Connecting Ambitions to World-Class Universities
Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the costs? It can be made possible through scholarships for studying abroad which is sponsored by the Indian government. These funds relieve the pain of thousands of Indian students like you by grappling and paying for the cost for the associated Travel, Education, and even Living expenditures.
At PMK World Education, we’ve helped countless students navigate these opportunities as experienced study abroad consultants. For example, we helped a student from a remote town in Rajasthan who acquired a master’s degree scholarship in the UK which he never would have imagined was possible.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about these scholarships in simple terms. We’ll cover what they are, who can apply, how to apply, and more, using our expertise to make the process clear and trustworthy. Let’s dive in!
What Are Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government?
These scholarships are financial awards from the Indian government to help students study overseas. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back. They’re designed to support talented students, especially from underserved communities, to pursue degrees in top global universities.
One of the scholarships we do in the department which is very popular would be the ‘National Overseas Scholarship’ which is run by the ‘Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’.
This is meant for students from Scheduled Castes (‘SC’) and Denotified Nomadic Tribes and several underprivileged categories and is offered in the area of engineering, sciences, medicine, humanities, and others.
Other programs, like the Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship for humanities in the UK, also exist, though some, like Padho Pardesh, are no longer active.
Why do these matter? By 2030, over 9 million students worldwide are expected to study abroad, with India leading the charge alongside China. In the US alone, Indian student numbers could hit 400,000. These scholarships make such dreams possible for many.
At PMK World Education, we’ve seen firsthand how they change lives—like a student from a tribal community we helped get into a Canadian university for environmental studies.
Who Can Apply for These Scholarships?
A common question we hear (and see in Google’s “People Also Ask”) is about eligibility. To qualify for scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government, you need to meet specific criteria, which vary by program.
For NOS, you must belong to groups like SC or Denotified Tribes and have a family income under Rs. 8 lakh annually. You’ll need at least 60% marks in your bachelor’s for a master’s program or master’s for a Ph.D. You also must be under 35 years old and have an admission offer from a recognized foreign university.
General category students have fewer direct options, but programs like the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, supported by the Indian government, are merit-based and open to all. English tests like IELTS or TOEFL are often required too. For example, one of our clients boosted his NOS application with a strong 7.5 IELTS score, landing a Ph.D. spot in the US.
With Indian student numbers expected to soar by 2030—like a 298% jump in Germany to over 114,000—these criteria ensure scholarships go to those who’ll make the most of them.
How to Apply for a Scholarship Provided by Indian Government to Study Abroad
Applying for a scholarship provided by Indian government to study abroad takes some planning, but it’s doable with the right steps. Most applications happen online.
For NOS, you apply through https://nosmsje.gov.in. The 2025-26 cycle, for example, ran from September 15 to October 24, 2025, with a correction period after. You’ll need to submit your academic records, income proof, and a university admission letter. The process involves applying, getting shortlisted, and attending an interview. Only 125 students are selected yearly: 115 for SC, 6 for tribes, and 4 for laborers or artisans, with 30% reserved for women.
Start by researching programs and getting a conditional offer from a university. Then, complete the online form and upload documents.
At PMK World Education, we suggest starting six months early. One student we guided prepared her documents well in advance, which made her application for a master’s in Australia smooth and successful. For other scholarships, check the Sakshat portal for external options.
Can You Get Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government After 12th?
Another big question is whether scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government after 12th are available. While most focus on master’s or Ph.D. levels, there are paths for undergraduates.
Direct government scholarships for bachelor’s degrees are rare, but programs like the Commonwealth Scholarship for the UK or ICCR scholarships can work for high-achieving 12th graders. You’ll need excellent marks and often an admission offer. Some students also combine merit-based university scholarships abroad with government endorsements.
For example, we helped a 12th-grade student from Delhi secure a partial scholarship for a bachelor’s in France through a government-linked exchange program. By 2030, with France aiming for 30,000 Indian students, these opportunities will likely grow.
Why Are These Scholarships Good for You?
Study abroad scholarships by Indian government offer huge benefits. Financially, NOS covers tuition, living costs (up to $15,400 yearly in the US/UK), flights, and more. This means less worry about debt and more focus on learning.
Besides the financial aspects, these scholarships offer new worldviews. According to projections, Germany and the rest of Europe will see a growth in demand for Indian students in the region. They also uplift communities—NOS prioritizes marginalized groups for this reason. One of our clients, a scholarship recipient, returned to India and started a small business, creating jobs locally.
Where and What Can You Study?
These are new and fully funded international scholarships for talented students. The students will study in the US, UK, Canada, Germany and Australia. The main subjects are medicine, humanities, science and also engineering.
By 2030, Indian student numbers in the US could surpass China’s, reaching over 400,000.
At PMK World Education, we match your interests to the right scholarship. For instance, we recommend studying the humanities through the Agatha Harrison Fellowship and got her a placement in the UK.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Applying isn’t always easy. With only 125 NOS slots yearly, competition is tough. Documentation can also be tricky. Our tip? Build a strong profile with extracurriculars and solid recommendation letters. A standout essay helps too—one of our clients wrote about her volunteer work, which clinched her scholarship.
Start early, double-check documents, and practice for interviews. We’ve seen this approach work time and again.
How PMK World Education Can Help
At PMK World Education, we’re dedicated to helping you with how to get admission abroad. As trusted study abroad consultants, we assess your profile, guide your application, and support you with visas. We’ve helped over 500 students succeed with our expert services, without pushing unnecessary extras.
For scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government, we check your eligibility and prep your documents. One SC student we coached landed NOS for Canada after our interview prep sessions.
Wrapping Up
Scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government are a fantastic way to achieve your dreams without financial strain. With global student mobility set to skyrocket by 2030, these opportunities are more important than ever. Let PMK World Education guide you with our expertise to make your study abroad journey a success.
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