Many Indian students want to receive their advanced education outside their home country. The total cost of education becomes hard to manage. With a full scholarship, students can achieve their study abroad goals by receiving tuition fee coverage and other important financial help. This guide explains the process of receiving complete international scholarship opportunities for further education after you complete 12th grade
What are Full Scholarships?
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A complete scholarship pays for every expense of your international study.
- Tuition Fees: The cost of your academic program
- Living Expenses: Accommodation, food, and daily necessities
- Travel Costs: Airfare to and from the study destination
- Health Insurance: Medical coverage during the study period
These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on various criteria such as academic excellence, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and financial need.
Popular Full Scholarships for International Students
Several prestigious scholarships are available for Indian students aiming to study abroad. Here are some notable ones:
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Coverage (Benefits) | Eligibility Criteria | Target Countries/Institutions |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) | Full tuition, living expenses, economy airfare, and health insurance | Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree (minimum 55% marks), 3 years of work experience, strong leadership, and community service record | United States (Top U.S. universities) |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (UK Government) | Tuition fees, airfare, thesis grant, and monthly stipend (around £1,133–£1,390/month) | Indian citizens under 40, must have a first-class degree or equivalent in relevant subject | United Kingdom (Approved UK universities) |
| Chevening Scholarships | UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office | Tuition fees, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, visa cost | Bachelor’s degree, minimum 2 years’ work experience, leadership potential, strong SOP | United Kingdom (Over 12,000 courses across 150+ UK universities) |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) | European Union | Tuition, travel allowance, installation cost, and monthly stipend (€1,000/month) | Bachelor’s degree with a good academic record, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs | European countries (Joint degree from at least 2-3 European universities) |
| DAAD Scholarships (Postgraduate Studies) | German Academic Exchange Service | Monthly stipend of €861, tuition (where applicable), travel, insurance | Indian graduates with 2 years’ work experience, minimum 2nd class upper degree, IELTS score of 6.5+ | Germany (Public and private German universities) |
| Tata Scholarship for Cornell University | Tata Education and Development Trust | Full tuition for entire undergraduate course | Indian citizens from economically disadvantaged backgrounds admitted to Cornell | United States (Cornell University only) |
| Australia Awards Scholarship | Australian Government (DFAT) | Full tuition, return air travel, living allowance (AUD 30,000/year), OSHC insurance | Indian students from specific eligible fields, excellent academic record, return-to-home commitment | Australia (Top Australian universities) |
| Rhodes Scholarship (India) | Rhodes Trust | Full tuition at Oxford, annual stipend (~£18,180), airfare | Bachelor’s degree, age 18-24, academic excellence, leadership, moral force of character | United Kingdom (University of Oxford only) |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Inlaks Foundation | Tuition, living expenses up to USD 100,000 | Indian citizens with outstanding academic performance, accepted into top global universities | US, UK, Europe (Top universities only) |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Full tuition, maintenance allowance (~£20,000/year), airfare | Bachelor’s degree, excellent academic record, admission to University of Cambridge | United Kingdom (University of Cambridge only) |
| Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Stanford University | Full tuition, living allowance, academic enrichment funds | Must apply separately to Stanford grad program + scholarship, strong leadership, innovation mindset | United States (Stanford University only) |
| Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarships | University of Adelaide | 50–100% tuition waiver | Indian students with high academic merit (95%+ in CBSE/ICSE), strong English proficiency | Australia (University of Adelaide) |
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
To increase your chances of securing a fully funded scholarships for international students, it’s essential to understand the common eligibility criteria:
- Academic Excellence: High GPA and strong academic records.
- Standardized Test Scores: Competitive scores in exams like SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT.
- Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
- Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrated leadership and participation in extracurricular activities.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A compelling essay outlining your academic goals and reasons for choosing the specific program.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Strong endorsements from teachers or professionals who can vouch for your abilities.
- Financial Need: Some scholarships require proof of financial need.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Full Scholarship
Getting fully funded scholarships for Indian students undergraduate may feel overwhelming at first. But breaking it down into clear steps makes the process easier to follow. Here’s a complete, beginner-friendly guide to help you understand how to get full scholarship to study abroad after 12th:
1. Research Available Scholarships Based on Your Profile and Study Destination
The first and most important step is to explore the scholarships available for your target country and course. Start with these sources:
- University Websites: Visit official university pages. Most have a dedicated “Scholarships” section with full details.
- Government Scholarship Portals: Explore platforms like scholarships.gov.in, DAAD, UK Chevening, and Fulbright India.
- Private and NGO Scholarships: Look for well-known foundations like Inlaks, Tata Trusts, and Aga Khan Foundation.
- Study Abroad Platforms: Reliable sites like Shiksha, Yocket, GyanDhan, and LeapScholar frequently update scholarship listings.
Pro Tip: Use filters like “fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad” while searching.
2. Make a List and Shortlist Scholarships That Match Your Profile
Once you’ve done your research:
- Create a spreadsheet with details like eligibility, amount, deadline, and documents required.
- Shortlist 5–10 scholarships that match your academic background, destination, and career goals.
- Prioritize fully funded undergraduate scholarships with the highest coverage or least competition based on your strengths.
