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For LGBTQIA+ students, especially from India, who are thinking about a degree somewhere safer. Scholarships, how countries compare, what to ask before you go, and where to get help. Everything here was read on an official page, and we say so when we could not.

Read this first. Deadlines, rules and visa law change often. Everything below was checked on 23 October 2026. Open the official link before you decide anything, and treat this page as a map, not as advice from a lawyer or an adviser.

  • Very few scholarships are made for LGBTQ+ students from India. Most are for people already living in the US, UK or Australia. The real money is in general scholarships, and they do not ask about orientation.
  • You never have to share your orientation to get a place or a general scholarship. Write about it only if you want to.
  • Law is only part of safety. A strong score on a map does not mean every street is friendly. Look for a campus LGBTQ+ office or student group before you apply, and write to them.
  • Check partner rules first if you are in a relationship. On many courses a partner cannot join you, and the rules just changed in Australia.
  • Trans students: the rules in the US and the UK moved in 2025. Read each university's policy before you commit.

Scholarships made for LGBTQ+ students

Scholarships made for LGBTQ+ students

Awards made for LGBTQ+ students are few. Most are for people who already live or study in the US, UK or Australia, and many are closed right now. These are the ones we could confirm. Where an award is not open to Indian students, we say so.

Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships through the Commonwealth Equality Network

United Kingdom · Closed now

Who it is for
People who work with or within LGBTI+ communities in low and middle income Commonwealth countries. You must be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country. You must show need and explain how your study will support LGBTI+ rights. India is on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's Master's country list.
What you get
Full UK tuition fees, return airfare, a monthly living stipend and other study costs. The page names no amounts.
Good to know
The 2027 round has closed. It asks you to write about your LGBTI+ work, so think about privacy and safety first.

commonwealthequality.org · read 23 October 2026

Inclusive Leaders Scholarship, Imperial College Business School

United Kingdom · Open for 2027-28

Who it is for
Outstanding LGBTQ+ leaders and advocates for diversity in business. New students on the Executive MBA, Weekend MBA or Global Online MBA. Home and overseas fee status are both listed.
What you get
Up to 30% of tuition for the Executive and Weekend MBA, and up to 40% for the Global Online MBA starting September 2027.
Good to know
These are MBA routes for people with work experience, not for first degrees or most Master's courses. Imperial also lists a Reaching Out MBA fellowship (below).

imperial.ac.uk · read 23 October 2026

Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowship, Imperial College Business School

United Kingdom · Open for 2027-28

Who it is for
New students on the Full-Time MBA who have led in the LGBTQ+ community. Professional references are needed. Home and overseas fee status are both listed.
What you get
Up to 50% of tuition fees for 2027/28, a leadership retreat with a travel stipend to North America in summer 2027, and free ROMBA event registration.
Good to know
Open to overseas students. The page shows no deadline, so ask the school.

imperial.ac.uk · read 23 October 2026

Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowship network

International (many business schools) · Check each school

Who it is for
LGBTQ+ MBA students at partner business schools.
What you get
A school-dependent scholarship, a retreat for incoming fellows, a conference pass and networking. The amount depends on the school.
Good to know
Check each school's own page for nationality rules and money.

reachingoutmba.org · read 23 October 2026

Out in Business MBA/MiF Scholarship, London Business School

United Kingdom · Check the site

Who it is for
People admitted to the MBA or Masters in Finance. The page says all admits can apply, whatever their orientation or gender identity. Preference goes to people whose goals help raise the profile of LGBTQ+ people in business.
What you get
Up to £15,000 off tuition fees. The page says multiple awards.
Good to know
You are expected to lead Out in Business activities at the school. The page does not mention nationality. A smaller EUROUT award (about 30% of fees, one award) is on a separate page.

london.edu · read 23 October 2026

EUROUT Scholarship, London Business School

United Kingdom · Check the site

Who it is for
Admits to the MBA, Masters in Management, Global Masters in Management, Masters in Analytics and Management, or Masters in Financial Analysis who will take part in LGBTQ+ equality work.
What you get
About 30% of fees. One award.
Good to know
The recipient is expected to help with the annual EUROUT Conference.

london.edu · read 23 October 2026

Somewhere MBA LGBTQ+ Scholarship, University of Edinburgh Business School

United Kingdom · Closed now

Who it is for
People holding an offer for the Full-time MBA who show commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and have strong grades. Not open if you are fully sponsored by an employer or hold a full scholarship.
What you get
£10,000 towards tuition, plus mentoring from Somewhere.
Good to know
Closed on the page we read. Ask the school when it reopens.

