It’s that time of the year again when students are looking at opportunities for higher education. Courses in foreign universities are the most appealing in terms of the quality and range of courses offered, but the mounting tuition fees and living expenses remain a factor that plays a prominent part in dissuading many from applying to universities abroad. For many such students, scholarships of various kinds could help in bringing down the exorbitant costs and thus, making sure that the courses they would like to study remain within their reach. While some scholarships are offered by international consortiums and institutions, there are others which are offered by private organisations in India.
K.C. Mahindra Education Trust
The trust has tirelessly worked towards the mission of making higher education an affordable dream since its inception way back in the 1950s. There are specific scholarships serving different purposes. While there is the scholarship for those wanting to pursue post-graduation in universities abroad with a maximum sum of Rs 8 lac per scholar on offer, there are other scholarships being offered by the trust which are aimed at empowering students from disadvantaged communities. For more information on the same, one could visit the official website of the trust – kcmet.org.
R.D. Sethna Scholarship Fund
The scholarship was started in the memory of Mr R.D. Sethna who was known for his philanthropy which focused primarily on empowering deserving individuals by assisting their higher education. The R.D. Scholarship Fund offers only loan scholarships to students looking to pursue scientific, technical, industrial or commercial studies in India or abroad. The sum awarded shall be paid back at minimal interest rates. Applications are open till May 31 every year. Detailed processes have been explained on the website of the trust.
J.N. Tata Endowment
This is a one-time loan scholarship ranging anywhere from 1 to 10 lakhs for students who have graduated from recognised Indian universities and are looking to pursue their post-graduation, PhD, Post-doctorate and research fellowships in all fields abroad. Apart from the scholarship sum, students also stand to benefit from the gift scholarships and travel allowances which may be awarded to selected candidates from allied trusts. Detailed scrutiny of applications is followed by an online test which in turn is followed by an interview, clearing which, the candidate is offered the scholarship. More details are available here.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes are easily the most alluring of all scholarships on offer for the candidate who is a beneficiary of the scholarship gets to complete a master’s level study program from at least two European countries, studying in some of the best universities in the world in a range of disciplines. The scholarship is awarded by a consortium of European universities for 200 masters programs. You can find more information here.
Chevening Scholarship
This is the UK government’s global scholarship program for candidates looking to pursue one-year long master’s level studies in a range of disciplines from any university in the UK. These are fully funded scholarships. Apart from the scholarships, there are also, the Chevening fellowships for mid-career professionals who have showcased a zeal for excellence in their professional careers. More information regarding the same can be obtained here.