Scholarships to study abroad for Indian students are mostly aimed at postgraduate study and almost always ask for work experience, strong academics and a clear plan to return or contribute to India. Two of the best known, Chevening for the UK and the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships for the United States, both closed their 2027-28 rounds in mid-2026, so the realistic move now is to prepare for the next cycle. Here is how the main options compare and how to get ready.
Key takeaways
- Most scholarships to study abroad for Indian students target postgraduate study and ask for work experience and strong academics.
- Chevening for the UK and the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships for the US both closed their 2027-28 rounds in mid-2026.
- The realistic move now is to prepare for the next cycle.
Scholarships to study abroad for Indian students: chevening and Fulbright-Nehru compared
| Point | Chevening (UK) | Fulbright-Nehru Master’s (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Level | One-year master’s in the UK | Master’s at a US university, up to two years |
| Work experience | At least 2,800 hours (about two years) after your first degree | At least three years of professional work |
| Academics | Degree that qualifies for a UK master’s; finished at least two years before the deadline | US bachelor’s equivalent, with around 55 percent marks as the usual floor |
| Choices to submit | Three different UK courses and four essays | Application through the USIEF online process |
| Return condition | Return to India for at least two years | Committed to return and contribute in India |
| Last round | 2027-28 cycle closed 6 October 2026 | 2027-28 round closed in mid-2026 |
What Chevening looks for
Chevening is a UK government scholarship. For the 2027-28 cycle, applications opened on 4 August 2026 and closed on 6 October 2026. Work experience can be full-time, part-time, voluntary or internships taken after your first degree, spread over up to 15 roles, as long as the total reaches 2,800 hours. Your essays, which cover leadership, networking and your study plan, carry much of the weight. Results for the 2027-28 round start from mid-June 2027, and scholars begin study in September or October 2027.
What Fulbright-Nehru looks for
These fellowships are run by the United States-India Educational Foundation. They fund Indian professionals for a master’s at a US university in a list of eligible fields and require three years of full-time work. Government employees are not eligible. The fellowship does not provide money for dependants, and funding may not cover every cost, so applicants need other resources for the gap.
Other routes to explore
- DAAD scholarships for study and research in Germany; start with our study in Germany from India page.
- Commonwealth scholarships for master’s study in the UK, for eligible Commonwealth citizens.
- Inlaks awards for Indian students at leading universities abroad.
- University-specific funding, which is often the largest source and has its own deadlines.
Amounts, countries and conditions change between cycles. Read each programme’s own page for the year you plan to apply.
Prepare in this order
- Count your work hours now. If you are short, extra months of work may matter more than a polished essay.
- Book your language test early; our IELTS test format guide explains what to expect.
- Shortlist courses and note each university’s own application deadlines.
- Collect referees early, since good references take time.
- Draft essays about real work you did, with specific results, instead of broad statements about changing the world.
Scholarships to study abroad for Indian students: mistakes that sink applications
The most common one is counting hours that do not qualify, such as a compulsory internship that was part of your degree. Another is applying to three courses that look alike, which weakens the case that you thought hard about your choice. Some applicants leave essays for the last week and submit generic text. Finally, many people miss that these awards come with conditions: a return commitment, and in the Fulbright case a restricted list of fields. Read those conditions before you invest months in an application.
Rules, dates and amounts for Scholarships to study abroad for Indian students can change, so confirm the latest official notice before you act.
Frequently asked questions
Are there scholarships to study abroad for Indian students without work experience?
Yes, but they are fewer. Many university-specific scholarships and some country schemes accept fresh graduates. Chevening and Fulbright-Nehru Master’s both require work experience.
When is the next Chevening deadline?
The 2027-28 deadline was 6 October 2026. Applications for the following cycle have opened in early August in recent years, so check the official Chevening site around mid-2027.
Do I need IELTS for these scholarships?
Usually yes, or an accepted equivalent English test. Requirements are set by the university you apply to.
Is Chevening a full scholarship?
It is a fully funded programme for eligible scholars, but exact coverage is on the official Chevening page for the year you apply.
Can government employees apply to Fulbright-Nehru?
No. Employees of the Government of India and state governments are not eligible.