Best Scholarship for Indian Students to Study Abroad

Best Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students

Introduction

Did you know that attending a single SEED Global Education event—whether online or in person—can unlock scholarships worth $10,000, $50,000, or even full tuition for Indian citizens? 

Many Indian students assume international education is financially impossible, but that’s far from the case. SEED Global Education events connect you directly with top universities offering merit-based scholarships that evaluate more than just test scores; they also consider qualities like leadership, impact, and potential. By attending these events, you can directly engage with admission directors and financial aid advisors from top B-schools and secure scholarships to fund your education abroad.

Table of Contents:

Best Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students

Introduction

A Look into the Top Scholarships Offered by Partner Universities

1. American University - Kogod School of Business

2. Arizona State University - W. P. Carey School of Business

3. Bocconi University

4. Boston University - Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

5. Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management

6. Emory Goizueta Business School

7. George Washington University - School of Business

8. George Washington University - School of Engineering and Applied Science

9. Georgetown McDonough School of Business

10. Loyola Marymount University - Seaver School of Engineering

11. Loyola Marymount University - College of Business Administration

12. McMaster University - DeGroote School of Business

13. Nanyang Business School

14. NYU Tandon School of Engineering

15. Penn State University - Smeal College of Business

16. Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

17. Smith School of Business, Queen's University

18. St. John's University - Tobin College of Business

19. University of Denver - Daniels College of Business

20. University of Maryland - The Robert H. Smith School of Business

21. Carlson School of Management - University of Minnesota

22. University of Rochester, Simon Business School

23. University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business

24. University of San Francisco - School of Management

25. William & Mary University - Mason School of Business

26. Schulich School of Business, York University

Didn’t qualify for university-specific awards?

You still have options.

1. SEED Business Leadership Scholarship

2. SEED STEM Leadership Scholarship

3. SEED Women in Leadership Scholarship

4. SEED Golden Ticket Scholarships

Apply for Alternative Funding—Once You’re In

Final Thoughts:

What matters most:

Sources & References

A Look into the Top Scholarships Offered by Partner Universities

Partner universities offer a range of top scholarships for Indian students through SEED Global Education to identify high-potential Indian students who will enrich their campuses through diverse perspectives.

Explore top study abroad scholarships here:

1. American University - Kogod School of Business

Total Awards: US$744,120 

The 24-member Financial Aid Advisory Team at Kogod is dedicated to supporting the next generation of innovators shaping the future of global business operations. The awards recognise Indian students with strong academic performance, leadership experience, and outstanding essays, with admissions opening doors to opportunities that can shape both personal growth and professional trajectory.

Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing MBA or MS in Finance, Accounting, Business Analytics & AI, Sustainability Management, and Marketing programs. 

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.25

• A good GMAT score 

• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience

• A 500-word essay demonstrating educational goals and career trajectory

• Complete any prerequisites required for your chosen program

2. Arizona State University - W. P. Carey School of Business

Total Awards: US$175,000

More than 80% of Arizona State University students receive some form of financial aid—and with SEED Global Education, talented students studying business can be one of them. W.P. Carey’s international scholarship programme can cover a significant portion of tuition—in some cases, even the full cost! 

Additionally, assistantships offer an opportunity to reduce living expenses and enhance your resume through approximately 10 hours/week of work.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing any of Bocconi’s Specialised Master’s programs, including Financial Management and Control Finance, Cyber Risk Strategy and Governance, & International Management.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A good GMAT/GRE score 

• Complete prerequisites required for your chosen program

4. Boston University - Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

Total Awards: US$250,000 

Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences supports students from India who want to pursue higher education abroad through awards. Scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and overall fit with the program. If you’re eligible for a higher merit scholarship to study abroad at the time of admission, it will take precedence over the SEED Global Education Scholarship.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing any of Boston University’s Specialised Master’s programs, including the MA in Economics (Global Development Economics) or English and American Literature, and the MS in Computer Science (Cyber Security) or Computer Science (Specialisation in Data-Centric Computing).

