Scholarships in India for international students are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering various fields such as engineering, management, social sciences, humanities, and more. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based, catering to students from different countries and backgrounds.
India has emerged as a leading destination for international students seeking higher education. The country offers a vast network of universities and research institutions that provide quality education across various disciplines. Additionally, scholarships and financial aid for international students make higher education in India an affordable and enriching experience. India remains an inexpensive place for international students. An international student will spend about $8,500 to $10,000 for a full academic year in the country.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan are popular scholarship programs for international students in India. Various Indian universities and colleges also offer scholarships to international students, such as the JNU Global Scholarship and scholarships offered by the University of Delhi.
Scholarships in India for international students provide various benefits. Firstly, they make higher education in India an affordable and enriching experience for international students, who may face financial constraints otherwise. Secondly, they provide an opportunity for students to study in a diverse and culturally rich environment, enabling them to gain a broader perspective and enrich their learning experience. Thirdly, scholarships in India for international students help in building a strong relationship between India and other countries, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
The application process for these scholarships may vary, and students need to visit the respective websites of the scholarship providers to get detailed information about the application process and eligibility criteria. However, in general, students need to submit their academic transcripts, statement of purpose, and other supporting documents to apply for the scholarships.
General Scholarship Scheme (GSS) for Foreign Students
Funded by the Government of India’s Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the General Scholarship Scheme (GSS), provides scholarship awards to international students hoping to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or research programs in a university in India. Eligible applicants should come from selected Asian, African, and Latin American countries. They should be proficient in the English language since universities in India use the international language for instruction. Undergraduate students should enclose their selected course and university (up to 3 university choices). For applicants who wish to acquire a bachelor’s degree in the field of the performance arts, an additional video or audio requirement of their talent should be sent. Postgraduate and research applicants are required to include a summary of their research topic and proposal along with the necessary forms and documents.
Applications for the GSS should be coursed through Indian Missions in the applicant’s country of origin. This is a strict instruction which needs to be carefully made as ICCR and Indian consulates will not accept any GSS application. Successful applicants for the scholarship are entitled to the following benefits: monthly stipend (INR 5,500 for undergraduate scholars, INR 6,000 for postgraduate scholars, and INR 7,000 to INR 7,500 for research and post-doctoral scholars), monthly accommodation allowance (INR 4,500 to INR 5,000), one-time thesis and dissertation allowance, medical benefits, annual provisional grant (INR 5,000 for undergraduate scholars, INR 7,000 for postgraduate scholars, or INR 12,500 to INR 15,500 for post-doctoral and research scholars), and tuition fees.
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) Scholarship
The Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), an advanced research institution funded by the Reserve Bank of India, currently seeks applicants for its IGIDR Scholarship Program which aims to promote research on developmental issues. Eligible candidates should be international students from certain Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam) who are willing to pursue a graduate, postgraduate, or MPhil (Master of Philosophy) studies in a university in India. They should be proficient English language speakers, too.
Annual applications for the IGIDR Scholarships close before the end of May. All applications should be submitted and processed online through the scholarship website. Successful applicants will be given allowances for accommodation, books, conference travels as well as tuition fees, medical benefits, and a round-trip airfare to and from India.
KIIT University International Scholarship Program (KUISP)
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University opens a scholarship program for international students who seek to obtain a degree offered by the KIIT University. Eligible applicants for the KIIT University International Scholarships are students who will enroll in a study program except nursing, architecture, dental, and medicine courses. All nationalities, with the exception of SAARC or South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries) are invited to apply. Priority will be given to applicants who have a financially challenging background.
Annual applications for the KIIT University scholarships close on the 30th of July. Successful applicants are entitled to tuition fees and accommodation allowances. Those who qualify for the half scholarship program will be entitled to 50% of the total scholarship grant.
Indian School of Business (ISB) International Scholarships
The Indian School of Business (ISB) opens a scholarship program for international students seeking to pursue a postgraduate degree in business management at the ISB. Eligible candidates should be students who are willing to enroll in the ISB’s one-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). This academic year, the ISB has a total of 26 available scholarships. All nationalities are welcome to submit their application for the ISB International Scholarships. Eligible applicants should have an accumulated work experience, a valid Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score, and a certificate of English language proficiency.
The ISB Scholarships have different categories: ISB Merit Waivers, ISB-AIESEC Scholarship, Bridge to India Scholarship, La Caixa and Casa Asia Scholarship, and Talentia Scholarship. Each category has a separate benefit package. The ISB Merit Waivers grant 25% to 100% tuition fee waiver. The ISB-AIESEC Scholarship grants INR 1,000,000 ($14,360). The Bridge to India Scholarship grants INR 500,000 to INR 1,000,000 ($7,180 to $14,360). Finally, both the La Caixa and Casa Asia Scholarship and the Talentia Scholarship grant a full expenditure package.