business-school.ed.ac.uk · read 23 October 2026

David N. Lyon Scholarship in LGBTQ+ Rights, Oriel College, Oxford

United Kingdom · Check the site

Who it is for
Applicants for a DPhil at Oxford with a research proposal on LGBTQ+ rights, in any subject. Preference for UK/Home fee status, but overseas candidates can be considered.
What you get
Course fees at the UK/Home rate, and a yearly living stipend of no less than £21,805 for up to 3 years.
Good to know
Overseas applicants are only 'considered', so it is a long shot for Indian students. The research topic must be LGBTQ+ rights.

oriel.ox.ac.uk · read 23 October 2026

UniSC LGBTIQA+ Bursary, University of the Sunshine Coast

Australia · Closed now

Who it is for
Current undergraduate and postgraduate students at UniSC who identify as LGBTIQA+, with a GPA of at least 5.0. International students are listed as eligible.
What you get
A$1,500. Two awards.
Good to know
You must already be enrolled, so it helps once you are there. It is small.

unisc.edu.au · read 23 October 2026

Alumni Pride Scholarship, University of Queensland

Australia · Opens December 2026

Who it is for
LGBTQIA+ students who show financial hardship and commitment to LGBTQIA+ communities. Domestic and international students are listed. Undergraduate, Honours and postgraduate coursework.
What you get
$4,500, one award. It is limited to the yearly income of the fund.
Good to know
One award a year, so very competitive. You must give evidence of hardship and of your identity and commitment.

scholarships.uq.edu.au · read 23 October 2026

Flagship Scholarship, Point Foundation

United States · Closing soon

Who it is for
LGBTQ+ students and allies in a full-time degree at an accredited, not-for-profit US college or university. GPA of at least 3.3. The page does not state any rule on citizenship. Ask applications@pointfoundation.org.
What you get
Up to $15,000. Support for up to four years starting fall 2027.
Good to know
Only for study in the US. It is closing in under a month, so check the date at once if you already have a US place.

pointfoundation.org · read 23 October 2026

Access Scholarship, Point Foundation

United States · Closed now

Who it is for
LGBTQ+ students and allies who are first in the family at university or from low income homes. Half-time or more at a US not-for-profit college. GPA of at least 2.0.
What you get
$1,500 for a single term.
Good to know
Closed. Citizenship is not stated on the page.

pointfoundation.org · read 23 October 2026

Pride Foundation Scholarships

United States · Not for people living in India

Who it is for
LGBTQ+ or questioning students who live in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington. They may study elsewhere. Citizenship is not checked.
What you get
More than 60 scholarship funds with one application. The money is paid to your school. It can cover tuition, fees, on-campus room and board, study abroad programmes and books.
Good to know
Not open to someone living in India, because you must be a resident of one of those five states.

pridefoundation.org · read 23 October 2026

Stonewall Community Foundation scholarships

United States · Closed now

Who it is for
LGBTQ+ people. There is one shared application, and each fund has its own rules. For example, the Aritzia fund needs you to be enrolled in the US, and the Fred Ohm fund is for LGBTQ+ immigrants studying in New York State.
What you get
One-time awards of $5,000 are shown on the funds we read.
Good to know
Most funds need a US school. We did not check each fund for international students.

stonewallfoundation.org · read 23 October 2026

National Rainbow College Fund

United States · Closed now

Who it is for
California residents who plan to study at a US college. Needs FAFSA or similar.
What you get
Not stated here.
Good to know
Not open to students from India. Listed so you do not waste time.

rainbowcollegefund.org · read 23 October 2026

Wandering With Pride study abroad scholarships

United States · Not for Indian citizens

Who it is for
LGBTQ+ students at US colleges. The first group needs US citizenship or permanent residency.
What you get
Up to $20,000 for study abroad.
Good to know
Not open to Indian citizens in the first group. A new group, with first awards in 2027.

wanderingwithpride.org · read 23 October 2026

General scholarships open to Indian students

General scholarships open to Indian students

This is where most of the real money is. These scholarships are open to anyone who qualifies and are not LGBTQ+ awards. Chevening says in writing that orientation does not matter. On the other pages we read, we found no question about orientation.