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A good GMAT/GRE score (optional)

• Complete prerequisites required for your chosen program

5. Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management

Total Awards: US$335,000

Like most universities, Weatherhead evaluates students planning to study business based on their academic credentials and professional achievements to determine eligibility for awards. However, demonstrating meaningful community or social impact—through internships or extracurricular activities—that aligns with the school’s focus on leadership, problem-solving, and social responsibility can strengthen your case.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing MBA or Master’s in Accountancy, Business Analytics and Intelligence, Finance, and Supply Chain Management.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum CGPA of 3.3

• A good GRE/GMAT score (preferred)

• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience.

• Complete prerequisites required for your chosen program

6. Emory Goizueta Business School

Total Awards: US$208,000

For Indian students who want a close-knit learning environment with access to clubs, mentorship, and co-curricular opportunities across class years, the Emory Goizueta Scholarship is worth considering. 

Intellectually-curious candidates with strong academic credentials may receive partial funding of up to 50% of tuition. While it is not a full-ride award, Goizueta graduates see strong outcomes, with a 91.6% employment rate at graduation and a median base salary of $175,000 (MBA Class of 2024). You can also earn while you learn by applying to research, teaching assistantships and administrative positions.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing MBA, MA in Finance, or MS in Business Analytics.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.5

• A 650+ GMAT or 310+ GRE score

• Relevant work experience (3+ years for MBA and <1 year for Master’s)

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

7. George Washington University - School of Business

Total Awards: US$467,100

A degree from the George Washington School of Business offers direct access to internships and careers in government, international organisations, and top corporations in D.C. With SEED Global Education, it assists students in accessing these opportunities while benefiting from financial support that can reduce tuition by up to 75%, making education loans more manageable. 

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing specialised Master’s degrees (mentioned above).

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A competitive GMAT or GRE score 

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

8. George Washington University - School of Engineering and Applied Science

Total Awards: US$345,718

Access cutting-edge facilities like the 500,000‑sq‑ft Science and Engineering Hall with specialised labs for AI, robotics, and nanotech, plus a recruitment network of 300 top companies through the George Washington SEAS scholarship, supporting ABET-accredited programs that boost both your college experience and early career trajectory. The bar for eligibility is relatively low, though, so expect fierce competition.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing any of George Washington University's Master’s programs, including Biomedical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity in Computer Science, Data Analytics, and Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A good GRE score 

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

9. Georgetown McDonough School of Business

Total Awards: US$160,000

McDonough seeks to create a diverse, competitive class with candidates from varied backgrounds, across gender, culture, and ethnicity, to enrich perspectives. Scholarships for international students are awarded through a holistic review that looks beyond academics to ethical leadership and a clear commitment to service.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing an MBA—flexible, online, or full-time.

Eligibility criteria:

• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience.

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program (e.g.scholarship essay)

10. Loyola Marymount University - Seaver School of Engineering

Total Awards: US$55,000

Seaver School of Engineering offers a range of awards and fellowship opportunities to “develop a network of science and technology experts committed to advancing innovation and collaboration in the private, public, and academic sectors”. Beyond receiving funding for a well-rounded engineering education in a resource-rich environment, recipients benefit from a lifelong network across cohorts.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing MSE in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or MS in Computer Science or Environmental Science.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A good GMAT/GRE score 

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

11. Loyola Marymount University - College of Business Administration

Total Awards: US$50,000

At Loyola Marymount University College of Business Administration, small classes mean professors know your work, not just your name. You gain hands-on exposure through real-world projects that sharpen strategy, leadership, and communication, so you graduate ready to compete with the best. 

Program costs start at US$54,000, but our scholarship can cover nearly half of tuition, making the ROI far more compelling.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing an MS in Accounting or Business Analytics. 