3. Prepare All Required Documents in Advance
Each scholarship has its own set of required documents. Most of them include:
| Document | Purpose |
| Academic Transcripts | Shows your marks in 10th and 12th grades or any additional academic achievements. |
| Standardized Test Scores | Tests like SAT, ACT (for undergrad), or GRE/GMAT (for postgrad) are often required. |
| Language Proficiency Certificates | IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores are mandatory for most English-speaking countries. |
| Resume or CV | Gives a snapshot of your academic background, achievements, and extracurriculars. |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Explains why you want to study abroad, your goals, and how the course aligns with your future plans. |
| Letters of Recommendation (LORs) | Usually 2–3 letters from your teachers, principals, or mentors highlighting your character and academic potential. |
| Proof of Financial Need | Some fully funded scholarships for Indian students ask for bank statements or family income certificates. |
| Certificates of Achievements | If you’ve won any competitions, attended workshops, or held leadership roles, include that too. |
Remember: Preparing these documents early helps you avoid last-minute stress and improves quality.
4. Write a Winning Statement of Purpose (SOP)
The SOP is your chance to speak directly to the selection committee.
Include the following:
- Your academic interests and why you’re passionate about the subject.
- Why you chose that particular country and university.
- How the scholarship and course will help you achieve your long-term goals.
- What makes you unique – your values, challenges you’ve overcome, or leadership experience.
Keep it honest, structured, and inspiring. Many students secure fully funded scholarships for Indian students based on a powerful SOP alone.
5. Meet All Scholarship Application Deadlines
- Scholarship deadlines are usually 3 to 6 months before the academic intake starts.
- Create a calendar with each scholarship’s last date.
- Set reminders at least two weeks before the actual deadline to avoid delays.
6. Fill Out the Scholarship Applications Carefully
Follow these general tips when filling out online or paper applications:
- Read all instructions thoroughly.
- Double-check spellings, dates, and document uploads.
- Make sure your answers match what’s mentioned in your supporting documents.
- Don’t leave any field blank unless it’s optional.
7. Submit All Required Documents in the Correct Format
Different scholarships may have different format requirements:
- PDFs are most commonly accepted.
- Some documents may need to be translated into English if they’re in a regional language
- If submitting by post, send documents via a reliable courier with tracking
Make sure:
- All files are clearly scanned and legible.
- File names are clean and labeled (e.g., “SOP_JohnDoe.pdf”).
8. Prepare for Scholarship Interviews (If Required)
Some prestigious scholarships (like Fulbright, Chevening, and Inlaks) have interview rounds. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Practice telling your story – your background, interests, goals, and motivation
- Know everything about the course and university you’re applying to
- Be ready for common questions like:
- “Why do you deserve this scholarship?”
- “What will you do after completing your studies?”
- “How will you contribute to society?”
Mock interviews with a mentor or friend can help improve your confidence and fluency.
9. Wait for the Results and Accept the Offer If Selected
- Most results are declared 1–3 months after the deadline.
- If selected, you’ll receive an offer email or letter
- Some scholarships may require you to accept the offer formally and submit additional paperwork
- If the scholarship includes travel support, coordinate with the team for visa and booking processes
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
- Start Early: Begin searching for scholarships and applying early enough to meet all required deadlines
- Tailor Applications: Rephrase your statement of purpose and letters of recommendation based on the values and funding requirements of the scholarship program
- Highlight Leadership Skills: Describe your experiences as a leader and the projects you led
- Engage in Community Service: Your application for scholarships will perform better when you have community service experience
- Seek Guidance: Get help from teachers, mentors, or professional experts to review your scholarship application
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing Deadlines: The university usually does not review applications delivered past their deadline
- Incomplete Applications: Give all needed documents and essential details before deadline
- Generic SOPs: Create individual applications to match the specific needs of each one
- Overlooking Eligibility Criteria: Apply only for scholarships when all their listed criteria match what you qualify for.
Conclusion
Securing fully funded scholarships for undergraduate international students requires meticulous planning, thorough research, and a proactive approach. You can seek abroad education without tuition fees by following scholarship application procedures and submitting required materials plus an outstanding submission. Get academic and personal betterment by seeking guidance from proper sources
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different types of scholarships available for studying abroad after 12th?
You can get merit-based, need-based, sports, or talent scholarships. Some also offer country-specific or university-specific awards. A few cover full costs, while others give partial help like tuition or living expenses.
2. What are the eligibility criteria for securing a full scholarship?
You must have strong academic scores, proof of financial need (for some), a good SOP, and often English test scores. Some may ask for extra activities or leadership skills too. Always check the specific rules.
3. How to find fully funded scholarships for undergraduate programs abroad?
Look for scholarship information on university sites and study abroad programs administered by the government. Research opportunities through respected scholarship providers DAAD, Chevening, and Studyportals. Contact your school counselor and speak to former scholarship recipients through alumni connections.
4. How important are academic scores in getting a full scholarship?
Academic scores matter a lot. Scholarships with free funding require students to show good grades. Your strong academic performance proves that you will succeed with challenging academic work. Many organizations evaluate students based on both academic performance and unique abilities even when test scores are ordinary.
5. What role does an English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL) play in scholarship applications?
The tests show you can proficiently understand and speak English. Major universities and scholarship programs require them to evaluate students. Students whose first language is not English should use their test results to increase their application chances.
6. What is the ideal time to start preparing for scholarship applications?
Start at least one year before you plan to study. Research early, prepare your documents, and take tests like IELTS in time. Early prep gives you more chances and less stress later.
7. Do full scholarships cover living expenses and travel costs?
Yes, many full scholarships cover tuition, living costs, and even travel. But not all do, so read the details carefully. Some may only cover tuition or give a fixed amount for other needs.
8. What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for scholarships?
Follow the set deadlines and ensure correct document submission with complete adherence to all guide instructions. Develop your original Standard Operating Procedure while looking for mistakes. Make unique scholarship applications for every award opportunity instead of reusing one format.
