Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in 2026

Are you dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the costs? Good news—fully funded scholarships for Indian students 2026 are now open for applications! With programs covering tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more, thousands of Indian students can pursue world-class education without taking loans. This comprehensive guide reveals four prestigious scholarships you can apply for right now, complete with eligibility criteria, benefits, deadlines, and expert application strategies.

Why Fully Funded Scholarships Matter for Indian Students

International education can cost between ₹30-60 lakhs, putting immense financial pressure on families. Fully funded scholarships eliminate this burden by covering 100% of your expenses—from tuition fees and accommodation to monthly stipends and travel costs. Beyond financial support, these scholarships offer:

• Prestigious recognition that enhances your career prospects
• Global networking with leaders and alumni across industries
• Leadership training and professional development opportunities
• Zero debt post-graduation, allowing you to focus on career growth

As of October 2025, several flagship government scholarships have opened applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Let’s explore the top four opportunities available to Indian students right now.

1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom) – Applications Closing Soon!

Overview

Chevening Scholarships represent the UK government’s premier fully funded scholarship program for future leaders. Since 1983, Chevening has supported over 50,000 professionals worldwide, including hundreds of Indian scholars who have gone on to become industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.

Complete Scholarship Package

The Chevening scholarship provides comprehensive financial support worth approximately ₹55-65 lakhs:

• Full tuition fees: 100% coverage at any UK university (worth ₹35-45 lakhs depending on program)
• Monthly living stipend: Total of approximately ₹20 lakhs for 12 months (varies by location)
• Return airfare: Economy class tickets to and from India
• Visa costs: Application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (₹62,000+)
• Arrival allowance: To help you settle in the UK
• Thesis/dissertation grant: Additional funding for final project
• Travel grant: To attend Chevening events across the UK

Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students

To qualify for Chevening scholarships in 2026, you must meet these criteria:

Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with minimum upper second-class honors (60%+ or equivalent CGPA)

Work experience: At least two years (2,800 hours minimum) of professional work experience. This can include:

• Full-time employment
• Part-time work (proportionately calculated)
• Voluntary work
• Internships

Leadership potential: Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and create positive change in your community or profession

University applications: Must apply to three different eligible UK master’s programs and receive at least one unconditional offer by July 9, 2026

English language proficiency: Meet UK university entry requirements (typically IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent)

Return commitment: Must return to India for minimum two years after completing your studies

Critical Deadlines for 2026 Entry

• Application opens: August 5, 2025
• Application deadline: October 7, 2025 (23:59 GMT)
• University application deadline: July 9, 2026
• Interviews: February–April 2026
• Final offers: Mid-June 2026
• Course start: September 2026

Application Strategy

Start your UK university applications NOW: Research and apply to three different master’s programs. Popular choices among Indian Chevening scholars include public policy, international development, business management, engineering, and law.

Craft compelling leadership essays: Chevening evaluates four essay questions focusing on leadership, networking, career plan, and study choices. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples with concrete metrics.

Secure strong references: Request two professional references from senior colleagues or professors who can speak to your leadership abilities and professional achievements.

Prepare for the interview: If shortlisted, you’ll face a panel interview at the British High Commission in New Delhi or British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata. Practice answering questions about UK-India relations, your field of study, and how you’ll contribute to your community post-scholarship.

Pro tip: Chevening values diversity. Highlight unique experiences, unconventional career paths, and how your background brings fresh perspectives to your field.

2. Australia Awards Scholarships – Opening February 2026

Overview

Australia Awards Scholarships are the Australian Government’s flagship development program, investing in future leaders from partner countries including India. These long-term scholarships build professional capacity and strengthen bilateral relationships between Australia and India.

