Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in USA

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students is an achievement for students who gain it.
authorImageMbbs 2 Sept, 2025
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Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in USA

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students  - The cost of pursuing higher education abroad tends to be significant, and Indian students may find it very time-consuming to locate fellowships and fully funded scholarships. As an Indian student aiming to pursue studies in the United States, a major challenge you might encounter is funding your education. 

 Tuition costs and living expenses in the USA can be very high, but don't allow that to deter you from chasing your educational aspirations. Many fully funded scholarships exist for Indian students that can assist you in reaching your objectives while alleviating financial concerns. 

Here we will get information on Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students 

What is a Fully Funded Scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship covers all your main expenses related to your studies. This usually includes:

 Tuition Fees: The cost of taking classes at the university.

  • Living Costs: Money for your rent, food, and daily needs.

  • Travel Costs: Sometimes, your flight tickets to and from the USA.

  • Health Insurance: Important for your well-being in a new country.

  • Books and Supplies: Money for your study materials.

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA include all these expenses for a student.  

Categories of Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students 

 There are three types of Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students , varying based on the organization providing the scholarship. The scholarships are listed below. 

 Completely sponsored government scholarships: Completely sponsored government scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on merit. Typically, an excessive number of international students seek these scholarships, rendering them highly competitive. The majority of government-sponsored 100% scholarships abroad consist of a monthly stipend (to handle the students' living costs), complete tuition, health insurance, accommodation, and travel funds. 

 University Funded Fully Sponsored Scholarships: Students have the opportunity to apply for scholarships that cover all expenses at international universities. Every university establishes its unique standards for granting these sought-after scholarships. These organizations assess shared traits like high academic performance, work experience, participation in extracurriculars, and financial aid requirements. To obtain a fully-funded scholarship from the university, the student needs to present a strong application, as this represents their initial and sole opportunity to convince the scholarship committee of the institution. 

External Scholarships: Companies, nonprofit organizations, and international educational institutions are types of external entities that seek to aid the higher education of only the most gifted individuals. These scholarships are often provided based on an individualized assessment and conclude with a job or internship opportunity after the recipient's degree or diploma program. 

List of Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students 

Here is a list of the best Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students who want to further their studies in a foreign nation.

 

  • Fulbright Scholarship

  • Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship

  • Commonwealth Scholarship

  • MEXT Scholarship Japan

  • Chevening Scholarship

  • Vanier Scholarship

  • ACI Foundation Scholarship

  • Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship

  • Hungary Government Scholarship

  • DAAD Scholarships

  • Ontario Trillium Scholarship

  • Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship

  • Rhodes Scholarship

  • GREAT Scholarship

  • Marshall Scholarship

  • Scotland Saltire Scholarships

  • Gates Cambridge Scholarship

  • Clarendon Scholarships

  • Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships 

  • Australia Awards Scholarships

  • British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

 

Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students 

Studying abroad is a big dream for many Indian students, but the cost can seem very high. The good news is that many "fully funded" scholarships can cover almost all your study and living expenses! This means you don't have to worry too much about money while chasing your dreams.

Overview of Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students  

The table below shows all the details of Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students , which includes its eligibility, duration, and main study industry. 

 

Overview of Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students  

Scholarship Name

Main Study Country

What it Covers

Key Eligibility for Indians

Duration (Typical)

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

USA

Tuition, living costs, flights, health insurance, books

Indian citizen, strong academics, specific degree/work experience

1-2 years (Master's), 8-24 months (Research)

GREAT Scholarships

UK

Up to £10,000+ towards tuition; some fully funded (depends on university)

Indian citizen, offer from a participating UK university, strong academics

1 year (Master's)

Rhodes Scholarship

UK (Oxford)

All university fees, living allowance, flights, visa costs

Indian citizen, high academic achievement, leadership potential, specific age range

Full degree (1-3+ years)

Commonwealth Scholarships

UK

Tuition, flights, living allowance, various allowances

Indian citizen, strong academics, inability to self-fund, commitment to home country's development

1 year (Master's), 3-4 years (PhD)

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

UK

Tuition, living allowance, travel, visa costs

Indian woman citizen, bachelor's in STEM, offer from participating UK university, strong STEM interest

1 year (Master's)

 

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (For USA)

The best and most superior scholarship program globally is the Fulbright Program. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships. This is the top among the Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students 

What it does

These fellowships offer great Indian students, scholars, and teachers a chance to study, teach, or research in the USA.

