1.3 million about a couple of years back.

Amid the striking surge in global mobility and as traditional destinations tighten visa norms, escalating competition, fully funded scholarships stand out as life-changing scholarship opportunities for aspirants in 2026. In this article, we will delve into the details of fully funded scholarships for study abroad eligibility requirements, application process, deadlines, and more.

Top 10 Fully Funded Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students

With countries like Germany, UAE witnessing robust year on year increase in enrolments, and with many more such benefiting study abroad destinations emerging out, the need for fully funded scholarships for study abroad is more crucial now than ever for not just the traditional study abroad destinations but for other countries too. The top fully funded scholarships for study abroad for Indian students in 2026 include:

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

The Fulbright Nehru Masters Fellowship is one of the most popular scholarship opportunities for Indian students to pursue higher studies in the United States. The scholarship offers full funding for tuition fees, living expenses and travel, while also providing access to an elite global alumni network. Scholars gain exposure to world class education, cross cultural experiences, and a platform to become future leaders in their respective fields.

2. Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship in the UK is funded by the government and is tailored specifically for emerging leaders and change makers. The scholarship offers complete financial support for a one year masters program at UK uUniversities, along with grants for living allowances and travel costs. Scholars also get to join an influential international network of over 50,000 alumni unlocking future career opportunities worldwide.

3. Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth scholarships for Indian students provides skilled Indian graduates to pursue advanced studies in the UK. The Commonwealth scholarship grant covers tuition fees, airfare and living costs, along with making it an ideal choice for students aiming to contribute to sustainable development and international collaboration. Not just that scholars also benefit from world class research facilities along with a globally respected UK degree.

4. DAAD Scholarships

The DAAD scholarship in Germany offers Indian students a gateway to the tuition-free German education system, while covering living expenses, travel and health insurance. This scholarship opportunity is perfect for those seeking world class research opportunities in a multicultural environment, as it opens doors to Europe's job market and global academic collaborations.

5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (Europe)

Erasmus Mundus provides a unique and golden opportunity to study in multiple European countries with one degree program. The Erasmus Mundus scholarships for study abroad program offers full coverage for tuition, living allowances, and travel, making it an ideal choice for globally minded international students, seeking cultural immersion and a multi-country academic experience. Graduates of this scholarship gain the benefit of earning joint or multiple degrees which are recognised across Europe.

6. Australia Awards Scholarships

The Australia Awards scholarship is a golden ticket to study at top universities in Australia with complete financial support. This study abroad scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, health insurance and airfares, while also providing access to networking opportunities with leaders and policymakers. This scholarship program specifically emphasises knowledge exchange and building long term links between Australia and India.

Also Read: Study in Australia for Free in 2026

7. Rhodes Scholarship 

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, providing full funding to study at the University of Oxford. Beyond the usual coverage of tuition and living costs, the scholarship offers unparalleled leadership development programs and a lifelong membership to the influential Rhodes alumni community, proving to be your launchpad for global impact.

8. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship offered by the University of Cambridge, to exceptional students committed to improving lives. It not only covers academic and living costs, but also offers personal development grants and networking opportunities. Not just that scholars also get the chance to become part of an elite community of global leaders and innovators.

9. Inlaks Sivdasani Foundation Scholarship

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are one of the most popular financial aid that empower talented young Indians to pursue higher education at top universities in countries like US, UK, and Europe. Under this scholarship students can gain a grant of up to USD 100,000 which covers tuition fees, living expenses and travel. The inlay scholarship encourages academic excellence, artistic expression, and leadership in diverse fields.

10. Turkiye Scholarship

The turkiye scholarship offers Indian students a full funding opportunity to study in Turkey at the undergraduate, masters, or doctoral level. The grant includes tuition fee, living allowance, accommodation, airfare, and health insurance. Along with these academic benefits, scholars also get to experience Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and strategic positioning between Europe and Asia. 

Other Popular Scholarships to Study Abroad

Numerous universities offer scholarships to international students seeking to pursue a career in their respective countries. The following are some of the premier scholarships available for studying abroad. These scholarships represent some of the finest opportunities for international students looking to study overseas.

