Scholarships make overseas education more affordable for students. There are various types of scholarships for international students, including those that are government-funded, university-funded, or funded by other organizations. Each scholarship will have its eligibility criteria and may cover different costs such as tuition fees, living expenses, etc. The different types study abroad scholarships 2026, popular scholarships for Indian students, how to plan and apply for scholarships are discussed further.
The terms and conditions and coverage vary from scholarship to scholarship. While some scholarships will pay for almost all your expenses, other scholarships may only cover certain costs. Scholarships usually pay for:
There are various post-graduate and undergraduate scholarships abroad that are offered by governments, institutions, and private organizations in different countries.
International students seeking education at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral level programs can apply for scholarships provided by the Canadian government, universities, and private organizations to support their studies. The various scholarships available in Canada are:
There are many scholarship options in Australia that are government-funded and university-funded for international students. Some of them include:
Students planning to study in the UK can apply for the scholarships offered by the UK government, universities, and other organizations. There are scholarships given on the basis of academic excellence, financial need, subject specificity, country specificity, etc. They include:
The different scholarships, ranging from government-sponsored programs to university and study abroad grants and bursaries for international students in the United States, are:
Popular scholarships available for internationals in Ireland are:
International students on the basis of academic merit, field of study, financial need, etc., can apply for the various scholarships in Ireland. Some of them include:
These scholarships are given to academically high-achieving students who are talented and have leadership qualities.
Popular merit-based scholarships for Indian students:
Government scholarships are offered by the governments of the different countries to attract talented international students. The government study abroad financial aid 2026 scholarships may cover the tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes health insurance.
Popular Government Scholarship for Indian Students:
Need-based scholarships are given to talented students who are not financially sound and require support for their education.
Popular need-based scholarships for Indian students:
Universities offer several scholarships to international students based on merit, financial requirement, special achievements, etc.
Popular university scholarships for Indian students:
Popular Research/PhD Scholarships for Indian Students:
Step 1
Around 12 to 9 months before the program intake, you should shortlist the countries, universities, programs, and international student scholarship programs; examine your eligibility; attend the language proficiency examinations; and keep your academic records ready.
Step 2
It is ideal to apply for the eligible scholarships around 9 to 6 months prior to program intake by preparing the personal statements and essay in the most attractive way. Also collect the reference letters and keep an eye on the scholarship deadlines 2026.
Step 3
Complete any pending scholarship applications 4 to 6 months before the program starts. You may be invited for interviews, tests, or assessments after scholarship application submission. Further, during this period, you will receive the scholarship decision, and then you can confirm your program offer.
Step 4
You can begin your visa application process and research accommodation, flights, health insurance, and other necessities 2 to 4 months before the intake.
Step 5
The final step is to finish the university/college enrolment, book a flight, and prepare for departure and arrival at your new destination.
Scholarship applications usually open 8-12 months prior to a program intake. Hence:
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International students can apply for merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, country-specific scholarships, government-funded scholarships, university-funded scholarships, program-specific scholarships, and athletic or talent-based awards.
Eligibility for international scholarships, depends on the scholarship type, but most require strong academics, proof of English proficiency, financial documents (for need-based awards), a valid offer letter, and supporting documents like SOPs, LORs, and resumes.
Yes. Many governments and universities offer fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and sometimes travel. Examples include Australia Awards, DAAD Scholarships, Fulbright Program, Chevening Scholarships, and Erasmus+.
Students should apply early, maintain strong academic scores, prepare an impressive SOP, secure solid LORs, and carefully follow the application guidelines. Participating in extracurricular activities or research can also strengthen the profile.
Yes. Students can apply for more than one scholarship, provided the rules allow it. Some awards cannot be combined with others, so it’s important to check each scholarship’s terms and conditions.
Common requirements include academic transcripts, passport copy, English test scores, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), resume/CV, financial documents (if needed), and the university offer letter.