Top 11 Scholarships Every Indian Student Should Know About
For many students in India, higher education is not just about choosing the right college or course—it’s also about finding the best way to fund their academic journey. With the rising cost of education both in India and abroad, students from humble backgrounds often look for scholarships that can become a lifeline for their dreams.
Scholarships for Indian students in 2026 not only ease the financial burden but also open doors to global learning opportunities that can shape a successful career.
In 2026, several national and international scholarships are available for Indian students. Whether you’re pursuing engineering, management, medical studies, or planning to study abroad, there are multiple options available to support your aspirations.
In this blog, we’ll explore the Top 11 Scholarships Every Indian Student Should Know About in 2026—including the best scholarships in India and study abroad scholarships—along with expert tips on how to maximize your chances of winning them.
Top 11 Scholarships Every Indian Student Must Know About in 2026
Here is a list of some of the most prestigious and important scholarships available for Indian students in 2026:
1. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA)
One of the most prestigious scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA, this fellowship covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and health insurance.It is open to students applying for Master’s, doctoral, or post-doctoral research programs in leading U.S. universities.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
A fully funded UK Government scholarship, the Chevening Scholarship supports outstanding students pursuing a one-year master’s degree in the UK.It covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and visa costs—making it one of the best opportunities to study in the UK.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Available to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, this scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare, and living allowances.
It supports postgraduate studies at leading universities in the UK and is ideal for academically talented students.
4. Rhodes Scholarship (UK)
One of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships, the Rhodes Scholarship is open to Indian students pursuing postgraduate degrees at Oxford University.It covers tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and stipends, offering a gateway to a world-class education.
5. GKS Scholarship (South Korea)
Offered by the South Korean Government, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) provides tuition fees, airfare, living costs, and language training.It supports both undergraduate and postgraduate students, making it one of the top Asian scholarships for Indian students.
6. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this scholarship supports Indian students for Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Germany.It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance, making it one of the most popular Germany scholarships for Indian students.
7. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Sponsored by the Australian Government, this scholarship fully funds tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowances, and health coverage.
It is available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in top Australian universities.
8. GREAT Scholarships (UK)
Offered jointly by the British Council and UK universities, the GREAT Scholarship provides £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year master’s courses.It is ideal for students looking to pursue specialized postgraduate programs in the UK.
9. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships (India & Abroad)
The Inlaks Scholarship supports talented Indian students to study at top global universities.It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and one-way travel. This scholarship is especially popular among students of arts, architecture, design, and related fields.
10. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) Scholarships (India)
One of the most recognized Indian government scholarships, NTSE provides financial assistance up to the doctoral level for deserving school students.It encourages academic excellence and helps students pursue higher education without financial constraints.
11. Saksham and Pragati Scholarships (India)
Offered by AICTE, the Saksham Scholarship supports differently-abled students, while the Pragati Scholarship is for girl students.
Both cover tuition fees and other educational expenses, promoting inclusive growth in Indian higher education.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Winning Scholarships
Here are some actionable tips to increase your chances of winning college scholarships in India or abroad:
Start Early – Most scholarship applications open 6–12 months before the academic session begins. Prepare in advance to meet all deadlines.
Maintain Strong Academics – Consistent academic excellence is a key eligibility factor for almost every scholarship.
Highlight Extracurriculars – Showcase leadership roles, sports, community service, and other achievements beyond academics.
Prepare a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Be clear about your goals, achievements, and how the scholarship aligns with your career aspirations.
Get Strong Recommendations – Secure letters from teachers or mentors who know your capabilities and can endorse your potential.
Stay Updated – Regularly check official university and scholarship websites for deadlines and updated criteria.
Apply for Multiple Scholarships – Don’t limit yourself to one. Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of success.
Final Words
Scholarships are more than just financial aid—they are recognition of a student’s hard work, talent, and ambition. They help students overcome financial challenges and unlock opportunities to study at top institutions in India and abroad.
The top 11 scholarships for Indian students in 2026 listed above offer a wide range of options for different fields of study and academic levels.
Whether you’re planning to study in India, the UK, USA, Germany, Australia, or South Korea, preparing early and maintaining a strong academic record can help you achieve your dream career.
So, if you’re an aspiring student in 2026, don’t let financial constraints hold you back—explore these scholarships, apply with confidence, and take the first step toward a brighter and successful future.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students – FAQ
1. What are the top scholarships available for Indian students?
1) Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship (USA)
2) Chevening Scholarships (UK)
3) DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
4) Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford University)
5) Tata Scholarship (Cornell University, USA)
6) Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
7) SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025
8) Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship
9) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS)
10) Meghalaya Chief Minister's Scholarship Scheme 2025
11) IIT Bombay WINGS Scholarship
12) Telangana Advanced Technology Centres (ATC) Scholarship
2. Who is eligible for these scholarships?
1) Strong academic record
2) Demonstrated leadership qualities and community involvement
3) Specific field of study (STEM, social sciences, humanities)
4) Financial need (especially for government-funded programs)
5) Work experience (required for some scholarships like Chevening)
3. How can I apply for these scholarships?
1) Online registration on the official scholarship portal
2) Submission of academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of admission
3) Writing a Statement of Purpose (SOP)
4) Interviews (if required)
4. When is the deadline to apply for these scholarships?
1) Chevening: October 7, 2025
2) Fulbright-Nehru: August–November 2025 (varies)
3) DAAD: Varies by program
4) SBI Asha Scholarship: 2025-26 academic year
5) Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship: September 30, 2025
5. What documents are required for these scholarships?
1) Academic transcripts
2) Statement of Purpose (SOP)
3) Letters of recommendation
4) Proof of identity (passport, Aadhaar, etc.)
5) Proof of admission (for international scholarships)
6) Standardized test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, if required)
6. Are there any fully funded scholarships for Indian students ?
Yes. Examples include:
1) Rhodes Scholarship
2) Chevening Scholarship
3) Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship
4) DAAD Scholarship
5) SBI Asha Scholarship
6) Azim Premji Foundation Scholarship
7. Are there scholarships for specific fields like engineering or medicine?
Yes. Examples include:
Engineering: DAAD, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
Medicine: Padho Pardesh Scheme
STEM: IIT Bombay WINGS Scholarship
If you’re planning to pursue Engineering, Management, Architecture, or other courses in India, apply for our scholarships today and take the first step toward your future with SAGE University Indore.