1. University of Waikato Scholarship

The University of Waikato is extending scholarship opportunities to Indian students starting in 2023. This initiative encompasses both undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing financial support to those who exhibit commendable academic performance.

• Target Country: New Zealand
• Type: University-specific
• Eligibility: Indian residents with a strong academic record

2. Great Wall Program

The Great Wall Program, a fully funded scholarship sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Education in collaboration with UNESCO, is open to students and scholars from developing countries. This scholarship facilitates studying and conducting research in China for both general and senior research scholars.

Applicants may undergo a Chinese language proficiency test if their selected program is conducted in Chinese.

• Target Country: China
• Eligibility: Applicants aged below 45 with a bachelor's or master's degree

3. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS)

The Orange Tulip Scholarship program enables Indian students to pursue studies in the Netherlands with a partial tuition fee waiver, requiring beneficiaries to contribute €4,530 towards tuition.

Administered by Nesos (Netherlands Education Support Offices), the scholarship's specifics, including courses, requirements, and the total amount, vary among institutions and students from different countries. Approximately 50 OTS awards are granted to Indian students annually, with a preference for exceptional academic performance and work experience.

• Target Country: Netherlands
• Type: Merit-based
• Eligibility: Indian citizens admitted to a Dutch University

4. Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship

The Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship supports graduate, master's, or Ph.D. studies in Germany. Annually, approximately 1500 scholarships are bestowed upon students with outstanding academic achievements and a demonstrated commitment to social and political engagement.

The foundation values active interest in its core principles, including ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, as well as self-determination and justice.

• Target Country: Germany
• Type: Merit-based
• Eligibility: Excellent academic records with evidence of German language proficiency

Also Read: Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany 2026

How to Apply for Scholarships For Indian Students?

Embarking on the journey of studying abroad with a scholarship is a cherished aspiration for many prospective students. However, the perceived difficulty in obtaining a scholarship often stems from a lack of knowledge on how to navigate the application process. Understanding the intricacies of applying for a scholarship is paramount, considering the multitude of factors involved.

To guide Indian students in securing scholarships for overseas studies, here are essential steps to consider.

Step 1 - Research Scholarships: Explore a variety of general and university-specific scholarships tailored for diverse countries and courses. Delve into multiple sources to compile comprehensive data on available scholarships.

Step 2 - Document Scholarship Details: Clearly define your course of study, preferred country, and minimum financial requirement. Create a well-documented plan to streamline the application process and align with specific criteria for each scholarship.

Step 3 - Evaluate Academic and Financials: Assess the minimum percentage required for scholarship eligibility. Carefully evaluate academic achievements and financial needs to target scholarships aligning with your profile, avoiding unnecessary disappointment.

Step 4 - Define Target Country: Identify the country where you plan to pursue studies. This clarity enables focused research on scholarship opportunities in that specific country, preventing an overwhelming search across multiple regions.

Step 5 - Rely on Official Sources: Seek information exclusively from official websites and authentic sources associated with scholarship providers. Many online platforms may present outdated or inaccurate details, emphasizing the importance of referring to reliable sources.

Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships With GetGIS Assistance

The list of scholarships to study abroad is not exhaustive to the once mentioned above but varies based on the country, program level, course selection, and etc factors. The best part about the study abroad scholarships is that they greatly ease your financial burdens along with providing access to elite universities, international exposure, and professional networks.

Are you also an aspirant looking for the right scholarships to fulfill your study abroad dream? With GetGIS you get the opportunity to explore the eligibility to a wide range of scholarships, helping you choose the right one for your study abroad requirements, along with unwavering guidance through the admissions process, visa application and more.

Book Your Free Consultation

Articles You Might Be Interested in

• Best Government Funded Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students
• International Scholarships for Indian Students
• How To Get Scholarship To Study Abroad After 12th
• 10 Best PhD Scholarships for Indian Students Abroad
• Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS