Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated On - May 15, 2026
Scholarships to study abroad after 12th cover full tuition, living expenses and travel across universities in Canada, Australia, the UK, Japan and the USA. The MEXT Scholarship 2027 is currently open with a deadline of May 25, 2026.
- School nomination is mandatory for top scholarships. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (Toronto) and UBC International Scholars Program require school nomination, opening in July and closing in October of the year before entry. Waiting until the results are too late.
- Deadlines fall 6 to 12 months before intake, mostly between October and February. Apply in Class 12 itself, not after the results in May or June.
- Apply to 8 to 12 scholarships, not just 1 or 2. The Pearson Scholarship selects only 37 students globally per year, so a wider application portfolio significantly improves your chances.
Also read:
- How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide
- Study Abroad After Class 12: Countries, Courses and Costs 2026
Conversion Note: 1 GBP = ₹129.50, 1 AUD = ₹69.62, 1 USD = ₹95.67, 1 CAD = ₹63.00 (May 14, 2026).
- Types of Scholarships Available to Indian Students After 12th
- Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students After 12th
- University Scholarships by Country: Eligibility and Award Value for Indian Students
- Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
- Eligibility Criteria and How to Apply
- Scholarship Application Timeline for 2027 Intake
- FAQs
Types of Scholarships Available to Indian Students After 12th
Not all scholarships work the same way. Understanding the type of scholarship you are applying for determines what you need to prepare, when you need to apply, and what it will actually cover.
The table below explains the four main types of scholarships available to Indian students at the undergraduate level, with honest notes on competitiveness and what each type actually covers.
| Type | Who Offers It | What It Covers | Competitiveness | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-based | Universities | Partial to full tuition waiver based on academic grades | Moderate - most universities offer these automatically on admission | Monash International Merit Scholarship, Think Big (Bristol) |
| Need-based | Universities and foundations | Full cost of attendance - tuition, living, travel | High - requires financial documentation and strong academics | UBC International Scholars Program, Pearson Scholarship |
| Government-funded | Foreign governments | Full funding - tuition, stipend, airfare | Very high - national-level selection process | MEXT (Japan), National Overseas Scholarship (India) |
| Foundation / private | Trusts and foundations | Partial to full - varies by foundation | High - essay and interview-based selection | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, JN Tata Endowment |
A common misconception is that only toppers or IIT-level students get scholarships abroad. Need-based scholarships specifically look for students who cannot afford to study without financial help. A student with 85% in Class 12 from a middle-income family has a realistic shot at awards like the UBC International Scholars Program, provided the application is strong.
Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students After 12th
Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and in most cases travel — meaning your total out-of-pocket cost is zero or near-zero. These are the most competitive scholarships available, but they are also the most impactful. The table below lists every major fully funded undergraduate scholarship accessible to Indian students after Class 12.
Each scholarship below has been verified from the official university or government website. Deadlines shown are for the 2027 intake cycle, where available.
| Scholarship | Country / University | Coverage | Number of Awards | Key Deadline (2027 Intake) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Canada (University of Toronto) |
Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for 4 years | 37 scholars globally per year | School nomination: October 2026. Student application: November 2026 |
| Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award (UBC) | Canada (University of British Columbia) |
Full cost of attendance - tuition, living, books. Need and merit-based | Limited - highly competitive | Applications for 2027 entry open summer 2026 - check you.ubc.ca |
| MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government) | Japan (multiple universities) |
Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend of ¥117,000 (₹68,800), round-trip airfare | Up to 12 from India (UG level) | May 25, 2026 - OPEN NOW (Embassy of Japan, New Delhi) |
| Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award (UBC) | Canada (University of British Columbia) |
Full cost of attendance - for students from impoverished or conflict-affected areas | Limited | Applications for 2027 entry open summer 2026 - check you.ubc.ca |
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) | Multiple countries (Indian Government) | Full tuition, USD 15,400/year maintenance, airfare, and visa fees | 125 slots per year | 2026–27 cycle open April 24 – June 2, 2026 at nosmsje.gov.in. Note: NOS covers Master's and PhD only - not undergraduate |
Note: The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is included here for completeness but covers Master's and PhD programs only - not undergraduate study after 12th. It is relevant for students planning postgraduate study abroad after completing a degree in India.
