Top 2027 Scholarships for Indian Students: Fully and Partially Funded Study Abroad Opportunities
A strong scholarship application rarely starts after admissions open. For 2027 study abroad intake, Indian students should begin building shortlists, documents, essays and test plans well in advance, especially for competitive awards that close months before the course begins.
This guide covers major Scholarships for Indian Students 2027, including fully funded and partially funded options across the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Europe, the USA and Taiwan.
Before applying, always check the official scholarship or university page. Many 2027 deadlines are programme-specific or not yet officially announced. Where dates are not confirmed, this blog mentions the usual application period only as a planning guide.
Fully funded and partially funded scholarships work differently
Not every scholarship covers the same costs. Understanding the difference helps avoid last-minute financial gaps.
Fully funded scholarships usually cover most or all major expenses, such as:
Tuition fees
Living allowance or stipend
Travel support
Health insurance
Visa-related or arrival allowances in some cases
Examples may include Chevening, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, Knight-Hennessy Scholars and some Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program awards, depending on the university.
Partially funded scholarships reduce the total cost but may not cover everything. They can include:
Tuition fee waivers
Merit awards
Fixed scholarship amounts
Research or graduate funding
Department-level awards
University of Twente Scholarships, University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships and several University of Alberta scholarships often fall into this category, although funding can vary by programme and student profile.
For students comparing Fully Funded Scholarships 2027, the key is to check what is actually included, not just the headline amount.
Top international scholarships for 2027 applications
The scholarships below are highly relevant for Indian students planning master’s, PhD or graduate-level study abroad. Deadlines and values can change, so use this as a shortlist and verify each detail on the official website before submission.
Scholarship | Country or region | Study level | Funding type | 2027 deadline status |
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Multiple countries, university-specific | Undergraduate and postgraduate, depending on partner | Usually fully funded | Varies by partner university |
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships | Canada | Master’s and PhD | Partial funding | Varies by department and intake |
University of Twente Scholarships | Netherlands | Master’s | Partial funding | Usually has application rounds, confirm for 2027 |
Chevening Scholarships | United Kingdom | One-year master’s | Fully funded | 2027 to 2028 cycle dates must be checked officially |
University of Alberta scholarships | Canada | Undergraduate, master’s and PhD | Partial to high-value awards | Varies by scholarship and programme |
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships | Europe and partner countries | Master’s | Often fully funded | Varies by Erasmus Mundus programme |
Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars | USA | Graduate programmes | Fully funded support model | Annual deadline, confirm exact 2027 entry date |
Taiwan graduate scholarships | Taiwan | Master’s and PhD | Partial to full support | Varies by scheme and university |
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports academically strong students, often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to access quality education and leadership development.
Country
This is not limited to one country. It runs through selected partner universities in Africa, North America, Europe and other regions, depending on the year and partner list.
Study level
The level depends on the partner university. Some partners offer undergraduate awards, while others focus on master’s programmes.
Eligibility for Indian and international students
Eligibility is partner-specific. Some awards are intended for African students only, while a few partner opportunities may accept broader international applicants. Indian students must check the specific university page before applying.
Benefits and funding coverage
Many Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program awards are comprehensive. They can include tuition, accommodation, living support, books, travel and leadership training. Exact coverage depends on the host institution.
Application process
Students usually apply through the partner university, not through one central global form. The process may include:
Admission application
Scholarship form or financial need assessment
Essays or leadership questions
Academic documents
Interviews in some cases
Deadline or application period
Deadlines vary by university and course. For 2027 entry, check the official page of each Mastercard Foundation partner university. Do not rely on a general deadline.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships, also known as UMGF, support high-achieving graduate students in Canada.
Country
Canada.
Study level
Master’s and doctoral programmes.
Eligibility for Indian and international students
International students, including Indian students, may be considered if they are admitted to eligible graduate programmes and meet academic requirements. Departments may set additional rules.
Benefits and funding coverage
UMGF is usually a merit-based graduate award. It helps reduce study costs but may not cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses. Students should budget for remaining costs.
