Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students: Italy, UK, Australia, New Zealand & Ireland Guide 2026
Studying overseas opens doors to global exposure and life-changing opportunities, but for many Indian students, managing the financial side of international education can feel overwhelming. The good news is that scholarships can bridge this gap and make global education affordable. In this blog, we’ll explore major scholarship options available in 2026 for Indian students in popular destinations like Italy, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland including details about funding, deadlines and direct sources so you can apply confidently.
Note: Scholarship details can change, and deadlines vary by country and program. Always check the official university or government website before applying.
Italy Scholarships for Indian Students – Public Universities & Full Funding
Italy is one of the most student-friendly destinations in Europe for Indian learners because public universities already have relatively low tuition fees, and several fully funded scholarships are available for international students. These awards often include tuition coverage and sometimes even living stipends.
Key Scholarships in Italy
- MAECI Scholarship Offered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, this grant covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend and even health insurance. It is open for master’s, PhD and advanced academic programs and is a great option for Indian students aiming to study in Europe’s cultural and academic hub.
- Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship – A fully funded scholarship targeting talented international students, promoting English-taught master’s programs across top Italian universities.
- University-Specific Scholarships – Many public universities such as University of Bologna, Politecnico di Milano and University of Padua offer merit-based full or partial scholarships which may include tuition waivers and annual stipends.
Italy’s public university system and scholarship culture make it one of the most affordable places to study abroad. Some fully funded scholarship programs cover tuition in full and provide living allowances, so many Indian students aim to apply early (often before May to June 2026 for the 2026-27 academic year).
Official Scholarships Portal (Italian Government) – Visit the Italian Ministry scholarship page for the latest updates and application portal.
The UK is a long-time favourite for Indian students, known for its high-quality universities and a range of scholarship opportunities, including awards that can reduce tuition by up to £10,000 or more for eligible applicants.
Popular UK Scholarship Programs
- GREAT Scholarships (India) – A British Council initiative supporting Indian students with up to £10,000 toward postgraduate tuition at selected UK institutions for the 2026-27 intake.
- Chevening Scholarships – A prestigious UK Government scholarship programme for outstanding future leaders, fully funding one-year master’s degrees. It covers tuition, travel, living expenses and more. Indian students must apply well in advance as competition is high.
- Commonwealth Scholarships and Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) – Scholarships for Indian students supporting postgraduate and research programmes in the UK, including arts and humanities scholarships via CWIT, with applications often opening mid-year.
In addition to these, many individual UK universities offer institutional scholarships for international students. For example, Nottingham Trent University recently announced merit-based awards covering up to 50 percent of tuition for Indian postgraduate applicants.
Application Tip: For most UK scholarships, you should start your scholarship research 8–12 months before your preferred intake and get admission offers first when required.
Australia – Government and University Scholarships for Indian Students
Australia is another favoured destination for Indian students and offers several scholarship avenues for 2026. Many top Australian universities and government-backed programmes provide financial support some covering tuition, living expenses or even travel allowances.
Key Scholarships
- Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) – A major government-funded scheme offering full tuition coverage, living allowances, airfare and health insurance to eligible international students from partner countries, including India.
- Destination Australia Scholarships – Provides financial support (for example AUD 15,000 per year) to international students studying at regional campuses in Australia.
- University-Level Scholarships – Many Australian universities offer scholarships for international students based on academic merit or early acceptance. For instance, Macquarie University’s Early Acceptance Scholarship provides AUD 10,000 annually to Indian applicants for UG and PG degrees.
Deadline Notes: Government scholarship schemes like AAS often require applications many months before the academic year start (often mid-year), so it’s best to plan early
For a complete and current list of Australian scholarships, check official university websites and the Study in Australia scholarship pages.
New Zealand – High Achievers Scholarships for Indian Students
New Zealand’s universities offer various international scholarships to attract talented Indian students. A notable example for 2026 is the India High Achievers Scholarship by the University of Auckland, providing up to NZD $20,000 toward tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate students from India.
This type of scholarship helps reduce the cost of study at a leading New Zealand university while giving Indian students access to high-quality education and a safe, student-friendly environment.
For latest details on this and other New Zealand scholarships, visit the university’s official scholarships page.
Ireland is increasingly attractive to international students thanks to accessible education quality and scholarship funding. Many Irish universities and government bodies offer study scholarships and grants worth varying amounts, often between €1,000 to €10,000 or more.
Some scholarships don’t even require separate applications beyond the university admission process, although eligibility criteria like merit and language proficiency still apply.
Tip: Check direct university scholarship pages (e.g., Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Dublin City University) and the Education in Ireland portal for deadline and application details.
Scholarship Application Deadlines – Plan Ahead for 2026
Scholarship deadlines vary widely, especially for international students applying from India. Here are general timelines to guide you, but always check the official award pages before applying:
- Italy Government & University Scholarships: Many calls open between February and May 2026 for the 2026-27 academic year.
- UK GREAT Scholarships & Chevening: Typically require early planning in the late winter to spring prior to the academic year.
- Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS): Application windows often open a year before the intake and close several months before semester start.
- New Zealand Scholarships (e.g., India High Achievers): Check university announcements as they may announce deadlines annually.
- Ireland Scholarships: Often aligned with university application deadlines which may be 6–9 months ahead of semester entry
Scholarship Tips for Indian Students
- Start Early: Begin your scholarship search as soon as you get university admission results.
- Read Eligibility Carefully: Each scholarship has unique requirements. Prepare documents like transcripts, English test scores, SOPs and recommendation letters well in advance.
- Meet Deadlines: Scholarship deadlines can be earlier than university application deadlines. Mark key dates on your calendar.
- Check Official Links: Always verify details on official university or government scholarship pages. Information may change from year to year.
Caution About Scholarship Information
Scholarship details, funding amounts, criteria and deadlines are current as of 2026, but they can change from year to year. Before applying, always visit the official scholarship pages of each programme and university to confirm the latest requirements and timelines.
Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden and open doors to top universities and life-changing opportunities abroad. With early planning, strong academic records and complete application documents, Indian students can compete effectively for these awards in 2026 and beyond.
If you need personalised guidance in applying for scholarships or preparing documents such as SOPs and recommendation letters, Global Edventures is here to assist.
Book your free scholarship counselling now and plan your study abroad journey with confidence.
