Top 10 Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
Here’s a breakdown of the most well-known Indian government scholarships for studying abroad that can help you fund your education.
1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
For SC, ST, and OBC candidates pursuing master’s or PhD programs abroad.
What’s It About?
NOS helps students from SC, ST, and OBC communities study at top universities worldwide. It’s meant for those who are academically strong but need financial support to follow their dreams.
Who Can Apply?
- Students from SC, ST, or OBC backgrounds.
- Must have scored at least 55% in your last qualifying exam (bachelor’s for master’s, master’s for PhD).
- Annual family income should be under ₹8 lakh.
Why It’s Worth It
- Pays for tuition, living costs, and travel.
- Provides extra money for books and other study materials.
- Covers programs in many fields like engineering, social sciences, and management.
How to Apply and Deadlines
- Applications are done online on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment website.
- Deadlines vary, so keep an eye on the official website.
What You’ll Need
- Caste certificate or other proof of category.
- Income certificate of your family.
- Academic documents like degree certificates.
- Admission letter from the university abroad.
2. Padho Pardesh Scheme
For minority community students aiming for higher education abroad.
What’s It About?
This scheme helps students from minority communities study abroad by giving them a subsidy on educational loans for postgraduate or doctoral courses.
Who Can Apply?
- Students from minority communities (Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis).
- Family income should be under ₹6 lakh.
- You must have an admission offer from a foreign university.
Why It’s Worth It
- Offers a subsidy on interest for education loans.
- Helps with funding for professional and technical courses.
How to Apply and Deadlines
- Apply through the bank offering education loans under this scheme.
- Check with the bank for exact deadlines.
What You’ll Need
- Certificate proving minority status.
- Family income certificate.
- Loan approval letter from a bank.
- University admission letter.
3. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship
For students pursuing arts, music, humanities, and cultural programs overseas.
What’s It About?
This scholarship supports students interested in studying subjects like arts, dance, music, and humanities abroad. It’s also a great way to represent India’s rich culture on a global platform.
Who Can Apply?
- Students with a strong background in arts or humanities.
- Must have admission to a recognized university abroad.
- Age restrictions may apply (usually under 30 years).
Why It’s Worth It
- Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.
- Provides health insurance support.
- Encourages cultural exchange with other countries.
How to Apply and Deadlines
- Applications are submitted through ICCR’s website or regional centers.
- Deadlines depend on the academic calendar.
What You’ll Need
- Academic records and certificates.
- A statement of purpose explaining your interest in the program.
- Admission confirmation from the foreign university.
4. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Overseas Studies
For economically weaker students from SC communities.
What’s It About?
This scholarship is designed to help students from Scheduled Caste (SC) communities who want to pursue a master’s or PhD abroad but face financial difficulties.
Who Can Apply?
- Must belong to the SC community.
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
- Applicants need at least 55% marks in their last qualifying exam.
Why It’s Worth It
- Covers tuition fees, travel, and living costs.
- Provides additional funds for books and study materials.
- Focused on supporting students in prestigious foreign universities.
How to Apply and Deadlines
- Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment website.
- Deadlines are announced annually—check the portal for updates.
What You’ll Need
- Caste and income certificates.
- Academic records.
- Admission letter from a foreign university.
5. Ministry of Minority Affairs Scholarship
For minority students pursuing postgraduate technical and professional courses abroad.
What’s It About?
This scholarship offers financial support to students from minority communities who want to pursue higher studies in technical or professional fields abroad.
Who Can Apply?
- Open to students from minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis).
- Family income must be below ₹6 lakh annually.
- Must have secured admission to a recognized foreign university.
Why It’s Worth It
- Provides financial assistance for tuition, travel, and living expenses.
- Supports advanced studies in fields like engineering, medicine, and law.
How to Apply and Deadlines
- Applications are submitted online through the Ministry of Minority Affairs website.
- Deadlines align with academic sessions—check the official site for updates.
What You’ll Need
- Minority certificate.
- Family income proof.
- Admission letter from the university abroad.
6. SIA Youth Scholarship
For students pursuing undergraduate degrees abroad.
What’s It About?
The SIA Youth Scholarship is aimed at helping Indian students pursue undergraduate studies in global universities, focusing on those who excel academically and need financial support.
Who Can Apply?
- Open to students who have completed Class 10 or equivalent with strong academic records.
- Should be applying for an undergraduate degree abroad.
Why It’s Worth It
- Offers financial support for tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.
- Encourages young students to gain global exposure early in their academic journey.
How to Apply and Deadlines
- Applications can be made online through the SIA Youth Scholarship portal.
- Deadlines vary by academic calendar, so stay updated on their website.
What You’ll Need
- Academic transcripts from Class 10 or equivalent.
- Admission offer from a recognized university.
- Personal identification and financial documents.
7. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
Merit-based funding for postgraduate studies.
What’s It About?
The Aga Khan Foundation offers scholarships to outstanding students who need financial assistance to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. It’s focused on promoting academic excellence and leadership development.
Who Can Apply?
- Open to students with excellent academic records.
- Priority is given to students from developing countries, including India.
- Applicants must secure admission to a reputed foreign university.
Why It’s Worth It
- Covers tuition and living expenses.
- Operates on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, ensuring a balance between support and accountability.
- Focuses on fields like health, education, and development studies.
How to Apply and Deadlines
- Applications are submitted to the Aga Khan Foundation office in India.