The MEXT Scholarship is the most accessible fully funded option for Indian students after 12th. It requires a minimum of 80% in Class 12 (or 80% in Class 10 with a school certificate if Class 12 results are not yet available), Indian citizenship, and age born on or after April 2, 2002. The application deadline at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi is May 25, 2026, which is 10 days away. If you are reading this now, this is the most urgent action you can take.
For a broader guide on how to approach scholarship applications, read How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide.
University Scholarships by Country: Eligibility and Award Value for Indian Students
Beyond fully funded scholarships, most top universities offer merit-based partial scholarships that are significantly easier to access. These can reduce your annual tuition by 20–50%, making an otherwise unaffordable degree manageable with an education loan for the remaining amount.
The table below lists the most relevant university scholarships by country, along with verified award amounts and eligibility criteria for Indian undergraduate students.
UK University Scholarships for Indian Students After 12th
UK universities offer some of the most accessible merit scholarships for international undergraduates — applied for at the time of admission, with no separate competitive exam required.
| Scholarship | University | Award Value | Eligibility | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship | University of Bristol | £6,500 or £13,000 per year (₹84,200 or ₹1,68,400) for up to 4 years | International students must have applied to an eligible undergraduate course at Bristol, classified as an overseas student for fee purposes | Applied separately after receiving an offer from Bristol. Check bristol.ac.uk for the 2027 cycle opening date |
| Global Excellence Scholarship | University of Manchester | £5,000 per year (₹64,750) for the duration of the degree | International undergraduate students; academic excellence; automatic consideration on application | Automatic consideration on admission application - no separate application required |
| International Excellence Scholarship | University of Warwick | £5,000 per year (₹64,750) for Year 1 only | International undergraduate students; strong academic record; automatic consideration | Automatic consideration on admission - no separate application required |
| International Undergraduate Scholarship | University of Edinburgh | £5,000 per year (₹64,750) for the duration of the degree | International undergraduate students; academic merit; automatic consideration on application | Automatic consideration on UCAS application - no separate application required |
Canada University Scholarships for Indian Students After 12th
Canadian universities offer both merit and need-based scholarships. The most prestigious require school nomination, but merit entrance scholarships are available to all strong applicants.
| Scholarship | University | Award Value | Eligibility | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | University of Toronto | Full tuition, books, incidentals, and full residence for 4 years (CAD 60,000–70,000 total / ₹37–44 lakh) |
International student in the final year of secondary school or graduated no earlier than June 2026; nominated by school; applying for September 2027 entry | School nominations by October 2026. Student applies by November 2026. Apply to U of T by October 17, 2026 |
| Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award | University of British Columbia | Full cost of attendance - tuition, living, books (need-based; value varies) |
International student entering UBC directly from secondary school; graduated no earlier than June 2026; significant financial need; superior academic achievement | Apply through the UBC International Scholars Program portal - opens summer 2026 at you.ubc.ca |
| International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) | University of British Columbia | CAD 10,000–40,000 (₹6.3–25.2 lakh) - merit-based, one-time or renewable | International students with exceptional academic achievement; automatic consideration for admission | Automatic consideration on UBC admission application - no separate application required |
Australian University Scholarships for Indian Students After 12th
Australian universities offer merit scholarships that are applied for at the time of admission. The Monash International Merit Scholarship is the most accessible for Indian students with strong Class 12 results.
| Scholarship | University | Award Value | Eligibility | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monash International Merit Scholarship | Monash University | AUD 15,000 per year (₹10.4 lakh) for the duration of the degree - increased from AUD 10,000 from 2026 onwards | International students with an unconditional offer to a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Monash, and a strong academic record (typically 85%+ equivalent) |
Apply through the Monash scholarship portal after receiving an offer. Rolling applications - apply early |
| International Student Merit Scholarship | University of Melbourne | Partial tuition waiver - value varies by program | International undergraduate students; outstanding academic achievement; automatic consideration for admission | Automatic consideration for the University of Melbourne admission application |
Currency conversions: 1 GBP = ₹129.50, 1 AUD = ₹69.62, 1 CAD = ₹63.00 (as of May 14, 2026).
