Can an international scholarship change your life? These Indian Business students say ‘yes’

Stepping onto a university campus for the first time is a significant moment for any student. The courses they study, the friends they make and the locales they choose to do this in will intrinsically shape the rest of their lives.

However, the unavoidable reality for many applicants is that, all too often costs can become a barrier to accessing the programmes they really wish to explore. Domestically, the costs can be steep. Internationally, even more so.

Thankfully, for many institutions, student value goes beyond fees. Their intellect, along with the experiences they’ve had, the industries they’ve worked in, the world views they hold and ambitions they nurture can all be highly beneficial when it comes to creating a rich classroom learning experience. So, in ensuring they can create the best cohorts, many provide scholarships to ease that financial burden. 

For Indian students pursuing business education abroad, 2026 looks set to provide a wealth of such opportunities.

And those opportunities extend beyond the typical US route. A review lists nearly 30 global funding options in Europe alone for applicants keen to test their mettle and expand their skills in a new environment. 

One student putting such environments to the test is Anaya More. Receiving the NTU Excellence Scholarship provided the means for her to enrol at Nottingham Business School and experience not only a robust Bachelors in Business Management and Accounting and Finance programme but an entirely new culture.

“I’ve always wanted to experience a diverse learning environment and challenge myself beyond my comfort zone,” Anaya shares. “The UK was particularly appealing because of its reputation for quality education in business and finance, as well as its multicultural atmosphere and opportunities for global networking.” By researching UK-based schools she found not only the programme she was looking for, but the financial support to help make her dreams a reality.

With the scholarship easing the financial burden, Anaya could focus better on her studies and extracurriculars. “It encouraged me to take on new opportunities, such as being a Student Ambassador and Mentor, which helped me develop leadership and communication skills.” she says. 

Anaya’s post-study ambitions lie in international finance, business and sustainability. Gaining perspectives only made possible through international study has helped make this ambition more attainable. “It has taught me independence, adaptability, and the importance of collaboration in an international environment,” she says. “I’ve also developed strong global connections and learned how to approach challenges with an open mind.”

It’s a sentiment that fellow scholarship recipient Arya Swapnil Naik shares. With an ambition to work within the luxury and beauty sectors she took the brave step to enrol on a two-year MSc Marketing programme at NEOMA Business School in France. 

“Initially, I didn’t plan to study abroad. But as I explored more about global opportunities, I realised how much international exposure could shape my career and broaden my outlook,” Arya reflects. 

France became her top choice, due to its leadership in the luxury, fashion, and beauty industries, and NEOMA; an institution known for its excellence in marketing and brand management, and with solid industry connections seemed to be the perfect fit. But costs were also a major factor in Arya’s decision.

“I found out about the Legrand Empowerment Scholarship through the Campus France website while researching study options in France,” she says. “The scholarship’s mission to support Indian students in accessing quality international education immediately resonated with me. I applied through the official portal, submitting essays, academic documents, and personal statements that reflected my motivation and long-term goals.”

The scholarship provided more than financial support. “It has motivated me to excel academically and represent Indian students positively in an international environment,” she shares.

But scholarships don’t have to come at the expense of leaving home entirely. Yashika Shukla has the best of both worlds – studying a PhD in Management at the Indian Institute of Management Indore, comes with access to supported study at the Global School in Empirical Research Methods at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, via the Global Business School Network scholarship.

“I always wanted to gain international academic exposure, but there were challenges such as limited financial resources and a lack of information, which initially made it difficult,” she says. It was in joining IIM Indore that she discovered the means to make her dreams possible.

“Securing the scholarship was definitely essential for me,” Yashika remarks, noting both the quality and the cost of the programmes.  Her funding covered tuition fees and accommodation at St. Gallen for the duration of two PhD-level courses.

IIM Indore supported Yashika’s academic explorations further by helping her to travel. “Whenever it comes to learning and career growth, my institution is always very supportive. IIM Indore provides doctoral student exchange fellowships and travel grants, which made this international academic experience possible,” she shares.

Yashika received top marks and was able to expand her plans for her future career in academia, thanks to her international exposure. “I met with many scholars from around the globe, and these casual interactions provided me with the opportunity to exchange opinions and discuss our research work, which made me more aware of global trends and helped shape my research.”

Clearly, for all three students, an international study experience has not just changed their careers, but their lives too – scholarships providing the launchpad to make it possible. Where will your studies take you in 2026?

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