Over 420,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in U.S. universities might soon find their academic journeys a lot more complicated as the government continues to consider changes to the current student visa policies.

The proposed adjustments would eliminate the decades-old “duration of status” policy for F-1 visas, replacing it with fixed periods not exceeding four years, according to the US Embassy website, forcing students to constantly reapply for extensions.

Add in higher programme rejection rates, stricter barriers to entry to the US in general, and the need to stump up $100,000 for the H-1B visa fee, and studying in America is becoming an increasingly less viable option for Indian business school applicants.

Thankfully, for those looking to gain their qualifications overseas, there is a world beyond the US to consider. Europe, for example, is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Indian students seeking high-quality education, global exposure, and strong career prospects.

According to an article recently published in India’s Business Standard, stricter rules for international students not just in the US but also Canada, Australia and the UK has resulted in a surge in interest for Indian university applicants to institutions in mainland Europe, with Germany, France and Ireland all reporting a steady rise in Indian student numbers.

The same pattern can also be seen across business schools – with interest from applicants not only driven by more supportive rules and greater access, but consistently high rankings for European schools and programmes across major rankings tables.

Yet, funding an international degree can be a major challenge.

The good news? Across Europe, hundreds of scholarships are available exclusively or preferentially for Indian students – many offering full tuition waivers, monthly stipends, accommodation support or even travel costs.

BlueSky Thinking has brought together some of the best and most reputable scholarships across the UK and continental Europe, helping students navigate the options and find the support they need to turn their study-abroad ambitions into reality.

If you’re hoping to head abroad next year, and would benefit from additional support to cover the costs, you’ve come to the right place.

Scholarships for Indian students in the UK

Cardiff India scholarships

These £5,000 scholarships are open to all eligible India-domiciled students enrolling on a select number of postgraduate programmes at Cardiff University. These scholarships are to attract and reward the best Indian students.

Global Futures Scholarships 2025

The University of Manchester offers more than 100 merit-based undergraduate scholarships with a value of up to £24,000 (£8,000 per year over three years) to international students from a selection of countries across the globe, including India. Awardees will be selected based on academic merit, but the school will strive for a balance in the allocation of the awards by gender, domicile, qualification type and course of study.

Chevening Scholarship

An international scholarship, funded by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations, that enables foreign students to study at universities in the United Kingdom. Applicants must commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after their scholarship ends, have at least 2,800 hours of work experience after graduating from your undergraduate degree (roughly two years), hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s programme, and apply for three different UK university courses: one of which must offer you an unconditional offer.

NTU Excellence Scholarship

Nottingham Trent University offers this award to high-achieving international students, including applicants from India. The scholarship typically covers a significant portion of tuition fees-often 50%-and is designed to recognise academic excellence, leadership potential and strong motivation for choosing NTU.

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

The scholarships are for artists and heritage professionals aged between 28-38 years and enable them to gain expertise in their chosen fields. Applicants must be an Indian citizen living in India, aged between 28 and 38 and have not received a CWIT grant within the last five years. The individual will also have a first degree, diploma or professional qualification in their specialisation. CWIT prefers applicants with significant working experience

Scholarships for Indian students in France

Legrand Empowerment Scholarship

A social impact scholarship designed to support Indian students from under-represented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue higher education in France. Aimed particularly at students entering master’s, engineering, or business programmes, the scholarship covers 60% of annual course fees (up to INR 60,000 per year), with eligible students in specific categories receiving up to 80% (up to INR 1,00,000 per year). The scheme also offers mentorship and guidance to help students adjust to life in France and succeed academically.

France Excellence Charpak Scholarship

A scholarship offered to Indian students admitted to a full-time bachelor’s or master’s programme in France. Students will receive a monthly living allowance of 860 euros, and Student Visa and Etudes en France fee waivers. The scholarship is renewable once, based on the results obtained by the scholarship holder in the first year of the master’s programme.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, created by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims to attract outstanding international students to France for master’s and PhD programmes. It supports future global leaders in key fields of study, with eligibility limited to candidates under 29 for master’s degrees and under 35 for PhDs.

Amba-Dalmia Scholarship

The Amba Dalmia scholarship offers financial support to talented young women who wish to pursue higher education studies in France in various Bachelor’s, Master’s and Short-term programmes. Scholarship recipients receive a monthly stipend to support their living expenses in France and benefit from additional assistance provided by the Embassy of France in India, including access to social security benefits, waiver of Campus France and visa fees, among other services.

Legrand Empowering Scholarship

A Social Initiative of Group Legrand India aims to provide financial support for Indian students, often from low-income families or children of armed forces, aiming for Master’s/business/engineering in France. They will receive 60 percent of the annual course fee, up to INR 60,000 per year. Students who fit into certain categories will receive 80 percent of the annual course fee, up to INR 1,00,000 per year, until they complete their course, based on their academic performance.

Scholarships for Indian students in Germany

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Scholarships

Indian students can access a variety of DAAD programmes covering master’s, PhD, research stays, etc. DAAD scholarships do not have to be paid back. They usually consist of a monthly scholarship payment (currently, for example, €992 for students and €1,300 for doctoral/PhD students) and a flat-rate travel allowance.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

These scholarships are for international students (including Indians) pursuing bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, especially those interested in ecology, human rights, and sustainable development.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships

These scholarships are targeted at international students enrolled on a Bachelor’s and Master’s with a strong academic record and interest in politics and social issues.