A note from students on Reddit about the Monash scholarship: the 85% minimum is a floor, not a guarantee. Students with 87–88% in Class 12 have reported not receiving the scholarship, while students with 90%+ have a significantly better chance. The scholarship is competitive - apply early and ensure your application is complete.
Explore the full list of Scholarships to Study Abroad: Types, Eligibility and Award Value on Collegedunia.
Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad After 12th
The Indian government offers two primary scholarship programs for studying abroad, but both have important limitations that students must understand before applying.
| Scholarship | Offered By | Coverage | Who Can Apply | Level of Study | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (nosmsje.gov.in) | Full tuition, USD 15,400/year maintenance, airfare, visa fees, contingency allowance | SC, DNT, Landless Agricultural Labourers, Traditional Artisans; family income below ₹8 lakh/year; age below 35 | Master's and PhD only - not undergraduate | 2026–27 cycle open April 24 – June 2, 2026 at nosmsje.gov.in. 125 slots available |
| National Overseas Scholarship (Tribal Affairs) | Ministry of Tribal Affairs (overseas.tribal.gov.in) | Full funding for Master's and PhD abroad | ST students: 20 fresh scholarships per year | Master's and PhD only - not undergraduate | Check overseas.tribal.gov.in for the current cycle |
Indian government scholarships do not cover undergraduate study abroad. Both NOS programs are restricted to Master's and PhD levels. For Class 12 students, the MEXT Scholarship from Japan is the most accessible fully funded undergraduate option currently open.
For SC/ST students planning postgraduate study after completing a degree in India, the NOS scholarship covers full tuition, USD 15,400/year maintenance and airfare. The 2026/27 cycle is open until June 2, 2026, at nosmsje.gov.in.
Eligibility Criteria and How to Apply
Scholarship eligibility varies by award, but the core requirements across most undergraduate scholarships for Indian students are consistent. The table below maps the standard eligibility criteria and what you need to prepare.
| Eligibility Criterion | Typical Requirement | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|
| Academic performance | 80–90%+ in Class 12 for most merit scholarships; 75%+ for need-based awards | Subject-specific marks matter to a student with 90% overall, but 70% in core subjects may not qualify for subject-specific programs |
| University admission | Must have applied to or received an offer from the target university | Most scholarships require you to apply to the university first - you cannot apply for the scholarship without an application or offer in hand |
| English proficiency | IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 90–100 for most programs | Some scholarships waive this if your Class 12 was taught entirely in English - check the specific scholarship policy |
| Financial need documentation | Bank statements, income tax returns, family income certificate | Required for need-based scholarships like UBC International Scholars Program. Must show inability to fund education without assistance |
| School nomination | Required for Pearson Scholarship and some UBC awards | Only one student per school can be nominated per year. Speak to your principal or guidance counsellor now - nominations open in July |
| Statement of Purpose / Personal Essay | 500–1,000 words for most scholarships | The SOP is the most important differentiator. A generic SOP is rejected immediately. Your essay must answer: why this scholarship, at this university, for this specific career goal |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2–3 letters from teachers or school principal | Give referees at least 4–6 weeks notice. Brief them on your goals and the specific scholarship you are applying for |
| Citizenship | Indian citizen (passport holder) | OCI/PIO holders may not be eligible for some government scholarships like MEXT — verify with the specific scholarship provider |
One thing students consistently underestimate is the SOP. Scholarship committees at universities like UBC and University of Toronto read thousands of applications. A generic SOP that says "I want to study abroad to broaden my horizons" is rejected in seconds. Your SOP must be specific: what problem do you want to solve, what have you already done about it, and why does this specific university and scholarship make sense for your path. The more specific and honest, the stronger the application.
