Top 5 Scholarship Programmes for Indian Students Planning to Study Abroad in 2024

In recent years, an increasing number of Indian students are seeking to enhance their academic horizons by pursuing higher studies abroad. To aid these aspirants, various scholarship programmes and financial aid options are made available by numerous institutions worldwide. With 2024 on the horizon, we bring you the top 5 scholarship programmes that Indian students aiming for international education should consider.

1. JN Tata Endowment Scholarship

The JN Tata Endowment Scholarship is a prestigious award offered to Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. Started by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata in 1892, the scholarship is granted regardless of the candidate’s chosen field and university. It provides a one-time loan scholarship at the beginning of the course, maintaining a perfect blend of philanthropy and self-reliance.

2. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship

Offered by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC) in the UK, this programme is primarily aimed at students from commonwealth countries who wish to pursue master's and Ph.D. degrees in the UK. It covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly stipend among other benefits. However, these are highly competitive and are awarded based on the student's academic merit and potential impact of the work on the development of the candidate's home country.

3. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship offers opportunities to bright young Indian students to read at top rated educational institutes in America, Europe, and the UK. The scholarships cover the full cost of tuition fees, living expenses, and one-way travel. It does, however, impose an age limit, catering to candidates below 30 years of age.

4. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

Administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are designed for outstanding Indians who have demonstrated leadership qualities to pursue a master's degree program at selected U.S colleges and universities. The fellowship covers tuition, a living stipend, airfare, and health insurance.

5. Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships is a global scholarship programme from the UK government that offers future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world a unique opportunity to develop professionally and academically. The scholarship provides full or part tuition fees, allowance for living costs, and return flights to the UK.

The list of scholarships mentioned above should provide Indian students with a good start in their search for financial assistance when planning to study abroad in 2024. Apart from these, the respective universities and the countries also offer numerous scholarships for international students for which candidates can apply separately.