Complete Scholarship Package

Australia Awards provide comprehensive support worth ₹40-50 lakhs:

• Full tuition fees: 100% coverage at participating Australian universities (worth ₹25-35 lakhs)
• Living allowance: AUD 3,366 per month (approximately ₹1.3 lakhs/month)
• Establishment allowance: AUD 3,000 initial settlement grant (₹1.15 lakhs)
• Return airfare: Economy class tickets for you and approved dependents
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Complete medical insurance
• Pre-course English training: If required
• Introductory Academic Program: Pre-departure orientation
• Supplementary Academic Support: Tutorial assistance if needed
• Thesis/research support: For postgraduate research students

Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students

Academic excellence: Minimum CGPA of 7.5 out of 10 (or equivalent 75%+)

Target groups:

• Recent graduates (completed bachelor’s degree between 2019-2025) from designated institutions, OR
• Professionals with at least two years of relevant work experience

Development focus: Must demonstrate commitment to contribute to India’s development priorities in areas like education, agriculture, health, governance, infrastructure, or economic growth

English proficiency:

• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0), OR
• TOEFL iBT: Overall 84 (no skill below 21), OR
• PTE Academic: Overall 58 (no skill below 50)

Institutional endorsement: Must obtain an endorsement letter from your current institution or employer confirming your qualifications and potential

Age limit: Typically under 40 years (some exceptions for senior professionals)

Return bond: Must commit to return to India for minimum two years after completing studies

Critical Deadlines for 2026 Entry

• Application opens: February 1, 2026
• Application deadline: May 31, 2026
• Interviews and testing: June-July 2026
• Offers issued: September 2026
• Pre-departure briefing: December 2026-January 2027
• Course commencement: February-March 2027

Application Strategy

Align with development priorities: Research Australia’s development assistance focus areas for India. Clearly articulate how your proposed study relates to India’s development challenges and how you’ll apply your learning back home.

Prepare academic transcripts: Ensure all transcripts are officially certified and, if necessary, apostilled or notarized. Request these early as university processing can take weeks.

Craft a compelling Development Impact Plan: This is the heart of your application. Demonstrate deep understanding of a development challenge in India, explain how Australian education will equip you to address it, and outline specific post-study actions you’ll take.

Secure institutional endorsement: Approach your university dean or company director well in advance to request an endorsement letter. Provide them with your CV and draft Development Impact Plan to help them write a strong endorsement.

Research Australian universities: While Australia Awards is government-funded, you’ll still need to secure admission to an Australian university. Start researching programs in January 2026 and prepare applications simultaneously.

Pro tip: Australia Awards highly values applicants from regional areas of India and those working in government, education, or development sectors. If you’re from a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city, emphasize how this scholarship will enable you to drive change in underserved regions.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe) – Applications December 2025

Overview

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJMD) are prestigious, integrated international study programs offered by consortia of European and non-European higher education institutions. What makes these scholarships unique is the multi-country study experience—you’ll typically study at three different universities across Europe as part of a single two-year master’s program.

Complete Scholarship Package

Erasmus Mundus scholarships provide full financial support worth approximately ₹42-50 lakhs:

• Full tuition fee waiver: 100% coverage (worth €9,000-18,000 per year)
• Monthly scholarship: €1,400 per month for 24 months (approximately ₹1.28 lakhs/month or ₹30.7 lakhs total)
• Participation costs: Insurance, local travels between partner institutions
• Installation costs: One-time allowance to help you settle in Europe
• Travel allowance: Based on distance from your home country

Additional benefits include:

• Unique multi-country experience (typically 3+ countries)
• Joint or multiple degrees from participating universities
• Access to diverse faculty expertise across Europe
• Pan-European alumni network

Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students

Academic excellence: Bachelor’s degree with first-class or distinction (minimum 65-70% depending on program)

Relevant background: Strong academic foundation in the field you’re applying to (e.g., engineering background for engineering programs)

English proficiency:

• IELTS Academic: Typically 6.5+ (varies by program)
• TOEFL iBT: Typically 90+ (varies by program)
• Some programs accept other English tests or university medium of instruction certificates

No previous Erasmus Mundus scholarship: Priority goes to candidates who haven’t benefited from EMJMD before

Not resided/studied in Europe: Priority for candidates who haven’t lived or studied in any EU country for more than 12 months in the last five years

Program-specific requirements: Each consortium sets additional requirements (GRE scores, portfolio, interviews, specific prerequisites)

Critical Deadlines for 2026 Entry

Application deadlines vary significantly by program, but most follow this pattern:

• Application opens: December 2025 – January 2026
• Application deadline: February 15 – April 1, 2026 (varies by consortium)
• Selection results: May – June 2026
• Course commencement: September 2026

Important: Each Erasmus Mundus program is managed independently by its consortium. Deadlines can range from December 2025 to as late as April 2026. You must check the specific deadline for each program you’re interested in.

