Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students have always been a go-to question for parents, students, and universities abroad. Studying abroad Foreign Universities has evolved into a highly regarded aspiration among many Indian students. Countries such as Australia, Spain, and Germany are more advance, happens to be some of the top study abroad destinations among international students and thus allow students to experience different cultures, get the best training and research available, and earn degrees that nullify borders. However, the main drawback of studying overseas is that it is very expensive. The good news is that there are plenty of scholarships and financial aid for international students, which lessen the cost of studying abroad. This postgraduate student scholarship guide will discuss the specific scholarships and financial aid for Indian students in some of the renowned study-abroad destinations which include the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

Read Also: How to Choose the Right Study Abroad Destinations: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students?

List of Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students

1. Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students in the United States

   The university regulations, research opportunities, and policies with regard to studies in US makes it a more favourable destination to Indian students for a prolonged period. On the other hand, these come with high tuition fees. The good news, however, is that there are several scholarships and financial aid for international students, earmarked for Indian students.

   • Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

     One of the most important and competitive international fellowship programs for Indian Students is the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship. This program is catered to Indian students with the intention of them furthering their education by undertaking a master’s program in the U.S. The program sponsors the attending candidate by taking care of tuition fees, round tickets, cost of living, and medical insurances. The offer includes stipend and is very competitive where the review of candidates focuses on both academic caliber and demonstrated leadership.

   • Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships

     For Indian students who want to join Stanford University, they have the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship that helps cover the costs for several MBA students. In addition to covering the costs of tuition and related costs, this scholarship and financial aid obliges the fellows to come back to their motherland, India, after completing their studies in order to promote the country’s socio-economic progress.

   • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

     The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation has been providing scholarships and financial aid to international students, particularly Indian students going for their Master’s Degree in colleges in the United States. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, living expenses, and one way flight ticket. Candidates will be required to have outstanding academic record together with potential in their area of study.

   • Scholarships endowed by Universities in the USA

     Along with numerous Indian students studying abroad, quite a few American universities also provide scholarships and financial aid to international students. Some of these include:

     • Harvard University makes provisions for need-based aid.
     • Yale University practices need-blind admission for foreign applicants.
     • MIT issues financial aid depending on the model need.
     • While seeking admission to any U.S. university, Indian nationals are advised to check for university-specific scholarship due provisions.
2. Scholarships and Financial Aid in the United Kingdom for International Students

   The United Kingdom is also a preferred choice among Indian students as there are high ranking universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and few others. But the cost of education in the UK can be high and therefore most of the students need cooks.

   • Chevening Scholarships

     Chevening Scholarship one of the most prestigious scholarships and financial aid for international students, is one of the major scholarship programs offered by the government of “GREAT Britain” for which citizens of more than 160 countries and Indians are eligible to apply and get the scholarship benefits. It also covers enrolment fees in the university, travel costs and monthly pocket money. This scholarship focuses on the master’s level students and is regarded as one of the most prestigious scholarships for International students.

   • Commonwealth Scholarships

     Indian students aspiring to pursue postgraduate coursework or doctoral studies in the UK can access the Commonwealth Scholarship for financial assistance. It is also one of the most common scholarships and financial aid for international students in the UK that many Indian students earn. It takes care of the academic fees, cost of living, airfare, as well as other grants of the scholar. This program extends to students from the Commonwealth member countries including India.

   • The Distinguished Rhodes Scholarship

     The Rhodes scholarship is probably one of the most ancient and renowned global grants for students. It covers their expenses in full for those willing to study at the University of Oxford. The applicants are Indian students who are brilliant in their studies and leadership and believe that they will positively contribute to the society.

   • GREAT Scholarships

     The GREAT Scholarship is a programme of the UK government that offers post-graduate scholarships to Indians at several universities in the UK. It is on offer in a variety of subjects and intakes a portion of the tuition fees. This has been known to come along with high scholastic achievement but also high leadership award potential.

3. Scholarships and Financial Aid in Canada for International Students

   Indian students find Canada an attractive study destination because of its friendly immigration policies, good education system and cheaper tuition fees. Grants, scholarships and financial aids for international students make it even easier for them.

   • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

     The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is a prestigious award for doctoral candidates studying in Canada. It recognizes academic achievement, research ability, and leadership skills. This is a call to apply for Indian students with a good research track record, as this scholarship has a considerably high monetary value.

   • Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

     The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is open to all international students, including Indians, who intend to further their studies in graduate programs in Ontario. It provides financial assistance to master's and doctoral degree students depending upon performance. The scholarship is funded by the Ontario government and the universities in Ontario.

   • Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

     The Lester B. Pearson scholarship, funded by the University of Toronto in Canada, is for international students from countries such as India with a record of excellence in academics and leadership. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and complete residence expenses for up to four years.

4. Scholarships and Financial Aid in Australia for International Students

   Australia boasts several top ranked universities and is a popular study destination for Indian students. There are also numerous scholarships and financial aids that help ease the cost of education.

   • Australia Awards Scholarships

     Australia Awards Scholarships are the scholarships for Indian students most commonly offered by the Australian government. It is a full scholarship that encompasses all the degree programs for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Australia. The scholarship includes covering of tuition fees, allowance for basic amenities, travelling expenses and medical insurances. It also provides assistance for practical work and research activities.

   • Destination Australia Program

     The Destination Australia Program includes scholarships and financial aid for international students, as well as for local, including Indian students, who want to enroll in schools located in the regions of Australia. The scholarship provides living allowance support to the students and motivates them to experience the rural and regional communities of Australia.

   • University-Specific Scholarships

     Several Australian universities provide scholarship opportunities for international students, including students from India. Some of the major examples are:

     • International Scholarships in the University of Melbourne
     • Chancellor's International Scholarship - ANU
     • International Scholarships in the University of Sydney
     • These awards tend to pay some fees or cover tuition costs completely.
5. Scholarships and Financial Aid in Europe for International Students

   In regards to scholarships and financial aid to international students, many European Countries provide inexpensive, if not entirely free, education for foreign students. Nevertheless, awards can prove to be helpful when a living allowance and other expenses are incurred.

   • Scholarships for Joint Masters Courses in Erasmus Mundus

     The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) program is a comprehensive financial assistance program, enabling international students, including Indian students, to pursue a master's program in several countries across Europe. The award covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and provides a monthly stipend. This is an ideal opportunity for students who wish to experience different learning styles throughout the continent.

   • DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

     Germany offers free education in most public universities for international students. Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in Germany are eligible for the DAAD Scholarship program. This scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, and medical insurance.

   • Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)

     The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme is offered by the French government to international students, primarily Indians, who are pursuing master's or PhD programs. The scholarship covers basic living expenses, round-trip airfare, and health insurance.

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Conclusion

Scholarships and financial aid for international students, are a great help for students who wish to pursue education overseas. These may range from the US to Europe, where several countries have set up schemes offering financial assistance in full or partial amounts based on the merit or need or both of the applicant. While the chances are great, the prizes do not come easy, compensation is not only monetary but also includes the chance to study in some of the most reputable institutions of learning in the world. With more and more people needing qualified and skilled personnel, it can be said that the horizons of career prospects and self-gratification in an individual spike up tremendously when the considerations of an international education are embraced.

Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.

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