The ISB International Scholarships accept applications per cycle. It is highly recommended to submit applications for Cycle 1 as it has more competitive scholarship benefits. To illustrate, Cycle 1 successful applicants are entitled to a full tuition fee waiver. Also, 50% of the merit and need-based waivers are only available for Cycle 1 applicants. Annually, the applications for Cycle 1 ISB International Scholarships close on the 15th of October.
ITEC/SCAAP Government of India Fully Funded Scholarships
The Government of India, through the National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), accepts applications for its ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program. This scholarship is for international students willing to undergo a training program in India such as the previous 6-week International Training Program on International Marketing and Global Competitiveness, International Training Program on Rural Enterprise Planning and Promotion or Women and Youth Entrepreneurship in Water Supply and Sanitation Development. Currently, there are about 105 available scholarships up for grabs. Eligible applicants are international students from the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries. They should also be proficient speakers in the English language.
Annual applications for the ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program close before the end of June. Successful applicants for the ITEC/SCAAP scholarships are entitled to course fee waiver, accommodation allowance, monthly stipend (INR 25,000 or $360), book allowance (INR 5,000 or $72), project allowance, study tour allowance, visa fees, and airfare to and from India.
Nalanda University Master Fellowship for Foreign Students
The Nalanda University, a prestigious institution for higher learning in India, seeks international scholars for its Master Fellowship Program. Applicants should be interested to pursue a graduate degree in any field offered by the Nalanda University. The university has a wide range of courses under the disciplines of history, ecology, philosophy, environment, and comparative religions. Eligible applicants should have excellent academic records in their previous degree programs. They are also required to submit a certification of English language proficiency, together with the duly accomplished application form and other necessary documents.
Applications should be made once the candidate applies for admission to the Nalanda University. All applications must be submitted before the end of July every academic year. Successful applicants are given up to 100% tuition fee waiver, accommodation allowance, and food allowance.
SIU-ICCR Joint Scholarships for Developing Countries
The Symbiosis International University (SIU) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) have forged a partnership to provide a scholarship program for international students in India. The SIU-ICCR Joint Scholarships are aimed at prospective undergraduate and postgraduate international students from developing countries. Eligible applicants should be willing to pursue a study program at any constituent institute of the SIU. They should also hold a proof of proficiency in the English language. Successful applicants will receive a full tuition fee waiver, accommodation allowance, and meal allowance.
There are a lot of available scholarship programs for international students in India. One only needs to explore every possible opportunity to make their study abroad journey a possibility. For each scholarship program, remember to do a thorough review of the eligibility requirements, as well as the application deadlines. As the saying goes, “the early bird catches the worm”. Similarly, early preparations will guarantee a definite advantage for an international student hoping to get the best deal for their study program in India.
2023-24 Fully Funded Scholarships In India
Study in India, with the help of the following Indian ministries – the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is offering 2000 scholarships worth INR 250,000 each for the academic year 2020-21.
Every meritorious student that has been offered this scholarship by the Study in India team shall receive it for a maximum period:
- of 5 years for undergraduate integrated courses;
- of 3 or 4 years for undergraduate courses, according to the course duration;
- of 2 years for postgraduate courses;
- or, till the completion of this course, whichever is lesser.
Please note, scholarships are only available for the above-listed categories, and not for Ph.D., M.Phil and Doctoral level courses.
How to Apply for India Fully Funded Scholarships 2023-2024
To apply for this scholarship, students should have registered with SII, completed an application on our website www.studyinindia.gov.in, and SII-partnered institution. The scholarships are awarded on the following basis:
- Students should have had a meritorious academic history in his / her secondary school, higher secondary school, and/or the latest educational qualification.
- Students may appear for the Ind-SAT exam conducted by the SII team across the given list of countries. A merit list would be generated for the second wave of shortlisting.
- According to the country-wise allocated quota and other criteria, the final shortlist will be contacted by the SII team.
A few important clauses about the scholarship for the students applying for the SII scholarship
- Each scholarship is valued at INR 250,000 per student per year.
- Each scholarship under the SII scheme will only cover tuition, accommodation, food, and admission fees. No other expense listed outside this set will be provided for under this scholarship.
- If the total fees of the course for each year, which includes tuition, accommodation, food, and admission, is lesser than the proposed value of INR 250,000, the lesser amount will be awarded as a scholarship.
- All scholarships are electronically transferred to the institutes.
- The scholarship amount will be transferred to institutes after verifying the student’s attendance for the first month.
- All scholarships are renewable on a year-on-year basis until the day of graduation.
Before releasing the final offer letter to students, each online application will be verified by the institute and the SII team.