India, known for its rich cultural heritage and world-class educational institutions, offers a diverse range of fully funded scholarship programs to international students.
These top fully funded scholarship programs in India for 2024 provide an opportunity for students to pursue their academic dreams in India while enjoying financial support. In this comprehensive article, we will explore some of the top fully funded scholarship programs in India for the year 2024.
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), a government of India organization, offers a wide range of scholarships for international students. These scholarships cover various levels of study, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, across multiple disciplines. The ICCR scholarships provide benefits such as tuition fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation, and medical insurance. To be eligible for ICCR scholarships, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as having a strong academic background, demonstrating financial need, and possessing proficiency in English or the language of instruction. The application process involves submitting required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
AYUSH Scholarship
The Government of India, through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), offers the AYUSH Scholarship program. This scholarship allows international students to pursue studies in AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) at various universities in India. The AYUSH Scholarship is available for undergraduate programs and is particularly attractive for students interested in traditional Indian systems of medicine and wellness. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation, and medical insurance Applicants for the AYUSH Scholarship must have a strong academic record and meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the ICCR. The selection process involves a merit-based evaluation of applications.
KIIT University International Scholarship Program (KUISP)
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, a renowned private university in India, offers the KIIT University International Scholarship Program (KUISP) for international students The KUISP provides scholarships for students pursuing various programs at KIIT University, excluding nursing, architecture, dental, and medical programs. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a housing allowance. Priority is given to applicants from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. To apply for the KUISP, students must complete an application form and submit required documents by the specified deadline. The selection process is based on academic merit and financial needs
Study in India (SII) Scholarship
The Study in India (SII) program, a joint initiative of the Government of India, offers scholarships to international students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in India. The SII Scholarship provides financial assistance of INR 250,000 (approximately $3,500) per year to selected students to be eligible for the SII Scholarship, applicants must register with the SII program, complete an application on the SII website, and apply to an SII-partnered institution. The scholarships are awarded based on merit, as determined by the SII team during the document verification process and the Indi-SAT examination. The SII Scholarship covers admission fees, tuition fees, accommodation, and food costs for one academic year. Additionally, the program offers tuition fee waivers ranging from 100% to 25% at its partner institutes.
ITEC/SCAAP Government of India Fully Funded Scholarships
The Government of India, through the National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), offers the ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program. This scholarship is available to international students who wish to participate in various training programs in India, such as those related to rural enterprise planning, international marketing, and entrepreneurship in water supply and sanitation development. The ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship provides benefits like a waiver of course fees, accommodation allowance, a monthly stipend, book allowance, project allowance, study tour allowance, visa fees, and airfare to and from India. To be eligible for the ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship, applicants must be citizens of ITEC member countries and have a good command of the English language. The application deadline is typically around mid-June each year.
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, a joint program funded by the U.S. and Indian governments, offers fully funded Master’s and Ph.D. fellowships to Indian citizens for study in the United States. The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and health insurance. Applicants must have an excellent academic record, strong leadership potential, and a research proposal aligned with U.S. universities.
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS), offered by the Ministry of Education (India), provides financial assistance to Indian citizens from socially disadvantaged backgrounds for pursuing Ph.D., M.Phil., or postgraduate diploma programs abroad. The NOS covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel allowances, and research contingencies. Applicants must be below 30 years old, have a minimum of 60% marks in their Bachelor’s degree, and have an admission offer from a recognized foreign university.
Nalanda University Master Fellowship for Foreign Students
Nalanda University, a renowned institution in India, offers the Nalanda University Master Fellowship for Foreign Students. This fellowship is available for international students pursuing a Master’s degree at Nalanda University. The Nalanda University Master Fellowship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and accommodation. Applicants must have a strong academic background and meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the university.
Tips for Securing a Fully Funded Scholarship in India
To increase your chances of securing a fully funded scholarship in India, consider the following tips:
- Maintain an excellent academic record throughout your studies.
- If required by the scholarship or university, score highly on standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
- Participate in extracurricular activities that showcase your leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and initiative.
- Highlight any awards, recognitions, or achievements that demonstrate your excellence in academics or extracurricular activities.
- Write a well-structured statement of purpose (SOP) that highlights your academic and personal goals, research interests, and why you are a perfect fit for the scholarship.
- Carefully review each scholarship’s eligibility requirements to avoid wasting time on applications you cannot qualify for.
- Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of securing funding.
Conclusion
India offers a wide range of fully funded scholarship programs that cater to the diverse needs and interests of international students. From government-sponsored scholarships like ICCR and AYUSH to university-specific programs like KUISP and Nalanda University Master Fellowship, there are numerous opportunities for students to pursue their academic dreams in India while enjoying financial support. By leveraging these scholarship programs and following the tips mentioned above, international students can make their study abroad experience in India more accessible and affordable. Remember to research thoroughly, meet application deadlines, and showcase your academic excellence and leadership potential to increase your chances of securing a fully funded scholarship in India.