Application process
The process is usually handled through the academic department or graduate programme. Students may need to apply for admission first and then be nominated or considered for funding.
Deadline or application period
Deadlines vary by department, programme and intake. For 2027 applications, check the University of Manitoba Faculty of Graduate Studies and departmental pages.
University of Twente Scholarships 2027
The University of Twente Scholarship, or UTS, is a popular merit-based award for international students applying to master’s programmes in the Netherlands.
Country
Netherlands.
Study level
Master’s programmes.
Eligibility for Indian and international students
Indian students can apply if they meet the university’s admission requirements and are applying to eligible master’s programmes. Applicants usually need a strong academic record and may need to meet English language requirements.
Benefits and funding coverage
UTS is usually a partial scholarship. It offers a fixed amount that helps cover study costs but may not cover all tuition and living expenses. Some top students may be considered for extra awards, depending on the university’s rules.
Application process
Students generally need to apply for a University of Twente master’s programme first. Once admitted or conditionally admitted, they can submit the scholarship application during the relevant round.
Deadline or application period
The University of Twente often runs scholarship rounds. For 2027 entry, exact round dates must be confirmed on the official UTS page.
Chevening Scholarships 2027 to 2028
Chevening is one of the UK’s best-known fully funded scholarship programmes for future leaders.
Country
United Kingdom.
Study level
One-year taught master’s degree.
Eligibility for Indian and international students
Indian citizens are eligible if they meet Chevening’s nationality, academic, work experience and return-home requirements. Applicants usually need to show leadership potential, career clarity and strong reasons for choosing the UK.
Benefits and funding coverage
Chevening normally covers tuition fees up to the permitted limit, monthly living allowance, travel to and from the UK, visa-related support and approved additional grants. Always check the current year’s official conditions.
Application process
Applicants submit an online Chevening application with selected UK master’s courses, essays, references and work experience details. Shortlisted candidates attend interviews.
Deadline or application period
Chevening applications typically open around August and close around November for the next academic year. For 2027 to 2028, students must confirm exact dates on the official Chevening website.
University of Alberta scholarships
The University of Alberta offers several scholarships and awards for international students across study levels.
Country
Canada.
Study level
Undergraduate, master’s and PhD, depending on the award.
Eligibility for Indian and international students
Indian students may be eligible for admission-based awards, application-based scholarships, graduate assistantships, department scholarships and research funding. Each award has different criteria.
Benefits and funding coverage
Funding can range from partial tuition support to high-value awards. Graduate students may also receive assistantships or department funding, but this is not automatic.
Application process
Some scholarships are considered automatically during admission. Others require a separate application, essays or nomination by the department.
Deadline or application period
Deadlines vary widely by scholarship, faculty and intake. For 2027 entry, students should check the University of Alberta awards page and the relevant faculty page.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programmes allow students to study in two or more countries through a structured European master’s degree.
Country or region
European Union and partner universities across different countries. Each programme has its own mobility path.
Study level
Master’s.
Eligibility for Indian and international students
Indian students can apply to eligible Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters if they meet academic, language and programme-specific requirements. Some programmes welcome students from all countries.
Benefits and funding coverage
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are often highly funded. They may cover tuition, monthly allowance, travel and installation costs, subject to the programme’s rules and scholarship category.
Application process
Students apply directly to the specific Erasmus Mundus programme. There is no single application for all programmes. Each course has its own documents, essay prompts and selection criteria.
Deadline or application period
Deadlines vary by programme. Many open between October and January for the following academic year, but 2027 deadlines must be checked on the official page of each Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters course.
Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme supports graduate study at Stanford University and focuses on leadership, independence of thought and civic mindset.
Country
United States of America.
Study level
Graduate programmes at Stanford, including master’s, PhD and professional degrees, depending on admission.
Eligibility for Indian and international students
Indian students can apply if they meet the degree eligibility rules and also apply separately to a Stanford graduate programme. Academic strength alone is not enough. The selection process values leadership, purpose and character.
Benefits and funding coverage
Knight-Hennessy Scholars generally receive funding for tuition, living stipend and related educational expenses for the approved period. Exact coverage and duration depend on the Stanford graduate degree and official programme rules.
