International Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad After 12th

Reading Time 21 minutes/Updated on 07-11-2024

Studying abroad after the 12th board exams is an exciting opportunity for many Indian students to gain international exposure and access top-quality education. However, affording overseas education can be a major financial hurdle for many. This is where international scholarships for Indian students after 12th come in – they provide invaluable financial assistance that makes studying abroad more accessible. There are many government and private scholarships available for Indian students aspiring to study abroad after 12th.

Continue reading this blog to learn more about international scholarships for Indian students in Australia, the US and the UK.

International Scholarships for Indian Students

There are many other international scholarships available for Indian students to consider. Below is a country-wise breakdown to help you easily find scholarships based on your target destination.

International Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia

Four scholarships to study abroad in Australia are available for Indian students after the 12th. The details are as follows:

Australian Embassy Fully Funded Scholarships

The Australian Embassy provides this foreign scholarship for Indian students after 12th willing to pursue undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and MBA programs through the list of Australian universities supplied.

Australian Embassy logo

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	Candidates with at least 50% academic score
Covered expenses	Tuition fees Health insurance Travel allowance Free student visa for 4 years Family Allowance for married candidates
Time of Application	Should be checked with the Australian Embassy
Field of study	Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree MBA PhD

Australia Awards Scholarship

Indian students willing to pursue a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in Australia can avail of this international scholarship to study abroad.

Australia Awards Scholarship

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	A recent graduate from specific Indian universities
Covered expenses	Tuition fees Living expenses Airfare Establishment Allowance
Time of Application	February every year
Field of study	Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees

Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship

With this international scholarship, merit Indian students can avail of a 15-20% reduction in tuition fees to study abroad after 12th.

Adelaide Global Citizens Scholarship

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	Candidate should not have prior research qualification English Proficiency test cleared GPA should range between 5.5 and 6.5 on a 7.0 scale
Covered expenses	Relocation grant Tuition fees Living expenses Health insurance
Time of Application	Check on the university website for the latest information
Field of study	Master’s degree PhD degree

University of Melbourne Scholarship

Deserving Indian students willing to study abroad can receive University of Melbourne Scholarships to do research at Melbourne University.

University of Melbourne logo

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	Outstanding result in the last degree
Covered expenses	Health insurance Living expenses up to $30,600 per year on pro-rata Relocation grant for international students up to $3000
Time of Application	October every year
Field of study	Research programme

John Allwright Fellowship

The John Allwright Fellowship is offered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (AClAR) to aid scientists from partner countries in participating in their research endeavours. The fellowship allows recipients to undertake postgraduate studies in Australia with all expenses covered. The research focus of ACIAR, in India includes agribusiness, crop science and forestry.

John Allwright Fellowship

Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship

The Australian government provides support to merit students through the Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarships program. It is for both Australian students seeking to study overseas and international students looking to pursue a master’s degree in Australia. This scholarship is backed by the Department of Education, Skills, and Employment.

Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship

Griffith Remarkable Scholarship

The Griffith Remarkable Scholarship aims to assist students who are seeking admission to undergraduate or postgraduate programs at Griffith University by providing financial aid for tuition and related educational costs. Eligibility for this scholarship requires students to have attained a minimum of 70%, in their academic endeavours and must have submitted an application to Griffith University.

Griffith University logo

Also read: Best Bachelor Degrees in Australia For International Students in 2024

International Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK

The UK invites Indian students by offering various scholarships by both UK universities and the government. These scholarships are explained below in detail:

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship

The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission offers an international scholarship for Indian students after 12th, which is distributed through the British Council.

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	The student has to be an Indian citizen Secure a minimum of 65% marks Medium of education should be English Preliminary interviews conducted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development for shortlisting deserving students
Covered expenses	Tuition fees Living expenses Return airfare
Time of Application	In August
Field of study	Engineering and Technology Pure and Applied Science Agriculture Social Sciences and Humanities

Chevening Scholarship

The UK government offers an international scholarship for Indian students to pursue a one-year postgraduate degree in the subject of their choice at any UK university.

Chevening Scholarship

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	Wants to pursue a master’s degree in the UK At least 2 years of work experience preferred
Covered expenses	Tuition fees Living expenses Airfare
Time of Application	August second week till July every year
Field of study	All 1-year master’s programs

Also read: Is it Possible to Study in UK on Scholarship?

Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship

It is an international scholarship for Indian students after 12th grade, providing financial assistance to those aspiring to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the UK. This merit-based scholarship aims to support Indian students in their educational endeavours abroad.

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	Wants to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree
Covered expenses	Tuition fees from £3,000 to £7,000 for one year
Time of Application	February every year
Field of study	Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree Integrated Master’s degree

Rhodes Scholarship

This scholarship is open to only 5 Indian students willing to study at Oxford University.

Rhodes Scholarship

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	Candidates should be an Indian citizen Either passed 10th or 12th standard or a final year student of an undergraduate degree at an Indian University Formal education in India for at least 4 out of the last 10 years Should be of 19 years and not more than 25 years of age Should have secured First Class
Covered expenses	Tuition fees Living expenses Accommodation charges
Time of Application	September every year
Field of study	Any full-time post-graduation degree

Must read: Why Indian Students Choose the UK for Higher Studies?

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

This foreign scholarship for Indian students is for those willing to pursue a master’s degree in the UK.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	Indian citizens who hold an undergraduate degree from a recognised Indian university At least 2 years of work experience Prior admission to the institute or course Below age 30 at application time
Covered expenses	Tuition fees Living expenses Airfare
Time of Application	January every year
Field of study	Master’s degree

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is one of the most popular international scholarships for Indian students who are willing to study in the UK. It is only applicable for a bachelor’s degree.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, physics, computer sciences, or similar fields Fluency in English
Covered expenses	Tuition and Insurance coverage at €4000 yearly Travel expenses up to €1000 per year Other costs at €1000 per month for the duration of the course
Time of Application	September – January every year
Field of study	Master’s degree

Felix Scholarship

This international scholarship is only open to underprivileged Indian students willing to study for a master’s degree in the UK.

