Scholarship Comparison Tables: Compare the Best Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students (2027)
Introduction
Choosing the right scholarship can be challenging because each scholarship has different eligibility criteria, funding benefits, target students, and application requirements.
Some scholarships are ideal for research-focused students, while others emphasize leadership, financial need, or academic excellence. Instead of applying randomly, compare scholarships carefully to identify the opportunities that best align with your academic profile and career goals.
The comparison tables below provide a quick overview of the world’s most popular scholarships for Indian students.
1. Top Global Scholarships Comparison
| Scholarship | Country | Degree Level | Funding | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD | Germany | Master’s, PhD | Fully Funded | Research & STEM |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Master’s | Fully Funded | Multi-country study |
| Chevening | UK | Master’s | Fully Funded | Future leaders |
| Commonwealth | UK | Master’s, PhD | Fully Funded | Students from Commonwealth nations |
| Fulbright-Nehru | USA | Master’s, Research | Fully Funded | Academic excellence |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Fully Funded | Leadership & development |
| MEXT | Japan | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Fully Funded | Academic excellence |
Best for: Students comparing prestigious international scholarships.
2. Funding Comparison
| Scholarship | Tuition | Living Expenses | Airfare | Insurance | Visa Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Partial |
| Erasmus Mundus | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Chevening | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Partial | ❌ |
| Commonwealth | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Partial | ❌ |
| Fulbright | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Partial |
| Australia Awards | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Partial |
Tip: Always review the latest official scholarship guidelines, as funding components may vary by program.
3. Scholarships by Study Destination
| Destination | Recommended Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Germany | DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium |
| Italy | DSU Scholarship, University of Bologna Scholarships, Regional Scholarships |
| United Kingdom | Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT Scholarships |
| Australia | Australia Awards, Destination Australia |
| Canada | Vanier, Lester B. Pearson |
| USA | Fulbright-Nehru, Knight-Hennessy |
| Japan | MEXT Scholarship |
| Ireland | Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships |
4. Scholarships by Degree Level
| Degree | Recommended Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | MEXT, Australia Awards, University Scholarships |
| Master’s | DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, Fulbright |
| MBA | Chevening, Fulbright, University MBA Scholarships |
| PhD | DAAD, Commonwealth, Vanier, MEXT |
| Research | DAAD, Fulbright, Research Council Grants |
5. Scholarships by Academic Profile
| Student Profile | Best Scholarship Options |
|---|---|
| Excellent Academic Record | DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright |
| Leadership Experience | Chevening, Australia Awards |
| Research-Oriented | DAAD, Vanier, Commonwealth |
| Financial Need | DSU Scholarship, University Financial Aid |
| STEM Students | DAAD, Bayer Foundation, Erasmus Mundus |
| Arts & Humanities | Commonwealth, Fulbright, University Scholarships |
6. Scholarships by English Language Requirement
| Scholarship | IELTS Required?* |
|---|---|
| DAAD | Depends on the program |
| Erasmus Mundus | Depends on the university consortium |
| Chevening | Varies by university admission requirements |
| Commonwealth | Varies by institution |
| Fulbright | Usually yes, depending on the program |
| MEXT | Often depends on the university and course |
*Language requirements may change and can differ by university or program. Always verify the latest official criteria.
7. Scholarships by Competition Level
| Competition Level | Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Very High | Chevening, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright |
| High | DAAD, Commonwealth, Australia Awards |
| Moderate | University Scholarships |
| Moderate to Low | Departmental Scholarships, Regional Scholarships |
Insight: Prestigious scholarships receive many applications. University and departmental scholarships may offer better odds while still providing meaningful financial support.
8. Scholarships by Application Timeline
| Timeline Before Intake | Recommended Activity |
|---|---|
| 15–12 Months | Research scholarships and universities |
| 12–10 Months | Prepare language tests and documents |
| 10–8 Months | Apply to universities |
| 9–6 Months | Submit scholarship applications |
| 6–3 Months | Attend interviews (if required) |
| 3–2 Months | Accept scholarship and prepare for visa |
9. Which Scholarship Is Right for You?
| Your Goal | Recommended Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Study Engineering in Germany | DAAD |
| Affordable Education in Italy | DSU Scholarship |
| Leadership-Focused Master’s in the UK | Chevening |
| Multi-Country Master’s in Europe | Erasmus Mundus |
| Research Career | DAAD, Commonwealth, Vanier |
| Public Policy | Chevening, Fulbright |
| PhD | DAAD, Commonwealth, Vanier |
| Undergraduate Study | University Scholarships, Australia Awards |
Eduvisor Recommendation
Rather than focusing on just one scholarship, create a balanced application portfolio. Consider applying to:
- 2–3 Government Scholarships
- 3–5 University Scholarships
- 2–3 Foundation or Private Scholarships
- Country-Specific Scholarships
This diversified approach improves your chances of securing financial support while giving you more options when choosing a university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scholarship is best for Indian students?
There is no single “best” scholarship. The ideal choice depends on your academic profile, preferred destination, degree level, financial situation, and career goals.
Are fully funded scholarships better than university scholarships?
Not always. A university scholarship at a highly ranked institution with strong industry connections may provide greater long-term value than a fully funded scholarship at a less suitable university.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
Yes. Most students are encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each program.
Do scholarship benefits change every year?
Yes. Funding amounts, eligibility requirements, and deadlines can change. Always verify the latest details through the official scholarship provider before applying.
Read on the Next Page:
Click the page to read:
- Scholarships for Indian Students (Main Pillar)
- Scholarships in Germany
- Scholarships in Italy
- DAAD Scholarship
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- Chevening Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarship
- Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship
- Australia Awards Scholarship
- Merit vs Need-Based Scholarships
- How to Choose the Right Scholarship
- Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students
