For many Indian students, studying abroad is a dream, but the high cost of education can be a major hurdle. The good news is that several countries offer fully funded scholarships, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and even living expenses.
If you’re looking for countries that provide 100% scholarships for Indian students, this guide will help you explore the best opportunities and how to apply for them.
1. Germany – Tuition-Free Education & DAAD Scholarships
Germany is one of the best destinations for Indian students seeking free education. Public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, students still need to cover living expenses, which can be supported through various scholarships.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany
✔ DAAD Scholarships – Covers full tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs for master’s and PhD students.
✔ Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship – Fully funds master’s and PhD programs.
✔ Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship – Provides financial support to international students, including Indians.
💡 How to Apply? Visit DAAD Scholarship Portal to check eligibility and application deadlines.
2. United Kingdom – Chevening & Commonwealth Scholarships
The UK offers several fully funded scholarships to Indian students for postgraduate studies. Although undergraduate scholarships are rare, some universities offer tuition fee waivers for exceptional students.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK
✔ Chevening Scholarships – Covers full tuition, living expenses, airfare, and additional allowances.
✔ Commonwealth Scholarships – Fully funds master’s and PhD programs for Indian students from low- and middle-income families.
✔ Rhodes Scholarship – Covers tuition, living stipend, and travel for Oxford University students.
💡 How to Apply? Visit Chevening UK and Commonwealth Scholarships for application details.
3. United States – Fullbright & Stanford Scholarships
The US remains a top destination for Indian students, with many universities offering full scholarships for master’s and PhD programs.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the US
✔ Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship – Fully funds tuition, airfare, living expenses, and research costs for master’s students.
✔ Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholarship – Covers full tuition, stipend, and travel for graduate students.
✔ Gates Scholarship – Fully funds undergraduate education for outstanding students with financial need.
💡 How to Apply? Visit Fulbright India and Knight-Hennessy Scholars for details.
4. Canada – Vanier & Lester B. Pearson Scholarships
Canada is a preferred study destination for Indian students due to its quality education and scholarship opportunities. Many universities provide full scholarships for international students, covering tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
✔ Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Covers full funding for PhD students.
✔ Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – Provides full tuition, accommodation, and book allowance for undergraduate students at the University of Toronto.
✔ Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship – Fully funds PhD students in humanities and social sciences.
💡 How to Apply? Visit Vanier Scholarships for eligibility and application details.
5. Australia – Destination Australia & Research Scholarships
Australia offers generous scholarships for Indian students, particularly for research-based programs. Some scholarships cover full tuition and provide a living stipend.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia
✔ Australia Awards Scholarships – Covers full tuition, living expenses, airfare, and medical insurance.
✔ Destination Australia Scholarship – Provides financial support to international students studying in regional Australia.
✔ Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships – Fully funds PhD and research-based master’s programs.
💡 How to Apply? Visit Australia Awards for application deadlines.
6. France – Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
France is an affordable study destination that also offers fully funded scholarships for Indian students. Many French universities charge low tuition fees and provide financial assistance to international students.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in France
✔ Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – Covers tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, and health insurance for master’s and PhD students.
✔ École Normale Supérieure International Selection – Offers full scholarships for master’s programs.
✔ Charpak Scholarship Program – Provides full funding for Indian students pursuing higher studies in France.
💡 How to Apply? Visit Campus France for details on scholarship opportunities.
7. New Zealand – Manaaki Scholarships
New Zealand provides fully funded government scholarships for students from developing countries, including India. These scholarships support both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand
✔ Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships – Covers full tuition, living allowance, travel costs, and health insurance.
✔ New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships – Fully funds master’s and PhD students.
✔ University-Specific Scholarships – Some universities like the University of Auckland and Victoria University offer full tuition waivers.
💡 How to Apply? Visit New Zealand Scholarships for eligibility details.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a 100% Scholarship?
While these scholarships are highly competitive, you can increase your chances with the right approach:
✔ Maintain High Academic Scores – Many scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.5 or 75%+ in Indian grading system.
✔ Prepare Strong Essays & SOPs – Write compelling statements that highlight your achievements and career goals.
✔ Secure Strong Recommendation Letters – Get references from professors or employers who can vouch for your potential.
✔ Apply Early – Many scholarships have strict deadlines, so start your applications at least a year in advance.
✔ Meet Language Requirements – Most scholarships require IELTS/TOEFL for English proficiency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an Indian student dreaming of studying abroad for free, these fully funded scholarships can make it possible. Countries like Germany, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, France, and New Zealand offer excellent opportunities to study without financial burden.
💡 Next Step: Research the scholarships that fit your academic background and start preparing your application today!
For more details, visit the official scholarship websites and make sure to check eligibility criteria before applying.