There are lots of scholarships out there, but it can feel like too much to handle. But don’t stress! We’re here to help! This blog will help you start your scholarship search by showing you different options and giving you tips to get ready for your educational journey. We’ll talk about scholarships for studying abroad, especially those offered by the Indian government. We’ll also cover general options like scholarships for Indian students in Europe, the USA, Australia, and other places!
Popular Study Destinations for Abroad Study
Many Indians choose to study in countries like the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, and Germany. They do this because these countries have many top universities with programs that Indian students like, such as engineering, medical degrees, and MBAs. Also, there are a lot of Indians already living in these countries, which helps new students feel more at home. Plus, it’s easier to understand the language and living costs in these countries compared to places like the Nordic countries. Now, let’s explore some scholarships offered by the Indian government for studying abroad!
Indian Government Scholarship for Abroad Studies
The Indian Government is really interested in sending students abroad! This is good for both the students and the government because it helps India gain new skills and knowledge from other countries. Now, let’s check out some scholarships for studying abroad that are offered by the Indian government, as well as those that the government helps with through international organizations. Here’s a government scholarship for studying abroad:
1. National Overseas Scholarship
The National Overseas Scholarship, administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is one of the most well-known scholarships for studying abroad offered by the Indian government. It’s aimed at students from lower-income households and members of Scheduled Castes, De-notified Nomadic/Semi-Nomadic Tribes, etc., who want to pursue Master’s and PhD courses overseas. To be eligible, applicants must be under 35 years old and their family income should not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum. You can find more details about the eligibility criteria on the National Overseas Scholarship website.
2. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship
The Fulbright-Nehru fellowships are prestigious awards offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) as part of the Fulbright Program. These fellowships aim to strengthen educational and cultural ties between India and the United States. They’re available to Indian citizens with strong academic and professional backgrounds. The fellowship offers opportunities in research, professional development, and teaching. Applicants go through a competitive selection process based on their academic and professional merit, submitting detailed proposals and supporting documents. The duration and funding of the fellowships vary, covering travel, living expenses, and associated costs. It also provides J-1 USA student visa support, round-trip flight fares, tuition fees, and living expenses for the student.
3. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Internet Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies
This scholarship, introduced by the Indian government, aims to provide financial assistance to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC) or Economically Backward Classes (EBC) who wish to pursue higher education abroad. The scholarship focuses on supporting sections of society that may face more challenges in pursuing their educational goals. It provides subsidies on educational loans for overseas studies, helping students fulfill their aspirations.
Here’s a comparison between the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Internet Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies and the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS):
| Basis | Dr. Ambedkar Scheme | National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) |
| Objective | Provides financial assistance to SC students for higher education abroad by subsidizing loan interest. | Offers financial support to meritorious students from minority communities, SCs, OBCs, and economically weaker sections for overseas education. |
| Beneficiaries | Specifically aimed at SC students. | Targets minority communities, SCs, STs, OBCs, and economically weaker sections. |
| Financial Assistance | Subsidizes interest on educational loans for SC students studying abroad, up to a maximum limit. | Provides full financial support, covering tuition fees, airfare, maintenance allowance, and other expenses. |
| Loan Eligibility Criteria | Requires students to have availed educational loans from scheduled banks under the Model Education Loan Scheme of the IBA. | Not applicable; NOS offers direct financial assistance without a loan component. |
| Application Process | Application through the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. | Application through the Ministry of Minority Affairs for eligible communities. |
| Selection Criteria | Based on the interest subsidy scheme’s guidelines and criteria set by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation. | Merit-based selection considering academic performance and family income. |
| Duration of Support | Limited to the repayment period of the educational loan or a maximum of 10 years, whichever is earlier. | Covers the entire course duration, typically up to four years or course completion, whichever is earlier. |
| Coverage of Expenses | Primarily focuses on subsidizing loan interest, aiding students in repaying their loans more affordably. | Offers comprehensive coverage including tuition fees, airfare, maintenance allowance, and other expenses. |
| Implementation Authority | Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. | Ministry of Minority Affairs. |
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for Abroad Studies by the Indian Government
When selecting from partly and fully funded scholarships for Indian students, keep an eye out for the following details:
- Degree: Determine if the scholarship is for pursuing an undergraduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., or research opportunity. Be mindful of the duration and funding associated with each type of opportunity.
- Performance: Your academic performance, extracurricular activities, and work experience can all influence your eligibility. Scholarships often consider your overall merit.
- Merit or Need: Some scholarships are merit-based, while others are need-based. Merit-based scholarships focus on academic excellence and achievements, while need-based scholarships consider financial circumstances.
- Age: Many scholarships have an upper age limit, typically ranging from 30 to 35 years old.
- Citizenship Criteria: Ensure you meet the citizenship requirements, especially for scholarships targeted at Indian students. However, consider the scope of the ‘international’ tag, as some scholarships may be available to students from specific regions or countries.
- Visa Application Requirements: Understand the visa requirements, which can vary based on country, nationality, and course of study. Consider aspects such as student visa duration and post-graduation work opportunities.
- Field of Study: Some scholarships may have restrictions on the field of study. For example, certain scholarships may be specific to science and technology-related fields, while others may be open to various disciplines.
To secure your scholarship and streamline your financial transactions, consider using the Niyo global card for your international transactions. The Niyo global card offers convenient and hassle-free ways to manage your finances while studying abroad. With the Niyo card, you can enjoy benefits such as easy fund transfers, currency conversion at competitive rates, and secure online transactions. It’s a reliable option to ensure smooth and efficient handling of your financial needs while focusing on your academic pursuits and scholarship requirements.
Final Word
There are numerous scholarship opportunities tailored specifically for Indian students seeking to pursue higher education abroad, spanning a wide array of fields including MBBS, MBAs, undergraduate, Masters, PhDs, and research programs. Each scholarship comes with its own set of eligibility criteria and requirements, highlighting the importance of thorough research before embarking on the application process. By initiating applications early, maintaining academic excellence, crafting compelling essays, seeking guidance, and networking with relevant contacts, Indian students can greatly enhance their prospects of securing scholarships and fulfilling their academic ambitions abroad.