For Indian students planning to study abroad in 2025, the cost of tuition and living expenses is often the biggest challenge. Many countries now offer full or heavily subsidized scholarships, making international education more accessible. This ranked list covers the top destinations offering fully funded or tuition-free options, focusing on requirements, benefits, application processes, and costs. The ranking considers the breadth of scholarships, ease of access for Indian students, and recent policy changes that affect study and post-study opportunities.
Ranking Criteria and Methodology

This list ranks countries and programs based on:
– Availability of fully funded or tuition-free scholarships for Indian students
– Coverage of living expenses, travel, and health insurance
– Simplicity and transparency of the application process
– Recent policy changes that benefit Indian applicants
– Breadth of programs and fields of study available
Each entry includes practical details to help students compare options and decide which fits their goals.
1. Germany: Tuition-Free Education and DAAD Scholarships
Germany is a top choice for Indian students because most public universities charge no tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programs. Students only pay small semester fees (usually under €300 per semester), but must cover living expenses.
The DAAD scholarship is the most popular funding option. It covers:
– Tuition fees (if any)
– Monthly stipend for living expenses
– Travel allowance
– Health insurance
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Master’s Scholarships, for example, focus on public policy and good governance. Applications for Fall 2026 open in August 2025, with a deadline of July 31, 2025. Applicants need strong academic records and a clear motivation for studying in Germany.
Application process:
– Apply directly to the university and for the DAAD scholarship through the official DAAD portal.
– Submit academic transcripts, language test scores (usually IELTS or TOEFL), and a personal statement.
Benefits:
– High-quality education
– No tuition fees
– Wide range of programs in English
Costs:
– Living expenses (about €900–€1,200 per month)
2. United Kingdom: Chevening Scholarships and More
The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 offers several fully funded scholarships for Indian students. The most well-known is the Chevening Scholarships program, which covers:
– Full tuition for a one-year master’s degree
– Accommodation
– Travel costs
– Health insurance
Applications for Chevening Scholarships for 2026–2027 open in August 2025. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong personal statement.
Other major scholarships include:
– GREAT Scholarships (via the British Council): Substantial tuition waivers and stipends at top universities like UCL, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bath, and Warwick.
– Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford): Full funding for postgraduate study, with deadlines between July and October 2025.
– Clarendon Fund (Oxford) and Gates Cambridge: Full support for postgraduate study.
The new India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) makes the UK even more attractive by streamlining visa processing, recognizing Indian qualifications, and exempting some social security contributions.
Application process:
– Apply through the British Council or university websites.
– Prepare academic records, references, and a personal statement.
Benefits:
– Prestigious degrees
– Full financial support
– Improved post-study work rights
Costs:
– Most scholarships cover all major expenses; some living costs may remain.
3. Norway, Austria, Sweden: Tuition-Free Public Universities
Norway 🇳🇴, Austria 🇦🇹, and Sweden 🇸🇪 offer tuition-free or low-tuition education at public universities for all students, including those from India. While tuition is waived, students must pay for living expenses, which can be high in Norway (about NOK 10,000/month).
Requirements:
– Admission to a public university
– Proof of funds for living expenses
– Language proficiency (English or local language, depending on the program)
Benefits:
– No tuition fees
– High-quality education and research
– Safe, welcoming environments
Costs:
– Living expenses (varies by country; Norway is the most expensive)
Application process:
– Apply directly to universities
– Submit academic records, language test scores, and proof of funds
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees are funded by the European Union and allow students to study in two or more European countries. Scholarships cover:
– Tuition fees
– Travel costs
– Living allowance
– Health insurance
Applications for Fall 2026 open in August 2025. These programs are highly competitive and require a strong academic background.
Application process:
– Apply through the Erasmus+ portal
– Submit academic records, motivation letter, and references
Benefits:
– Study in multiple countries
– Full financial support
– International exposure
Costs:
– Most expenses are covered; some personal costs may remain
5. United States: Fulbright Nehru and Other Scholarships
The United States 🇺🇸 remains a top destination, though recent visa policy changes have made some students look elsewhere. The Fulbright Nehru Master’s Fellowships cover:
– Full tuition
– Living stipend
– Travel costs
– Health insurance
Other scholarships include:
– Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
– Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship (up to $100,000)
– AAUW International Fellowships (for women)
Application process:
– Apply through the Fulbright India portal
– Submit academic records, test scores (GRE/GMAT/TOEFL), and essays
Benefits:
– Access to top universities
– Full or partial financial support
Costs:
– Some living expenses may not be covered
6. Turkey: Türkiye Scholarships
Turkey 🇹🇷 offers the Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları), providing up to 5,000 awards each year for undergraduate and graduate study. These scholarships cover:
– Tuition fees
– Monthly stipend
– Accommodation
– Travel allowance
Application process:
– Apply through the Türkiye Scholarships portal
– Submit academic records, language scores, and a motivation letter
Benefits:
– Full financial support
– Growing academic reputation
Costs:
– Most expenses are covered
7. South Korea: Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
South Korea 🇰🇷 offers the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), which covers:
– Full tuition
– Monthly allowance
– Airfare
– Language training
This program targets fields like ICT, biotech, and advanced research.
Application process:
– Apply through the official KGSP portal
– Submit academic records, language scores, and a study plan
Benefits:
– Full funding
– Focus on high-demand fields
Costs:
– Most expenses are covered
8. United Arab Emirates: Institutional Scholarships
The UAE 🇦🇪 is becoming a popular choice, with universities offering 100% scholarships that cover:
– Tuition fees
– Allowances for living expenses
– Simplified transfer agreements for global mobility
Application process:
– Apply directly to university websites (e.g., Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah)
– Submit academic records and supporting documents
Benefits:
– Full financial support
– Modern campuses and global connections
Costs:
– Most expenses are covered
How to Choose the Best Option
When deciding where to apply, Indian students should consider:
– Scholarship coverage: Does it include tuition, living, travel, and insurance?
– Living costs: Tuition may be free, but living expenses can be high in some countries.
– Field of study: Some scholarships focus on specific areas like STEM or public policy.
– Visa and post-study work rights: The UK FTA and similar agreements can make a big difference.
– Application deadlines: Start early and apply to multiple programs to increase your chances.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, aligning your application with the country’s strategic priorities (like STEM in Germany or ICT in South Korea) can improve your chances of success.
For more details on official scholarships and application processes, visit the DAAD Germany official website.
By preparing early, focusing on strong academics and personal statements, and using official channels, Indian students can unlock life-changing opportunities in Germany, the UK, the USA, Turkey, South Korea, the UAE, and across Europe.
Learn Today
DAAD Scholarship → A German academic exchange service offering scholarships covering tuition, living costs, and insurance for international students.
Chevening Scholarships → UK government scholarships providing full financial support for one-year master’s degrees to global students.
Erasmus Mundus → An EU-funded program offering joint master’s degrees with scholarships covering tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Fulbright Nehru Fellowship → A U.S. scholarship program covering tuition, stipend, and travel for Indian postgraduate students.
Korean Government Scholarship Program → South Korea’s fully funded scholarship covering tuition, monthly allowance, airfare, and language training.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indian students aiming to study abroad in 2025 can access fully funded scholarships in Germany, the UK, and Europe. These programs cover tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance, easing financial burdens while opening doors to quality education and global exposure across diverse fields.
— By VisaVerge.com