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A good GMAT/GRE score 

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

12. McMaster University - DeGroote School of Business

Total Awards: CA$90,000

McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business offers merit-based scholarships for programs grounded in experiential learning. Students gain practical, adaptable training within a collaborative community that pushes them to grow. The payoff is clear: near-perfect employment outcomes, with 94–95% of graduates securing roles within three to six months, driven by the Career and Professional Development team’s close ties with employers such as Amazon, Deloitte, Microsoft, and Scotiabank.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing an MBA or a Master of Finance program.

Eligibility criteria:

• Minimum A- average in the final two years of study 

• Good GMAT/GRE scores.

• 2 years of work experience (for full-time MBA program), 

• Acceptance to DeGroote’s MBA program for September 2026

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

Please note: The decision of awarding the scholarship will be adjudicated by the MBA Admissions Committee.

13. Nanyang Business School

Total Awards: SGD27,000

Nanyang Business School brings together more than 160 faculty from over 20 countries, all with doctoral training, and gives students access to the same analytical tools used in global markets. With both AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, the school represents a clear standard of quality, making scholarships a meaningful way to access education that meets the highest global benchmarks.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing MSc in Accountancy, Actuarial and Risk Analytics, Business Analytics, Finance, Financial Engineering, or Marketing Science.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum CGPA of 3.0

• A good GRE/GMAT score

• Work experience (if required)

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

14. NYU Tandon School of Engineering

Total Awards: US$100,000

NYU Tandon School of Engineering provides flexible study schedules and research opportunities supported by state-of-the-art facilities, with direct connections to innovative startups and global industry leaders. Our scholarship provides students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in their postgraduate studies, build expertise in their desired field, and launch high-impact careers with an average base salary of $110,364.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing any of Tandon School of Engineering’s Specialised Master’s programs, including MS in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Construction Management, Financial Engineering, and Integrated Design & Media.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A competitive GRE score

• Relevant academic background and professional work experience (if required) 

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

15. Penn State University - Smeal College of Business

Total Awards: US$74,404

Penn State combines striking architecture with practical value. It offers a curriculum that incorporates both domestic and international perspectives, giving students access to top industry leaders through its signature Smeal Lecture Series, Leadership in Focus: Executive Insights. It further supports this experience with scholarships that help make such opportunities more accessible.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing MBA or specialised Master’s programs like Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Accounting, and Finance.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience (1 year for SEED Silver Award)

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

Note: Candidates with a STEM undergraduate degree are preferred.

16. Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

Total Awards: US$180,000

If you want a business education that’s rigorous and values-driven—with emphasis on ethical leadership and purpose, apply for international scholarships for Indian students at Pepperdine. 

With an alumni network of over 48,000 graduates scattered across the globe, you’ll also benefit from unmatched career support for complex, high-impact roles with high earning potential, networking, and volunteer opportunities.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing a full-time MBA or MS in Applied Finance, Business, Business Analytics (MSBA), Global Business, Organisation Development, or Real Estate.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum CGPA of 3.0

• A good GRE/GMAT score

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

17. Smith School of Business, Queen's University

Total Awards: CA$110,000

Through SmithEdge, students at the Smith School of Business build skills that show up in the real world: tapping into personal strengths to lead teams, adapting under pressure, and making informed decisions in complex settings. Add to that, the Queen’s University offers scholarships that shift focus away from post-degree debt, so you can invest your energy in learning and career development.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing a full-time MBA.

Eligibility criteria:

• Strong academic performance: minimum B+ GPA (or equivalent)

• GMAT score of 605 or higher

• Minimum 2+ years of full-time professional experience

• Demonstrated leadership potential and/or clear career progression in the applicant’s profile

• Acceptance to the FT MBA program for the January 2026 intake

18. St. John's University - Tobin College of Business

Total Awards: US$138,240

Studying at St. John’s University’s Tobin College of Business makes the path from classroom to career more realistic—with many fully funded scholarships covering 100% of tuition. The programs are tied to how risk is actually managed inside organisations, and the location adds real leverage through internships, networking, and direct exposure to leading firms in finance, insurance, and consulting.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing an MS in Actuarial Science, Enterprise Risk Management, or Risk Management and Risk Analytics.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum CGPA of 3.85

• 650+ GMAT score

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

19. University of Denver - Daniels College of Business 

Total Awards: US$446,209

Daniels College of Business backs students with the potential to lead and make a real impact. 

