Benefits Provided by the Indian Government to Students for Studying Abroad

In the era of globalization, studying abroad has become a common aspiration among students worldwide. It offers exposure to diverse cultures, innovative learning environments, and opportunities to broaden one’s horizons. However, the financial implications of studying abroad can be daunting for many. Recognizing this, the Indian government has taken several initiatives to support Indian students who wish to pursue their education overseas.

The Indian government, through various ministries and departments, provides a range of scholarships and financial aids to students. These benefits are designed to alleviate the financial burden and make international education more accessible. The government’s support extends beyond just financial aid; it also includes guidance and resources to help students navigate the complexities of studying in a foreign country.

Scholarships offered by the Indian government cover a wide range of fields and are available for different levels of study, from undergraduate to postdoctoral research. These scholarships are merit-based, ensuring that the most deserving students, irrespective of their financial background, get the opportunity to study at prestigious universities worldwide.

In addition to scholarships, the government also provides loan subsidies to students. The Dr. Ambedkar Scheme, for instance, offers interest subsidy on educational loans for overseas studies, significantly reducing the financial burden on students.

The government’s initiatives are not just limited to financial support. They also provide guidance to students about the application process, visa procedures, and other logistical aspects of studying abroad. This holistic approach ensures that students are well-prepared and informed about the challenges they might face while studying abroad.

In conclusion, the Indian government’s support for students studying abroad is comprehensive and multifaceted. It not only provides financial assistance but also equips students with the necessary knowledge and resources to make their overseas education journey smoother and more rewarding. This article will delve deeper into these benefits, shedding light on the various scholarships, eligibility criteria, application process, and more. Stay tuned as we unravel the myriad ways in which the Indian government is fostering global education and helping Indian students realize their dreams of studying abroad.

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Scholarships

The Indian government offers several scholarships to Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in other countries. These scholarships help cover school fees, living costs, and other extra expenses. Some of the well-known scholarships include:

1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

Provides opportunities for outstanding Indian individuals to pursue master’s degree programs at select US colleges and universities.

Benefits include J-1 visa support, round-trip economy class air travel from the fellow’s home city to the US host institution, funding for tuition, fees, and living expenses, and accident and sickness coverage as per US Government guidelines.

Here are some key points about the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships in India:

• The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are designed for highly motivated individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities.
• Applicants must have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, have at least three years professional work experience, and are committed to return and contribute to their communities in India.
• These fellowships are awarded for up to two years to pursue a master’s degree at U.S. colleges and universities in various fields.
• The fellowship provides J-1 visa support, round-trip economy class air travel from the fellow’s home city to the host institution in the U.S., funding for tuition and fees, living and related costs, and accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines.
• The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships provide no financial support for dependents.
• Applicants must have at least three years’ full-time (paid) professional work experience relevant to the proposed field of study by the application deadline.
• Applicants should demonstrate experience in leadership and community service.
• Applicants must not have another degree from a U.S. university or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program.
• If employed, applicants should follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement.
• The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period.

2. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

Fully funded by the Government of India, provides a prestigious opportunity for selected scholars to undertake research at St. Antony College, University of Oxford, London.

Benefits include round-trip economy class air travel, stipend, travel allowance, and college lunch allowance.

Here are some key points about the Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship in India:

• The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship is administered by the Ministry of Human Resource Development and is fully funded by the Government of India.
• The selected fellow is placed at St. Antony College, University of Oxford, London.
• The status of the candidate would be equivalent to that of a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford.
• The fellowship is tenable for one year in the first instance, which can be extended by one year more based on the performance of the candidate.
• Candidates should have a uniform academic record with 60% (at least) in Post-Graduation and with a PhD degree in the subject field chosen or published works of equivalent merit, which have received outstanding recognition.
• This Fellowship is intended for a young scholar between the age of 30 and 40 years who has a bent for pursuing an academic career and has specialized in one of the following subjects: History, Economics, and Political Science.
• Candidates should have a minimum of three years teaching experience at Graduate/Postgraduate level after completing PhD as on the date specified in the public notice.
• The fellowship provides a stipend amount, travel allowance, college lunches, high table dinner, and other administration charges.
• The candidate is given Economy Class air passage (both ways). Only the spouse of the selected candidate is provided Economy Class air-fare provided he/she stays in the UK with the scholar for a continuous period of one year.
• Applicants are required to apply through the online application portal.

3. National Overseas Scholarship

Covers expenses such as tuition fees, visa fees, book costs, and living expenses, medical insurance premium, poll tax, air tickets and incidental journey allowance, maintenance fee, and contingency allowance.

