Check Out These Top 10 Government Scholarships to Study Abroad in 2025

Planning to study abroad can be daunting, especially for students from middle- or lower-income families. Financial assistance plays a critical role in making this dream achievable. Thankfully, several scholarships offered by the Indian central and state governments aim to support talented students in pursuing higher education abroad. Here’s a detailed list of these opportunities to help you get started:

5 Central Government Scholarships to Study Abroad

The central government of India provides a wide array of scholarships to support students from diverse backgrounds in achieving their dream of studying abroad. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial challenges and empower students to gain global exposure while advancing their academic and professional aspirations.

1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme

This scheme is for students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans. It aims to uplift low-income families by providing financial assistance for Master’s and PhD courses abroad. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and other allowances, ensuring that deserving students get a chance to improve their economic and social status.

National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2024-25

2. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship

Designed for candidates with a U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalent, this fellowship supports master’s education in fields like Economics, Environmental Studies, International Affairs, and Public Health. Applicants must have at least three years of professional experience and a commitment to contributing to their communities upon return. The fellowship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel for up to two years.

Fulbright Nehru Master’s Fellowships 2024-25

3. Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme

This scheme offers interest subsidies on educational loans for overseas studies. It’s targeted at students from Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Economically Backward Classes (EBC). Students pursuing Master’s, M.Phil., or PhD courses can benefit from reduced financial burdens during the loan’s moratorium period.

4. Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship

Aimed at Indian scholars pursuing climate-related research, this fellowship supports PhD candidates registered at Indian institutions. The selected scholars engage in pre-doctoral research at U.S. host institutions for 6-9 months, fostering international collaboration on environmental challenges.

Fulbright Scholarships 2023-24: Eligibility, Deadline, Benefits

5. Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

This fully funded fellowship places scholars at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, for a year, extendable by another year. The fellowship provides financial support equivalent to a Junior Research Fellow’s status at Oxford, making it a prestigious opportunity for Indian scholars.

Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

Also Read: Culture Shock? 5 Must-Know Tips for Indian Students Adjusting Overseas

5 State Government Scholarship Schemes

State governments across India have introduced various scholarship schemes to help deserving students achieve their dream of studying abroad. These schemes aim to support students from minority groups, backward classes, and economically weaker sections. They provide financial aid for tuition fees, travel expenses, and other related costs, ensuring that talented students are not held back by financial constraints.

1. Chief Minister’s Overseas Scheme for Minorities (Telangana)

Telangana’s government supports minority students with family incomes below ₹5 lakh per annum. The scholarship provides up to ₹20 lakh or the admission fee amount, along with a one-way economy ticket and visa charges. This initiative ensures that financial constraints do not hinder talented students.

Scholarships for Indian Minority Students to Study Abroad in 2024-25

2. Maharashtra’s Foreign Scholarship Program

This program offers multiple scholarships under various departments such as Tribal Development, Social Justice, Higher Education, and Minority Development. Each scheme is tailored to assist students in pursuing postgraduate or doctoral studies abroad.

Maharashtra Government Scholarship for Study Abroad

3. Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Overseas Scholarship (Tamil Nadu)

This scheme benefits Adi Dravidar, Scheduled Tribes, and Christian Adi Dravidar students pursuing postgraduate and doctoral research. Ten students are selected annually, receiving scholarships of up to ₹36 lakh per annum based on the country and course.

ADW Scholarship 2024: Form, Amount, Last Date, and Renewal

4. Kerala Backward Classes Development Department Overseas Scholarship

Targeting students from backward classes, this scholarship provides financial assistance for studies in fields such as Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, and Social Sciences. The maximum grant amount is ₹10 lakh, ensuring access to quality education at renowned global universities.

Overseas Studies Scholarship for OBC Students

5. Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence (Rajasthan)

Under this scheme, the Rajasthan government supports 200 meritorious students for undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and post-doctoral studies at top institutions like Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, and living expenses, removing financial barriers for deserving candidates.

🎓Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence Rajasthan 2023-24

Also Read: Oxford University Tops THE Rankings 2025: Why It’s the Dream Destination for Students?

How to Apply for These Scholarships

Applying for these scholarships can seem overwhelming, but with the right steps, it becomes manageable. Here’s how you can simplify the process:

1. Research Thoroughly: Visit the official websites of each scholarship to understand the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documents.
2. Prepare Early: Gather necessary documents such as academic transcripts, proof of admission, income certificates, and recommendation letters well in advance.
3. Write a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP): Highlight your academic achievements, career goals, and how the scholarship will help you make a difference.
4. Submit Applications Online: Most scholarships have online portals for submissions. Ensure you fill in all details accurately and double-check before submitting.
5. Follow Up: Track your application status and respond promptly to any queries from the scholarship committee.
6. Research Requirements: Understand the eligibility criteria and documentation needed.
7. Prepare Early: Most scholarships require proof of admission, academic records, and financial statements.
8. Follow Deadlines: Submit your applications well before the due date to avoid last-minute issues.
9. Seek Guidance: Consult mentors, teachers, or educational consultants for assistance.

Also Read: SBI’s Collateral-Free Education Loan to Studying Abroad

Comparison Table of Scholarships

Scholarship comparisons help students identify the best options suited to their academic and financial needs. Below is a comprehensive table summarizing key details about central and state government scholarship schemes. This table highlights eligibility criteria, funding coverage, and applicable fields of study, providing a quick overview for aspiring students.

Scholarship Scheme	Eligibility	Coverage	Fields of Study
National Overseas Scholarship	SC, ST, Low-income groups	Tuition, travel, allowances	Master’s, PhD
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship	U.S. degree equivalent holders	Tuition, travel, living	Public Health, Economics, etc.
Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy	OBC, EBC students	Interest subsidy on loans	Master’s, PhD
Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship	Scholars for research at Oxford	Full funding	Junior Research Fellow
Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship (Rajasthan)	Meritorious Rajasthan students	Full coverage	UG, PG, PhD, Post-doctoral

Also Read: Why These 5 STEM Courses in US Are a Game-Changer in 2025?

Government Scholarships to Study Abroad

With these government-backed scholarships, financial hurdles no longer have to stand between you and your dream of studying abroad. Research thoroughly, plan your applications, and take the first step towards a brighter future. Start today and make your global education dream come true! 

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