The 2026 Guide 20+ Govt-Funded Scholarships to Study Abroad (Official NITI Aayog List)

Every year, thousands of Indian students study abroad without taking a single education loan.

While studying abroad is often framed as a luxury, for many top talents, it is fully funded by the state. This list is based on the Government of India’s official 2026 report titled “Internationalisation of Higher Education in India” published by NITI Aayog, making this one of the most authoritative scholarship resources available online.

This guide reflects patterns from thousands of student housing searches on InstaDwell, where we see students pairing these funding options with affordable living solutions daily. We have decoded the official government data into a student-friendly guide, organized by category, so you can apply directly.

Category 1: The “Direct Invites” (MoE Selection)

Applications for these are handled directly by the Ministry of Education (India).

Commonwealth Scholarship (New Zealand)

• Who is it for? PG & PhD Students

• Focus Fields: STEM, Health, Innovation, Security

• Benefits: Fully Funded (Tuition + Living Allowances)

Apply Here: Ministry of Education Portal

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship (UK)

• Who is it for? Postgraduate Students

• Focus Fields: STEM, Health, Innovation

• Benefits: £1,347/month stipend (+ Tuition & Airfare)

• Apply Here: CSCUK Official Site

Chulabhorn Graduate Institute (Thailand)

• Who is it for? Postgraduate Students (Bio-sciences, Env. Toxicology)

• Benefits: Tuition, Accommodation, Airfare, Visa Fees

Apply Here: CGI Admissions

Category 2: The “Embassy” Route (Country Specific)

The Ministry shares these, but the respective country selects you.

MEXT Scholarships (Japan)

• Who is it for? UG, PG, & PhD

• Benefits: ¥117,000/month (~₹69k) + Airfare + Tuition

Apply Here: Embassy of Japan in India

British Council Women in STEM (UK)

• Who is it for? Women (Postgraduate)

• Benefits: 100% Full Funding (Tuition, Stipend, Visa, Travel)

Apply Here: British Council India

Pro Tip: Already shortlisted a country? InstaDwell helps you find verified student housing near top universities to match your budget.

Category 3: Fully Funded by India (For Indian Citizens)

100% funded by the Indian Government to support specific communities.

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

• Who is it for? SC, ST, OBC, Minorities, Landless Ag. Laborers

• Benefits: $15,400/year (Maintenance) + Tuition + Airfare + Visa

Apply Here: NOS Portal (Ministry of Social Justice)

Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship (DST)

• Who is it for? Indian PhD Scholars (Fresh graduates)

• Benefits: ₹1.7 Lakh/month equivalent + Contingency

Apply Here: SERB Online

Category 4: High-Prestige Fellowships (Bilateral)

Jointly funded by India and a partner nation.

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USA)

• Who is it for? PG Students, Scholars, Professionals

• Benefits: J-1 Visa, Round-trip Airfare, Tuition, Living Costs

Apply Here: USIEF Official

Raman-Charpak Fellowship (France)

• Who is it for? PhD Students

• Benefits: €1,500/month (~₹1.5 Lakh)

Apply Here: CEFIPRA

Category 5: The “Global Consortium” (Europe & Beyond)

Erasmus+ & Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

• Purpose: Academic exchange, research training & career development in the EU.

• Where to Apply: Erasmus+ Portal

• Targeting Europe? Browse our latest verified listings for Student housing in Germany (Berlin , Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, Stuttgart) and France ( Bidart, Bordeaux, Marseille, Paris, Turin)

Category 6: Returning Home? (Indian Scientists)

Schemes designed to bring Indian-origin talent back to Indian labs.

The Next Step: Securing Your Stay

Scholarships cover your tuition, but living quality defines your success.

Once your scholarship is secured, InstaDwell helps you find verified student accommodation near your university. Whether you are moving to London, Delhi, or New York, we ensure your housing meets the same global standards as your education.

Find Verified Student Housing on InstaDwell

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do these scholarships include accommodation?

Most “Fully Funded” scholarships (like Commonwealth and MEXT) provide a monthly stipend or allowance intended to cover housing costs. However, you must usually book the accommodation yourself.

When should I apply?

Most government scholarship cycles run between September and January for the following academic year.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

Yes, but you usually cannot accept more than one government-funded scholarship at the same time. Always check the specific terms of the donor agency.

When should I book student housing?

We recommend booking accommodation 3-4 months before your course starts, or as soon as your visa is confirmed. Use our Study abroad housing checklist to ensure you don’t miss any critical steps.

Source & Methodology

This scholarship list is compiled directly from the Government of India’s official 2026 NITI Aayog report on the internationalisation of higher education (Tables 4.4 - 4.9). We have supplemented this data with links to official ministry and embassy portals to ensure you have the most current application access.

Note: Scholarship amounts are approximate based on 2026 report data and currency conversion rates.