Chevening Scholarships

United Kingdom · Closed this round

Who it is for
Citizens of eligible countries, including India. Master's level, one year. You need an undergraduate degree, at least two years of work experience (2,800 hours), and a plan to return home for two years after.
What you get
A one-year master's in the UK. The official page calls the awards fully funded.
Good to know
Chevening says plainly that sexual orientation does not matter in selection. Nothing in the process asks about it.

chevening.org · read 23 October 2026

Commonwealth Master's Scholarships

United Kingdom · Closed this round

Who it is for
Citizens of eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries. India is on the list. Full-time taught Master's at a UK university. Aimed at people who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. The page calls it an 'agency-nominated' programme, so check your country's nominating agency.
What you get
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The page has a 'Financial assistance' section. We did not copy amounts.
Good to know
Closed for this year. The general scheme does not ask about orientation in anything we read. A separate LGBTI+ nominated route is listed above.

cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk · read 23 October 2026

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

United States · Closed this round

Who it is for
Indian citizens registered for a PhD at an Indian institution. For six to nine months of research in the US. This is not a degree abroad.
What you get
J-1 visa support, a monthly stipend, health cover, round-trip air travel and allowances. No allowances for dependents.
Good to know
Only for people already doing a PhD in India.

usief.org.in · read 23 October 2026

DAAD scholarships for study in Germany (DAAD India page)

Germany · Check each call

Who it is for
The DAAD India page lists many schemes for Master's, PhD and research. Examples are EPOS for graduates from developing countries with 2 years of work (funding 12 to 40 months) and the Helmut Schmidt Programme for public policy (12 to 42 months). Check each call for India and your subject.
What you get
Varies by scheme. Some, like the architecture and arts awards, list a monthly stipend, travel allowance and insurance.
Good to know
We did not confirm India is on each country list. Read each call.

daad.in · read 23 October 2026

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Europe · Open

Who it is for
Students from all over the world with a bachelor's degree (or in their last year). Study at several universities in Europe and beyond for 1 to 2 years.
What you get
Full scholarships are offered by the programmes to the best-ranked students worldwide. They cover participation costs, travel and a living allowance.
Good to know
Each master's sets its own rules.

erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu · read 23 October 2026

NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship)

Netherlands · Check each university

Who it is for
Students from outside the European Economic Area, so including India. Full-time bachelor's or master's at a participating Dutch university. You must not already hold a degree from a Dutch institution.
What you get
€5,000, paid in the first year. The page says it is not a full-tuition scholarship.
Good to know
Small, and not a full-tuition award.

studyinnl.org · read 23 October 2026

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

United Kingdom · Open

Who it is for
Citizens of any country outside the UK, including India, for a PhD, MLitt or most one-year full-time postgraduate courses at Cambridge. Not for undergraduates or MBA.
What you get
A full scholarship. We did not copy the amounts from the page.
Good to know
The programme looks for people with potential for social leadership. We saw no question about orientation on the pages we read.

gatescambridge.org · read 23 October 2026

Rhodes Scholarship

United Kingdom · Closed now

Who it is for
Postgraduate study at Oxford. India has a constituency with 5 scholarships a year.
What you get
Course fees and a stipend. The Rhodes page states a stipend of £20,400 a year for 2025-26.
Good to know
Closed for now.

rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk · read 23 October 2026

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

France · Open

Who it is for
The programme encourages foreign applicants up to age 29 at master's level and up to 35 at PhD level. Only French higher education institutions can submit applications. You cannot apply on your own.
What you get
Not copied here. See the programme rules on the page.
Good to know
Ask the French university you want to join if it will nominate you.

campusfrance.org · read 23 October 2026

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

United States · Closed this round

Who it is for
Graduate students at Stanford. The programme encourages citizens and residents of all countries to apply. It has no quotas by region.
What you get
Up to three years of financial support for graduate study.
Good to know
You must also apply to a Stanford graduate programme.

knight-hennessy.stanford.edu · read 23 October 2026

Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships

India to UK, Europe, United States · Closed now

Who it is for
Indian passport holders living in India, born on or after 1 January 1996, with a degree from a recognised Indian university and a place already offered. Minimum grades are set by subject.
What you get
Up to USD 120,000 covering tuition, living costs, one-way travel, visa and health costs.
Good to know
Made for Indian students. Needs a prior admission offer at the time of applying.