Awards offered by The University of Denver, one of the first business schools established in the United States, vary by program, with some offering top fully funded scholarships for Indian students that cover the entire tuition. International students can also apply for assistantships, which can reduce financial risk, allowing you to focus more on the long-term career impact of the degree.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing a full-time MBA or MS in Accounting, Technology and Analytics, Applied Quantitative Finance, or Business Analytics.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum CGPA of 3.3

• A good 600+ GMAT score

• 2-5 years of work experience (minimum requirements vary across awards)

• An essay that demonstrates good language skills and a clear connection between educational goals and professional trajectory

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

20. University of Maryland - The Robert H. Smith School of Business 

Total Awards: US$45,000

Robert H. Smith School of Business offers access to university scholarships for an education that goes beyond theory. You’re pushed to think analytically, solve real problems, and understand how decisions play out in practice, all while being close to major business and policy hubs that actively recruit talent. 

For students like you, looking to pivot into more technical or strategic roles, the University of Maryland can also lower the barrier to entry by waiving the GMAT or GRE requirement for some programs.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing a Master of Finance, Master of Quantitative Finance, MS in Accounting, Business Analytics, Information Systems, or Marketing Analytics, or a Master’s in Management Studies.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum CGPA of 3.0

• A good GRE/GMAT score

• Relevant professional or internship experience (if required by the program)

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

21. Carlson School of Management - University of Minnesota 

Total Awards: US$242,341

If you want to earn a globally respected degree without stressing over upfront costs, the Carlson School of Management scholarship can take that pressure off. It gives you access to world-class faculty and, thanks to its location in the Twin Cities—a hub for Fortune 500 companies—you’re guaranteed strong internship opportunities and even better career outcomes. Graduates typically start with salaries in the $70k–$90k range, and in fields like consulting or tech, that number can go even higher.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing an MS in Business Analytics or Finance.

Eligibility criteria:

• A four-year bachelor's degree 

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale)

• A competitive GMAT or GRE score (for MS in Business Analytics)

• Students must have completed at least one collegiate-level quantitative course (calculus or statistics–depending on the scholarship applying for) with a grade of B or higher.

• Relevant professional or internship experience 

22. University of Rochester, Simon Business School 

Total Awards: US$552,000

Simon’s MBA and MS programs rank high for outcomes that matter, including ROI—#2 among top 30 B-schools (Bloomberg Businessweek, 2024). For students who want to pursue quant-heavy careers but are weighing tuition, scholarships are offered through the Simon Business School, making the decision easier by providing access to faculty linked to top business publications, a global alumni network, and—best of all—extended OPT eligibility.

Once in, recipients can compete in the Mark Ain Business Model Competition for cash prizes totalling US$13,500.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing Full-Time MBA, MS in Accountancy, AI in Business, Business Analytics, Finance, or Marketing Analytics.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A good GMAT/GRE score 

• Work experience (for Full-time MBA)

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

23. University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business 

Total Awards: US$200,000

With mentorship programs that connect students to local and global professionals, strong industry ties that support internships, and hands-on consulting projects with real companies in diverse countries, the Knauss School of Business offers an inspiring environment for meaningful, applied learning.

To support scholars on this path, Knauss offers various merit-based awards, allowing students to apply for this scholarship and study abroad without the financial burden, so they can focus on using business to create a positive social impact.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing FT MBA, Dual Degrees: FT MBA-Masters of Business Analytics, FT MBA-Masters of Finance, FT MBA-Masters of Real Estate, Masters of Business Analytics-Masters of Finance, or Master’s in Accountancy/Taxation, Business Analytics, Finance, or Real Estate.

