Top Scholarships for Undergraduate Students - National and International Level

The pursuit of higher education, especially at the undergraduate level, is a significant milestone for students worldwide. However, the financial burden can be daunting. Scholarships for undergraduate students play a pivotal role in bridging this gap, enabling access to quality education both in India and abroad. This comprehensive guide explores the top scholarships for undergraduate students 2025–2026, covering both national and international opportunities, eligibility criteria, application processes, and how the Council for American Education (CAE)  empowers students to secure these coveted awards.

Understanding Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Scholarships for undergraduate students are financial awards granted based on merit, need, or specific criteria such as community service, leadership, or minority status. These awards can be fully or partially funded, covering tuition, accommodation, books, and sometimes even travel expenses. With rising education costs, especially for international programs, scholarships for UG students 2025 are more crucial than ever.

National Level Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in India 2025

India offers a robust ecosystem of scholarships for UG students 2025, targeting merit, need, and specific demographics. Here are the most impactful programs:

1. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

 

• Coverage: Up to ₹2 lakh over the degree duration
• Eligibility: 60%+ in Class 12, family income below ₹15 lakh (priority to <₹2.5 lakh)
• Selection: Online aptitude test, merit-cum-need basis
• Streams: All disciplines, including engineering, science, commerce, arts
• Application: Online portal, annual cycle

2. L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarships

 

• Coverage: Up to ₹1,00,000 per year
• Eligibility: Female students, 85%+ in Class 12 science, family income <₹6 lakh
• Purpose: Promotes women in STEM fields (engineering, medicine, life sciences, cosmetology)
• Application: Online, typically closes in January

3. Ishan Uday Scholarship for North Eastern Region (NER)

 

• Coverage: ₹5,400/month (general courses), ₹7,800/month (professional courses)
• Eligibility: Domicile of NER, family income <₹4.5 lakh, enrolled in recognized institution
• Seats: 10,000 new scholarships annually
• Application: National Scholarship Portal

4. HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme

 

• Coverage: ₹15,000–₹75,000 per year
• Eligibility: 55%+ in last exam, family income <₹2.5 lakh, open to students facing financial hardship
• Levels: From Class 1 to postgraduate and professional courses
• Application: Online, annual cycle

5. Private Scholarships in India

 

• JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship: Merit-based loan up to ₹10 lakh for studies in India/abroad
• Kotak Mahindra Scholarships: Up to ₹1,50,000/year for meritorious students
• Panasonic Ratti Chhatr Scholarship: ₹70,250/year for engineering aspirants
• Virtusa Engineering Excellence Scholarship: ₹50,000 for engineering students
• Santoor Scholarship Program: ₹24,000/year for girls from select states

International Scholarships for Indian Undergraduate Students

For those seeking global exposure, these scholarships for undergraduate students open doors to the world’s best universities.

1. Turkiye Burslari Scholarship (Turkey)

 

• Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance
• Eligibility: Open to all nationalities, including Indians; academic merit required
• Extras: Turkish language training, cultural immersion
• Seats: 5,000 students annually

2. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

 

• Coverage: Tuition, travel, accommodation, health insurance
• Eligibility: Indian students in various fields (especially engineering, sciences)
• Language: Many programs accept English proficiency (MOI); IELTS not always required

3. KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship (South Korea)

 

• Coverage: Full tuition, monthly allowance, round-trip airfare, language training, medical insurance
• Eligibility: International students, strong academic record
• Application: Online, annual cycle

4. Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships

 

• Coverage: INR 2 lakh for studies at Oxford or Cambridge
• Eligibility: Indian citizens, merit-based, for undergraduate or postgraduate study
• Application: Online, interview in New Delhi

5. Cornell University Tata Scholarship (USA)

 

• Coverage: Full tuition for Indian undergraduates admitted to Cornell
• Eligibility: Indian citizenship, financial need, admission to Cornell
• Application: Via Cornell’s financial aid process

6. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship (USA)

 

• Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, airfare, health insurance
• Eligibility: Indian students for master’s and select undergraduate programs
• Application: Highly competitive, requires academic excellence and leadership

7. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

 

• Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, additional allowances
• Eligibility: Indian students for postgraduate and select undergraduate courses
• Application: Leadership, academic merit, and community engagement valued

8. ICCR Scholarships (India for International Students)

 

• Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, accommodation, health insurance
• Eligibility: International students (including those from neighboring countries)
• Fields: Wide range, including arts, sciences, engineering, humanities

9. Australia Awards Scholarships

 

• Coverage: Tuition, living allowance, return airfare, health insurance
• Eligibility: Citizens of developing countries, including India

10. Wien International Scholarship Program (Brandeis University, USA)

• Coverage: Full tuition and fees
• Eligibility: Outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and extracurriculars
• Application: Via university’s admissions office

 

Read more about  International Scholarships for Indian Students

What Do Fully Funded Scholarships Cover?

