Why scholarships are growing in Indian international schools

India’s big cities – Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and others – now host many IB, Cambridge and international schools with fees far higher than most local schools. To attract strong students and broaden access, more schools are offering scholarships and bursaries.

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1. Scholarship types you’ll commonly see

• Academic merit scholarships for top performance in ICSE/CBSE/IGCSE or internal scholarship tests.
• IB Diploma / A Level scholarships for students entering Grades 11–12.
• Co‑curricular and leadership scholarships for excellence in sport, music, arts or community service.
• Need‑aware bursaries for families who cannot sustain full international fees.

Examples of Indian schools with scholarship programmes

Delhi NCR:

• The British School, New Delhi

  • Academic scholarships: Typically 15–50% of tuition, with higher percentages for exceptional IGCSE/A Level results (e.g. 8+ A*s at IGCSE). IB/A Level scholarships can provide 25–70% fee reduction for outstanding candidates entering Grades 11–12.
  • Talent scholarships: Sports and arts scholarships usually 10–25% depending on level (e.g. national representation).
  • Bursaries: Needs‑based bursaries can provide partial to substantial support (often 20–60%) after confidential financial assessment.
  • Other: Also offers sibling discounts (typically 5–10% per additional child).
  • Eligibility: Academic scholarships typically require mostly A/A* grades at IGCSE or equivalent, plus strong performance in scholarship tests. Competition is very strong; typically top 5–10% of applicants receive awards.
  • Deadlines: Scholarship applications typically due December–February for the following academic year.
  • Renewal: Reviewed annually; renewal requires mostly A/A* grades and good conduct. Students must maintain top 20% academic performance.

• American Embassy School, New Delhi

  • Academic scholarships: Academic excellence awards often 25–40% fee reduction. Senior‑school scholarships sometimes 30–60% for top performers.
  • Bursaries: Typically 10–40% based on demonstrated need.
  • Eligibility: Require outstanding academic record and performance in entrance/scholarship assessments. Limited places available per year group.
  • Deadlines: Applications usually close November–January.
  • Renewal: Typically annual, renewed if student maintains minimum B+ average across all subjects.

• Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS), Mumbai

  • Academic scholarships: Merit scholarships usually 15–40% coverage. IB scholarships typically 25–60% for strong applicants.
  • Eligibility: Awarded to high‑achieving students with strong references and test performance. Competition is intense at this premium school.
  • Deadlines: Scholarship deadlines often December–February.
  • Renewal: Renewed if student maintains good academic standing (typically B+ average or higher).

Bangalore:

• Canadian International School Bangalore – Academic excellence scholarships can range from 10–40%, with top performers potentially receiving higher percentages. Music and sports scholarships typically 10–30%. Applications typically December–February.
• Indus International School Bangalore – Merit scholarships typically 15–35% of tuition. Applications often November–January.
• Stonehill International School Bangalore – Academic scholarships typically 10–30% fee reduction.

Hyderabad:

• Oakridge International School Hyderabad – Academic scholarships available, typically 10–35% coverage.
• Chirec International School – Merit scholarships, usually 10–30% fee reduction.

Chennai:

• American International School Chennai – Academic scholarships typically 10–40% coverage.
• Chettinad Hari Shree Vidyalayam – Merit scholarships available, usually 10–30% fee reduction.

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2. Typical percentage of fees covered

Based on the schools listed above, typical coverage ranges are:

• Academic scholarships: 10–50% of tuition, with higher percentages (up to 70%) for exceptional IB/A Level candidates.
• Talent/sporting scholarships: 10–30% depending on level of achievement (e.g. national representation).
• Bursaries: 10–60% based on financial need, with substantial support possible after confidential assessment.

Full 100% awards are rare, usually tied to specific charitable or foundation programmes.

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3. Eligibility, odds and what schools look for

Schools in India typically assess:

• Consistent high grades across several years, not just one exam.
• Entrance test scores and English proficiency where required.
• Evidence of character, leadership and contribution to school life.
• Genuine financial need for bursary applications.
• For sporting/talent scholarships: evidence of high‑level performance (competition results, portfolios, graded exams, coach references).

Competition levels:

• Premium schools like The British School and Dhirubhai Ambani International School receive many applications; typically only top 5–10% of applicants receive academic awards (see school examples above for specific requirements).
• Bursaries are competitive and require demonstrated financial need.
• Sporting scholarships are limited and often require national‑level representation or equivalent achievement.

Because many families are competing for a limited pot, scholarships should be viewed as competitive bonuses, not guarantees.

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4. Application process and timelines

Application deadlines (see school details above for specific dates; always verify on school websites):

Most Indian schools run scholarship cycles November–February for the following academic year, with some extending into March–April for July/August or April starts.

Application process:

1. Shortlist schools and review their scholarship/bursary policies (see examples above).
2. Collect report cards, board exam results, certificates and references. For sporting scholarships, include competition results, videos, coach references, or portfolios.
3. Complete scholarship forms and submit before deadlines (often in January–April for July/August or April starts).
4. Sit entrance/scholarship tests and attend interviews or auditions.

Some schools prioritise existing students, while others reserve a portion of scholarships for new applicants.

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5. Duration, renewal and key fine print

Typical renewal conditions (see school details above for specific requirements):

• Awards are typically granted for one academic year or a specific key stage (e.g. Grades 9–12).
• Renewal typically depends on maintaining minimum grade averages (often B+ or higher, or mostly A/A* grades), meeting behaviour expectations, and continued financial need (for bursaries).
• Some schools review scholarships annually and can increase/decrease the percentage.

Always read the terms around exam performance, subject choices and withdrawal.

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How Tutopiya helps Indian families

Tutopiya supports students across India by:

• Providing expert online tutoring for IGCSE, A Levels, IB and Indian boards, helping students reach scholarship‑level grades.
• Offering guidance (from an academic perspective) on subject selection and readiness for IB/A Level years.
• Helping families connect international‑school scholarships with later university scholarship routes in India, the UK, Australia and elsewhere.

If you’re aiming for an international school scholarship in India’s major cities, Tutopiya can help your child strengthen the academic profile that schools are actively looking for.