Studying abroad can be a dream come true for many students, offering various benefits and global opportunities. However, the high costs of studying in a new country can be a major hurdle. Fully funded scholarships can help remove these financial barriers, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and more. This article provides an overview of major fully funded scholarships available for Indian students, including details on their coverage, eligible courses, and application deadlines.
Types of Fully Funded Scholarships
Fully Funded Government Scholarships: Highly competitive scholarships awarded based on merit. They often cover full tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
University Sponsored Fully Funded Scholarships: Offered by universities based on application criteria such as grades, work experience, and extracurricular activities. They provide complete financial support to cover tuition fees and living costs.
External Scholarships: Sponsored by businesses, charities, and educational organizations. These may include personalized tests and offer job or internship opportunities upon graduation.
Explore Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students
1. Fulbright Scholarships
The Fulbright Scholarships are among the most prestigious fully funded scholarships available to Indian students. Administered by the US Embassies or binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations, this scholarship covers all expenses, including full tuition fees, airfare, living costs, and health insurance. It supports undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and research students across various fields. The program benefits over 4,000 students annually and is considered the largest educational scholarship program globally. To be eligible, applicants must be Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree and at least 55% marks if applying for a master’s degree. Application deadlines vary depending on the specific fellowship. For more details, visit the Fulbright Scholarships for Indian Students page.
2. GREAT Scholarship
The GREAT Scholarships, funded jointly by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, are designed for Indian students pursuing one-year postgraduate courses in the UK. Each scholarship provides £10,000 towards tuition fees. To qualify, students must be Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree and meet the English language requirements for the UK. The application period generally runs from November 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024. Detailed information can be found on the GREAT Scholarships for Indians page.
| Scholarship Name | Description | Coverage | Eligibility | Application Deadline | Further Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Scholarships | Prestigious scholarships administered by the US Embassies or Fulbright Commissions/Foundations. Supports UG, PG, and research students globally. | Full tuition fees, airfare, living costs, health insurance | Indian citizens, bachelor’s degree with at least 55% marks (for master’s), deadlines vary | Varies for different fellowships | Fulbright Scholarships for Indian Students |
| GREAT Scholarship | Jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council for one-year postgraduate courses in the UK. | £10,000 towards tuition fees | Indian citizens, bachelor’s degree, meet UK English language requirements | November 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024 | GREAT Scholarships for Indians |
| Rhodes Scholarship | Supports Indian students for postgraduate studies at Oxford University. Provides comprehensive financial support including tuition, stipend, and travel. | Full tuition fees, annual stipend (~£19,092), application fees, travel costs, settling-in allowance | Indian citizens, 4 years of formal education in India, completed bachelor’s before July 2024 | Closed | How to Become a Rhodes Scholar |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | For Commonwealth students who lack funds to study in the UK. Covers full tuition, airfare, and living allowance. | Full tuition fees, airfare, living allowance | Commonwealth citizens or permanent residents, upper second-class UG degree or relevant master’s for PhD | Closed | Commonwealth Shared Scholarships |
| British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM | Aimed at South Asian women pursuing PG degrees in STEM at UK universities. Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, visa, health coverage, and IELTS fees if needed. | Full tuition fees, living stipend, travel costs, visa and health coverage, IELTS exam fees if needed | Relevant bachelor’s degree, English proficiency, work experience in the field, no dual British citizenship required | Varies by institution | British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM |
3. Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is a highly esteemed fully funded scholarship that supports Indian students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies at Oxford University. This scholarship covers full tuition fees, an annual stipend (approximately £19,092), Oxford University application fees, and travel costs. It also includes a settling-in allowance upon arrival in the UK. To be eligible, candidates must be Indian citizens with at least four years of formal education in India and a completed bachelor’s degree before July 2024. Note that the application period for 2024 is closed. For more details, visit Become a Rhodes Scholar.
4. Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth countries who demonstrate potential but lack the financial means to study in the UK. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, airfare, and a living allowance for the duration of the degree program. To be eligible, applicants must be Commonwealth citizens or permanent residents with a minimum upper second-class undergraduate degree or a relevant master’s degree for PhD applications. The application period for 2024 is now closed. For further information, see Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.
5. British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM are aimed at South Asian women pursuing postgraduate degrees in STEM fields at top UK universities. This scholarship covers full tuition fees, living stipends, travel costs, visa and health coverage, and IELTS exam fees if needed. Eligible candidates must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree, demonstrate proficiency in English, and have work experience in their field of study. The application deadlines vary depending on the institution. More details are available on the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM page.
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What expenses are covered by the Fulbright Scholarship?
The Fulbright Scholarship covers full tuition fees, airfare, living costs, and health insurance. It is available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students.
How much does the GREAT Scholarship provide for tuition fees?
The GREAT Scholarship offers £10,000 towards the tuition fees of a one-year postgraduate course in the UK.
What does the Rhodes Scholarship include?
The Rhodes Scholarship includes full tuition fees, an annual stipend (approximately £19,092), Oxford University application fees, travel costs, and a settling-in allowance.
Who is eligible for the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM?
Eligible candidates for the British Council Scholarships must have a relevant bachelor’s degree, demonstrate proficiency in English, have work experience in STEM fields, and need financial support.
