TOEFL provides some scholarships and grants in partnership with ETS and other organizations. Most scholarships require you to have finished high school (10+2), while research-based grants may ask for a Master’s degree. Some scholarships need you to apply directly, while others require a nomination. There are special scholarships for Indian students, such as the UK-India Scholarship. The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships allow talented Indian students and professionals to study in the US.
TOEFL Scholarship amounts vary depending on the country and program. You can get anywhere from around ₹84,000 ($1,000) to ₹84 lakh ($100,000). To increase your chances of winning a TOEFL scholarship, it’s recommended to score above 75 on the exam.
| Important Articles | ||
|---|---|---|
| How to Register for TOEFL? | TOEFL Exam Fee in India 2025 | Upcoming TOEFL Test Dates |
- Why TOEFL Scholarships Matter for Indian Students?
- Types of TOEFL Scholarships for Indian Students
2.1 1. ETS TOEFL Scholarships and Grants
2.2 2. University-Specific TOEFL Scholarships
2.3 3. Government-Funded & External Scholarships
2.4 4. Private & NGO Scholarships
- Top TOEFL Scholarships for Indian Students (2025)
3.1 1. English-Language Researcher/Practitioner Grant Program
3.2 2. Grant for Doctoral Research in Language Assessment
3.3 3. TOEFL Committee of Examiners Research Program
3.4 4. TOEFL Young Students Series Research Program: Research Grants
3.5 5. TOEFL YSS Research Grants for Graduate Students
- Other TOEFL Scholarships for Indian Students
- How to Apply for TOEFL Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips to Boost Your Chances of Winning TOEFL Scholarships
- FAQs
Why TOEFL Scholarships Matter for Indian Students?
Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity, but the costs—tuition, living expenses, and travel—can feel overwhelming. For Indian students, where the average cost of studying in the USA can range from ₹30-65 lakhs per year, financial aid is a game-changer. TOEFL scholarships are designed to reward students who demonstrate exceptional English proficiency, academic merit, and leadership potential.
Must Read: Average Cost of Studying Abroad for Indian Students
Here’s why these scholarships are a big deal:
- Reduce Financial Burden: Scholarships can cover tuition, test fees, or even living expenses, easing the strain on your family’s savings.
- Boost Your Profile: A TOEFL scholarship signals to universities that you’re a high-achiever with strong English skills.
- Open Doors to Top Universities: Many TOEFL-linked scholarships are tied to prestigious institutions, giving you a competitive edge.
For Indian students, where English is often a second language, excelling in TOEFL can set you apart and make you eligible for exclusive funding opportunities.
Ques. Do TOEFL scholarships help with application fees?
Ans. Some scholarships offer small grants that can be used for application or test fees, but this depends on the provider.
Ques. Can TOEFL scholarships help me get a visa?
Ans. Yes. Receiving a scholarship can strengthen your visa application because it shows financial stability and academic merit.
Ques. Do TOEFL scholarships cover family or dependent expenses?
Ans. No. Most scholarships cover only the student’s academic and living costs, not family-related expenses.
Types of TOEFL Scholarships for Indian Students
When planning to study abroad, understanding the different types of TOEFL-based scholarships can help you target the right opportunities. Scholarships linked to TOEFL scores generally fall into 3 major categories, and each offers unique benefits.
1. ETS TOEFL Scholarships and Grants
Although ETS does not offer traditional academic scholarships, it provides prestigious research grants and awards that benefit students pursuing advanced studies.
These include:
- TOEFL Grants for Graduate Students & Researchers
- TOEFL Young Students Series (YSS) Research Grants
- TOEFL Small Grants for Doctoral Research
Benefits: Funding for research projects, academic development support, international exposure.
Best For: PhD students, researchers, linguistics scholars, and those interested in language assessment.
2. University-Specific TOEFL Scholarships
Many international universities across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe offer scholarships where TOEFL scores play a key role in selection.
