Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad in 2024

Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, especially those seeking advanced opportunities after completing courses like BCom. The good news is that numerous scholarships are available in 2024 that can help make this dream a reality. Whether you’re planning to pursue courses after BCom in abroad or looking to specialize in a different field, these scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden, allowing you to focus more on your studies and less on how to fund them.

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships are among the most prestigious scholarships for Indian students aiming to study in the United States. This program is designed for outstanding students who demonstrate leadership qualities and have a strong academic record. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs. Typically, students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in fields such as public health, environmental science, or arts and culture benefit greatly from this fellowship.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a U.S. equivalent bachelor’s degree with at least 55% marks, and they should have at least three years of professional work experience.

Application Deadline: June 2024.

2. Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's global scholarship program, aimed at developing global leaders. These scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and a return flight to the UK. The program is open to Indian students who wish to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university.

Eligibility: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years of work experience. They should also display leadership potential and a commitment to returning to India to contribute to its development.

Application Deadline: November 2024.

3. Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to talented students from Commonwealth countries, including India, for pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in the UK. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and other allowances. They are ideal for students who wish to study subjects like engineering, technology, or social sciences.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks and should be committed to returning to India upon completing their studies.

Application Deadline: December 2024.

4. Australia Awards Scholarships

The Australia Awards Scholarships are offered by the Australian government to high-achieving students from developing countries, including India. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowances, and living expenses. Students can pursue undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in various fields, including health sciences, engineering, and environmental studies.

Eligibility: Indian students with a strong academic background and leadership potential can apply. Candidates must also meet the English language proficiency requirements.

Application Deadline: May 2024.

5. DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany. These scholarships are available for a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, business administration, and humanities. The DAAD scholarships cover tuition fees, travel allowances, and living expenses.

Eligibility: Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree with above-average academic results and must meet the German language requirements if applying for a course taught in German.

Application Deadline: October 2024.

6. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships provide opportunities for Indian students to study at top institutions in North America or Europe. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and one-way travel costs. They are particularly suited for students in fields such as architecture, fine arts, and humanities.

Eligibility: Applicants must be below 30 years of age and should hold a first-class degree from a recognized university in India.

Application Deadline: March 2024.

7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus is an initiative of the European Union that offers fully funded scholarships to students worldwide, including from India. These scholarships are for students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in multiple European countries. The program covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet the academic and language requirements of the specific Erasmus Mundus program they are applying for.

Application Deadline: Varies by program, but typically falls between October 2023 and January 2024.

8. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

The Aga Khan Foundation offers scholarships to students from developing countries, including India, for postgraduate studies. The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses. However, it is awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis.

Eligibility: Candidates must have a consistent record of academic excellence and must demonstrate a genuine financial need.

Application Deadline: March 2024.

Conclusion

Pursuing higher education abroad is a significant milestone in a student's academic journey, especially for those looking to explore courses after BCom in abroad. The scholarships listed above are designed to support Indian students in achieving their dreams of studying abroad without the overwhelming burden of financial stress. As you prepare your applications, remember to pay close attention to eligibility criteria and deadlines to maximize your chances of securing one of these prestigious scholarships. With dedication and the right resources, your goal of studying abroad in 2024 can become a reality.

Pursuing higher education abroad is a significant milestone in a student's academic journey,