inlaksfoundation.org · read 23 October 2026

Felix Scholarship

United Kingdom · Check the site

Who it is for
Indian nationals (and some others) with at least a first class bachelor's from a recognised university, with financial need. For Oxford, Reading or SOAS.
What you get
Not stated on the page we read.
Good to know
Needs both top grades and financial need.

felixscholarship.org · read 23 October 2026

Cambridge Trust scholarships

United Kingdom · Check the site

Who it is for
Students at undergraduate, Master's and PhD levels. The site has a nationality filter and lists India.
What you get
Full-cost and part-cost scholarships.
Good to know
Rules differ for each award.

cambridgetrust.org · read 23 October 2026

Applying

Applying: what you do not have to share

You never have to share your orientation to get a place or a general scholarship. If you choose to write about LGBTQ+ community work, treat it as one example of leadership. Your safety and privacy come first.

Chevening: orientation does not matter

United Kingdom

Who it is for
Chevening applicants.
What it says
Chevening says gender, sexual orientation, religion, caste, class and other attributes do not matter to its selection.
Good to know
If you choose to write about LGBTQ+ community work, it is your choice. The scholarship will judge your leadership and plan.

chevening.org · read 23 October 2026

UCAS: sharing sexual orientation is up to you

United Kingdom

Who it is for
Undergraduate applicants to UK universities.
What it says
UCAS says it is up to you if you give details about sexual orientation or being transgender. The information goes to universities after you have secured your place or at the end of the cycle. A school or college you link your application to cannot see your answers on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Good to know
This is for monitoring. UCAS also says you do not need to answer the diversity questions to submit your application.

ucas.com · read 23 October 2026

UCAS: you do not need to answer the diversity questions

United Kingdom

Who it is for
Undergraduate applicants.
What it says
The 'Diversity and inclusion' section asks about ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation and more. You can leave it blank.
Good to know
From the 2027 cycle UCAS also asks for biological sex as on your birth certificate, with 'prefer not to say' offered, plus a separate gender identity question.

ucas.com · read 23 October 2026

UCAS: you decide what goes in the personal statement

United Kingdom

Who it is for
Applicants who have a sensitive background.
What it says
UCAS says you do not have to mention your circumstances in your personal statement if you do not want to. It adds that you may want to use it to describe skills you have built.
Good to know
This FAQ is about refugee and asylum circumstances. The same choice is yours for identity topics, but UCAS does not say so in these words.

ucas.com · read 23 October 2026

UCAS: gender identity and biological sex questions

United Kingdom

Who it is for
Trans and non-binary applicants.
What it says
UCAS offers 'man', 'woman', 'I use another term' and 'I prefer not to say' for gender identity. It also asks for biological sex as on the birth certificate, with 'Prefer not to say'.
Good to know
UCAS says the sex question is for equality monitoring and reporting only.

ucas.com · read 23 October 2026

Example: leadership in the LGBTQ+ community (Imperial ROMBA fellowship)

United Kingdom

Who it is for
Full-time MBA applicants.
What it says
The school looks for a track record of leadership in the LGBTQ+ community and commitment to equality in business.
Good to know
This shows that if a scholarship is about identity, the application may ask you to talk about it. You can skip such scholarships.

imperial.ac.uk · read 23 October 2026

London Business School: all admits can apply, whatever their orientation

United Kingdom

Who it is for
MBA and Masters in Finance admits.
What it says
The school says all admits are eligible for the Out in Business scholarship regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Good to know
Preference goes to people whose goals help raise the profile of LGBTQ+ people in business.

london.edu · read 23 October 2026

How to find student-run LGBTQIA+ groups: Australia

Australia

Who it is for
Students going to Australia.
What it says
The page suggests joining student organisations. It says many education providers have LGBTQIA+ student societies or diversity clubs.
Good to know
Do this before you apply so you can write to a society and ask what it is like.

studyaustralia.gov.au · read 23 October 2026

How to find student-run LGBTQ+ groups: UK

United Kingdom

Who it is for
Students going to the UK.
What it says
A UCAS student blog says many UK universities have societies, including a group for LGBT students.
Good to know
A student's view, not an official promise.

ucas.com · read 23 October 2026

Which countries are safer and more protective

Which countries are safer and more protective

No ranking tells you how safe you will feel on an ordinary Tuesday. Law is one part. For Europe we use ILGA-Europe's 2026 Rainbow Map. Elsewhere we use laws and court rulings where we could open them, and a community-edited database where we could not. We say which is which.