Application Strategy

Start early with program research: With over 140 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs available, researching the right fit takes time. Use the official Erasmus+ website to browse programs by field and carefully review:

• Mobility tracks (which universities you’ll study at)
• Partner institutions’ strengths
• Alumni outcomes
• Language requirements (some programs require knowledge of a second European language)

Tailor each application: Unlike other scholarships where you apply once, Erasmus Mundus requires separate applications to each program’s consortium. Each has unique requirements, essay questions, and selection criteria. Never use generic applications.

Emphasize mobility readiness: Selection committees want students who thrive in multicultural environments. Highlight any international experiences, cross-cultural projects, language skills, or adaptability examples.

Prepare comprehensive documentation: Common requirements include:

• Academic transcripts with grade conversion
• CV in European format
• Motivation letter (program-specific)
• Two academic reference letters
• English proficiency certificate
• Passport copy
• Some programs: Portfolio, research proposal, GRE/GMAT scores

Apply to multiple programs: Most students apply to 3-5 different Erasmus Mundus programs to maximize chances. Application fees are typically €50-100 per program.

Pro tip: Erasmus Mundus consortia value candidates who demonstrate clear understanding of why they need a multi-country perspective. In your motivation letter, explicitly connect the unique mobility path to your career goals rather than treating it as an attractive bonus.

4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Nomination Deadline November 2025

Overview

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) aim to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by supporting those who demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in the social sciences/humanities, natural sciences/engineering, or health sciences.

Complete Scholarship Package

Vanier scholarships provide exceptional support for doctoral studies worth ₹90 lakhs over three years:

• Annual scholarship: CAD 50,000 per year for three years (approximately ₹30 lakhs/year)
• Total package: CAD 150,000 (approximately ₹90 lakhs) over three years
• Research allowances: Additional funding from supervisor grants
• Conference funding: Support for presenting research internationally
• Leadership development: Access to Vanier community events and networking

Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students

Nomination-based: You cannot apply directly. A Canadian university must nominate you. Each institution has limited nominations, making this highly competitive.

Academic excellence: Outstanding academic performance with first-class honors or distinction (typically 80%+ or CGPA 8.5+)

Leadership demonstration: Clear evidence of leadership skills in academic or professional settings, community involvement, or extracurricular activities

Research potential: Strong research proposal aligned with your supervisor’s expertise and demonstrating potential for high impact

PhD enrollment: Must be enrolled in or applying to a doctoral program at a participating Canadian institution

Years of study restriction: Must be within your first or second year of doctoral studies (if nominated while already enrolled)

English/French proficiency:

• IELTS Academic: Typically 7.0+ (varies by university)
• TOEFL iBT: Typically 93-100 (varies by university)
• Some Quebec universities may require French proficiency

Critical Deadlines for 2026 Entry

• University identification: June-August 2025 (contact potential supervisors)
• University internal deadlines: September-October 2025 (varies by institution)
• Federal nomination deadline: November 5, 2025 (for 2026 competition)
• Results announced: February-March 2026
• Funding begins: May 1, 2026 or September 1, 2026

Application Strategy

Start with supervisor identification: 6-12 months before the deadline, research Canadian professors whose work aligns with your research interests. Email potential supervisors with:

• Brief introduction
• Your research experience
• Specific research proposal aligned with their work
• Request to discuss PhD opportunities and Vanier nomination

Secure admission early: Since nomination deadlines are in September-October, you need to apply for PhD admission by spring 2025 for fall 2025 or winter 2026 entry.

Understand institutional quotas: Top research universities like University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, and University of Alberta receive more Vanier nominations, but competition is also fiercer. Consider strong research institutions with slightly lower competition.

Build a strong research proposal: Your proposal must demonstrate:

• Clear research question with significance
• Methodological rigor
• Feasibility within 3-4 years
• Potential for high impact in your field
• Alignment with Canadian research priorities

Showcase leadership beyond academics: Vanier explicitly evaluates leadership potential. Document leadership roles in student organizations, community initiatives, professional associations, or volunteering that show your ability to inspire, mobilize, and create change.

Work with your university’s research office: Most Canadian universities have dedicated offices supporting Vanier applications. Once nominated, they’ll provide feedback on your application package and connect you with previous Vanier scholars.