Here are some key points about the National Overseas Scholarship in India:

• The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a flagship program of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
• It aims to facilitate access to quality higher education abroad for students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT/SNT), Landless Agricultural Labourers (LAL), and Traditional Artisans (TA).
• The scholarship covers expenses such as tuition fees, visa fees, book costs, and living expenses, medical insurance premium, poll tax, air tickets and incidental journey allowance, maintenance fee, and contingency allowance.
• During the Selection Year 2023-24, there were 125 fresh awards, subject to availability of funds.
• Out of 125 Awards, 115 Awards were for Scheduled Castes candidates, 06 Awards were for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes and 04 were for Landless Agricultural Labourers candidates and Traditional Artisans.
• The Scheme provides financial assistance to the selected candidates for pursuing Masters level courses and Ph.D. courses abroad in the Institutions/Universities accredited by the Government/an authorized body of that country in any fields of study.
• 30% of the awards for each year are earmarked for women candidates.
• In order to be eligible for scholarship, at least 60% of marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination would be required.
• Candidates having unconditional offer of admission to top 500 ranked foreign Institutes/Universities as per the latest available QS rankings only will be selected for grant of scholarship during the first round of selection.
• The age of candidate should not be more than 35 (Thirty Five) years, as on first day of April of the selection year.
• Total family income from all sources shall not exceed Rs. 8.00 lakh per annum in the preceding financial year.
• The candidates, after assessing their eligibility and suitability, as per the eligibility conditions of the scheme guidelines, can apply online to this Ministry on the portal.

4. The JN Tata Endowment – Higher Education of Indians

Provides a loan ranging between INR 1,00,000 and INR 10,00,000, travel assistance of up to INR 50,000, and a gift award worth INR 2,00,000 to INR 7,50,000.

Here are some key points about The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians:

• The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians is a loan scholarship for Indian students to pursue master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral studies abroad.
• This merit-based scholarship was established in 1892 by Jamsetjee Nusserwanjee Tata.
• The Endowment supports only overseas studies – Masters, Ph.D. and Postdoctoral fellowships, in any educational stream.
• More than 5,600 Indian students have been awarded the JN Tata Endowment’s loan scholarship since its inception.
• The scholarship provides a loan ranging between INR 1,00,000 and INR 10,00,0005.
• It also provides travel assistance of up to INR 50,000 and a gift award worth INR 2,00,000 to INR 7,50,000.
• Candidates are required to register themselves to apply for the J N Tata Endowment loan scholarship for the academic year Fall 2024 – Spring 2025 using their personal email address.
• Candidates are required to identify the date of commencement of their Master’s/Ph.D./Post-doctoral degrees – Fall 2023 /Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 / Spring 2025.
• Furnishing Aadhar card Number is mandatory at the time of registration.
• Candidates who have forgotten their password will be mailed a link valid for 24 hours, for resetting their password.
• Candidates are required to apply through the online application portal.

5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree

Offers a monthly stipend of up to 1500 Euros, full tuition fee, travelling allowance, round-trip air travel, and job visa after completing Master’s/Ph.D.

Here are some key points about the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in India:

• The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs) are prestigious international masters, jointly designed and delivered by a group of higher education institutions.
• They involve at least 3 institutions from at least 3 different countries, and multiple associated partners from the academic and non-academic world.
• Typically, they include periods of study, research, traineeship, thesis preparation and defence.
• Scholarships available: Masters may also offer full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide. Scholarships cover your participation costs and contribute to travel, visa, and a living allowance.
• Masters duration: 1 to 2 academic years (60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits).
• Type of degree awarded: You will gain either a joint degree (i.e., one single degree certificate issued on behalf of at least two higher education institutions) or multiple degrees (i.e., at least two degree certificates issued by two higher education institutions of the consortium).
• Students apply directly to the institution running their chosen programme.
• In most cases, you should submit your application between October and January for courses starting the following academic year.
• Each master’s website has all the details about the course of study, the list of the participating universities, the entry requirements and all the steps of the application process (with and without scholarship).
• You must have a bachelor’s degree (first degree), or be in your last year of bachelor studies graduate before the master’s programme starts.
• You may also apply if you demonstrate a bachelor’s equivalent level of learning. This must be officially recognised, according to national legislation and practices, in the degree awarding country.
• In 2020, 134 Indian students were awarded the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) scholarship under the EU Erasmus+ programme, making India the top global recipient that year.
• Under the EMJMD scheme, students get an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in leading European universities in at least two different European countries.

6. Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Scholarship

Provides a tuition fee of up to INR 3,60,000.