Scholarships for Indian students in Italy

DSU Scholarship, Diritto allo Studio Universitario

Offered by Agenzia Regionale Diritto allo Studio Universitario – DSU, the scholarship offers a full tuition waiver, accommodation/meal support, and a living stipend depending on the region. DSU is a need-based scholarship, meaning it is awarded based on the financial situation of the student and their family. The main requirement is to have an annual income below $13,560-25,990.

MAECI Scholarship

Run by the Italian government, this scholarship is available for any international students studying Master’s/PhD programmes. The scholarship typically includes a tuition waiver and a monthly allowance.

Scholarships for Indian students in Spain

Erasmus+ Scholarships

These EU-wide scholarships support study in Spain through joint master’s programmes, covering tuition, travel, and living costs. Students from India can apply via participating universities.

La Caixa Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

The La Caixa Foundation funds talented international students-including Indians-to pursue postgraduate study in Spain or elsewhere in Europe. These prestigious scholarships cover tuition fees, monthly living allowance, relocation costs, travel expenses, and academic support. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential and a clear commitment to contributing to their field. Competition is intense, as these scholarships are considered among the most prestigious in Spain.

Santander Universities Scholarships

Banco Santander collaborates with Spanish universities to offer scholarships to international students for bachelor’s, master’s, and short-term programmes. Awards vary by institution but can include tuition reductions, monthly stipends, or travel support. Indian students can apply through individual university portals or the Santander Scholarships platform. These scholarships aim to enhance international mobility and support high-achieving students from emerging economies.

Scholarships for Indian students in Hungary

Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship

The Hungarian government’s flagship scholarship offers fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, one-tier master’s, and PhD opportunities. Benefits include a tuition fee exemption, monthly stipend (varies by study level), dormitory accommodation or housing allowance, and medical insurance. Indian students must apply through both the Stipendium Hungaricum portal and their chosen university. Selection is based on academic performance, motivation and alignment with Hungary’s priority fields such as engineering, IT, agriculture, and health sciences.

Scholarships for Indian students in Turkey

Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Burslar?)

Türkiye Scholarships provide comprehensive, fully funded financial support for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programmes. Benefits include full tuition, a monthly grant, accommodation in government-run student housing, health insurance, and a one-year Turkish language programme before the degree begins. Applicants from India must demonstrate strong academic performance, submit a study plan, and meet age requirements (e.g., under 30 for master’s). The scheme prioritises applicants with leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to bilateral relations.

Scholarships for Indian students in Finland

University of Helsinki International Scholarship

The University of Helsinki offers international scholarships for talented non-EU/EEA students pursuing master’s degrees. Awards include full tuition waivers and, in the most competitive cases, a €10,000 living stipend. Candidates must demonstrate excellent academic ability and a compelling motivation to study at the university. The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the two-year programme, subject to satisfactory progress.

Aalto University Merit Scholarships

Aalto University provides merit-based tuition fee waivers for non-EU/EEA students enrolling on English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Awards typically cover 50-100% of tuition fees. Applicants are selected based on academic achievement, study motivation, and relevance of prior studies. Scholarships may be renewed for the full duration of the programme, assuming strong academic performance.

Tampere University International Scholarships

Tampere University offers several scholarships for international students, including tuition waivers and Finland Scholarships that combine tuition coverage with a €5,000 relocation grant in the first year. Indian students applying to technology, business and social science programmes are frequent recipients. Awards are granted to applicants with excellent academic backgrounds and strong performance in admissions assessments.

Scholarships for Indian students in Switzerland

Global Business School Network scholarship

The Global Business School Network partners with leading business schools around the world to offer scholarships aimed at students from emerging economies, including India. These scholarships vary by institution but typically support students pursuing MBA or master’s programmes in areas such as sustainable development, inclusive business, digital transformation, and global leadership. Awards may include partial or full tuition coverage and are often tied to programmes that emphasise social impact and capacity building in developing regions

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

These scholarships support international students undertaking research-based master’s, PhD or postdoctoral studies. Funding includes a monthly stipend, tuition coverage, health insurance and a housing allowance. Indian applicants must demonstrate strong academic results and secure supervision from a Swiss professor.

EPFL Excellence Fellowships

EPFL awards competitive fellowships to high-achieving students beginning master’s studies who have obtained their bachelor’s at EPFL. The package includes CHF 10,000 per semester plus support towards housing or study costs. Applicants must have excellent academic records and clear motivation for studying at EPFL.

IMD MBA Scholarships

IMD offers several merit-based and need-based scholarships for international MBA candidates, some covering up to 50% of tuition fees. Awards recognise leadership potential, career achievements and strong personal motivation. Indian students with managerial experience are often strong contenders.

Finding the right scholarship

From fully funded government scholarships to targeted awards for women, artists, researchers and emerging leaders, Europe offers a variety of opportunities for Indian students ready to take the next step in their academic careers.

These scholarships not only ease financial constraints but also provide access to global networks, industry exposure and personal growth. With careful planning and the right guidance, Indian students can secure the support they need to study in some of Europe’s most prestigious institutions.  

The scholarships highlighted in this guide are an excellent starting point for anyone hoping to begin their international education journey.

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