Pro tip: Vanier selection committees review hundreds of applications. Stand out by clearly articulating not just what you’ll research, but why it matters to Canada and globally, and how your unique background positions you to deliver breakthrough insights.

Comparing the Four Fully Funded Scholarships

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which scholarships to target:

Feature	Chevening (UK)	Australia Awards	Erasmus Mundus	Vanier (Canada)
Level	Master’s (1 year)	Master’s (2 years)	Master’s (2 years)	PhD (3 years)
Value	₹55-65 lakhs	₹40-50 lakhs	₹42-50 lakhs	₹90 lakhs
Work Experience	Required (2+ years)	Preferred (varies)	Not required	Not required
Application Type	Direct	Direct	Direct (per program)	Nomination-based
Current Deadline	Oct 7, 2025	May 31, 2026 (opens Feb 2026)	Varies (Dec 2025-Apr 2026)	Nov 5, 2025
Unique Feature	1-year intensive	Development focus	Multi-country study	PhD research funding
Post-study Bond	2 years return	2 years return	No bond	No bond

How to Choose the Right Scholarship for Your Profile

Choose Chevening if:

• You have 2+ years work experience
• You want UK-specific networks and career opportunities
• You prefer intensive 1-year master’s programs
• You’re interested in leadership and public policy

Opt for Australia Awards if:

• You have development/social impact career goals
• You want 2-year master’s in STEM, governance, or health
• You’re from regional India or work in government/education sector
• You value close India-Australia professional ties

Choose Erasmus Mundus if:

• You’re a recent graduate with strong academics
• You want diverse European perspectives in your field
• You’re adaptable and excited by multi-country mobility
• You seek broader European career opportunities

Choose Vanier if:

• You’re committed to pursuing PhD-level research
• You have exceptional academic credentials (80%+)
• You have clear research vision aligned with Canadian strengths
• You want North American research experience and networks

General Application Tips Across All Scholarships

Start Early (At Least 6 Months Before Deadline)

Scholarship applications are time-intensive. Starting early allows you to:

• Research programs and universities thoroughly
• Draft and refine essays through multiple iterations
• Request reference letters with adequate notice
• Take English proficiency tests and retake if needed
• Gather and certify documents
• Seek feedback from mentors and past scholars

Craft Compelling Personal Statements

Your personal statement or motivation letter is your chance to stand out. Follow these principles:

Tell your story authentically: Selection committees read hundreds of generic applications. Share specific experiences that shaped your goals and demonstrate genuine passion.

Use concrete examples: Instead of “I am a leader,” write “I led a team of 12 volunteers to establish a free tutoring program that served 150 underprivileged students, resulting in 40% improvement in pass rates.”

Connect past-present-future: Clearly link your past experiences, current application, and future goals in a logical narrative arc.

Address the scholarship’s values: Research each scholarship’s mission and selection criteria. Demonstrate how you embody their values (e.g., Chevening values leadership and networking; Australia Awards values development impact).

Get feedback: Ask professors, colleagues, or professional editors to review your statement. Fresh eyes catch unclear arguments and typos.

Secure Strong Reference Letters

Choose the right referees: Select academic professors or professional supervisors who:

• Know your work intimately
• Can provide specific examples of your achievements
• Hold senior positions with credibility
• Are strong writers in English

Request early: Ask at least 2-3 months before the deadline. Provide referees with:

• Your CV
• Draft personal statement
• Specific points you’d like them to address
• Clear deadline and submission instructions

Follow up respectfully: Send gentle reminders 2 weeks and 1 week before the deadline.

Excel in English Proficiency Tests

Most scholarships require IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores. To achieve competitive scores:

Take diagnostic tests to identify weaknesses

Practice consistently for 2-3 months before your test date

Focus on writing and speaking as these sections trip up many Indian students

Consider professional coaching if self-study isn’t yielding desired scores

Take the test early so you have time for a retake if needed

Prepare for Interviews

If shortlisted for Chevening or Australia Awards, you’ll face panel interviews. To prepare:

Research current affairs in your field and UK/Australia-India relations

Practice common questions:

• Why this scholarship?
• Describe your leadership experience
• What challenges does India face in your field?
• How will you contribute to your home country after graduation?
• What makes you a good cultural ambassador?

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers

Prepare questions for them: Interviews are two-way. Ask about alumni networks, professional development opportunities, or specific program aspects.