Eligibility criteria:

• A high GPA

• A strong GMAT/GRE score (applicant)

• At least 2 years of post-graduate work experience (preferred)

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

Please note: Exceptional applicants may be eligible for multiple awards to cover the full tuition cost. 

24. University of San Francisco - School of Management 

Total Awards: US$114,000

Situated in San Francisco, AACSB and NASPAA-accredited University of San Francisco sits at the heart of the tech, finance, and startup ecosystems, with internships, consulting projects, and industry exposure built into everyday learning. Alongside this, many scholarships recognise strong profiles, and the long-term return shows up in strong placements across consulting, operations, marketing, and finance.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing an MBA or Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Information Systems, Marketing Intelligence, or Management programs.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A good GMAT/GRE score

• 2 recommendation letters

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

25. William & Mary University - Mason School of Business 

Total Awards: US$574,432

Looking for a school that blends business with a broader perspective? 

The Mason School of Business combines interdisciplinary coursework and capstone projects with arts, sciences, and humanities to sharpen critical thinking, ethical judgment, and problem-solving. 

Through SEED Global Education, you can attain a high-calibre business education from experienced professors at this “Public Ivy” with awards for study abroad for Indian students. The scholarship covers your tuition, and if you’re endorsed by an alumni, you may be eligible for a $10,000 Alumni Referral Scholarship and graduate assistantships. 

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing Full-Time MBA, Master of Accounting, or MS in Business Analytics.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.5

• 700+ GMAT score (required for some programs)

• More than 4 years of work experience

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

26. Schulich School of Business, York University 

Total Awards: CA$250,981

Consistently ranked among the world’s top business schools, Schulich School of Business offers dynamic, case-based learning with a strong experiential focus through strategic consulting projects and internships. It also boasts a diverse, influential alumni network across 90+ countries, with active chapters and ambassadors worldwide. Schulich's scholarships for studying abroad thus do more than provide access to globally recognised education; they also serve as a catalyst for accelerating careers.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing MBA, Master of Finance, Master of Management, or Tech - MBA programs.

Eligibility criteria:

• A strong grade in the final two years of undergraduate study

• Strong standardised test scores: GMAT 650+ or GRE 320+

• A compelling essay demonstrating language proficiency, alignment between educational goals and career aspirations, and evidence of community involvement

• Letters of reference 

• Acceptance to Schulich’s MBA program 

Eligibility criteria varies across scholarship categories. Browse our site for more info. 

Didn’t qualify for university-specific awards? 

You still have options.

SEED Global Education offers its own set of awards to further support your academic journey. You can explore scholarships here to find additional opportunities that may align with your long-term goals.

1. SEED Business Leadership Scholarship

SEED Global Education supports students who show initiative, leadership potential, and the drive to build something meaningful. So if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking to move your career forward—but lack the funds, this great scholarship is designed to help students to pursue high-quality instruction overseas—at a price that won’t break the bank.

Total Awards: US$5,000

Who It’s For: Students pursuing MBA or Master’s programs.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0

• A good GMAT/GRE score

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

2. SEED STEM Leadership Scholarship

Total Awards: US$5,000

This scholarship is for STEM students who blend technical expertise with clear thinking and the confidence to make decisions when the stakes are high. If you can highlight instances where you’ve taken initiative, guided projects or teams, and applied science or technology to real-world challenges—successfully or as learning experiences—you could earn ₹4.5L towards tuition fees. 

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing Engineering & Technology programs.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum CGPA of 3.0

• A good GRE score

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

3. SEED Women in Leadership Scholarship

Total Awards: US$5,000

Globally, women hold just 30% of managerial roles, and in India, the numbers are even lower—only 19% of senior leadership positions are occupied by Indian women, with far fewer reaching the C-suite. The SEED Global Education scholarship application aims to change this by empowering talented female students from emerging markets, supporting their education, and equipping them to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing MBA or Specialised Master’s programs.