For a complete guide on writing a strong SOP, read Statement of Purpose: Format, Requirements and Writing Tips.
Scholarship Application Timeline for 2027 Intake
Scholarship applications run on a completely different timeline from university admissions. Most students miss scholarships not because they are unqualified, but because they apply too late. The timeline below maps every key action from now through to your September 2027 start.
| Month | Action | Scholarship Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| May 2026 (NOW) | Apply for MEXT Scholarship 2027 - deadline May 25, 2026, at the Embassy of Japan | MEXT UG Scholarship - fully funded, open to Indian students with 80%+ in Class 10/12 |
| May–June 2026 | Research all target scholarships. Build a list of 8–12 scholarships across countries. Begin drafting SOP and personal essays | All scholarships - early research prevents missed deadlines |
| June–July 2026 | Clear IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Speak to the school principal about Pearson and UBC nominations | Pearson and UBC nominations open July 1 - this conversation must happen now |
| July–August 2026 | Apply to universities (UBC, U of T, Bristol, Monash, Edinburgh, Manchester). Request LORs from teachers | Most scholarships require a university application or offer before you can apply for the scholarship |
| September–October 2026 | Submit UCAS application (UK UG). School nominates you for the Pearson Scholarship by October 10. Apply to U of T by October 17 | Pearson Scholarship - school nomination deadline October 10, student application deadline November 7 |
| October–November 2026 | Submit the Pearson Scholarship application by November 7. Apply for Think Big (Bristol), UBC International Scholars Program, Monash Merit Scholarship | Multiple scholarship deadlines fall in this window - track each separately |
| November–December 2026 | Apply for Edinburgh, Manchester, and Warwick merit scholarships. Submit remaining scholarship applications | UK university merit scholarships - most are automatic on admission, but some require separate applications |
| January–April 2027 | Receive scholarship decisions. Accept offers. Begin the visa application after receiving the CAS | Pearson's decisions come from the end of January 2027. UBC decisions follow. UK merit scholarship decisions come with offer letters |
A practical tip from students who have successfully secured scholarships: treat each scholarship application as a separate project with its own deadline, document checklist, and SOP. Do not reuse the same SOP across all applications - each scholarship has different values and selection criteria, and committees can tell when an essay is generic.
The most important insight for Indian students seeking scholarships to study abroad after 12th: the window is open right now, not after results. The MEXT Scholarship 2027 deadline is May 25, 2026 - 10 days away. Pearson and UBC nominations open in July 2026. Think Big, Monash, and UK university merit scholarships all require applications between September and November 2026. Fully funded options exist - 37 Pearson scholars are selected each year globally, up to 12 MEXT UG scholars from India, and the UBC International Scholars Program covers the full cost of attendance for students with demonstrated financial need. Build a portfolio of 8–12 applications across countries, start your SOP now, and speak to your school principal about nominations before July. The students who secure scholarships are not necessarily the most academically exceptional — they are the ones who started earliest and applied most strategically.
FAQs
Ques. Which is the best scholarship for Indian students to study abroad after 12th?
Ans. The best fully funded scholarship for Indian students after 12th is the MEXT Scholarship from the Japanese Government - it covers full tuition, a monthly stipend of ¥117,000 (approx. ₹68,800), and round-trip airfare. The deadline for the 2027 cycle is May 25, 2026, and it is open right now. For Canada, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto covers full tuition, books, and residence for 4 years — but requires school nomination by October 2026. For Australia, the Monash International Merit Scholarship offers AUD 15,000 per year (approx. ₹10.4 lakh) for students with strong Class 12 results. The best scholarship for you depends on your target country, academic profile, and financial situation.
Ques. Can I get a fully funded scholarship to study abroad after 12th from India?
Ans. Yes. Fully funded scholarships for Indian students after 12th are available but highly competitive. The MEXT Scholarship (Japan) covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, and airfare - up to 12 students from India are selected at the undergraduate level each year. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (University of Toronto) covers full tuition and residence for 4 years - 37 scholars are selected globally per year. The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award (UBC) covers the full cost of attendance for students with demonstrated financial need. All three require strong academics, a compelling application, and early preparation - most deadlines fall between October and November 2026 for September 2027 entry.
