The idea of study abroad in countries such as the USA, UK and Canada captivate students. There are several factors that contribute to this allure like exposure to diversity and high academic standards prevalent in these nations. These are compelling reasons for choosing an international education. However, a significant obstacle for many individuals remains funding. Students turn to scholarships which not only eases their financial burden but also grants access to great educational opportunities. After completing your 12th grade, we can assist you in expanding your understanding of scholarships, application process, and essentially equipping you with all the knowledge required for stellar applications.
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Kind of Scholarships
Scholarships are available in a number of formats, all of which are intended to support students in achieving their academic objectives while easing the financial burden on them and their families. There are three main categories of scholarships that offer financial support to Indian students who wish to pursue higher studies abroad after 12th:
- Scholarships provided by the government: The Indian government provides support.
- Scholarships that are externally supported are provided by private businesses.
- University-specific Scholarships that are awarded by the individual universities themselves.
Government-Funded Scholarships
In facilitating Indian students’ pursuit of higher education abroad, the essential provision of government-funded scholarships targets post-12 scholars undertaking college and graduate degrees in nations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA)
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship shines as a ray of hope for Indian students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in the United States. This prestigious award offers comprehensive support, covering not only living expenses and health insurance but also tuition fees along with an additional travel stipend; however, eligibility requires meeting certain conditions. These include fulfillment of standardised exam prerequisites, Indian citizenship coupled with residency in India and possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Submitting the necessary paperwork and a university offer letter online via the USIEF website constitutes the application procedure.
SN Bose Scholarship (USA)
The S.N. Bose Scholarship programme enables Indian students to conduct science and technology research at select American colleges. This scholarship covers travel, health insurance, and provides a stipend. Similar to the requirements for Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, one of the new eligibility conditions includes a minimal academic score criterion. To apply, you must submit your application through the official scholarship portal and include all necessary paperwork.
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Students from Commonwealth nations, such as India, are eligible to apply for scholarships under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) to pursue master’s and doctorate degrees in the UK. The living expenses, transport reimbursement to and from the UK, and tuition are all covered by this scholarship. Indian citizenship, appropriate academic credentials, and results on standardised tests are requirements for eligibility. The application procedure entails submitting a research proposal for a Ph.D., academic transcripts, certificates, references, and a statement of intent for a master’s degree through the online portal of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Chevening Scholarship (UK)
The UK government’s Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship that provides chances for deserving people—including Indians—to pursue graduate studies. It includes living expenses, transport reimbursement to and from the UK, and tuition fees. Indian citizenship, a bachelor’s degree, and at least two years of work experience are requirements for eligibility. A statement of intent, a letter of recommendation, test results from standardised testing, and a study or research objective are among the required documents that must be submitted as part of the application process through the Chevening Scholarship online portal.
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme
The Canadian government and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK work together to provide the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme (CCSP). It seeks to give worthy students the chance to study master’s and doctoral degrees in Canada from Commonwealth countries, including India. This scholarship pays for living expenses, airfare to and from Canada, and tuition. The requirements for eligibility and the application procedure are identical to those set forth by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Externally-Funded Scholarships
Indian students have access to a wider range of choices by applying for scholarships financed by different external organisations, in addition to government-funded options.
TATA Scholarships for Indian Students
Indian students seeking education both domestically and abroad are eligible to apply for scholarships from the Tata Group, including the JN Tata Endowment and Tata Trust Scholarships. Depending on the programme, these scholarships pay for living expenses, travel expenses, tuition, and other course-related expenditures. The requirements for eligibility differ depending on the Tata Group scholarship programme in question. These scholarships are typically given out on the basis of academic merit, leadership potential, and financial necessity. To apply in the USA, UK, and Canada, applicants must be nationals of India. The steps and dates for the application process are usually published on the Tata Group’s or associated Tata Trusts’ official websites. A statement of purpose, a letter of recommendation, test results from standardised assessments, and a study or research goal must all be submitted by applicants within the given deadline.