Canada

Not on the Rainbow Map (Europe only) · Marriage since 2005

Protection in law
The Canadian Human Rights Act lists sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as prohibited grounds. It covers federally regulated bodies. Most universities, landlords and employers fall under provincial human rights laws, which we did not check. Equaldex (community edited) lists discrimination as illegal.
Trans students
Equaldex lists changing gender as 'varies by region'. Non-binary recognition is listed as recognised. We could not open an official page to check.
Before you choose
Rules on trans ID, health care and schools differ by province. Check the province before you choose a university.

laws-lois.justice.gc.ca · laws-lois.justice.gc.ca · pewresearch.org · equaldex.com · read 23 October 2026

Germany

7th of 49 on the Rainbow Map · Marriage since 2017

Protection in law
ILGA-Europe 2026 scores sexual orientation and gender identity as protected in employment and goods and services. Education protection is scored 0.44 out of 1, so only partly.
Trans students
ILGA-Europe 2026 scores Germany as having legal gender recognition based on self-determination, with non-binary recognition, and no medical or surgical requirement.
Before you choose
Protection in education is partial in the ILGA-Europe data. Check the state and university.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · pewresearch.org · read 23 October 2026

Netherlands

13th of 49 on the Rainbow Map · Marriage since 2001

Protection in law
ILGA-Europe 2026 scores sexual orientation and gender identity as protected in employment, goods and services, and education.
Trans students
Legal gender recognition exists with no surgery or sterilisation required, and name change is available. ILGA-Europe does not score it as self-determination.
Before you choose
The ILGA-Europe data shows no national ban on conversion practices.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · pewresearch.org · read 23 October 2026

United Kingdom

22nd of 49 on the Rainbow Map · Marriage since 2014 (England and Wales; Scotland 2014; Northern Ireland 2020)

Protection in law
The Equality Act 2010 lists sexual orientation and gender reassignment as protected characteristics. Section 91 covers universities and colleges in England, Wales and Scotland.
Trans students
On 16 April 2025 the Supreme Court held that 'man', 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act mean biological sex. ILGA-Europe 2026 names the UK among six countries with explicit bans or other legal limits that make legal gender recognition practically impossible.
Before you choose
Trans students should read each university's policy first. The ruling and its guidance are still being applied.

legislation.gov.uk · legislation.gov.uk · supremecourt.uk · rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · read 23 October 2026

Ireland

14th of 49 on the Rainbow Map · Marriage since 2015

Protection in law
ILGA-Europe 2026 scores sexual orientation as protected in employment, goods and services, education and health. It scores explicit gender identity protection in those areas as absent.
Trans students
Legal gender recognition is scored as self-determination, with no medical requirements.
Before you choose
ILGA-Europe says the Electoral Act bars international funding for campaigning or advocacy that tries to influence public policy.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · pewresearch.org · irishstatutebook.ie · read 23 October 2026

Sweden

9th of 49 on the Rainbow Map · Marriage since 2009

Protection in law
ILGA-Europe 2026 scores sexual orientation and gender identity as protected in employment, goods and services, education and health.
Trans students
Sweden is the only country that passed new legal gender recognition law this year, but ILGA-Europe says it still falls short of self-determination and still treats trans identities as medical.
Before you choose
Legal gender recognition is not self-determination.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · pewresearch.org · read 23 October 2026

Norway

8th of 49 on the Rainbow Map · Marriage since 2009

Protection in law
ILGA-Europe 2026 scores sexual orientation and gender identity as protected in employment, goods and services, education and health, and as having a ban on conversion practices.
Trans students
Legal gender recognition is scored as self-determination, with no age restriction on name change.
Before you choose
We found no specific safety warning in the sources we read.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · pewresearch.org · read 23 October 2026

Denmark

5th of 49 on the Rainbow Map · Marriage since 2012

Protection in law
Denmark is one of nine countries ILGA-Europe says have full coverage of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics in anti-discrimination law.
Trans students
ILGA-Europe says depathologisation of trans people in health care is now fully implemented in Denmark and Spain. Legal gender recognition is scored as self-determination.
Before you choose
No national ban on conversion practices in the ILGA-Europe data.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · pewresearch.org · read 23 October 2026

Finland

6th of 49 on the Rainbow Map · Marriage since 2017

Protection in law
Finland is also one of the nine countries with full anti-discrimination coverage in the ILGA-Europe 2026 text.
Trans students
Legal gender recognition is scored as self-determination, with trans parenthood fully recognised.
Before you choose
No national ban on conversion practices in the ILGA-Europe data.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · pewresearch.org · read 23 October 2026

