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Top Scholarships For International Students To Study In India In 2025

India is rapidly becoming a global education hub, attracting thousands of international students each year. With world-class universities, diverse cultures, and affordable tuition, it’s an appealing destination for students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. One of the biggest attractions is the wide range of scholarships for international students in India, many of which are fully or partially funded.

Why Study in India?

Before listing the scholarships, here are some reasons why international students prefer to study in India:

 

  • Affordable education and living expense
  • Top-notch medicine, engineering, humanities, IT, and business courses
  • English as the language of instruction at most universities
  • Combination of old and new learning settings
  • Exposure to culture and academic diversity
  • Government and institution-backed strong support for education scholarships in India

Top Scholarships for International Students

Let's now discuss the best study in India scholarships offered in 2025.


1. Study in India (SII) Scholarship Program


The Study in India Scholarship is a flagship program of the Indian Ministry of Education. The program is designed to entice talented students from eligible countries to pursue higher studies at some of India's premier universities.

 

What It Offers:


100% of tuition fee and other academic expenses
At over 100 top Indian institutions
For UG, PG, and PhD programs

 

Who Can Apply:

 

  • International students from SII partner nations (Asian, African, CIS, SAARC nations)
  • Meritorious students

 

Application Process:

 

  • Apply through the Study in India Portal
  • Appear for the SII Proctored Assessment (PRAGATI exam)


It is one of the most completely funded scholarships in India and is best suited for academically talented foreign students.


2. ICCR Scholarships (Indian Council for Cultural Relations)


ICCR Scholarship is one of the most well-known Indian government scholarships for foreigners. It is designed to enhance international relations through cultural and academic exchange.

 

What It Includes:

 

  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation
  • Stipend on a monthly basis
  • Health insurance
  • Round-trip airfare (in certain situations)

 

Popular Schemes:

 

  • General Scholarship Scheme (GSS)
  • Africa Scholarship Scheme
  • SAARC Scholarship Scheme
  • Commonwealth Scholarship for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Africa

 

Eligible Applicants:

 

  • Students of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe
  • Applicants at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels

 

Application Process:


Online application through the A2A ICCR Portal
Interview and selection by Indian missions abroad
This is among the most inclusive scholarships available for foreign students in India.


3. MHRD Scholarship for Afghan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese Students


The government of India offers special education scholarships in India under the Ministry of Education (previously MHRD) for neighboring countries' students, such as Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bhutan.

 

What It Includes:

 

  • Fees for tuition and hostel
  • Allowances in a month
  • Book grants

 

Branches:


Engineering, Management, Arts, Science, Commerce, Social Sciences

 

Eligibility:

 

  • Citizens of specific countries
  • Students with a good academic record


These scholarships for international students India help maintain diplomatic and educational ties with neighboring nations.


4. SAARC and Mekong-Ganga Scholarships


India has bilateral scholarship agreements with SAARC nations (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and Mekong-Ganga countries (like Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand).

 

What It Offers:

 

  • Tuition waiver
  • Living allowance
  • Hostel accommodation

 

Available Courses:


UG, PG, and PhD programs in Indian universities
These are great international student scholarships in India if you’re from any of the eligible countries.


5. TATA Education and Development Trust Scholarships


There are various scholarships offered by TATA Trusts to international students in India, particularly those belonging to disadvantaged sections of society or particular countries.

Benefits:

 

  • Tuition fees
  • Expenses for living
  • Travel grant in some cases

 

Though mainly Indian students are considered, some trusts also partner with foreign governments to provide education scholarships in India for foreign nationals, particularly from African and Asian countries.


6. Nalanda University Scholarships for Foreign Students


Nalanda University, which has international heritage status, provides scholarships for international students India pursuing postgraduate courses.

 

Courses Eligible:


MA in Historical Studies, Buddhist Studies, Ecology & Environment Studies

 

What It Covers:


Tuition fee waiver (partial or full)
Merit-based financial assistance


It's a great choice for those seeking masters in India on scholarships.


7. IIT Scholarships for Foreign Students


IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) of many places have their own scholarships for masters in India as well as foreign PhD-level students.

 

Benefits:


Fee concession or exemption
Research or TA/RA stipends
Subsidy on hostel and mess

 

Who Can Apply:


Foreign students who apply under the direct admission process or exchange schemes
IITs are internationally ranked and perfect for science, engineering, and research students.


8. AIU Scholarships – Association of Indian Universities


AIU Scholarship Scheme is offered to foreign students enrolled at member universities of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

 

Features:


Supports basic living costs and tuition
Made available for PG and UG courses


Such scholarship schemes India focus on encouraging internationalization and enlisting international talent.


9. Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ITEC) Program


This government scheme provides training and short-term study scholarships to foreign students in India, mostly from developing nations.


Advantages:


Training fee
Boarding and accommodation
Airfare
While not for full-time education, this is perfect for professional education or skill development.


10. Private University Scholarships for International Students


Numerous best private universities in India provide scholarships to bring in international students:


Examples:


Amity University International Scholarship
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Scholarships
Ashoka University Need-Based Aid
O.P. Jindal Global University International Scholarships


These can be merit-based or need-based and are usually partial but can cover a substantial portion of the fees.

 

If you're looking for the best scholarships to study in India, don't miss these private options.

How to Apply for Scholarships in India (2025)

You can apply for scholarship 

  • Early research – Begin at least 6–12 months prior to your planned start date.
  • Select the appropriate scholarship depending on your country and course.
  • Get academic transcripts, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation ready.
  • Take entrance tests (PRAGATI, English proficiency, or university-specific tests if applicable).
  • Apply through official websites (SII, ICCR, AIU, etc.).
  • Contact the Indian embassy or consulate in your country for support.

General Eligibility Criteria

Most international student scholarships offered in India follow the same requirements:


Foreign nationality (not Indian)
Correct academic records (typically 60%+)
English proficiency
Admission offer from an Indian university (for some scholarships)
Valid student visa and passport

 

Documents You May Need


Passport copy
Academic transcripts
Passport photographs
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Recommendation Letters
University admission letter (if available)
Proof of income (for need-based aid)

Conclusion

India is unlocking its doors to international talent, and through scholarships for foreign students India, education here has never been easier. Be it engineering at an IIT, business at a premier private college, or humanities at Nalanda—there is money for you to pursue studies.

 

From totally funded scholarships in India to special aid for master's students, these programs are ready to be discovered. With sound research, planning, and timely submission, you too can achieve your dream of studying in India without monetary tension.

 

So wait no more. Start looking into these scholarship schemes in India, prepare your documents, and take the initial step to your international learning experience.

 

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