The dream of studying abroad is a cherished aspiration for many Indian students. Recognizing this ambition, the Indian Government offers a plethora of scholarships to facilitate higher education opportunities across various disciplines and countries. These scholarships are designed to support deserving students by covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs. Below, we delve into some of the most prominent scholarships provided by the Indian Government for studying abroad.
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, and Traditional Artisans. The scholarship supports higher studies like Masters, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral research in foreign universities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates must have secured admission to an accredited foreign university.
- Age limit is 35 years.
- Minimum of 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination.
- Total family income should not exceed INR 8,00,000 per annum.
Coverage:
- Tuition fees and other educational expenses.
- Maintenance allowance.
- Contingency allowance.
- Travel expenses.
Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans
This scheme provides interest subsidies on educational loans for students belonging to economically weaker sections. It supports them in pursuing their education abroad for Masters and Ph.D. levels.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Annual family income should not exceed INR 4,50,000.
- The loan should be sanctioned by a scheduled bank under the Educational Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks’ Association.
Coverage:
- Interest subsidy for the moratorium period.
Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship is awarded for advanced studies and research in history and economics at St. Antony’s College, Oxford University, UK.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age limit between 30-40 years.
- Ph.D. degree in the subject field with at least three years of teaching experience.
- Consistently good academic record.
Coverage:
- Maintenance allowance.
- Travel allowance.
- Contingency allowance.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Scholarships
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs offers scholarships to students belonging to Scheduled Tribes for pursuing higher education abroad. This initiative aims to empower tribal students and provide them with global exposure.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Scheduled Tribe students with at least 60% marks in the qualifying examination.
- Age limit is 35 years.
- Annual family income should not exceed INR 6,00,000.
Coverage:
- Tuition fees.
- Living expenses.
- Travel expenses.
- Contingency allowance.
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships
The ICCR offers various scholarships under its schemes to Indian students for studying abroad. These scholarships cover a wide range of disciplines and are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Specific criteria vary depending on the scholarship scheme.
- Generally, a good academic record and admission to a recognized foreign university are required.
Coverage:
- Tuition fees.
- Living allowance.
- Travel expenses.
- Health insurance.
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
Jointly funded by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships support Indian students pursuing Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Development programs in the USA.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Indian citizenship.
- High level of academic or professional achievement.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities.
- Proficiency in English.
Coverage:
- Tuition fees.
- Living expenses.
- Travel costs.
- Health insurance.
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers scholarships to young Indian students with exceptional talent and academic excellence. These scholarships support various disciplines, including arts, humanities, and sciences.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- They should hold a good first degree from a recognized university.
- The candidate should have been accepted into a full-time program in an accredited institution.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Living expenses, including accommodation and meals.
- Travel expenses.
- Health insurance.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships
The ICCR Scholarships are aimed at promoting cultural exchange and strengthening mutual understanding between India and other countries. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be citizens of the partner countries with which India has cultural exchange programs.
- A good academic record is essential.
- Proficiency in English or the language of instruction at the host institution.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Living allowance.
- Accommodation and meal costs.
- Medical insurance.
- Travel expenses.
The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship is intended for Indian students who wish to pursue research at St. Antony’s College, Oxford. It is specifically for students in the field of Modern Indian Studies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Indian citizenship.
- A minimum of 60% marks in postgraduate studies.
- Proficiency in English.
- Research proposal relevant to Modern Indian Studies.
Benefits:
- Annual stipend covering living expenses.
- Accommodation and other incidental costs.
- Travel expenses.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs Scholarship
The Ministry of Minority Affairs offers scholarships to students from minority communities to pursue higher education abroad. This includes Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jain, and Zoroastrians (Parsis).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must belong to one of the minority communities.
- They should have secured at least 60% in their previous qualifying examination.
- Family income should not exceed INR 6 lakh per annum.
Benefits:
- Tuition fees.
- Maintenance allowance.
- Contingency allowance.
- Travel expenses.
The NITI Aayog Scholarships
NITI Aayog offers scholarships and fellowships to promote policy research and innovation. These scholarships support students who wish to study public policy, economics, and related fields at leading global institutions.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Indian citizenship.
- Strong academic record and a relevant undergraduate degree.
- Professional work experience in a related field is preferred.
Benefits:
- Tuition fees.
- Living expenses.
- Travel costs.
- Research grant for dissertation.
The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians
The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians, established in 1892 by Jamsetji Nusserwanjee Tata, aims to support Indian students in pursuing higher education abroad. This endowment provides loan scholarships to students for master’s, Ph.D., postdoctoral, and research fellowship programs in any field of study.
Eligibility:
- Indian citizens who have completed their undergraduate studies and wish to pursue further education abroad.
- Candidates must demonstrate consistently good academic performance.
Benefits:
- Financial assistance in the form of a loan scholarship to cover partial tuition fees, travel expenses, and other related costs.
The Indian Government’s scholarship programs provide substantial support to students aiming to pursue higher education abroad. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden but also open doors to world-class education and global exposure. By availing these opportunities, Indian students can fulfill their academic and professional aspirations, contributing significantly to their personal growth and the nation’s development.
