Fully Funded Study Abroad Scholarships: Studying abroad is a dream for many, as it offers numerous benefits. Moreover, students who study abroad open up a world of opportunities for themselves. However, studying abroad can be quite expensive. This article highlights some fully funded scholarships for Indian students wishing to study abroad. If you want to study abroad with all expenses covered in 2026?
Below are some of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships that Indian students commonly apply for. These scholarships are regularly offered by governments, universities, and programs to cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and other allowances. In this article, I have outlined what it covers, who it is for, the main eligibility criteria, and where to find the official dates and application details for the 2026 cycle.
Types of Fully Funded Study Abroad Scholarships 2026
There are three main types of fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, categorised based on the awarding institution. These scholarships are listed below.
1. Fully Funded Government Scholarships: These scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on merit. Typically, millions of international students apply for these scholarships every year, resulting in limited availability and fierce competition among applicants. Most government-funded 100% scholarships abroad include a monthly stipend (to cover students’ monthly living expenses), full tuition fees, health insurance, and accommodation and travel allowances.
2. University-Sponsored Fully Funded Scholarships: Some top universities abroad also offer 100% scholarships to students. Each university has different criteria for awarding its preferred scholarships. These universities’ selection criteria include good grades, work experience, participation in extracurricular activities, and the financial need demonstrated by students in their applications. Therefore, to receive a fully funded scholarship from a university, a student must submit a strong application. However, only a few universities abroad offer full scholarships.
3. External Scholarships: Businesses, charities, and higher education organisations abroad create external foundations whose sole purpose is to sponsor the higher education of promising students abroad. These scholarships are often awarded based on a personalised test and may culminate in job/internship offers at the end of the awardee’s degree/diploma program.
List of Fully Funded Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students
Here are some of the best fully funded Study Abroad scholarships for Indian students who want to pursue their higher education abroad.
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK) – A fully funded one-year Master’s degree
| What it includes | Tuition fees, living allowance, a return economy flight, visa costs, and a contribution towards travel and dissertation grants. |
| Who it’s for | Mid-career professionals or recent graduates with leadership potential; typically 2 years of work experience is required. |
| Why apply | Excellent networking opportunities, leadership training, and access to UK universities and the alumni network. |
| Status and where to check | Chevening runs annually; the India page and eligibility guidance have details for the current cycle (information for the 2026-27 round is available on the Chevening website) |
2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK) – fully funded postgraduate & doctoral awards
| What it covers | Tuition, airfare, living allowance, and other allowances (varies by award) |
| Who it’s for | Citizens of Commonwealth countries (India is eligible); emphasis on development impact and institutional partnerships. |
| Why apply | Most Commonwealth awards are fully funded and aim to build capacity in home countries. |
| Status & where to check | British Council / CSC run annual rounds; check the Study UK/Commonwealth Scholarship pages for the 2026-27 cycle and application windows. |
3. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford) – Fully Funded Postgraduate
| What it covers | University fees, living expenses, travel to and from Oxford, and other allowances. |
| Who it’s for | Outstanding scholars who meet the Rhodes criteria (leadership, character, and commitment to service). India has its own constituency. |
| Why apply | An Oxford degree + excellent networking opportunities and funding for studies and living expenses. |
| Status & where to check | Eligibility and timelines for the Indian constituency are available on the Rhodes House India page. |
