Discover how Indian students can study abroad for free with fully funded scholarships like DAAD (Germany), MEXT (Japan), Erasmus (EU), and more.
Studying abroad is a dream for millions of Indian students, but the cost often becomes a major hurdle. From tuition fees and living expenses to travel and insurance, the total cost can easily run into lakhs or even crores of rupees.
But here’s the good news: many countries offer fully funded scholarships that cover everything — tuition, accommodation, travel, and even a monthly allowance. With the right planning and preparation, you can study abroad for free and earn a world-class degree.
Must Read: Decoding the American Education System: A Complete Guide for Global Students
Here are some of the top scholarships and countries Indian students should explore in 2025:
Germany – DAAD Scholarship to Study Abroad for Free
Why Germany?
Germany is one of the most affordable countries to study in, especially for public universities, where tuition is often free. But even living expenses can be covered through scholarships.
Top Scholarship:
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
- Covers tuition (if any), living expenses, travel allowance, and insurance
- Open for UG, PG, and PhD students
- Popular fields: Engineering, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Data Science
Website: daad.de
Bonus Tip: Some German universities also offer English-taught master’s programs with no tuition fees.
Japan – MEXT Scholarship for Fully Funded Study Abroad
Why Japan?
Japan is emerging as a hub for international education with high-quality institutions and strong research programs.
Top Scholarship:
MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
- Covers 100% of tuition
- Offers monthly stipend (approx. ₹95,000 for PG students)
- Includes airfare and entrance exam support
- Available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs
Application Route:
- Apply through the Japanese Embassy in India or through university recommendation
Website: studyinjapan.go.jp
Must Read: Why Germany is a Top Choice for Indian Engineering Students: Visa Insights and Opportunities
Europe – Study Abroad for Free with Erasmus Mundus
Why Europe?
Studying in Europe means access to top universities across multiple countries. The Erasmus Mundus program offers one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships.
Top Scholarship:
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD)
- Covers full tuition, travel costs, visa fees, and living allowance
- Study in 2–3 European countries during one course
- Open to Indian students across disciplines like Sustainable Development, AI, Journalism, and more
Website: erasmusplus.ec.europa.eu
Deadlines: Usually between October and January each year
UK – Study Abroad for Free with Chevening Scholarship
Top Scholarship:
Chevening Scholarship (Funded by the UK Foreign Office)
- Covers full tuition for a one-year master’s degree
- Includes airfare, visa, and a monthly living stipend
- Focus on leadership potential and academic merit
Eligibility:
- At least 2 years of work or leadership experience
- Strong academic background and communication skills
Website: chevening.org
USA – Study Abroad for Free via Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship
Top Scholarship:
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Covers full tuition and living costs for a master’s degree in the U.S.
- Also includes health insurance, airfare, and academic support
- Fields: Public Policy, Arts, International Affairs, STEM, Women’s Studies
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university
- At least three years of relevant work experience
Website: usief.org.in
Must Read: How to Launch a Global Career with the United Nations
Canada – Scholarships to Study Abroad for Free
Top Scholarship:
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Primarily for PhD students
- Offers CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years
- Available across top Canadian institutions
Other Scholarships:
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (UG students – University of Toronto)
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships
Website: vanier.gc.ca
Australia – Fully Funded Programs for Studying Abroad
Top Scholarships:
- Australia Awards (For postgraduate studies)
- Research Training Program (RTP) for PhD and research-based master’s
- Destination Australia scholarship supports study in regional universities
Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, health cover, travel allowance
Website: studyinaustralia.gov.au
Tips to Win a Scholarship and Study Abroad for Free
- Start early: Most scholarships open 6–12 months before the course begins
- Strong SOP: Clearly express your goals, achievements, and reason for choosing the course
- Letters of Recommendation: Choose recommenders who know your academic/professional strengths
- Prepare for tests: Some scholarships require IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE/GMAT scores
- Watch deadlines: Missing deadlines is one of the top reasons applicants fail
Final Words
Studying abroad doesn’t have to be a distant dream reserved only for the wealthy. With the right research, preparation, and perseverance, you can earn a fully funded scholarship and unlock a global future. Thousands of Indian students do it every year — you could be next.