If you’re passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and pursuing a degree in any of these fields, there are numerous scholarships for college students in STEM—both in India and abroad—that can help you turn your dreams into reality.
With industries increasingly relying on STEM graduates, several organizations now offer fully or partially funded STEM scholarships to support innovation and research.
Here’s a complete list of the top STEM scholarships for college students in 2025–26, from prestigious names like Reliance Foundation, Rishihood University, DAAD, MPOWER, Gates Foundation, and more.
🧪 1. Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships – STEM Focus
- Eligibility:
- 1st-year UG students in STEM streams
- 80%+ in Class 12 or top 10,000 rank in national entrance exams
- Award: ₹2–4 lakh over duration of UG program
- Extras: Mentorship, career guidance, and networking
- Apply At: scholarships.reliancefoundation.org
- Deadline: September 2025 (tentative)
This is one of the most popular STEM scholarships for Indian college students, especially in tech and applied sciences.
🤖 2. Rishihood AI Scholarship (India’s 1st AI UG Program)
- Eligibility:
- Indian students applying to UG programs in Artificial Intelligence at Rishihood University
- Excellent academic background and aptitude for AI
- Award: Up to 100% tuition waiver
- Includes: Research labs access, industry mentorship
- Apply At: rishihood.edu.in
This futuristic scholarship promotes AI-driven innovation and entrepreneurship at the UG level.
🇩🇪 3. DAAD-WISE Scholarship (Germany)
- Eligibility:
- Indian students pursuing UG in STEM from Indian institutions
- Planning research internship at a German university
- Award: Monthly stipend + travel + health insurance
- Apply Via: daad.in
- Deadline: October–November 2025 (for Summer 2026 intake)
DAAD-WISE is ideal for students aiming for international STEM research experience in Germany.
🌐 4. MPOWER Global Citizen STEM Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- International students (including Indians) enrolled in STEM degree programs in the U.S. or Canada
- No need for U.S. citizenship or co-signer
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Apply At: mpowerfinancing.com
- Deadline: Varies (multiple rounds per year)
A key international STEM scholarship for Indian students studying abroad, with a focus on social impact and innovation.
🎓 5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship – STEM Preference
- Eligibility:
- Indian and international students applying for PG (M.Phil, Ph.D.) at the University of Cambridge
- Academic excellence and leadership required
- Award: Full tuition, stipend, airfare, and research grants
- Apply At: gatescambridge.org
- Deadline: September–October 2025
Though open to all disciplines, STEM and tech applicants often dominate due to strong research potential.
🔬 6. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships – STEM Fields
- Eligibility:
- Indian UG degree holders applying for a U.S. master’s program in STEM
- 3+ years of work or research experience preferred
- Award: Full tuition, J-1 visa support, airfare, living stipend
- Apply At: usief.org.in
- Deadline: May 2025 (already passed for 2025–26, apply next cycle)
A prestigious U.S.-India bilateral scholarship supporting leaders in STEM.
⚙️ 7. Google Generation Scholarship (Women in STEM)
- Eligibility:
- Female UG students enrolled in CS, IT, or STEM-related programs
- Demonstrated leadership and tech interest
- Award: $1,000 and mentorship support
- Apply At: buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com
- Deadline: Typically opens in early 2026 for next academic year
Supports the next generation of female tech leaders in India and APAC.
🧑🏫 8. JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education (STEM Friendly)
- Eligibility: Indian students pursuing PG abroad in STEM/Tech
- Award: ₹1–10 lakh loan scholarship (partially repayable)
- Apply At: jntataendowment.org
- Deadline: March 2026 (for 2026 intake)
Though not STEM-exclusive, the endowment frequently supports STEM students heading to top universities worldwide.
📖 Why Scholarships for STEM Matter
- STEM fields drive innovation, healthcare, sustainability, and technology.
- Tuition costs for tech and medical courses are higher than average, making scholarships essential.
- Global demand for STEM graduates is rising; scholarships build a pipeline of skilled professionals.
🧾 Common Documents Required
- Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, UG/PG as applicable)
- Admission/offer letter (for international scholarships)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Essays
- Recommendation Letters
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar/Passport)
- Income certificate (for need-based awards)
✅ Final Thoughts
STEM is the future, and now is the best time to take advantage of the top STEM scholarships for college students in India and abroad. Whether you’re a school topper eyeing a tech degree, a UG student pursuing AI, or a researcher heading to Cambridge—there’s a scholarship tailored for you in 2025–26.
Apply early, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to dream big—these STEM scholarships can open doors to prestigious universities, internships, and careers in top companies.