These scholarships may include:
- Merit-Based Scholarships (based on TOEFL + academic performance)
- International Student Scholarships
- Graduate Assistantships & Fellowships
Examples:
- Universities such as Arizona State University, University of Melbourne, and University of British Columbia often consider strong TOEFL scores when awarding funding.
These scholarships usually include tuition fee waivers, partial grants, or stipends for living expenses.
Also Read: Cost of Living in UK in 2025
3. Government-Funded & External Scholarships
Several foreign governments and international organizations accept TOEFL as part of their scholarship criteria.
Popular options include:
- Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowship (USA)
- Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Chevening Scholarships (UK)
These programs typically fund full tuition, travel expenses, and living costs, making them highly competitive. A strong TOEFL score strengthens your overall profile.
4. Private & NGO Scholarships
There are also corporate and private scholarships that consider TOEFL scores during evaluation.
Examples include:
- Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships
- JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarships
- Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships
While these aren’t exclusively TOEFL-based, a high English proficiency score helps demonstrate academic readiness and improves selection chances.
Ques. Are TOEFL scholarships available for online degree programs?
Ans. Some universities offer scholarships for online programs, but government-funded scholarships usually require on-campus study.
Ques. Do universities accept expired TOEFL scores for scholarship review?
Ans. No. If your score has expired, you must retake the exam before applying.
Ques. Is there any age limit for TOEFL scholarship applicants?
Ans. Most scholarships do not have a strict age limit, but some youth-focused grants may only accept students under a certain age.
Top TOEFL Scholarships for Indian Students (2025)
ETS offers TOEFL Grants for students who are doing research or higher studies abroad. These grants help students gain useful experience in areas like research, teaching, and development. To apply, you must meet the minimum TOEFL score required. Before applying to any university, you should check the official TOEFL Grants page for detailed information.
1. English-Language Researcher/Practitioner Grant Program
The main objective of this ETS TOEFL scholarship is to provide language teachers who have direct contact with English learners in classrooms with opportunities to collaborate and conduct research.
Eligibility:
- At least 15 students per class.
- At least 60 participants per institution are required.
- Students who have taken at least 5 years of English education at any grade level for projects using the TOEFL iBT test.
- At least a total of 60 hours of instruction.
Award Value: Successful applicants will receive funding between ₹4.2 - 8.4 lakhs (US$5,000–$10,000).
2. Grant for Doctoral Research in Language Assessment
This grant program supports the timely completion of doctoral research in second or foreign language assessment. If you are a PhD candidate working on research in language assessment can apply.
Eligibility:
- Currently registered in a doctoral program.
- Completed all candidacy requirements and coursework for the degree.
- Have a committee-approved dissertation proposal.
- Has not received another award or grant from ETS funding for the proposed research dissertation.
Award Value: This TOEFL scholarship program offers up to ₹5 lakhs ($6,000).
3. TOEFL Committee of Examiners Research Program
The TOEFL Committee of Examiners offers research grants for teachers and professors to study how people learn English. They can research things like “how well the TOEFL syllabus measures English skills” or “how new technology can be used to teach English”.
Eligibility:
- Faculty or staff of a non-profit organization or university with expertise in English language learning and assessment. For-profit organizations and current TOEFL COE members are not eligible.
- Studies should focus on English language learning and assessment research, not students’ theses or dissertations.
- Awardees must submit interim reports and a publishable manuscript acknowledging TOEFL program support.
Award Value: This TOEFL scholarship normally offers up to ₹84 lakhs ($1,00,000).
4. TOEFL Young Students Series Research Program: Research Grants
TOEFL YSS Research Grants are offered to support young language learners under 16 years of age. This TOEFL scholarship amount promotes high-quality young language learner assessments.
Eligibility:
- Must be faculty or staff at a non-profit organization or university.
- Should specialize in English language learning and assessment.
- Requires a letter of support from the applicant's institution. Proposals from for-profit entities are not eligible.
