Top 16 Fully Funded Scholarships for September Intake 2024

The dream of studying abroad can be an exciting yet daunting one. Financial constraints often pose a major hurdle. Fortunately, numerous scholarships exist to support deserving Indian students seeking overseas education for the September 2024 intake. This curated list explores 16 such prestigious opportunities, categorized by scholarship providers:

Government scholarships for September Intake:

1. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships: 

This flagship program, funded by the US and Indian governments, offers fully-funded Master’s and Ph.D. fellowships in various fields at top US universities. It covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance. Ideal for academically outstanding students with strong leadership potential.

Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Offered by – U.S. Department of State & Government of India

Eligibility criteria – 

• An Indian citizen with an excellent academic record
• Four-year bachelor’s degree
• Two years of professional experience (preferred)
• Strong research proposal aligned with U.S. universities

2. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS): 

Awarded by the Ministry of Education (India), NOS provides financial assistance for pursuing Ph.D., M.Phil., or postgraduate diploma programs abroad. It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel allowances, and research contingencies. Primarily for students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Degree level – Master’s Degree

Offered by – Ministry of Education (India)

Eligibility criteria – 

• Indian citizen below 30 years old 
• Minimum 60% marks in Bachelor’s degree
• Admission offer from a recognized foreign university

3. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships: 

ICCR offers many scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in various disciplines at partner universities across the globe. The scope of benefits varies depending on the specific scholarship but often includes tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and accommodation.

Degree level – Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Ph.D. 

Offered by – The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), a government of India agency that promotes cultural exchange

Eligibility criteria – 

• Strong academic record in the previous level of study (minimum percentage may vary)
• Varies by scheme, but generally excludes Medicine and Paramedical fields
• It often focuses on subjects that promote cultural understanding and ties between India and the applicant’s country
• English language proficiency is usually required

University-specific scholarships for September Intake:

4. University of Melbourne Scholarships: 

The University of Melbourne offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Melbourne Graduate Scholarships (MGS) and Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS). These scholarships cover tuition fees, living allowance, and health insurance for Master’s and Ph.D. programs.

Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D. 

Offered by – The University of Melbourne itself

Eligibility criteria – 

• While the focus of many University of Melbourne scholarships is on academic merit, some also consider financial need.
• Certain scholarships may look for students who demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to making a difference.

5. Chevening Scholarships: 

Funded by the UK government, Chevening offers prestigious scholarships for postgraduate study at various universities across the UK. It covers tuition fees, a living allowance, travel costs, and an inward mobility grant. Open to students with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential.

Degree level – Master’s Degree 

Offered by – UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

Eligibility criteria – 

• An Indian citizen with strong leadership potential
• Two-year upper second-class honors degree (or equivalent)
• Two years of work experience (preferred)

6. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme: 

This French government scholarship caters to Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various fields at participating French institutions. It covers tuition fees, a monthly allowance, and health insurance. Selection prioritizes academic excellence and a strong fit for the chosen program.

Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Offered by – French Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Eligibility criteria – 

• Open to international students, including India
• Focus on science, engineering, and social sciences
• Excellent academic record

International scholarships for September Intake:

7. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP): 

A pan-Commonwealth program offering Master’s Degree and Ph.D. scholarships at universities in member countries. Funded governments cover tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and an initial arrival allowance. Selection emphasizes academic merit and potential contribution to the scholar’s home country upon return.
Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Offered by – Member governments of the Commonwealth

Eligibility criteria – 

• An Indian citizen with permanent residence
• First class bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) for Master’s; Master’s degree for Ph.D.
• Commitment to development in the home country

8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs): 

This European Union initiative supports mobility through integrated Master’s degree programs delivered by a consortium of universities across Europe. Funding varies but may include tuition fee waivers, living allowances, and travel costs.

Degree level – Master’s Degree

Offered by – European Union

Eligibility criteria – 

• Open to international students, including India
• Generally, excellent academic record and relevant experience

Other notable scholarships for September Intake:

9. Gates Cambridge Scholarships: 

Offered by the Gates Cambridge Trust, these highly selective scholarships provide full financial support for postgraduate study (excluding MBA) at the University of Cambridge, UK. Open to outstanding students from outside the UK with a strong commitment to improving the lives of others. 

Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Offered by – University of Cambridge

Eligibility criteria – 

• Outstanding academic achievement
• Strong leadership potential
• A fit for the University of Cambridge

10. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: 

This Indian foundation provides scholarships for talented Indian students pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. degrees in fine arts, humanities, and social sciences at universities abroad. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Offered by – Inlaks Foundation

Eligibility criteria – 

• Indian citizens below 30 years old for humanities & social sciences and below 35 years old for fine art
• Strong academic record in a chosen field
• Proposal for study at a recognized university abroad

11. The Rhodes Scholarships: 

A prestigious scholarship program offering fully-funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Selection focuses on exceptional students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service. Age restrictions and specific countries of citizenship may apply.

Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Offered by – German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Eligibility criteria –

• Indian citizens between 19-26 years old
• Outstanding academic record
• Commitment to public service

12. DAAD Scholarships for Indian Students

Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Offered by – The Rhodes Trust

Eligibility criteria –

• Open to Indian students for studies and research in Germany
• Good academic record and language proficiency (German/English)

13. Trudeau Scholarships at the University of Montreal

Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Offered by – University of Montreal

Eligibility criteria –

• Open to international students, including India
• Demonstrated leadership and potential to make a difference globally
• Strong academic record

14. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarships

Degree level – Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree

Offered by – University of Toronto

Eligibility criteria –

• Open to international students, including India
• Exceptional academic achievement
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation

15. Australian Government Scholarships

Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Offered by – Department of Education, Skills and Employment (Australia)

Eligibility criteria –

• Indian citizens under 40 years old
• Strong academic record
• Relevant work experience (preferred)

16. New Zealand Scholarships

Degree level – Master’s Degree and Ph.D.

Offered by – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand)

Eligibility criteria –

• Open to international students, including India
• Strong academic record and leadership potential
• Focus on development priorities of applicant’s home country

Country-wise top fully funded scholarships for Indian students (September intake 2024)

Disclaimer: This table is not exhaustive and scholarship details may change. Always refer to the official scholarship website for the latest information.

What are the tips to get a fully funded scholarship?

Getting a fully funded scholarship requires a strategic approach and dedication. Here are some key steps to increase your chances:

• Excellent grades throughout your academic career
• If required by the scholarship or university, score highly on standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.

• Participate in activities showcasing leadership, teamwork, and initiative. 
• This could be student government, clubs, volunteering, or community projects.
• Highlight any awards, recognitions, or achievements that demonstrate your excellence in academics or extracurricular activities.

• Write a well-structured SOP that highlights your academic and personal goals, research interests, and why you’re a perfect fit for the scholarship.

• Carefully review each scholarship’s eligibility requirements to avoid wasting time on applications you can’t qualify for.

Also read: How To Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship Abroad

By following these steps and demonstrating your academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear vision for your future, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a fully funded scholarship to pursue your academic dreams.