- Multiple scholarships are available at both central and state levels to support students financially.
- Central government programs cater to SC, ST, OBC, and economically weaker sections for higher education abroad.
- State governments like Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Rajasthan offer schemes for local students.
- Scholarships cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and sometimes even living costs.
For many Indian students, studying abroad is a cherished dream. However, financial constraints often make it challenging, especially for middle- and lower-class families. Recognizing this, the Indian government has introduced a variety of scholarships to turn these aspirations into reality. Whether you’re pursuing postgraduate studies, doctoral research, or specialized courses, these scholarships provide much-needed financial support. Let’s explore the central and state government initiatives aimed at supporting students who wish to study abroad.
Central Government Scholarships
The central government offers several scholarship schemes to help students from various socio-economic backgrounds achieve their academic goals abroad.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|---|
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) | Students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans categories | Provides financial assistance for Master’s and PhD courses abroad, aiming to enhance the economic and social status of students from underprivileged backgrounds. |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | U.S. bachelor’s equivalent, three years of work experience, commitment to community service in India | Supports a two-year Master’s program in various fields like Public Health, Economics, Urban Planning, and more at U.S. colleges and universities. |
| Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy | OBC and EBC students | Provides an interest subsidy on education loans for overseas Master’s, M.Phil., and PhD studies during the moratorium period. |
| Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship | Indian PhD scholars | Provides support for pre-doctoral research in climate studies at a U.S. institution for 6-9 months. |
| Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship | Scholars in selected fields (e.g., Social Sciences, Humanities) | Fully funded fellowship at the University of Oxford, London, equivalent to Junior Research Fellow status, for one year, extendable based on performance. |
State Government Scholarships
State governments also offer scholarships to support students in pursuing education overseas.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Minister’s Overseas Scheme for Minorities (Telangana) | Family income less than ₹5 lakh per annum, students from minority communities | Provides financial assistance for pursuing higher education abroad. Covers up to ₹20 lakh or the amount mentioned in the admission letter (whichever is lower), along with one-way airfare and visa charges. |
| Maharashtra’s Foreign Scholarship Program | Students from Maharashtra | Includes multiple scholarship schemes like the Tribal Development Department Foreign Scholarship, Social Justice and Special Assistance Department Foreign Scholarship, and more. It offers financial support for studies abroad across various fields. |
| Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department Overseas Scholarship Scheme | Students from Adi Dravidar, Scheduled Tribes, and Christian Adi Dravidar communities | Provides financial support of up to ₹36 lakh per year for students pursuing postgraduate or doctoral research studies abroad. |
| Kerala Backward Classes Development Department Overseas Scholarship | Students from backward classes in Kerala | Provides financial assistance to students of backward classes for studying at foreign universities in fields like Medical, Engineering, Agriculture, Management, Law, or Social Sciences. The maximum grant is ₹10 lakh. |
| Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence (RGS) (Rajasthan) | Meritorious students from Rajasthan | Offers full financial support for studying abroad in undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and post-doctoral programs at top universities like Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford. Covers all expenses including fares and tuition fees. |
Why Consider These Scholarships?
These government scholarships not only ease the financial burden but also enable access to world-class education. They are tailored to support students from diverse communities and economic backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and opportunity.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or an endorsement of any particular product or service. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the details shared, the content is based on publicly available information and reliable sources. Readers are encouraged to verify the details independently and consult with a professional advisor before making any decisions. Please exercise caution and stay informed when making any decisions.
