Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but financial constraints can often make this dream seem out of reach. Fortunately, the Indian government offers various scholarships designed to support talented students pursuing higher education at prestigious institutions abroad. These scholarships provide financial aid for tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and more, enabling students to focus on their education without financial stress.
In this blog, we will explore some of the most popular scholarships offered by the Indian government for studying abroad, their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how you can apply for them.
1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is offered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to help students from marginalized communities pursue higher education abroad. This scheme provides financial support to students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, and other economically disadvantaged groups.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must belong to the SC, ST, or other designated categories.
The annual family income should not exceed INR 8 lakhs.
The student must have secured at least 60% marks in their qualifying degree.
The scholarship is available for postgraduate and Ph.D. programs.
Benefits:
Tuition fees and other educational expenses.
Living expenses and contingency allowance.
Airfare to the destination country.
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted online through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment website.
2. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies
This scheme is designed to provide interest subsidies on education loans taken by students from economically weaker sections (EWS) to pursue higher studies abroad. It focuses on supporting students belonging to SC, OBC, and EWS categories.
Eligibility Criteria:
Students should belong to the SC, OBC, or EWS category.
The family income should not exceed INR 8 lakhs.
The student must have secured admission to a recognized foreign institution.
Benefits:
The scheme provides a full interest subsidy during the moratorium period (the course duration plus one year or six months after employment, whichever is earlier).
How to Apply:
Students need to apply through their respective banks that have extended education loans under this scheme.
3. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship
While the ICCR Scholarship is primarily for foreign nationals wishing to study in India, it also offers scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate and doctoral programs abroad in certain fields, particularly in the arts and culture sector.
Eligibility Criteria:
The applicant must have a demonstrated commitment to arts and culture.
Must have a strong academic background.
Benefits:
Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare.
How to Apply:
The ICCR scholarship process is highly competitive, and students are advised to visit the ICCR website for application details.
4. Ministry of Tribal Affairs Scholarships
This ministry offers scholarships for meritorious students belonging to Scheduled Tribes (ST) who wish to pursue higher education abroad.
Eligibility Criteria:
Students must belong to the ST category.
The annual family income should not exceed INR 6 lakhs.
Available for master’s, Ph.D., and post-doctoral studies.
Benefits:
Financial aid for tuition fees and other educational costs.
Maintenance and living expenses, as well as contingency allowances.
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs portal.
5. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
Administered in collaboration with the U.S.-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship supports outstanding Indian students who wish to pursue a master's degree in the United States. Though technically not a purely Indian government initiative, it operates under a bi-national agreement between the U.S. and Indian governments.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree and have at least three years of professional work experience.
Strong leadership qualities and community involvement are highly regarded.
Benefits:
Covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare.
How to Apply:
Students need to apply through the USIEF website, which provides detailed application guidelines.
6. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
The Commonwealth Scholarship is awarded by the Commonwealth countries, including India, for students from Commonwealth nations to pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies in the UK. The scholarship is designed to help academically talented students from middle- and low-income countries gain access to top universities.
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian students with excellent academic records.
Must have secured admission to a UK institution.
Benefits:
Covers tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses.
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted via the Ministry of Education (India) website or through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK.
7. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Although this is a private scholarship, the Indian government often recommends it for students showing exceptional academic or artistic talent. It is awarded for postgraduate studies at top-ranking institutions in North America and Europe.
Eligibility Criteria:
Candidates must be below 30 years of age.
The scholarship is available for specific fields such as fine arts, music, and humanities.
Candidates should have an excellent academic track record and demonstrate exceptional talent in their field.
Benefits:
Provides financial assistance for tuition, living expenses, and travel.
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation’s official website.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing higher education abroad is a life-changing opportunity that offers exposure to different cultures, educational systems, and career paths. The Indian government, through its various ministries and departments, provides numerous scholarships to ensure that financial limitations do not stand in the way of talented students aspiring to study abroad. Each scholarship has its own set of eligibility criteria and benefits, so it’s important to research and apply to the ones that best suit your academic and financial needs.
By leveraging these scholarships, you can take a significant step towards achieving your educational and career goals on an international platform. Make sure to carefully check deadlines and requirements, and start preparing your applications well in advance. Your dream of studying abroad could be closer than you think!
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