- Grantees must submit at least 1 publishable manuscript.
- Grant support must be acknowledged in all research outputs.
Award Value: Can be funded up to ₹42 lakh ($50,000).
5. TOEFL YSS Research Grants for Graduate Students
TOEFL Young Students Series (YSS) research grants for graduate students are given to students doing research that promotes high-quality young language learner assessments.
Eligibility:
- Focus on language testing, language education, or applied linguistics.
- For graduate students, enrollment in a master's or doctoral program in a related field is required.
- Priority is given to TOEFL Young Students Series (YSS)-related research or foundational research on young EFL learners.
- Submission of progress reports and a publishable manuscript is mandatory.
Award Value: Up to ₹9 lakhs ($10,000).
Ques. How early should I apply for TOEFL scholarships?
Ans. Many TOEFL scholarships open 9-12 months before the program starts, so applying early improves your chances.
Ques. Can I apply for more than one TOEFL-related scholarship at the same time?
Ans. Yes. Scholarship providers allow you to submit multiple applications as long as you meet each program’s criteria.
Ques. Are TOEFL scholarships renewable every year?
Ans. Some are one-time awards, but several university scholarships renew yearly if you maintain a good academic record.
Other TOEFL Scholarships for Indian Students
ETS, in partnership with various government and private organizations, offers a number of scholarships for students who want to pursue higher education abroad. The scholarship, their eligibility, and award amounts are mentioned in the table below.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Program | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training or professional experience | Half grant and half loan; you need to repay 50% of the award. |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation | Resident in India | Up to $100,000 (₹89 lakhs) |
| HSBC Chevening Scholarship | At least 2 years of work experience | Varies |
| Vice Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship | Determined by nationality | £2,500 (₹3 lakhs) fee reduction for the first year of study |
| Promising Pathways Scholarships by Full Sail University | Entrance interview with Full Sail University Admissions representative | Up to $47,000 (₹42 lakhs) |
| Humber College Entrance Scholarships | High school student with a high GPA | CAD 2,000 (₹1.3 lakhs) reduction in tuition fees during the first 2 semesters (₹64,000 per semester) |
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program | Admission Requirements of Stanford MBA Program with Scores of multiple tests, including the TOEFL Test | Varies |
| Tata Scholarship for Cornell University | Scores of English Language Proficiency Completed CSS Profile | Varies |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | Scores of English Language Proficiency Completed CSS Profile | Varies |
| UK-India TOEFL Scholarship | A TOEFL test score of 75 out of 120 An offer letter from a university in the UK | Varies |
Ques. Do I need separate TOEFL score reports for each scholarship?
Ans. You can request ETS to send official score reports directly to scholarship providers, but some accept PDF copies.
Ques. Can loan-based scholarships waive repayment for low-income students?
Ans. Some foundations may reduce repayment if you show financial hardship, but this is rare and depends on individual policies.
Ques. Do Indian private scholarships allow deferral if I delay my admission?
Ans. Most private scholarships allow a 6-12 month deferral, but you must request it before your course starts.
How to Apply for TOEFL Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for TOEFL scholarships can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can stand out. Here’s a clear roadmap:
Step 1: Ace the TOEFL Test:
- Aim for a high score (90+ for undergraduate, 100+ for graduate programs).
- Use resources like ETS’s TOEFL Practice Online, Magoosh, or Collegedunia’s TOEFL prep guides.
- Practice consistently to improve your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills.
Step 2: Research Scholarship Options
- Visit the ETS website for TOEFL-specific scholarships.
- Explore university websites and Indian scholarship portals like Buddy4Study or Scholarship-Positions.com.
- Check eligibility criteria carefully (TOEFL score, academic GPA, extracurriculars).
Step 3: Prepare a Strong Application
- TOEFL Scores: Request ETS to send official scores to scholarship providers.
- Academic Transcripts: Highlight your GPA and relevant coursework.