Ques. What is the MEXT Scholarship, and how can Indian students apply after 12th?
Ans. The MEXT Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Japanese Government for undergraduate study in Japan. It covers full tuition, a monthly stipend of ¥117,000 (approx. ₹68,800), and round-trip airfare. Indian students must have a minimum of 80% in Class 12 (or 80% in Class 10 with a school certificate if Class 12 results are not yet available), be an Indian citizen, and be born on or after April 2, 2002. The application deadline at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi for the 2027 cycle is May 25, 2026. Applications must be submitted by post, courier, or in person — email applications are not accepted. Download the application form from studyinjapan.go.jp and submit to the Embassy of Japan or the relevant Consulate General based on your state of residence.
Ques. How does the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship work for Indian students?
Ans. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for 4 years. It is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in Canada. To be eligible, you must be an international student in your final year of secondary school (or graduated no earlier than June 2026), and you must be nominated by your school — only one student per school can be nominated per year. The school nomination deadline for 2027 entry is October 2026, and the student application deadline is November 2026. You must also apply to the University of Toronto by October 17, 2026. Scholarship decisions are communicated from end of January 2027. Speak to your school principal or guidance counsellor now — nominations open in July 2026.
Ques. Are there scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK after 12th?
Ans. Yes. Several UK universities offer merit scholarships for international undergraduate students. The Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship at the University of Bristol offers £6,500 or £13,000 per year (approx. ₹84,200 or ₹1,68,400) for up to 4 years — applied for separately after receiving an offer from Bristol. The Global Excellence Scholarship at the University of Manchester offers £5,000 per year (approx. ₹64,750) with automatic consideration on admission. The International Excellence Scholarship at the University of Warwick and the International Undergraduate Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh both offer £5,000 per year with automatic consideration. These are partial scholarships — they reduce your tuition cost but do not cover full fees or living expenses.
Ques. What percentage is required in Class 12 to get a scholarship abroad?
Ans. The minimum percentage required varies by scholarship type. For merit-based scholarships like the Monash International Merit Scholarship, a minimum of 85% in Class 12 is typically required — though 90%+ gives a significantly better chance. For the MEXT Scholarship, a minimum of 80% in Class 12 is required. For need-based scholarships like the UBC International Scholars Program, there is no fixed percentage threshold - but you must demonstrate "superior academic achievement" (typically all As or equivalent) alongside significant financial need. For the Pearson Scholarship, there is no published minimum percentage - the selection is holistic, based on academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential. A student with 85% and exceptional extracurriculars can be competitive over a student with 95% and no other achievements.
Ques. Can I apply for scholarships abroad before my Class 12 results?
Ans. Yes — and for most scholarships, you must apply before your Class 12 results. The MEXT Scholarship specifically allows students who do not yet have Class 12 results to apply using Class 10 marks (80%+) with a school certificate confirming expected performance. The Pearson Scholarship requires you to be in your final year of secondary school — meaning you apply while still in Class 12. The UBC International Scholars Program requires you to apply while still in secondary school. University merit scholarships like Think Big and Monash require you to have applied to the university first, which can be done before results, using predicted grades. The key rule: do not wait for results to start scholarship research and applications.
Ques. What documents are needed to apply for scholarships to study abroad after 12th?
Ans. The standard documents required for most undergraduate scholarship applications are: Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (or predicted grades if results are not yet available), English proficiency test scorecard (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE), Statement of Purpose or personal essay, Letters of Recommendation from 2–3 teachers, valid passport, school nomination letter (for Pearson and UBC awards), and financial documents (bank statements, income tax returns — for need-based scholarships). The MEXT Scholarship additionally requires a Certificate of Health and a Recommendation Letter in the prescribed format available at studyinjapan.go.jp. Always check the specific document checklist on the official scholarship website before applying.
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