- Deadlines are typically announced in March each year.
What You’ll Need
- Proof of financial need.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Admission letter from the university.
- Detailed study plan and statement of purpose.
8. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based funding for postgraduate studies.
What’s It About?
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers scholarships to support talented Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. The focus is on academic and creative excellence.
Who Can Apply?
- Open to Indian students with a first-class undergraduate degree.
- Applicants must secure admission to a top-ranked foreign university.
- Preference is given to courses in arts, architecture, law, fine arts, and design.
Why It’s Worth It
- Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and one-way travel.
- Promotes studies in fields that align with the foundation's objectives.
- Provides a chance to study at prestigious institutions globally.
How to Apply and Deadlines
- Applications are submitted online via the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation website.
- Deadlines are usually in March each year.
What You’ll Need
- Statement of Purpose outlining academic goals.
- Proof of admission to a foreign university.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- A detailed budget plan and proof of financial need (if applicable).
9. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships
A prestigious scholarship for (PhD) studies.
What’s It About?
The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships support Indian students pursuing full-time doctoral (PhD) studies abroad. The program, named after India’s first Prime Minister, aims to promote academic excellence and impactful research in key disciplines.
Who Can Apply?
- Indian citizens enrolled in or admitted to a full-time PhD program at a recognized international university.
- Must hold a first-class postgraduate degree.
- Applicants should be below 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Research topics must be in areas like science, technology, history, sociology, or economics.
Why It’s Worth It
- Scholarship amount of ₹18,000 per month for living and study expenses.
- Additional grant of up to ₹15,000 annually for research-related costs, such as travel and materials.
- Encourages research contributing to global and national challenges.
How to Apply and Deadlines
- Applications are accepted through the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund website.
- Deadlines typically fall in May each year.
What You’ll Need
- Detailed research proposal highlighting objectives and methodology.
- Academic transcripts from postgraduate studies.
- Letters of recommendation from academic mentors.
- Proof of admission into a recognized PhD program abroad.
10. Nehru Fulbright Scholarship
A prestigious fellowship for master’s, PhDs, and researchers.
What’s It About?
The Nehru Fulbright Scholarship is a highly sought-after program offering Indian students and researchers the opportunity to study or conduct research in the US. It fosters academic excellence and strengthens cultural ties between the two nations.
Who Can Apply?
- Open to Indian citizens with exceptional academic records.
- Master’s applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, while researchers should have relevant professional experience or a doctoral degree.
- Fields of study include science, humanities, social sciences, and more.
Why It’s Worth It
- Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.
- Provides access to prestigious US universities and research facilities.
- Offers networking opportunities with global scholars and researchers.
How to Apply and Deadlines
- Applications are managed by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF).
- Deadlines are usually announced in May each year.
What You’ll Need
- Statement of purpose explaining your study or research goals.
- Academic records and professional references.
- Proof of admission (if applicable) or research proposal.
Benefits of Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
Have you ever wondered how some students manage to study at prestigious universities abroad without financial worries? Indian government scholarships for studying abroad are often the answer.
- Tuition Fee Coverage: Many programs fully or partially cover tuition fees, ensuring that the largest financial burden is taken care of.
- Living Expenses and Other Costs: Scholarships often include monthly allowances for housing, food, and travel expenses. Programs like the National Overseas Scholarship also cover health insurance and airfare.
- Access to Top Universities: Scholarships open doors to prestigious institutions such as Oxford, Harvard, and MIT, making world-class education attainable for deserving students.
- Global Representation: Studying on a government scholarship allows students to represent India’s talent and academic excellence on international platforms, which fosters cultural and professional connections.
Tips for Preparing a Successful Scholarship Application
Your application is your chance to show why you deserve the opportunity and how you’ll make the most of it. Here’s how to get started:
- Research the Scholarship:
- Understand the goals and values of the scholarship program.
- Tailor your application to demonstrate how your achievements and aspirations align with those objectives.
- Write a Strong Personal Statement:
- Share your journey, achievements, and what drives you.
- Be honest and specific about how the scholarship will help you achieve your career goals.
- Secure Strong Recommendation Letters:
- Choose mentors, professors, or employers who know you well.
- Make sure their letters highlight your strengths and provide concrete examples of your abilities.
- Check Your Documents:
- Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate.
- Common documents include academic transcripts, essays, and proof of financial need (if applicable).
- Apply Early:
- Start preparing your application well in advance.
- Early submissions reduce stress and give you time for revisions.
How upGrad Can Help with Study Abroad Scholarships and Applications
Dreaming of studying abroad but unsure how to manage the costs? Scholarships are a great way to make your dream affordable, and upGrad Abroad is here to guide Indian students every step of the way.
From finding the right funding opportunities to acing your applications, here’s how we can help:
Scholarship Guidance
Finding the right scholarships can feel overwhelming, but upGrad Abroad makes it easier. We provide detailed articles and resources on Indian government scholarships and global funding options tailored for Indian students.
SOP and LOR Support
A strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR) can set you apart. upGrad helps you craft impactful documents that align with scholarship requirements.
Test Prep Assistance
Entrance exams like IELTS and TOEFL are often a requirement for scholarships. upGrad offers resources and expert tips to help you score well and meet the eligibility criteria.
University Shortlisting
Selecting the right university plays a big role in securing scholarships. upGrad Abroad helps you identify programs that align with your academic goals and funding opportunities.
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