Discover the top scholarship schemes offered by the Indian government for students aiming to study abroad. Explore central and state government scholarships in detail.
Key Scholarship Schemes for Studying Abroad in India
Pursuing education abroad can be a dream come true for many students, but financial challenges often stand in the way, especially for middle- and lower-income families. Fortunately, the Indian government offers a variety of scholarship schemes designed to help students study abroad. These scholarships, available through both central and state government initiatives, aim to ease the financial burden and make global education accessible to all. Let’s dive into some of the top scholarship schemes provided by the Indian government.
Central Government Scholarship Schemes for Studying Abroad
The central government of India has introduced several scholarship programs that cater to different categories of students. Here are the prominent ones:
| Scholarship Scheme | Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|---|
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) | SC, Denotified Nomadic Tribes, and other categories | Supports low-income students for Master’s or Ph.D. courses abroad. |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | U.S. equivalent bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of professional work experience | For pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S. in fields like Public Health, Journalism, and Urban Planning. |
| Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Education Loan | OBC and EBC students pursuing Master’s, M.Phil., or Ph.D. abroad | Provides interest subsidies on education loans during the moratorium period for overseas studies. |
| Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship | Ph.D. scholars from India | Pre-doctoral research fellowship for 6-9 months at U.S. institutions focusing on climate change. |
| Ms Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship | Indian scholars | Fully funded one-year fellowship at the University of Oxford, with possible extension based on performance. |
State Government Scholarship Schemes for Studying Abroad
Apart from the central government scholarships, several state governments also offer scholarships for students who wish to study abroad. Below are some of the notable schemes:
| State Government Scheme | Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Minister’s Overseas Scheme for Minorities (Telangana) | Family income under ₹5 lakh | Provides up to ₹20 lakh for studying abroad, including visa and ticket charges. |
| Maharashtra’s Foreign Scholarship Program | Students from various departments such as Tribal Development, Social Justice, and Higher Education | Offers scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies abroad. |
| Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department Overseas Scholarship | Adi Dravidar, Scheduled Tribes, and Christian Adi Dravidar students | Scholarship up to ₹36 lakh for postgraduate and doctoral studies abroad. |
| Kerala Backward Classes Development Department Overseas Scholarship | Students from backward classes | Provides up to ₹10 lakh for studies in fields such as Engineering, Law, and Medical Science abroad. |
| Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence (RGS) | 200 meritorious students from Rajasthan | Covers full expenses for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. studies at reputed global institutions. |
Details of Key Scholarship Schemes
- National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
This scheme facilitates financial support for SC, OBC, and other marginalized categories of students pursuing higher education abroad. The scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare, and other related expenses for students applying for Master’s and Ph.D. courses. - Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
A prestigious scholarship for Indian students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in the United States, with a focus on fields like Economics, International Affairs, and Public Health. The fellowship also encourages students to contribute to India’s development after completing their studies. - Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Education Loan
This scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on OBC and EBC students by providing subsidies on the interest amount of loans taken for overseas education. - Ms Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
A one-year, fully-funded fellowship at the University of Oxford, designed to support research scholars with the potential for continued academic excellence.
How to Apply for These Scholarships
Each of these scholarships comes with specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and application deadlines. Here’s a quick overview of how to apply:
- National Overseas Scholarship: Application forms are available on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s website. Candidates need to submit their academic records and income certificates.
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship: Applications are submitted through the U.S. Department of State’s website, with deadlines typically in the fall.
- Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship: The Rajasthan government’s website provides detailed instructions on eligibility, and interested candidates can apply directly through their online portal.
- Dr. Ambedkar Scheme: Applications are accepted via the official Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment website. Students must submit their loan details along with their study program.
Empowering Students for a Global Education
Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity, but it often comes with a significant financial burden. Thanks to a variety of scholarship schemes offered by both the central and state governments, students from India can make their dreams of international education a reality. By applying for the right scholarship, students can receive the financial support they need to pursue higher education abroad and create a brighter future.