France

15th of 49 on the Rainbow Map · Marriage since 2013

Protection in law
ILGA-Europe 2026 scores sexual orientation and gender identity as protected in employment, goods and services, education and health, with a ban on conversion practices.
Trans students
Legal gender recognition exists with no medical requirement. It is not scored as self-determination.
Before you choose
ILGA-Europe says France did not properly implement its existing equality action plan.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · pewresearch.org · read 23 October 2026

Spain

1st of 49 on the Rainbow Map · Marriage since 2005

Protection in law
One of nine countries with full anti-discrimination coverage in the ILGA-Europe 2026 text. Spain also adopted equality action plans and set up an independent equal treatment authority.
Trans students
Legal gender recognition is scored as self-determination, and depathologisation in health care is fully in place.
Before you choose
ILGA-Europe's press release refers to far-right attempts to dismantle national trans protections.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · pewresearch.org · ilga-europe.org · read 23 October 2026

Australia

Not on the Rainbow Map (Europe only) · Marriage since 2017

Protection in law
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 covers sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status. Study Australia says these protections apply to everyone, including international students.
Trans students
Equaldex lists changing gender as 'varies by region', with non-binary recognition listed as recognised. We could not open an official page.
Before you choose
State and territory laws differ. Also, from 2 October 2026 most Student visa holders cannot include a partner (see visas).

legislation.gov.au · studyaustralia.gov.au · legislation.gov.au · pewresearch.org · read 23 October 2026

New Zealand

Not on the Rainbow Map (Europe only) · Marriage since 2013

Protection in law
Equaldex lists discrimination on sexual orientation and gender identity as illegal. We could not open the official Act, so please check it.
Trans students
Equaldex lists changing gender as legal with no restrictions, and non-binary recognition as recognised. Community edited and not confirmed by an official page.
Before you choose
We could not open New Zealand government pages with our tools. This entry rests on Pew and Equaldex only.

pewresearch.org · equaldex.com · read 23 October 2026

United States

Not on the Rainbow Map (Europe only) · Marriage since 2015

Protection in law
Since Bostock (2020) employers cannot fire people for being gay or transgender under Title VII. Equaldex lists general discrimination and housing protections as varying by region.
Trans students
Since January 2025 an executive order says federal policy recognises two sexes, male and female, not changeable. It orders that ID documents, including passports and visas, reflect the holder's sex as the order defines it. State laws vary a lot.
Before you choose
Trans and non-binary students face the biggest risk and uncertainty here. Rules and court cases keep changing. Ask the university and check a current legal source before you commit.

law.cornell.edu · law.cornell.edu · whitehouse.gov · equaldex.com · read 23 October 2026

The sources behind the table

ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map 2026, top of the ranking

Europe

Who it is for
Covers 49 countries in Europe and Central Asia. It scores laws and policies on LGBTI people from 0 to 100%. It does not cover Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the USA.
What it says
Published 12 May 2026. Spain is first, ahead of Malta, Iceland, Belgium and Denmark. The UK is 22nd. Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey are at the bottom. Scores run from 0 to 100% and measure laws and policies, nothing else.
Good to know
A high score means strong law and policy. It does not measure how people treat each other on the street. Use it with the country notes below.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · read 23 October 2026

ILGA-Europe 2026 key findings for Europe

Europe

Who it is for
Anyone comparing European countries.
What it says
Marriage equality is available in 22 countries. Only in 12 countries can trans people get legal gender recognition based on self-determination. Conversion practices are only banned in 10 countries.
Good to know
Even high scoring countries differ a lot on trans rights.

rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org · read 23 October 2026

Equaldex

World

Who it is for
A public database of LGBT rights by country and region.
What it says
Quick summaries for countries the Rainbow Map does not cover, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
Good to know
Equaldex is edited by the community. We use it only for broad summaries and say so each time. Check official sources before big decisions.

equaldex.com · read 23 October 2026

ILGA World

World

Who it is for
A global federation of LGBTI groups. Its site has maps and reports on laws around the world.
What it says
Look under 'Resources' for the 'Laws on Us' map and other reports.
Good to know
We could not read its database pages with our tools, so we link only the main site.

ilga.org · read 23 October 2026

United States: January 2025 executive order on sex and identity documents

United States

Who it is for
Trans and non-binary students planning to study in the US.
What it says
The order says it is US policy to recognise two sexes, male and female, and that they are not changeable. It tells the State and Homeland Security departments to require that ID documents, including passports and visas, reflect the holder's sex as the order defines it.
Good to know
This is a real safety and paperwork caveat for trans students. Rules and court cases keep changing. Check the university's international office and a current legal source before you commit.

whitehouse.gov · read 23 October 2026

Student visas and bringing a partner

Student visas and bringing a partner

Rules for bringing a partner are tight and keep changing. On many taught Master's courses a partner cannot join you at all. Several of these pages never use the words same-sex, so if you are unsure, ask the immigration office before you pay for anything.