Here are some key points about the Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Scholarship in India:

• The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust awards scholarships to Indian women graduates of reputed universities to pursue higher education abroad.
• The scholarship is specifically aimed at covering part of the tuition fee component.
• The Trust invites applications for the academic year 2024-2025 for various courses of study. The focus and concentration of study must be on issues related to women and children.
• Eligibility requirements include being an Indian woman graduate from a reputed university, having a consistent and remarkable academic record, and having applied for admission, or preferably secured admission, to reputed universities or institutions in the United States, UK or Europe for the year 2024-2025.
• Graduates with at least two years of relevant paid work experience are desired.
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend either an in-person or an online interview with the board of trustees on a designated day in late June or July 2024.
• A gift scholarship towards part of the tuition fee component is awarded to the selected student, approximate value ranges from rupees three lakhs to rupees six lakhs, based on the candidate’s performance in the interview.
• In order to get the link to download the application form, candidates are required to send an email with the requested information, to the specified email id – [email protected].

*These scholarships aim to cover various aspects, including a tuition waiver for comprehensive use by the host university, free university dormitory accommodation, or an accommodation subsidy. Please note that each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application process. It’s recommended to visit the official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How can students prepare a strong application for the Overseas Scholarship?

Preparing a strong application for the Scholarship involves several steps. Here are some tips to help students enhance their application:

1. Understand the Eligibility Criteria: Before starting the application process, students should thoroughly understand the eligibility criteria. This includes academic qualifications, age limit, family income, and specific requirements for different levels of study.
2. Academic Excellence: The scholarship is merit-based, so students should strive for academic excellence. For Master’s level courses, a minimum of 55% in bachelors is required, and for Ph.D. level courses, a minimum of 55% in masters is required.
3. Work Experience: Applicants with a minimum two-year work experience (for master’s courses) have an edge in the selection process. Similarly, candidates with a two and five-year work experience for Ph.D. and Post-doctoral education, respectively, have first preference.
4. Prepare Required Documents: Students should prepare all the necessary documents required for the application. This includes academic transcripts, proof of income, and other relevant documents.
5. Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately and honestly. Any discrepancies found later can lead to disqualification.
6. Start Early: Look out for the notification of the scheme in newspapers and electronic media. Starting the application process early gives students ample time to gather all the necessary documents and information.
7. Follow Up: After submitting the application, students should follow up with the scholarship providers.

Remember, a strong application is one that not only meets all the eligibility criteria but also stands out in terms of academic achievements and potential for success in the chosen field of study.

Please note that these are general deadlines and may vary. Students are advised to check the official websites of these scholarships for detailed and updated application deadlines. It’s also important to note that some scholarships may have multiple application rounds throughout the year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the National Overseas Scholarship, Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship, and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships are significant initiatives by the Indian government and various foundations that provide Indian students with opportunities to pursue higher education abroad. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also foster academic excellence, promote cross-cultural exchange, and contribute to the intellectual wealth of the nation. They are a testament to the commitment of these organizations to empowering Indian students and helping them realize their academic aspirations. It’s important for students to thoroughly research these scholarships, understand the eligibility criteria, and prepare a strong application to increase their chances of being awarded. These scholarships can truly be a life-changing opportunity for many deserving students.

Frequently Asked Questions about these scholarships:

• What is the National Overseas Scholarship?

The National Overseas Scholarship is a program run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment under the Government of India. It provides financial support to SC students for their higher studies in other countries.

• Who can apply for the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships?

Indian students who have completed an equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university, possess at least three years of professional work experience, and demonstrate strong leadership qualities are eligible to apply.

• What is the Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship?

The Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship is a fellowship program that offers Indian scholars an opportunity to conduct research at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, London.

• What does the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships cover?

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships cover program tuition, living expenses, healthcare, and one-way airfare for the scholar.

• What is the application deadline for the National Overseas Scholarship?

The applications portal for the first round of applications to NOS 2024 was opened from 15 February 2024 to 31 March 2024.

• What fields of study are covered under the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships?

The fields of study covered under these fellowships include Economics, Environmental Science/Studies, Higher Education Administration, International Affairs, International Legal Studies, Journalism and Mass Communication, Public Administration, Public Health, Urban and Regional Planning, and Women’s Studies/Gender Studies.

• What are the eligibility criteria for the Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship?

Candidates should have a uniform academic record with 60% (at least) in Post-Graduation and with a Ph.D. degree in the subject field chosen or published works of equivalent merit, which have received outstanding recognition.

• Who can apply for the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships?

All Indian passport holders who are resident in India at the time of application born on or after 1st January 1994 and hold a degree from a recognized university in India are eligible to apply.

• What is the maximum funding provided by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships?

The maximum funding provided by the foundation is USD 100,000.

• What is the application deadline for the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships?

The scholarships are generally available from 15 February 2024 to 30 March 2024.