Fully funded scholarships for undergraduate students often provide:

 

• 100% tuition fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Accommodation (hostel or apartment)
• Round-trip international airfare
• Health insurance
• Books and study materials
• Research/project grants (for select programs)

This comprehensive coverage allows students to focus on academics and personal growth, not financial stress.

How to Apply for Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Step-by-Step Guide:

Research: Identify scholarships for undergraduate students in India 2025 and abroad that match your profile.

Prepare Documents: Academic records, income certificate, ID, recommendation letters, and essays.

Apply Early: Many scholarships have early deadlines; apply as soon as applications open.

Highlight Achievements: Showcase academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

Follow Up: Track your application status and respond promptly to any requests for more information.

How CAE Helps with Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

The Council for American Education (CAE) is India’s premier study abroad consultancy, with over 32 years of experience guiding students to prestigious universities worldwide. CAE’s mission is to empower Indian students through personalized counseling, expert test preparation, and comprehensive support throughout the study abroad journey.

Personalized Guidance: CAE counselors assess each student’s academic background, financial needs, and career goals to recommend the best-fit scholarships for UG students 2025.

Application Assistance: From document preparation to essay writing and interview coaching, CAE provides end-to-end support.

Test Preparation: Expert coaching for standardized tests (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT) to boost eligibility for merit-based scholarships.

Profile Building: Guidance on extracurriculars, internships, and community service to strengthen scholarship applications.

Visa and Admission Counseling: Ensuring students meet all requirements for international scholarships and admissions.

Ready to start your journey?
???? +91‑9999771444 | +91‑9999057555  ???? WhatsApp CAE

Key Takeaways

→ Scholarships for undergraduate students are available at both national and international levels, covering tuition, living expenses, and more.

→ The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is India’s one-stop platform for a wide range of government-funded scholarships for UG students 2025.

→ Prestigious international scholarships, such as those from the University of Georgia (USA) and University of Sheffield (UK), offer substantial financial support for international undergraduates.

→ Private foundations like Reliance Foundation provide merit-cum-means scholarships for thousands of Indian undergraduates each year.

→ Early application, strong academics, and leadership qualities greatly enhance scholarship prospects.

→ CAE’s personalized counseling and proven expertise significantly improve students’ chances of winning top scholarships for undergraduate students in India 2025 and abroad.

FAQ

Q.1 What are the best scholarships for undergraduate students in India 2025?

The best scholarships include the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes, Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships, and various state government scholarships. These cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes additional academic costs. Eligibility is usually based on merit, means, or minority status, and applications are processed online through official portals.

Q.2 Which international scholarships are most accessible for Indian undergraduate students?

Top options include the University of Georgia Undergraduate Scholarships (USA), University of Sheffield International Undergraduate Scholarship (UK), and Australia Awards Scholarships. These programs are open to international students, often require strong academic records, leadership, and community engagement, and may include full or partial tuition waivers, living stipends, and travel grants.

Q.3 How do I increase my chances of winning a scholarship for undergraduate studies?

Start by researching scholarships early, maintaining a high academic record, participating in extracurricular and leadership activities, and crafting compelling essays. Seek guidance from experts like CAE, who can help tailor your application and prepare you for interviews and standardized tests, significantly improving your chances.

Q.4 What documents are typically required for scholarship applications?

Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, proof of income, government-issued ID (Aadhaar or PAN), recommendation letters, essays or statements of purpose, and, for reserved categories, a valid caste certificate. Always check the specific requirements for each scholarship.

Q.5 Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?

Yes, students are encouraged to apply for as many scholarships as they are eligible for. This increases the likelihood of receiving financial support. However, some scholarships may have clauses preventing recipients from holding multiple awards simultaneously, so review terms carefully.

Q.5 How does CAE specifically help with scholarship applications?

CAE provides individualized counseling to identify suitable scholarships, assists with application preparation, offers test prep, and supports students through every stage—from profile building to visa counseling. Their expertise and track record in securing scholarships for undergraduate students make them a trusted partner for ambitious students in India.

Back to blog list