Scholarships for Indian students

DAAD · government

India is eligible. Needs a relevant bachelor's degree (usually four years) with results in the upper third, and at least two years of relevant work experience after it.

Covers: living costs, travel · Apply directly to the chosen course; deadlines depend on the course.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026

DAAD · government

Applicants from India with a master's degree (a bachelor's only in exceptional cases), whose latest degree is under six years old at the deadline and who have not lived in Germany for more than 15 months.

Covers: living costs, travel · Portal closes 21 October 2026; funding starts October 2027.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026

German Federal Government and private sponsors, awarded by universities · university

Open to students of all nationalities enrolled or starting at a participating German university. Awarded for grades, social commitment and achievement; pays EUR 300 a month for at least two semesters.

Covers: see official page · Each university runs its own application and dates.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026

Higher Education Authority, Government of Ireland · government

For students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK (Indian nationals qualify) holding a conditional or final offer for a master's, postgraduate diploma or PhD at an eligible Irish institution. One application per person.

Covers: tuition, living costs · The 2026 round closed on 12 March 2026. The next round date is not yet published.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026

UK Government (FCDO) · government

Open to Indian nationals for a one-year master's degree in the UK. Needs at least 2,800 hours of work experience after the undergraduate degree, over at least two years.

Covers: tuition, living costs, travel · 2027-2028 cycle open until 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK · government

India is eligible for 2027/28. Needs a first degree at 2:1 standard or equivalent and demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be nominated by a national nominating agency or approved NGO; no direct applications.

Covers: tuition, living costs, travel · 2027/28 cycle closes 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026. Nominating agencies may set earlier dates.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation · merit

Indian passport holders living in India with a bachelor's degree from an Indian university and an admission offer. Age and minimum-grade rules apply, and some subjects (including business, computer science, engineering and medicine) are excluded. Also covers study in the USA and Europe.

Covers: tuition, living costs, travel · The 2026 window is closed; the next cycle date is not yet published.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026

Rhodes Trust · merit

Five places for India, for full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Check the official India candidate information for citizenship, age and degree rules.

Covers: tuition, living costs, travel · The 2027 India cycle closed on 23 July 2026. The next cycle date is not yet published.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026

USIEF · government

Indian scholars registered for a PhD at an Indian institution, for 6 to 9 months of research in the US.

Covers: living costs, travel · The 2027-2028 cycle closed on 1 July 2026.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026

USIEF (United States-India Educational Foundation) · government

Indian citizens with a bachelor's (minimum 55%) or master's degree and at least three years of relevant full-time work experience, without a US degree. Government of India employees are not eligible.

Covers: tuition, living costs, travel · The last published cycle (2026-2027) closed on 14 May 2025. A 2027-2028 master's cycle is not currently listed.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026

Cornell University · need

Students who attended secondary school in India, are admitted to Cornell as undergraduates and qualify for need-based financial aid. No separate application.

Covers: see official page · Uses Cornell's admission dates: Early Decision 1 November, Regular Decision 2 January, with the CSS Profile by the same dates.

Official page · verified 15/9/2026