Scholarships
Scholarships for Indian students: how to find them and apply on time
Government, university and external scholarships run on different calendars. Where to look, how to check eligibility and how to plan around deadlines.
Admission Mantra Editorial Team. Published . 6 min read.
Scholarships are competitive, and many deadlines fall months before the course starts, sometimes before you even have an offer. Students who receive funding are usually the ones who started early, read the eligibility rules carefully and applied to several schemes.
The main types of scholarship
- Government scholarships from the destination country, such as the UK's Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships, DAAD awards in Germany and the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships.
- Programmes funded by the European Union, such as Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's scholarships.
- University scholarships, from small fee discounts to full awards. Many are automatic; others need a separate application.
- Indian government schemes for specific groups, such as the National Overseas Scholarship administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Awards from trusts, foundations and companies, each with its own rules.
Where to look
- The scholarships page of each university on your list, and of the specific department.
- The official scholarship websites of the destination country's government.
- Official databases such as DAAD's scholarship database for Germany.
- Indian government portals for national schemes.
Be wary of websites that charge a fee to apply for a scholarship or promise an award in return for payment. Genuine scholarship bodies publish their rules openly.
Read the eligibility rules first
Before writing anything, check whether you meet every condition. Common ones include nationality, the level and subject of study, minimum academic results, work experience, English level and whether you need an offer first. Some schemes require you to return home after the course. If you miss a single condition, the application is usually not considered.
Plan around deadlines
Government scholarships for courses starting in the autumn often close in the previous autumn or winter. University awards may close at the same time as the course application or soon after. Work backwards from each deadline and leave time for references, transcripts and English tests.
- 12 to 15 months before the course: shortlist universities and scholarships, and note every deadline.
- 9 to 12 months before: take your English test, ask referees and start essays.
- 6 to 9 months before: submit university and scholarship applications.
- After offers: accept, meet conditions and complete any later scholarship forms.
Writing a strong scholarship essay
Scholarship panels want to know what you will do with the opportunity. Answer the exact question, give specific examples of leadership or achievement, and connect your plans to the aims of the scheme. Avoid repeating your statement of purpose word for word; scholarship questions are often different.
Documents to keep ready
- Transcripts, degree certificates and mark sheets, with certified copies if the scheme asks for them.
- An up-to-date CV that lists achievements, leadership roles and work experience with dates.
- Referees who know your work well, briefed early so they can write a specific reference.
- Your English test result, or the date you will take the test.
- Evidence of income, if the scholarship is means-tested.
Be realistic
Most students fund their studies through a mix of family savings, loans and partial scholarships. Plan a budget that works even if a scholarship does not come through, and treat any award as a bonus. Our counsellors can help you build a shortlist of scholarships you are eligible for and a timeline to meet each deadline.
Official sources
- Chevening Scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (opens in a new tab)
- DAAD (opens in a new tab)
- Higher Education Authority (Ireland) (opens in a new tab)
- European Commission: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (opens in a new tab)
Rules and fees change. Always check the official source before you act.