Felix Scholarship

Parameter	Sponsorship details
Eligibility criteria	Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university Underprivileged Indian students Below age 30
Covered expenses	Tuition fees Living expenses Airfare
Time of Application	September every year
Field of study	Master’s degree PhD

International Scholarships for Indian Students in the US

There are two scholarships offered to Indian students who are willing to study in the US. The details are as follows:

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship

This scholarship is offered to Indian students interested in pursuing a master’s degree or conducting research in a US educational institution.

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship

Parameter	Scholarship details
Eligibility criteria	Candidates should have completed 4 years of education or an equivalent bachelor’s degree in the US. At least 3 years of work experience
Covered expenses	Tuition fees Airfare Books Living expenses
Time of Application	June every year
Field of study	Arts and Culture Environmental Science International Legal Studies Public Health Gender Studies Urban and Regional Planning Public Administration

TATA Scholarship

This scholarship is for Indian students to do their Bachelor’s degree at Cornell University.

TATA Scholarship

Parameter	Scholarship details
Eligibility criteria	Candidates should be an Indian citizen Should have applied to Cornell University Need-based financial support provided
Covered expenses	Tuition fee Living expenses Airfare Food Medical expenses
Time of Application	October/November every year
Field of study	Architecture and Planning Engineering Applied Economics Agriculture and Life Sciences Biological Sciences Physical Sciences Social Sciences

AAUW International Fellowship

The American Association of University Women provides this scholarship for women to promote equality and education for girls. It is open to female applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents and are seeking full-time study or research in the US. The scholarship has benefitted more than 3,600 women from over 150 nations throughout the years. This opportunity to pursue a master’s in the US.

AAUW International Fellowship

Eligibility

Should not have already received AAUW grant
Proof of English proficiency

Richmond Scholars Program

The Richmond Scholars Program is regarded as the University’s academic honour given to outstanding new students—both from the country and abroad. Students must showcase exceptional academic achievements and volunteer work experience to be eligible for this scholarship.

University of Richmond logo

Also read: How to Maximize USA Scholarship Chances for Indian Students

International Scholarships Offered by The WorldGrad

The WorldGrad offers two exclusive scholarships, namely the SmartGrad Scholarship and the Director’s Merit Award. The details of these scholarships are given below:

SmartGrad Scholarship

The SmartGrad Scholarship is granted by The WorldGrad to students upon admission to support their educational dreams.

Key Highlights:

20% scholarship on tuition fees.
Applicable programs are All American Undergraduate Program, All American Graduate Program, Global Year 1 Program, and Global Online Accelerator Program.
There are 22 limited scholarships available under this.

Eligibility:

For UG Programs: Achieve 75% or above in Class 12 (CBSE or equivalent) / 80% for State Boards. No academic gap.
For PG Programs: Achieve 75% or above, equivalent in undergraduate studies without any backlogs.

Director’s Merit Award

The Director’s Merit Award is given to students who top their Smart Program with The WorldGrad before progressing to their dream university.

Key Highlights:

Financial reward of INR 50,000 per student.
Applicable programs are All American Graduate Program, Global Online Accelerator Program, and Global Year 1 Program.
There are 22 limited scholarships available under this.

Eligibility:

Students must meet the minimum criteria of obtaining an overall distinction grade in Global Year 1 Program, a 75% or above overall score in the Global Online Accelerator Program, and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in the All American Graduate Program.
They should complete all subjects in the first attempt without any failures.

How to Get Scholarship to Study Abroad for Indian Students?

Applicants need to meet typical eligibility criteria to qualify for scholarships to study abroad. Required credentials generally include a minimum GPA between 3.4 and 4.0 and an IELTS score of 6.5-7 or a TOEFL score of around 100 points. Most undergraduate degree programs accept applicants under 30 years of age. While specific requirements vary across scholarships, here are proactive steps you can take to strengthen your profile:

Increase your GPA, if possible, by taking extra courses to stand out academically.
Increase your test scores by practising exams like GRE and GMAT plus English tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE.
Showcase leadership, creativity and problem-solving through extracurriculars that highlight your social awareness and unique skills.

Conclusion

There are plenty of generous international scholarships for Indian students after 12th to help fund their higher education abroad after finishing 12th grade. By researching early and applying well in time to various applicable scholarship schemes, students can make their dream of attaining an overseas degree more affordable and achievable. The availability of scholarships makes lack of funds, not an obstacle if one is armed with a great academic record, a strong passion for learning and a little smart planning!

International Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad After 12th FAQs

Q1. How to get a scholarship to study abroad after 12th?
A1. Research for relevant scholarships offered by universities and government bodies. Meet the eligibility criteria, submit a strong application highlighting your academic achievements and extracurricular activities, and prepare for any required interviews or tests.

Q2. What is the minimum marks in 12th to study abroad with scholarship?
A2. Students aspiring to study overseas must achieve a minimum score ranging from 60% to 85% in their 12th board exams in order to be eligible for scholarships at international universities.

Q3. Can I go abroad after 12th with scholarship?
A3. Yes, Indian students can secure a scholarship to study abroad after 12th.

Q4. How much percentage is required for study in the USA after 12th?
A4. Applicants must have a minimum of 65% of marks to study in the USA after 12th.

Q5. Does 12th marks matter for going abroad?
A5. Yes, 12th board marks are vital and are a basic eligibility criterion for admission into international universities.

Author: Prem Thakkar