Rotary Foundation Scholarships
Indian students and other international students wishing to study in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada can apply for a variety of scholarships from the Rotary Foundation. Depending on the programme, these scholarships pay for living expenses, travel expenses, housing, tuition, and other course-related expenditures. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, vocational, and research programmes at several levels of education. High academic achievement and leadership abilities are prioritised in the eligibility requirements. Candidates must be nationals of nations where Rotary Clubs are active. Usually, the application process includes contacting nearby Rotary Clubs to learn about scholarship options and the application procedure. In addition to the regular exam results, the application requires a statement of purpose, a research objective, a letter of recommendation, and other supporting materials. For the final selection, shortlisted candidates may be interviewed by Rotary Club members or scholarship committee members.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
Scholarships are available from the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation to Indian students studying undergraduate and graduate degrees in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. This organisation seeks to support and financially aid students who have leadership potential in a variety of professions. Tuition, living expenses, and one-way travel expenses are fully covered by the scholarships. The scholarship amount varies according to the student’s financial circumstances and course of study. Indian citizenship, residency in India at the time of application, a strong academic record, and an acceptance letter from the university are requirements for eligibility. Application materials must be submitted online via the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation portal, together with the required supporting documentation (a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and verification of an offer letter from an accredited university in the US, UK and Canada.
University-Specific Scholarships
Specific scholarships are available from some colleges in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to Indian students who have finished their 12th grade and are eager to pursue undergraduate education.
MIT Scholarships for International Students
Indian and other international students can get need-based financial aid from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to help with their undergraduate studies. Based on the student’s financial need, the scholarships pay for living expenses, housing, tuition, and other course-related expenditures. Availability for Indian students seeking undergraduate programmes is one of the eligibility requirements. The primary criteria for financial help are need and family income, with MIT using this information to calculate the grant amount. Completing the typical MIT admissions process is part of the application process. Following admission, qualified students can apply for financial aid by completing the required financial documentation and sending it in accordance with MIT’s policies.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
At the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, complete funding for graduate study and research is available through the esteemed Gates Cambridge Scholarship, an international scholarship programme. Indian students are also eligible for this grant. Tuition, living costs, housing, and other discretionary funds are all covered by the grants. In addition, there are allowances for fieldwork, family members, and academic growth. A strong academic record and an offer letter from the university are prerequisites for eligibility. In order to qualify for the scholarship, candidates must submit an application for a full-time graduate degree. Applying by the deadlines for admission to a full-time postgraduate programme at the University of Cambridge and, if appropriate, a college spot is part of the application process. Additionally, candidates must submit a separate online application, along with a comprehensive research plan and statement of purpose, for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Applications also need recommendation letters from those who can attest to the applicant’s leadership and intellectual prowess.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
The esteemed Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is available to worthy international applicants for bachelor’s at the University of Toronto in Canada. Throughout the four years of the undergraduate programme, this scholarship pays for tuition, living expenses, housing, incidental fees, and other educational costs. Moreover, access to seminars, workshops, and activities aimed at improving leadership abilities is also provided. Being an international student, having a strong academic record, and receiving an offer letter from the university are requirements for eligibility. Before the time established by the institution, candidates must have their secondary school nominate them. To be considered for admission to a bachelor’s programme at the University of Toronto, an application must be submitted before the deadline. The school will give instructions for the scholarship application procedure, which might involve writing essays and submitting extra paperwork, if the student is nominated. The shortlisted applicants are selected based on their academic standing, extracurricular activities, and leadership ability.
Conclusion
In summary, scholarships are essential in helping many students realise their dream of studying overseas. In addition to offering financial aid based on merit, they also help students stand out when applying for jobs by improving their resumes. In addition to the aforementioned scholarships, there are other options as well, including the Rhodes Scholarship, the Felix Scholarship, the Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship, the Orange Tulip Scholarship, the Tu Delft Holland Scholarship, and the UCL Scholarship. To learn more about scholarships, visit our blog by category.
Through utilising these scholarships, students can not only get over financial obstacles but also start a life-changing educational journey that will improve their quality of life and have a positive impact on the academic community worldwide. Talented and worthy people can receive top-notch education and contribute significantly to their professions globally because of the abundance of options accessible. Because knowledge is a universal pursuit, scholarships help to empower the following generation of thinkers and leaders.