Top Scholarships for Indian Students in 2027
Planning to study abroad in 2027? Scholarships can help reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses. From fully funded options like Chevening and MEXT to tuition support through GREAT Scholarships, here are some of the top scholarships Indian students can explore for 2027.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in 2027
Studying abroad is exciting, but the cost can be a major consideration. Tuition fees, accommodation, travel and everyday expenses can add up quickly.
This is where scholarships can make a difference.
There are scholarships that cover tuition fees, while others also provide support for living expenses, travel and other costs. However, each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application deadline.
If you're planning to study abroad in 2027, these are some of the scholarships worth researching.
1. Chevening Scholarships - UK
If you're planning to pursue a Master's in the UK and already have professional experience, Chevening is one scholarship to look at.
Funded by the UK government, Chevening supports students from around the world to pursue a 1 year Master's degree at a UK university.
It is a fully funded scholarship, which means it can cover most of the major costs involved in studying in the UK.
What does it cover?
Chevening funding includes
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Return airfare
- Visa application costs
- Other eligible expenses
Who can apply?
Applicants generally need
- An undergraduate degree
- At least two years of eligible work experience
- Leadership or professional experience
- A clear idea of their future goals
- An application to eligible UK Master's courses
For students targeting the 2027–28 intake, applications close on 6 October 2026.
Study level: Master's
Destination: UK (Studying in UK)
2. Commonwealth Master's Scholarships - UK
The Commonwealth Master's Scholarship is another option for Indian students looking to study in the UK.
The scholarship supports students from eligible Commonwealth countries who have strong academic records and want to contribute to the development of their home countries.
It is available for eligible full-time taught Master's programmes at participating UK Universities.
What does it cover?
Depending on the scholarship, support can include:
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Airfare
- Other approved expenses
Who can apply?
You need to meet the scholarship's nationality, academic and other eligibility requirements. India is one of the eligible countries.
For the 2027/28 academic year, applications are scheduled to open in September 2026 and close in October 2026.
Study level: Master's
Destination: UK (Study in UK)
3. GREAT Scholarships - UK
If you're looking for help with your tuition fees, the GREAT Scholarships are worth considering.
The programme is offered by the British Council in partnership with participating UK universities. For eligible Indian students, scholarships provide £10,000 towards tuition fees for selected one-year postgraduate courses.
One important point: there isn't one common deadline for all GREAT Scholarships. The available courses, universities and deadlines can differ.
What does it cover?
£10,000 towards tuition fees.
Students will need to arrange funding for any remaining tuition fees and living expenses.
Who can apply?
Indian students can apply for GREAT Scholarships offered by participating UK Universities if they meet the requirements for the particular course and scholarship.
Study level: Master's
Destination: UK (Study in UK)
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters - Europe
What if you could study your Master's degree across different European Countries?
That's possible with some Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes.
These are international Master's programmes in Europe delivered by a group of universities. Depending on the course, students may study at more than one university or in different countries during their degree.
Scholarships are available for selected students and can provide support towards tuition or participation costs, travel, visa expenses and living costs.
Who can apply?
Students from around the world can apply. However, eligibility requirements depend on the individual programme.
Applications for many programmes generally open between October and January, but deadlines vary.
Study level: Master's
Destination: Europe (Study in Europe)
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program - USA
For students considering the Study in USA, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is another scholarship to explore.
The programme supports international students who want to pursue graduate-level study or research in the USA.
The funding and eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific Fulbright programme, so Indian applicants should check the requirements for the India programme carefully.
What can it cover?
Depending on the award, funding may include:
- Tuition
- Living expenses
- Travel
- Health-related expenses
- Other approved costs
Study level: Graduate
Destination: USA (Study in USA)
6. National Overseas Scholarship - India
Indian students should also look at scholarship options offered by the Government of India.
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) provides financial assistance to eligible students from specified communities and income categories who want to pursue higher education abroad.
The scheme supports eligible students pursuing Master's and PhD programmes in Abroad Study.
Who can apply?
Eligibility is limited to specific categories and includes conditions related to factors such as:
- Community/category
- Academic qualifications
- Family income
- Age
- Overseas admission
- Other government requirements
Since these conditions can change, students should check the latest official guidelines before applying.
Study level: Master's and PhD
Destination: Selected Overseas Institutions
A scholarship can make studying abroad more affordable, but the competition for major scholarships can be high.
If you're planning for the 2027 intake, start researching early. Look at scholarships alongside your university and course options, check the eligibility requirements and keep track of deadlines.
And remember, you don't have to depend on just one source of funding. Government scholarships, university scholarships and other tuition awards can all be part of your funding plan.
Planning to study abroad in 2027? Global Reach can help you explore your university, course and scholarship options and guide you through the application process.
FAQs
1. Which scholarships are available for Indian students in 2027?
Indian students can explore scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth Master's Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright and MEXT, along with university-specific scholarships and eligible Government of India schemes.
2. Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships to study abroad?
Yes. Some scholarships provide full or substantial funding, including tuition fees, living expenses and travel. However, the exact benefits depend on the scholarship.
3. When should I start applying for 2027 scholarships?
It is best to start researching 6-12 months before your intended intake. Some scholarship deadlines fall much earlier than university course start dates.
4. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships if you meet their eligibility requirements and the individual scholarship rules allow it.
5. Do I need a university offer before applying for a scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship. Some require an admission offer, while others have a separate application process.
6. Are scholarships available for undergraduate students?
Yes. However, undergraduate scholarships are less common than postgraduate scholarships. MEXT, for example, has scholarship categories for undergraduate students.
7. Can I get a scholarship directly from a university?
Yes. Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These can be based on academic performance, subject, nationality or other criteria.
8. Does Global Reach help students with scholarships?
Yes. Global Reach can help students explore suitable universities and scholarship opportunities and guide them through the application process.