What it Covers

The whole deal is totally free! It pays for your expenses for studying at an American university, the cost of living (rent for a room, food), round airfare from and to the USA, medical insurance, and even a little money for books and other study material.

Who can Apply (Eligibility)

  • You are an Indian citizen and stay in India.

  • You must have a good record in studies.

  • For a Master's, you usually need a four-year bachelor's or master's degree and three years of work experience.

  • For the Doctoral level, you should pursue a PhD in India.

  • For the Postdoctoral level, you should hold a PhD degree and research experience.

  • Duration: Its duration is different depending on the course you choose. For Master's courses, it is one or two years of academic work. For research, 8-24 months.

Other Key Details

You would need to show exceptional leadership skills and commitment to return to India after studying. The application is lengthy and several months prior to the academic year.

GREAT Scholarships (For UK)

The GREAT Scholarships are a joint venture by the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and certain UK universities.

What it does

The scholarships enable Indian students (and students from other nations) to pursue higher courses in UK universities. A number of scholarships are awarded every year.

What it Covers

Although not fully 100% covered, the majority of GREAT Scholarships are at least £10,000 (about 10 lakh Indian Rupees) of tuition fee sponsorship. Some are fully funded, with living costs and tuition, depending on the university and scholarship. Verify the precise details.

Who can Apply (Eligibility)

  • You must be an Indian citizen.

  • You must hold an offer to pursue a master's program at one of the partner UK universities.

  • You must be an able student with a genuine interest in the subject you want to study.

  • Duration: Typically for one year, the typical length of most Master's courses in the UK.

Other facts you should know

You must apply directly to the university offering the GREAT Scholarship. All of them have different guidelines and deadlines.

Rhodes Scholarship (For UK - University of Oxford)

Rhodes Scholarship is among the most honored and oldest global scholarships that choose global leaders. It is for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the UK.

What is it

It is highly competitive, and it funds students from around the globe, including India, to study postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.

What it Pays

It's fully funded! It covers all University expenses, an individual stipend for living expenses and accommodation fees, one return economy class airfare from home to Oxford and one home, and visa application charge and health surcharge.

Who is Eligible (Eligibility)

  • You must be an Indian citizen.

  • You must have done your first bachelor's degree well with good grades.

  • You need to be within a certain age group (typically 18-24, or age 27 for some courses).

  • They are looking for students who have leadership abilities, a desire to help other individuals, and good character, but maybe not quite the highest academic performance.

Duration

Typically occurs during the whole duration of your desired Oxford postgraduate course, which would be one, two, or three years for a PhD.

Other Key Facts

The application process is very rigorous with essays, recommendations, and lots of rounds of interviews.

Other Things to Know

You would usually apply through a national nominating body in India (e.g., the Ministry of Education or UGC) or to the UK university directly, depending on the scholarship.

 

Tips to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students 

Gaining a scholarship is an easy task. The application process needs lots of effort and time. Hence it is better to take a note of these tips to apply for fully funded scholarships for indian students  that are listed below

  •  Begin Early: Announcement dates for fully-funded scholarships come out approximately one year or two years before your studies.
  • Read Carefully: There are very strict rules for each scholarship. Ensure that you are qualified for the application.

  • Good Application: Submit a good essay or statement of purpose. Obtain good recommendations from your teacher or seniors.

  • Show Your Passion: Explain why you must study that particular subject and how it will help you and your country.

  • Be Patient: The selection process can be long, so wait patiently for results.

Availing a fully funded scholarship is an excellent solution for studying abroad without any financial burdens. However big or small your dreams may be, if you are contemplating studying in the USA or UK, wonderful opportunities are waiting out there to be availed by bright Indian students like you. Study diligently, research thoroughly, and apply confidently!

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in USA FAQS

What is "fully funded" if referring to a scholarship?

Fully funded is when the scholarship typically pays for your tuition fee, living expenses, travel, and even maybe health insurance, so you do not have to pay much yourself.

Can one get scholarships for particular courses?

Yes there are scholarships for specific courses as well.

Are fully funded scholarships very difficult to obtain?

Yes, they are quite competitive since many candidates apply, but if you have good grades, good essays, and a clear purpose, you will succeed.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

You can apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible to apply for. It is usually a good strategy to apply for a few to maximize your chances.
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