Application process
Applicants must complete the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application and the Stanford graduate programme application. These are separate requirements.
Deadline or application period
The programme has annual deadlines, often well before final university intake dates. For 2027 entry, confirm exact Knight-Hennessy and Stanford department deadlines from official sources.
Taiwan graduate scholarship opportunities
Taiwan is gaining attention for affordable, research-focused master’s and PhD options in fields such as engineering, technology, science, management and public health.
Country
Taiwan.
Study level
Master’s and PhD.
Eligibility for Indian and international students
Indian students may apply to Taiwanese university scholarships, government-linked awards or ministry-supported schemes if they meet academic, language and programme rules. Some programmes are taught in English.
Benefits and funding coverage
Funding may include tuition waivers, monthly stipends, research assistantships or partial support. Coverage depends on the university and scholarship scheme.
Application process
Students usually apply through the university portal or scholarship body. Applications may require academic transcripts, study plan, research proposal, recommendation letters and proof of language ability.
Deadline or application period
Taiwan scholarship timelines vary by university and scheme. Many applications open in late winter or spring for autumn entry, but 2027 dates must be confirmed on official scholarship and university websites.
Documents students should prepare early
Scholarship applications fail when documents are rushed. Keep scanned copies and original versions ready.
Valid passport
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Class 10 and 12 certificates, if required
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE or GMAT scores, if needed
SOP or personal statement
Scholarship essays
CV or academic resume
Letters of recommendation
Work experience letters, if applicable
Research proposal for research-based degrees
Proof of achievements, awards, internships or volunteering
Financial documents, if the scholarship checks need
Portfolio, where required
University offer letter or application confirmation
Eligibility requirements students should check before applying
Most international scholarships look for more than marks. Before building a shortlist, check these points carefully.
Academic fit
Your degree, grades and prerequisites must match the programme.
Nationality rules
Some scholarships accept all international students. Others are limited by region, country or partner status.
Course eligibility
A university may offer scholarships only for selected programmes.
English language requirement
Many awards need IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or proof of English-medium education.
Leadership and service
Fully funded scholarships often value leadership, community work and clear career goals.
Work experience
Chevening and some MBA or public policy scholarships may require work experience.
Return or service conditions
Some scholarships ask students to return home or contribute to their community after study.
Common scholarship application mistakes
Avoiding basic errors can make a real difference.
Applying without checking whether Indian students are eligible
Missing the scholarship deadline while focusing only on admission
Writing a generic SOP for every university
Choosing courses that do not match past academics or career plans
Ignoring small document rules such as file size, format or word count
Submitting weak recommendation letters from people who barely know the applicant
Not explaining low grades, gaps or course changes clearly
Waiting too long to take English language tests
Claiming achievements without proof
Forgetting that some scholarships need separate applications
Tips to improve a scholarship application
A strong application tells a clear story. It links academic history, future goals, course choice and scholarship purpose.
Start at least 12 to 18 months before the intake
Build a balanced shortlist with dream, match and safe options
Read the scholarship mission before writing essays
Show impact with specific examples, not vague claims
Make the SOP personal, structured and course-specific
Ask recommenders early and brief them properly
Keep evidence ready for awards, projects and experience
Prepare for interviews with clear answers on goals, leadership and funding need
Track every deadline in a spreadsheet
Review all documents before submission
How Think BIG Global can help
Scholarships are competitive, but the process becomes easier with the right planning. Think BIG Global supports students from the early research stage to visa preparation.
Students can get help with:
Profile assessment to understand academic strengths, gaps and scholarship potential
University shortlisting based on course fit, budget, country and career goals
Scholarship identification across fully funded and partially funded options
SOP and application guidance for university and scholarship submissions
Documentation support to reduce errors and missed requirements
Interview preparation for competitive scholarships and university selection
Student visa guidance after receiving admission and funding decisions
Planning to study abroad in 2027? Start your scholarship search and application preparation early with Think BIG Global.
📞 +91 98487 34714 | +91 99515 62888
🌐 thinkbigglobal.in
📍 Visakhapatnam
Comments