scholarships to study abroad for indian students after 12th

Top Scholarships to Study Abroad for Indian Students After 12th

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Written by: Sonali Deshmukh

Published on: 16 May, 2025

With over 10 years of experience, Sonali Kulkarni is recognized as one of the best in the education counselling industry. She specializes in helping students secure admissions in Ireland and the UK, offering clear, practical guidance throughout the process. Known for her straightforward approach, Sonali ensures every student receives honest advice and a well-defined pathway to success. Email: sonali@newstrides.co.in

Studying abroad in the UK after 12th is an exciting opportunity for Indian students, as it gives access to top-quality education and international exposure. However, affording the education expenses is a big financial hurdle for many. That is where scholarships to study abroad for Indian students after 12th come in. They provide priceless financial support that makes your study abroad dreams come true. There are many private and government scholarships for Indian students after 12th to study abroad. Continue reading to learn more about them.

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the UK For Graduation

The UK offers various international scholarships for Indian students after 12th. Here are the details:

1. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship

The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission provides this scholarship for abroad studies after 12th.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Indian citizens
  • Strong academic performance
  • English medium of education
  • Preliminary interview for selection

Expenses Covered: Full Tuition fees, living expenses, return airfare

Application Time: August (Deadlines typically range from October to December for September intake)

Field of Study: Engineering and Technology, Agriculture, Humanities and Social Sciences, Pure and Applied Science

2. Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship

This is another abroad scholarship for Indian students after 12th. It financially supports students who want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the UK. It is a merit-based scholarship that supports students to join a UK university.

Eligibility Criteria: 12th with good marks

Expenses Covered: Tuition fees from £3,000 to £7,000 for one year

Application Time: February 

Field of Study: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Integrated Master’s degree

3. Rhodes Scholarship

This scholarship after 12th to study abroad is open to five Indian students only willing to join Oxford University.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Indian citizenship
  • Passed 10th or 12th or a final year student of a bachelor’s degree program at an Indian University
  • Formal education in India for at least four out of the last ten years
  • 18 to 23 years of age
  • Secured first class in the last exam

Expenses Covered: Tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation charges

Application Time: September

Field of Study: Any full-time degree

4. GREAT Scholarships

UK Government (GREAT Britain Campaign) and British Council, in partnership with UK universities.

Eligibility Criteria

Requires strong academic records and English proficiency.

Minimum £10,000 (approx. INR 10.5 lakhs) towards tuition fees for one year. Some universities offer additional funding.

Apply through the university’s scholarship portal after securing an offer. Deadlines vary by institution (typically January–May for the September intake).

5. Chevening Scholarships

UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).

Eligibility Criteria:

Primarily for postgraduate students, but some undergraduate opportunities exist for exceptional candidates. Requires leadership potential, a strong academic background, and at least two years of work experience (volunteering or internships may count for undergraduates).

  • Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, economy-class return airfare, and additional allowances (e.g., thesis grant).
  • Apply online via the Chevening portal (applications typically open in August and close in November for the next academic year).
  • Requires essays, references, and an interview.

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Ireland For Graduation

Ireland welcomes you by offering several scholarships for Indian students to study abroad after 12th science, commerce or other streams. Here are a few scholarships to study in Ireland for Indian students.

1. Trinity College Dublin Undergraduate Scholarship 

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Applicants with non-EU status
  • Academic achievement
  • Allocations based on program and regional diversity

Expenses Covered: Fee waiver up to €5,000 for first year only

Application Time: March, May, June

Field of Study: Full-time undergraduate programmes at Trinity (except Medicine, Dentistry and Acting)

2. UCD Global Excellence Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria: Students accepted into UCD programs

Expenses Covered: 30% to 50% of annual tuition fee

Application Time: JanFeb

Field of Study: UCD programs

3. Dublin City University International Merit Scholarship- UG

Eligibility Criteria: International students with strong academic records

Expenses Covered: Fee waiver of up to €2,000 in the tuition fees for the first year of the UG program

Application Time: NA

Field of Study: Bachelor of Business Studies (Hons), BSc in Marketing, Innovation and Technology, BSc in Digital Business and Innovation, BSc in Aviation Management with Pilot Studies, among others

4. University of Galway Global Achievement Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Eligibility Criteria: International students with strong academic records

Expenses Covered: Fee waiver of up to €2,000 in the tuition fees for the first year of the UG program

Application Time: NA

Field of Study: Open to all UG programs

Why Study in the UK & Ireland After 12th?

Before applying for a scholarship for 12th-passed students to study abroad, let’s look at the benefits of studying in the UK and Ireland:

Benefits of Studying in the UK After 12th

Let’s look at the benefits of studying in the UK for Indian students after 12th grade:

  • Increasing Popularity: The Education Ministry reported that the UK saw a significant growth in the number of Indian students enrolling in UK universities for higher studies. The number rose from 36,612 in 2019 to 136,921 in 2023. The surge can be attributed to several factors, especially the country’s top-ranked universities and the Graduate Route Visa.
  • Globally Recognised Universities: Including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London
  • High-Quality Education: Academic excellence and strong infrastructure
  • Excellent Work Opportunities: Post-study work visa allows international students to gain work experience and build careers in the country.
  • Diverse Culture: Multi-cultural society offering a vibrant and rich experience to students.
  • Financial Support: Several grants and scholarships are available for studying abroad after 12th to support your education.
  • Access to Europe: Studying in the UK gives access to other European countries.
  • Health Benefits: International students in the UK can access the NHS for medical care.
  • Work While Studying: Indian students studying in the UK can easily find part-time jobs to cover their living expenses.

Benefits of Studying in Ireland After 12th

Let’s look at the benefits of studying in Ireland for Indian students:

  • Excellent Education: Ireland is home to some globally recognised universities, including Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD), and University College Cork.
  • Career Opportunities: The country is a hub of several multinational companies, offering diverse post-study work visa opportunities.
  • Affordability: Tuition fees and living expenses are generally lower in Ireland than in other countries.
  • Safe Environment: Irish colleges have a safe and welcoming atmosphere for Indian students.
  • Access to Global Corporations: Many multinational companies like Microsoft, Facebook, and Google have headquarters in Ireland, providing excellent job opportunities to the students.

Cost of Studying in the UK & Ireland For Graduation

UK Education Costs For Graduation

The cost to study abroad UK may vary from Rs 25 to Rs 40 Lakh annually. Here is a more detailed breakdown:

  • Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programs: Rs 13 to 30 Lakh
  • Accommodation: Rs 7 to 15 Lakh 
  • Other Living Expenses: Rs 5 to 15 Lakh

Ireland Education Costs For Graduation

The cost of studying in the UK may vary from Rs 8 to Rs 30 Lakh annually. Here is a more detailed breakdown:

  • Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programs: Rs 9 to 22 Lakh
  • Accommodation: Rs 5 to 9 Lakh 
  • Other Living Expenses: Rs 5 to 10 Lakh

While the living expenses cover books, food, utilities, and personal expenses, an international scholarship after 12th usually covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses. They provide great financial support to make studying abroad more affordable.

How to Apply for Scholarships? 

Follow these steps to apply for a scholarship for Indian students to study abroad after 12th:

  • Identify the scholarship that matches your criteria.
  • Gather the necessary documents.
  • Complete the application form and submit it.

Disclaimer: This is a common procedure. Check the exact application process for each scholarship.

Conclusion

Study in UK for Indian students after 12th offers excellent scholarship options. The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities. With the right research, preparation, and well-organised approach, you can finance your study abroad after 12th with a scholarship. NewStrides is committed to helping students navigate their study-abroad journey and find the best after 12th foreign scholarships.

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