UK Student visa: partner and children as dependants

United Kingdom

Who it is for
Students on a PhD or research based higher degree starting on or after 1 January 2024, or on a government sponsored course longer than 6 months.
What it says
A dependant can be your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner. The wording is not limited by sex. Each person needs money in the bank: £845 a month for London or £680 outside London, for up to 9 months.
Good to know
For most taught Master's students on the page's rules, partners cannot come. The page does not say 'same-sex' in so many words.

gov.uk · read 23 October 2026

Canada: open work permit for the spouse or common-law partner of a student

Canada

Who it is for
Students with a valid study permit in a Master's of 16 months or longer, a doctoral programme, an eligible programme, or certain professional degrees.
What it says
An open work permit lets your spouse or common-law partner work for almost any employer.
Good to know
Rules changed on 21 January 2025. Spouses of undergraduate and college students are no longer eligible for new permits. The page does not mention same-sex couples; the terms are neutral.

canada.ca · read 23 October 2026

Australia: including family members in a Student visa

Australia

Who it is for
Student visa applicants who want to bring a partner or children.
What it says
You can no longer include a partner or children unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include PhD students, DFAT or Defence sponsored students, foreign government scholarship recipients, and eligible students from Pacific and ASEAN countries. Family cannot be added after a visa is granted.
Good to know
This is a big change. Do not assume your partner can follow you to Australia on a taught degree. India is not in the list of country exemptions shown.

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · read 23 October 2026

Australia: Home Affairs form guide on partners

Australia

Who it is for
Anyone including a partner in a visa that allows it.
What it says
A partner can be included if married to you or your de facto partner, same or opposite sex.
Good to know
Married partners need a marriage valid under Australian law. De facto partners may need to show how long the relationship has lasted.

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · read 23 October 2026

Germany: family of foreign students

Germany

Who it is for
Students with a residence permit expected to stay more than one year.
What it says
Family reunification is usually considered only if the marriage existed when the permit was granted, and you can support your family without public funds. Family apply for a visa at the German mission abroad.
Good to know
The page says 'wife/husband' and does not discuss same-sex couples. Ask the German mission in India.

auswaertiges-amt.de · read 23 October 2026

Sweden: family members of students

Sweden

Who it is for
Students applying for a residence permit for higher education studies.
What it says
Family members can apply at the same time. The page counts spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners and children under 18. The maintenance amount rises by SEK 4,440 a month for a spouse or cohabiting partner.
Good to know
The wording is not limited by sex. Amounts and rules change, so check before you apply.

migrationsverket.se · read 23 October 2026

Support, health cover and housing

Support, health cover and housing

Places to ask for help, and plain guides to health cover and housing. Few are made only for international LGBTQ+ students, so we also show how to find a campus office or a student group.

Rainbow Railroad

International (registered in Canada and the USA)

Who it is for
LGBTQI+ people in danger. It says it is an ally on your journey and you must help verify your case.
What you get
Help with safety plans. This can include emergency travel when possible, money help, government sponsorship applications, moving within your country, and referrals.
Good to know
This is not a study or visa service. It is for people at risk.

rainbowrailroad.org · read 23 October 2026

Study Australia: The LGBTQIA+ community in Australia

Australia

Who it is for
International students considering Australia. Written by the Australian Government's Study Australia site.
What it says
Plain notes on law, culture and support. It names QLife and ReachOut, and says many education providers have LGBTQIA+ student societies.
Good to know
The page is dated June 2024. Check links.

studyaustralia.gov.au · read 23 October 2026

QLife

Australia

Who it is for
Anyone in Australia who wants peer support.
What you get
Anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral, by phone and web chat.
Good to know
Phone and chat systems were being upgraded from July 2026.