- Essays/Personal Statements: Write compelling statement of purpose showcasing your goals, challenges, and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Recommendation Letters: Get letters from teachers or employers who can vouch for your skills and character.
- Extracurriculars: Highlight leadership roles, community service, or awards.
Step 4: Submit Before Deadlines
- Create a calendar to track application deadlines.
- Submit early to avoid last-minute glitches.
Step 5: Follow Up
- Check application status via email or online portals.
- Be prepared for interviews, if required.
Must Read
Ques. Do I need to certify my documents for TOEFL scholarship applications?
Ans. Some scholarships require attested copies of transcripts and certificates, especially government-funded ones.
Ques. How long does it take to get a TOEFL scholarship decision?
Ans. Decisions can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months depending on the program and number of applications.
Ques. Are interviews common for TOEFL scholarships?
Ans. Not all scholarships have interviews, but leadership-based or merit-based awards often include one.
Tips to Boost Your Chances of Winning TOEFL Scholarships
Indian students face fierce competition for scholarships, so you need to shine. Here are proven tips to increase your odds:
- Score High on TOEFL: A score above 100 iBT makes you a strong candidate for most scholarships. Invest in quality prep materials and mock tests.
- Showcase Leadership: Universities and scholarship providers love students who lead projects, volunteer, or contribute to their communities. For example, organizing a school event or volunteering at an NGO can make your application stand out.
- Craft a Unique Story: In your SOPs, share personal experiences, like overcoming financial challenges or excelling in English despite limited resources, to connect with reviewers.
- Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Apply to ETS scholarships, university awards, and Indian government schemes simultaneously.
Must Read: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
- Seek Guidance: Consult study abroad counselors or use platforms like Collegedunia to get expert advice on scholarship applications.
Ques. Does volunteering improve my TOEFL scholarship chances?
Ans. Yes. Community service or volunteering shows responsibility and leadership, which many scholarship committees value.
Ques. Should I mention my TOEFL preparation journey in the essay?
Ans. Yes, if it highlights your dedication or challenges overcome, this helps reviewers understand your effort.
Ques. Can improving my writing skills alone increase my TOEFL score significantly?
Ans. Strong writing helps, but improving all four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) is necessary for a balanced, high score.
Also Read
TOEFL scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad and open doors to top global universities for Indian students. With the right score, strong documents, and early planning, you can secure funding that transforms your academic journey. Start by identifying suitable scholarships, improving your TOEFL score, and preparing a strong application. Take the first step today, your dream university may be only one scholarship away.
Key Summary
- Indian students can apply for TOEFL-based scholarships across four categories: ETS grants, university scholarships, government programs, and private/NGO funding.
- Scholarships support tuition fees, research work, living expenses, or test costs, depending on the provider.
- Strong English proficiency, academic merit, and leadership activities significantly increase chances of selection.
- TOEFL grants also support teachers, researchers, and graduate students working in language learning and assessment.
- Successful applications require early planning, strong documents, and high TOEFL scores.
FAQs
Ques. Can I apply for TOEFL scholarships if I haven’t received university admission yet?
Ans. Yes. Many scholarships allow you to apply before admission, but you must submit your offer letter later to receive the final award.
Ques. Do TOEFL scholarships require minimum GPA or academic percentage?
Ans. Some do. While requirements vary, many university-based scholarships expect at least 70–75% in previous studies or a strong academic record.
Ques. Can I apply for TOEFL scholarships if I’m planning to study in non-English-speaking countries?
Ans. Yes. Countries like Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands accept TOEFL for English-taught programs, and many scholarships consider TOEFL scores.
Ques. How often can I retake TOEFL if I want to improve my scholarship chances?
Ans. You can retake TOEFL every 3 days, and there is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Scholarship providers consider your best valid score.
Ques. Do TOEFL scholarships require financial documents like bank statements?
Ans. Some scholarships, especially government-funded ones, may ask for financial proof to verify your need or support your visa process.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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