International scholarships for Indian students

For Indian students, the financial aspect of studying abroad can be daunting. Applying for scholarships is one way to help you fill the gaps in funding your education. Every little bit counts, and with scholarships, including MPOWER Financing international scholarships, you can move closer to your goal of receiving a world-class education in the U.S. or Canada.

Recent data highlights the growing importance of scholarships for Indian students studying abroad:

1. Government scholarships benefiting Indian students: In 2022, the Indian government awarded scholarships to study abroad to over 20,000 Indian students, facilitating their academic aspirations without the burden of hefty expenses. (upgrad.com)
2. Financial support through the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS): The National Overseas Scholarship, a central sector scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, annually awards 125 scholarships to students from marginalized communities. This scheme covers tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs for postgraduate and doctoral studies abroad. (blog.internshala.com)
3. Significant investment in scholarships for Indian students: Indian students collectively receive substantial financial support through various scholarship programs, enabling them to pursue higher education in countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia. (upgrad.com)

These statistics highlight the critical role of scholarships in enabling Indian students to access global educational opportunities, thereby fostering academic and professional growth on an international scale.

Organizations around the world offer many different kinds of international scholarships covering a variety of expenses. The main types include:

Merit-based international scholarships One of the most common types of college scholarships is a merit-based scholarship. This type of scholarship is awarded to students based on their academic, artistic or sports achievements. For Indian students with strong academic records, particularly those from top institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology, National Institutes of Technology or with high standardised test scores, merit-based scholarships offer significant opportunities.

Need-based international scholarships For Indian students with financial limitations, need-based scholarships can be a great opportunity to access the funding needed for university. Generally, need-based scholarships require you to provide details about your financial circumstances with documentation as proof, such as income tax returns and bank statements. Although this type of scholarship may not cover all the financial aid a student needs, it can still significantly reduce the burden.

Institution-specific scholarships Many universities and educational institutions offer unique international scholarship opportunities specifically for Indian students. For example, several Canadian universities offer dedicated scholarships for Indian students, particularly in STEM fields. These scholarships, while often smaller in amount, can help manage the overall cost of an international education.

Subject-specific scholarships Depending on your chosen area of study, you might be eligible for specific scholarships available to students within that field. For example, if you’re an Indian student interested in studying computer science, specific scholarships may be available only for computer science students from India or South Asia.

The process of applying for scholarships usually involves several stages but will vary from one scholarship to the next. As an Indian student, you’ll need to first identify potential scholarship opportunities that align with your qualifications and academic background.

Start by preparing these essential documents:

• Academic marksheets and certificates (10th, 12th and university)
• Standardised test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL or IELTS)
• Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
• Statement of purpose (SOP) and essays
• Financial documents including bank statements and income tax returns
• Valid passport and student visa documentation

Each scholarship has its unique application process and requirements, so ensure you follow the instructions meticulously. It’s advisable to apply for multiple international scholarships to increase your chances of securing financial aid.

For Indian students, securing an international scholarship is crucial as it significantly reduces the financial burden on families. Beyond the monetary benefits, these scholarships often come with additional advantages such as mentorship opportunities, internship placements and networking events.

Many prestigious scholarships like the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship and Commonwealth Scholarship specifically allocate seats for Indian students, recognising India’s growing talent pool. These opportunities not only provide financial support but also add significant value to your academic profile.

MPOWER Financing understands the unique challenges Indian students face when seeking financial assistance for education abroad. MPOWER’s scholarship programmes are designed keeping in mind the specific needs of Indian students, particularly those who may not have access to traditional funding sources.

MPOWER’s specialised scholarships for MPOWER-eligible schools include:

• Women in STEM Scholarship: Particularly relevant for Indian women pursuing technical degrees
• Global Citizen Scholarship: Supporting Indian students who demonstrate leadership potential
• Udaan India Scholarship: Awards up to US$5000 to promising STEM graduate students
• Monthly Scholarship opportunities: With topics ranging from cultural exchange to academic excellence. Each month, the submission topic varies to give students multiple chances to secure funding. Past Indian winners have written about topics like “Bridging Cultural Gaps” and “Innovation in Education.”

Founded by international students who understand the challenges of studying abroad, MPOWER’s team has firsthand experience with the journey of international education. MPOWER is committed to supporting Indian students throughout their academic pursuits whether through scholarships or postgraduate student loans. MPOWER offers stable, fixed-rate student loans to fill funding gaps when scholarships and personal or family savings are not enough.

MPOWER’s comprehensive support includes:

• Dedicated assistance for applicants
• Understanding of academic documents and grading systems
• Career guidance for graduates
• Network of alumni for mentorship

MPOWER focuses on financing your education and on developing globally-minded professionals who can contribute to both their home country and their adopted communities. Through MPOWER’s Path2Success programme, Indian students get access to career strategy services, visa guidance and professional development opportunities.

Many MPOWER’s Indian alumni have gone on to successful careers in leading organisations worldwide, while others have returned to India to make significant contributions in various sectors.