qlife.org.au · read 23 October 2026

Galop

United Kingdom

Who it is for
LGBT+ people who have faced abuse or violence in the UK.
What you get
A national helpline, and support on hate crime, domestic abuse and conversion practices.
Good to know
For people already in the UK.

galop.org.uk · read 23 October 2026

Sexual and Gender Diversity Office, University of Toronto

Canada

Who it is for
Students and staff at the University of Toronto. A good example of what to look for at any university.
What you get
Confidential consultations and support, events, resource pages on health, housing and ID, and a list of campus communities.
Good to know
Many other universities have similar offices. Search '[university name] LGBTQ+ office' before you apply.

sgdo.utoronto.ca · read 23 October 2026

UCAS student blog: Starting university as an LGBTQ+ student

United Kingdom

Who it is for
UK undergraduates. Written by a first-year student on the UCAS site (April 2025).
What it says
Describes student societies for LGBT students and support from universities.
Good to know
A student's view, not official policy.

ucas.com · read 23 October 2026

UKCISA: healthcare for international students

United Kingdom

Who it is for
International students in the UK.
What it says
Says sexual health clinics are free and confidential. They are free to use even if you have not paid the surcharge.
Good to know
UKCISA is the UK's advice body for international students.

ukcisa.org.uk · read 23 October 2026

UKCISA: accommodation for international students

United Kingdom

Who it is for
International students looking for housing in the UK.
What it says
Options, costs and guarantor and immigration checks. It warns about rental fraud.
Good to know
Student housing usually has to be booked before you arrive.

ukcisa.org.uk · read 23 October 2026

Study Australia: accommodation

Australia

Who it is for
International students choosing where to live.
What it says
Explains bonds, total costs, on-campus and purpose-built student housing, and how to check an offer is real.
Good to know
An offer of a place does not guarantee housing.

studyaustralia.gov.au · read 23 October 2026

Study in Germany: health insurance

Germany

Who it is for
Everyone studying in Germany.
What it says
You must have health insurance and show proof at enrolment and when you apply for a residence permit.
Good to know
Sort this out before you travel.

study-in-germany.com · read 23 October 2026

In India

In India: documents and community groups

India's rules for transgender identity certificates were amended in 2026, and we could not confirm every detail from an official page. The community groups below mostly work on health and support. We did not find one that gives study-abroad advice.

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 (PRS summary)

India

Who it is for
Transgender and intersex people in India who need an identity certificate.
What it says
PRS says the Bill passed the Lok Sabha on 24 March and the Rajya Sabha on 25 March 2026. It adds that the District Magistrate issues the certificate after looking at a designated medical board's recommendation. It says certificate holders can change their first name in the birth certificate and other official documents.
Good to know
This changes the 2019 process. PRS also says the Bill drops trans man, trans woman and genderqueer from the listed categories. News reports we saw say the President gave assent on 30 March 2026. We did not confirm that, the commencement date, or any court case from an official page. Get current advice before applying.

prsindia.org · read 23 October 2026

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 (PRS summary)

India

Who it is for
Transgender people in India.
What it says
The 2019 Act lets a person apply to the District Magistrate for a certificate of identity as 'transgender'. It bars discrimination in education and employment. PRS says the Bill passed Parliament in November 2019.
Good to know
This describes the 2019 Bill as passed. The 2026 amendment above changes parts of it.

prsindia.org · read 23 October 2026

The Humsafar Trust

India

Who it is for
LGBTQ+ people in India.
What you get
Queer health and wellbeing services, including HIV testing and counselling.
Good to know
We did not find that it gives study-abroad advice. It may help with health and counselling.

humsafar.org · read 23 October 2026

Naz Foundation (India) Trust

India

Who it is for
People from excluded communities in India, with an LGBTQIA+ programme.
What you get
Care and support services, a young people's initiative and an LGBTQIA+ initiative.
Good to know
We did not find study-abroad advice here either.

nazindia.org · read 23 October 2026

Sangama

India

Who it is for
Transgender people, sexual minorities and sex workers. The group is registered in Bangalore.
What you get
Community mobilising, health work and public debate on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Good to know
No study-abroad advice found.

sangama.org · read 23 October 2026

EducationUSA India advising

India

Who it is for
Indian students who want advice on US study.
What you get
Information on US universities, with advisers in several cities, including Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
Good to know
Official, and not LGBTQ+ specific. Ask about campus LGBTQ+ centres.

educationusa.in · read 23 October 2026

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