Eligibility criteria:

• Good academic standing with a minimum CGPA of 3.0

• A good GMAT/GRE score

• Complete the prerequisites required for your chosen program

4. SEED Golden Ticket Scholarships

Total Awards: US$10,000

Those selected for the 'Golden Ticket Club' for their academic and professional excellence receive more than exclusive, one-on-one sessions with admissions directors from top B-schools. They’re also automatically considered for the SEED Golden Ticket Scholarships, which are awarded to students pursuing postgraduate business degrees. Winners receiving awards of up to $10,000, applied directly toward tuition fees.

Tuition Coverage (tiered):

Who It’s For: Students pursuing MBA or Specialised Master’s programs.

Eligibility criteria:

• Apply to at least one of the participating schools at the festival for SEED Global Education’s 2026 intake.

• Secured a Golden Ticket for a SEED Business School Festival event in 2025/2026.

• Attended the SEED Business School Festival in your city.

Apply for Alternative Funding—Once You’re In

If you don’t qualify for financial aid at your dream university, don’t give up. Once admitted, you can apply for scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Many of these awards look beyond grades, considering personal circumstances, life experiences, and qualities like resilience and initiative.

Here’s a quick guide to the main types of external scholarships for Indian students to study abroad:

• Need-Based Scholarships: Offered by some universities abroad, such as American University and Loyola Marymount University, these donor-funded awards support international students with demonstrated financial need. These scholarships are often specific to gender, race, ethnicity, interests, or field of study.

• Merit–Need Scholarships: Designed for students who show academic strength, leadership, or initiative and also demonstrate genuine financial need. Selection committees ask a simple question: What has this student accomplished given the resources they had?

• Nationally Competitive Awards: At certain universities, like Boston University, enrolled students can apply for awards such as Fulbright, Rhodes, DAAD, Truman, and Udall with institutional endorsement. These can cover tuition and, in some cases, fund travel, research, or independent projects.

• Fellowships: Universities like George Washington University School of Business and the University of Rochester award funding based on the strength of your application, including academics, test scores, work experience, interview performance, as well as desire to make an impact.

• Service- or Mission-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students based on their commitment to careers that serve society. Scholarships like the Ignite Jesuit Scholars Award, which emphasises being “people for others” and USFCA’s Community Service Merit Scholarship for those who’ve done community service activities (paid or volunteer) are prime examples.

• International Student Scholarships: Designed to encourage global diversity on campus. They may consider financial need, merit, or a combination, but the key distinction is eligibility: you must be an international applicant. Examples include: the Global Business Scholar Award.

Depending on your course and university, you might also have the opportunity to pursue paid work part-time. Salaries vary based on position, but they can be a useful way to cover living expenses.

Final Thoughts: 

Securing funding for your international education isn't just about meeting eligibility criteria; it's about positioning yourself strategically and taking action at the right time. With over $6 million in scholarships available through SEED Global Education, the path to studying abroad is more accessible than you might think.

What matters most:

• Attend SEED Global Education events. They're your gateway to university representatives and merit-based awards worth thousands of dollars. Show up, and you're already ahead.

• Don't limit yourself to one program. Your profile may be a good fit for multiple universities, and each application is another chance at funding. Even if you don't secure any of the university-specific scholarship opportunities initially, SEED Global Education offers various types of scholarships to students for overseas education, and there are alternative funding options once you're admitted.

• Tell your story well. GPA and test scores open doors for international scholarships, but your essays, leadership experiences, and vision are what get you in. Show selection committees not just what you've achieved, but who you are and what drives you.

Your international education is within reach. Take the first step at the SEED Global Education’s Business School Festival.

Sources & References

• Official university scholarship and financial aid pages (2025–2026 intakes)

• SEED Global Education official scholarship documentation