- The National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) is open for academic year 2026-27 and now requires a One Time Registration, a 14-digit number linked to a student's Aadhaar
- Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships remain fully funded through USIEF
- The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship offers up to Rs 2 lakh to 5,000 students with household income under Rs 15 lakh.
Fully funded scholarships help Indian students study in India and abroad without the burden of tuition, accommodation, and living costs. This guide covers the main government, international, and corporate scholarships open to Indian students in 2026, with verified details on what each award funds and how to apply.
Which Fully Funded Scholarships Can Indian Students Apply For in 2026?
Indian students in 2026 can access fully funded scholarships from three main sources: government schemes on the National Scholarship Portal, international awards such as Fulbright-Nehru, Chevening, and Erasmus Mundus, and corporate programmes from Reliance Foundation, Tata, and Infosys. These cover tuition, living costs, and often travel, removing financial barriers to higher education.
Fully funded scholarships come from three broad sources: schemes run by the Government of India, international awards offered by foreign governments and the European Union, and programmes sponsored by Indian and multinational corporations. Together they support study from school level through doctoral research.
- Government of India schemes on the National Scholarship Portal
- International awards such as Fulbright-Nehru, Chevening, and Erasmus Mundus
- Corporate programmes from Reliance Foundation, Tata, and Infosys Foundation
What Government Scholarships Are Available Through the National Scholarship Portal?
The National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in is the Government of India's single platform for central and state scholarships, open for academic year 2026-27. It covers pre-matric, post-matric, and higher-education schemes such as the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme, disbursing funds directly to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through direct benefit transfer after a One Time Registration.
The National Scholarship Portal, hosted at scholarships.gov.in, brings central and state government scholarships onto a single platform. For academic year 2026-27 it requires a One Time Registration, a 14-digit number linked to a student's Aadhaar, and pays approved amounts directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through direct benefit transfer.
- Pre-Matric scholarships for students in Classes 1 to 10
- Post-Matric scholarships for Class 11, 12, and higher education
- Merit-based schemes such as the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme for college and university students
- Welfare-based schemes for eligible communities and categories
How Does the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship Work for Indian Students?
Administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation, the Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship funds Indian citizens for master's study in the United States. It is fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel. Applicants typically need a completed bachelor's degree, at least three years of professional experience, and strong leadership potential.
The Fulbright-Nehru programme is run in India by the United States-India Educational Foundation, which announces the application cycle each February with deadlines between mid-May and July. Alongside the Master's Fellowship, USIEF offers doctoral, postdoctoral, and academic and professional excellence fellowships for Indian scholars and professionals.
What Do Chevening and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships Cover?
Chevening, funded by the UK government, offers Indian students a fully funded one-year master's degree, covering tuition, a monthly living stipend, return flights, and visa costs. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, funded by the European Union, lets students study across several European universities, covering participation costs plus a living allowance, travel, and visa expenses.
Chevening is the UK government's international scholarship scheme and funds a one-year master's degree at any UK university. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are delivered by partnerships of universities in at least three countries, letting scholars study in several European nations under one funded programme. Students apply directly to each Erasmus Mundus course, usually between October and January.
Government scholarships for Indian studentsRead →Which Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships Support Indian Students?
Corporate scholarships add to public and international options. The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship gives up to Rs 2 lakh to 5,000 students with household income under Rs 15 lakh. The Tata Scholarship funds Indian undergraduates at Cornell University, while Infosys Foundation supports disadvantaged students in engineering, sciences, mathematics, and humanities.
Corporate scholarships reward merit and financial need, and often add mentoring, internships, or placement support. The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship selects up to 5,000 first-year undergraduates each year with household income under Rs 15 lakh, giving up to Rs 2 lakh over the degree. The Tata Scholarship supports Indian undergraduates at Cornell University in the United States.
- Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship: up to Rs 2 lakh for 5,000 students
- Tata Scholarship: full support for Indian undergraduates at Cornell University
- Infosys Foundation Scholarships: aid for disadvantaged students in engineering, sciences, mathematics, and humanities
How Can You Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships Successfully?
Start early by researching scholarships that match your field, goals, and financial need. Confirm every eligibility requirement before applying, and gather transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, and financial documents. Write a focused personal statement, meet all deadlines, and seek guidance from mentors or advisors to strengthen a competitive application.
- Research and shortlist scholarships that match your field, goals, and financial need.
- Read every eligibility requirement carefully and confirm you qualify before applying.
- Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, standardised test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL, and financial documents.
- Write a focused personal statement that connects the scholarship to your plans.
- Submit before the deadline and seek feedback from mentors or advisors.
Why Do Scholarships Matter for Indian Students?
Scholarships remove financial barriers that keep talented Indian students from higher education, making quality institutions in India and abroad accessible regardless of economic background. They also recognise merit, open networking and global-exposure opportunities, and help build a pool of skilled professionals in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
By removing financial barriers, scholarships widen access to quality education and help build a skilled workforce that drives innovation across India. With early planning and a strong application, Indian students can turn a fully funded scholarship into a life-changing opportunity in 2026 and beyond.