Where Indian Students Can Study for Free in 2025: These countries offer full scholarships

There are several countries like Germany, Norway, and South Korea, that offer full or near-full scholarships aimed at attracting global talent.

The surge in international tuition fees especially in countries like the US, UK, and Australia, many Indian students and their families are seeking alternatives that manage quality education with financial sustainability. However, some of the world’s most reputable education systems now offer pathways for international students to study either tuition-free or on fully funded scholarships.

Study abroad: Know the countries that offer full scholarships that Indian students can consider. (Photo credit: Unsplash)

In 2025, several countries, including Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, and South Korea, are offering full or near-full scholarships aimed at attracting global talent.

These opportunities are backed by government-led and university-specific initiatives that reflect a broader commitment to internationalization and talent development. In addition to these national programs, many universities in the United States continue to offer graduate assistantships, positions where students support research or teaching in exchange for a monthly stipend and a full or partial tuition waiver.

While not offered by all institutions, research assistantships at select U.S. universities can significantly reduce costs, sometimes covering tuition entirely and providing a monthly stipend. These are typically available at the postgraduate level and are awarded to students with strong academic and research potential.

Germany: Education Without the Hefty Price Tag

Germany has long been a top destination for Indian students in STEM, engineering, and business fields. One of its most attractive features is the near-total absence of tuition fees at public universities for both domestic and international students. Even postgraduate programs often come at minimal cost.

In addition to its no-tuition policy, Germany offers highly competitive scholarships through the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst). The DAAD’s full scholarships for master’s programs cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, and are open to students with excellent academic records and relevant work experience.

Students aiming for a Fall 2026 intake should begin preparations by mid-2025 Most DAAD applications are accepted between August and October the year before the course starts, and require language proficiency, motivation letters, and academic references.

Norway: Free Education at Public Universities

Norway is among the few countries that offer tuition-free education at public institutions for all students, regardless of nationality. This includes both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. While living costs in Norway are relatively high (averaging around NOK 10,000–12,000 per month), the absence of tuition fees significantly reduces the financial burden.

Students interested in Norway should begin their applications by early January for Autumn semester intakes. Key eligibility criteria typically include academic transcripts, English proficiency (often IELTS or TOEFL), and sometimes specific subject-related prerequisites.

Norway's scholarship landscape is modest, but students can explore options like the Quota Scheme or apply for funding from individual universities or external bodies such as the SIU (Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education).

South Korea: GKS and the Rise of Asia-Focused Education

South Korea has emerged as a major education hub in Asia, blending innovation, high-quality research infrastructure, and globalised programs in English. Its Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is one of the most generous full scholarships available to Indian students today. Covering tuition, airfare, living expenses, and settlement allowances, GKS is offered to both undergraduates and graduates.

Applicants are evaluated on academic merit, leadership potential, and their commitment to contributing to international cooperation. The GKS typically opens in February (undergraduate) and September (graduate), with results declared within a few months.

South Korea particularly targets future-facing disciplines like AI, robotics, data science, international relations, and biotech—fields aligned with the country’s tech-centric growth model.

Netherlands: Erasmus+ and High-Quality English-Taught Programs

The Netherlands stands out for its high-quality, research-oriented education and a strong offering of English-taught programs. Though tuition at Dutch universities can be expensive for non-EU students (ranging between €6,000 and €15,000 per year), the Erasmus+ program offers substantial support.

Funded by the European Union, Erasmus+ allows students to study in multiple European countries while receiving full or partial scholarships. In the Netherlands, several universities also provide the NL Scholarship (Known as Holland Scholarship), targeting non-EU students and offering up to €5,000 for the first year.

Students considering Erasmus+ or the Holland Scholarship should begin identifying target programs by May–June of the preceding year and prepare application materials, including SOPs, CVs, and recommendation letters, well in advance.

Other Emerging Destinations: Finland, Czech Republic, and Taiwan

Many countries are also gaining attention for their generous scholarship offerings and globally relevant programs:

• Finland: Though it charges tuition for non-EU students, many Finnish universities offer Finland Government Scholarships (also known as Finland Scholarships) that cover both tuition and living expenses. These are awarded based on academic excellence and often come with internship or research assistant opportunities.

• Czech Republic: Offers tuition-free education in Czech-language programs at public universities. English-taught programs come with scholarships like MEYS or through university-specific funding.

• Taiwan: Through the Taiwan Scholarship Program, international students can receive funding that covers tuition, airfare, and a monthly stipend for various undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Application Strategies and Timelines

Earning a full scholarship isn’t just about academic scores, it’s about telling a compelling story. Most programs take a holistic view, looking beyond grades to consider a student’s motivation, leadership potential, extracurricular engagement, and clarity of vision for the future.

Here are key strategic steps for students aiming for 2025:

1. Research Early: Start exploring options by July 2025 to shortlist programs aligned with your academic and career goals.

2. Standardised Tests: Prepare for required exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE or GMAT by August–September.

3. Documentation: Compile academic transcripts, SOPs, letters of recommendation, and CVs by October.

4. Apply Widely: Don’t limit your applications to just one scholarship, program, or university. Applying to at least 3–5 well-matched options increases your chances of receiving funding and admission.

5. Stay Updated: Scholarship deadlines vary, and portals can close early. Bookmark official sites and subscribe to university newsletters.

Focus Areas: What Are These Scholarships Targeting?

These scholarships are not just acts of goodwill; they are strategic investments by countries aiming to attract future-ready global talent.

• Germany and the Netherlands focus on engineering, business, and sustainability.

• South Korea and Taiwan target ICT, biotech, and advanced research fields.

• Norway and Finland are looking at education, climate science, and innovation-driven disciplines.

Students aligning their career goals with the strategic priorities of these nations stand a better chance at securing funding.

Many Indian students assume that studying abroad is out of reach without personal or family wealth. But with growing scholarship opportunities, part-time work rights in most countries (usually 20 hours per week), and access to education loans tailored for international study, the reality is far more nuanced than it once seemed. Another common misconception is that free education implies compromised quality. On the contrary, countries like Germany and Norway consistently rank among the world’s top education systems, precisely because they are publicly funded and research driven.

Moreover, several scholarships also cover living expenses, insurance, and travel, eliminating almost all financial barriers for the most eligible candidates.

The global education landscape is changing. Indian students are no longer confined to conventional destinations or expensive courses. With the right strategy and awareness, it is entirely possible to access world-class education for little to no cost.

In 2025, as higher education grows more competitive, it’s not just about where you study, but how strategically you prepare. Countries that offer full scholarships are not just offering financial relief, they are extending an invitation to become part of global innovation, research, and change-making.

(Abhijit Zaveri is the Founder and Director of Career Mosaic. The views expressed are personal.)