Practice with mentors: Conduct mock interviews with professors or past scholars who can provide constructive feedback.

Leverage Professional Guidance

Navigating multiple scholarship applications while juggling work or studies can be overwhelming. Consider working with experienced study abroad consultants like Bluehawks EduAbroad who offer:

• Profile evaluation to identify best-fit scholarships
• Application strategy and timeline planning
• Essay editing and personal statement review
• Mock interview preparation
• Document verification and submission support

Indian Government Scholarships for Study Abroad

Beyond international scholarships, Indian students should also explore government-funded options:

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

For: SC, ST, DNT, and landless agricultural laborers/traditional artisans
Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, airfare, and insurance
Annual slots: 125 scholarships
Eligibility: Family income below ₹8 lakhs, admission to top 500 QS-ranked universities
Deadline: Typically April-May
Website: https://nosmsje.gov.in

National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

Explore various merit-cum-means scholarships for international education on the National Scholarship Portal. Eligibility and benefits vary by scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fully Funded Scholarships

Q: Can I apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously?
A: Yes! In fact, it’s recommended. Apply to 3-5 scholarships to maximize your chances. Just ensure you can meet each scholarship’s requirements and manage the workload.

Q: Do I need perfect grades to win scholarships?
A: No. While strong academics help (typically 65%+), scholarships evaluate holistically. Leadership, community impact, work experience, and compelling personal narratives can outweigh moderate grades.

Q: What if I don’t have 2 years work experience for Chevening?
A: Part-time work, internships, and volunteering count toward the 2,800-hour requirement. Calculate your total professional experience carefully. If you’re close but slightly short, focus on Australia Awards or Erasmus Mundus instead.

Q: Can I take my family on these scholarships?
A: It varies. Australia Awards provides dependent allowances for approved family members. Chevening typically doesn’t cover dependents but allows them to join at your expense. Erasmus Mundus and Vanier have limited dependent support. Check specific scholarship guidelines.

Q: What happens if I don’t return to India after Chevening or Australia Awards?
A: These scholarships have legal bond requirements. Failing to return may result in repaying the full scholarship amount plus penalties. Exceptions are rarely granted.

Q: Are these scholarships really 100% free?
A: Yes, these are fully funded with no repayment required (unless you breach bond terms). However, you may need to cover visa application costs upfront (later reimbursed) and personal expenses beyond the stipend.

Your Next Steps to Secure Fully Funded Scholarships for 2026

The path to studying abroad on a fully funded scholarship starts with informed action. Here’s your immediate action plan:

This Week (October 2025):

• ✅ Register on Chevening website and start your application (deadline October 7!)
• ✅ Take IELTS/TOEFL if you haven’t already
• ✅ Request two professional reference letters
• ✅ Begin drafting your personal statement
• ✅ Research UK universities and shortlist 3 programs for Chevening

November 2025:

• ✅ If pursuing PhD, finalize Vanier applications through your nominated university
• ✅ Research Erasmus Mundus programs and note specific deadlines
• ✅ Continue refining applications for December submissions
• ✅ Prepare interview materials for Chevening (if shortlisted in December)

December 2025 – January 2026:

• ✅ Submit Erasmus Mundus applications as deadlines open
• ✅ Research Australian universities for Australia Awards
• ✅ Begin drafting Development Impact Plan for Australia Awards

February – May 2026:

• ✅ Submit Australia Awards application (opens February 1)
• ✅ Attend Chevening interviews (if shortlisted)
• ✅ Continue Erasmus Mundus applications (some deadlines extend to April)

Need Expert Guidance?

Applying to multiple fully funded scholarships requires strategic planning, compelling storytelling, and meticulous execution. At Bluehawks EduAbroad, we’ve helped hundreds of Indian students secure scholarships worth crores.

We offer:
✅ Free profile evaluation
✅ Scholarship matching based on your strengths
✅ End-to-end application support
✅ Essay editing by former scholarship reviewers
✅ Mock interview preparation
✅ Visa guidance post-scholarship award

Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from world-class education. With the right guidance and timely applications, you could be among the thousands of Indian students studying abroad on fully funded scholarships in 2026.

Your future starts with a single application. Let’s make it happen together!

Last updated: October 17, 2025

Disclaimer: Scholarship information is accurate as of the publication date. Please verify current details on official scholarship websites before applying.