Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government

Going abroad to study is a dream of many from India: global exposure, upgraded laboratories, diverse classrooms and cutting-edge research. But it comes at a hefty cost. Many students consider: does Indian government offer scholarships to study abroad and if so, how, when, and who? In this article you’ll find exactly that – latest, up-to-date info on the Indian government scholarships for studying abroad, with strong emphasis on after 12th, undergraduate, masters, SC/minority and other state and central schemes along with few tips that can increase your chances.

What Kind of Scholarships for Studying Abroad by Indian Government Actually Exist

To begin with, let’s clear the terms: when we say scholarships for studying abroad by Indian government, we mean the schemes run by a Central / Union Government or by State Governments within India, aimed at helping a particular segment of students — usually SC/ST, minorities, or economically weaker sections — to pursue higher education in full-time manner in foreign institutions (master’s or PhD level). 

Usually these schemes:

• Do not cover undergraduate study abroad universally for all students; undergraduate is rare and generally state based. 
• Often require securing admission abroad first. 
• Require eligibility criteria, e.g. minimum marks, age limit, family income, category (SC/ST/OBC/minority).

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) — The Flagship Scheme

What it is

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is India government’s flagship scheme for Overseas Study. It is focused on SC, Denotified Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), Landless Agricultural Labourers, Traditional Artisans. It funds students after graduation (i.e. masters or PhD abroad). It does NOT fund undergrad abroad in present form.

Eligibility & Benefits (2025-26)

Here are updated details:

• Candidates eligible: subsets of SC/ DNT/ Semi-nomadic tribes/ landless agricultural labourers/ traditional artisans. 
• Levels supported: Master’s level and PhD abroad. No support for undergraduate study abroad. 
• Marks requirements: 60% (or equivalent) or higher in qualifying degree (Master’s – bachelor’s marks; PhD – master’s marks).
• Age limit: Applicants should be below 35 years as on 1 April of the selection year. 
• Family income ceiling: ₹8,00,000 per annum.

What is covered

• Fees charged by a foreign institution for tuition. 
• Annual allowance: For example, in 2025-26 the allowance under NOS is about USD 15,400 for countries other than the UK; the UK is different (GBP). 
• Visa fees, medical insurance, travel (air fare), incidental / contingency allowances (books, equipment etc.). 

Application timeline

• For 2025-26, the NOS portal opens 15 September 2025 and closes at the deadline noted on the NOS portal. [Check for the exact date as it may change from round to round. 
• The duration of the award is up to 3 years for Master’s and 4 years for PhD. 

Application timeline

• For the year 2025-26, the NOS portal is open from 15 September 2025 to the deadline noted on the NOS portal. [Check exact date as it may change each round.
  
• Award duration: Upto 3 years for Master’s, 4 years for PhD.
  

State-Government Scholarships & Foreign Education Support

Due to the limited coverage of central schemes regarding undergraduate studies abroad, or a larger cohort of students, many states have their own foreign scholarship / overseas scholarship / foreign higher education scholarship schemes. Staying closely related to your location of Pune / Maharashtra, here are some schemes, plus a few others, that would be most relevant:  

Maharashtra

• Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Foreign Scholarship Scheme (2025-26): For Scheduled Caste boys & girls / Neo-Buddhist students in Maharashtra who are admitted to overseas education (“special studies abroad”) programs. The scholarship supports postgraduate (Masters) studies and PhD programs.
• Foreign Scholarship for Minorities, Maharashtra: Available for students from six notified minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis), for studies abroad (Masters/PhD). For tuition fees, travel, under health insurance, boarding ,etc. Income limit usually around ₹8 lakhs. A criteria of university ranking (e.g. typically must be among the top 200 in 
• QS) is also frequently applied. 
• Maharashtra also has a Foreign Scholarship Portal, through the Social Welfare/Foreign Scholarship Portal, that will allow eligible students from SC/ST/minorities to apply online.
  

Punjab

• An announcement from the Punjab state government made on 2025: a scholarship system for children from underprivileged families (SC etc.) who receive 60% in their graduation degree after the age of 35, receive full support (tuition, visa, travel, maintenance etc.) with travel etc. 

Other States

A number of other states in India have similar systems – the details will vary: some schemes for MSc/MA abroad, some schemes specifically for SC/ST/minorities, other schemes for reserved categories. Check what is available from Social Welfare / Minority / SC/ST departments in your state.

Scholarships After 12th / Undergraduate Level 

At this time, central government schemes normally do not offer scholarships for immediate, subsequent study abroad after obtaining 12th class education (undergraduate level courses). There are a few limited exceptions (state-based or course-specific) which do exist, but these are rare and generally extremely competitive. 

Why it’s rare

• Issues of resource availability: funding overseas undergraduate scholarships for all will be enormous. 
• There is more emphasis on postgraduate / research level so that students can take back expertise to India. 
• States will have a few funds available; most often foreign scholarship schemes are offered to SC/ST/minorities with specialized programs (Masters/PhD).

What you can do

• If you are aiming for higher marks after 12th grade, work on building a strong profile (language tests, entrance tests, extracurricular work)
• Check to see if your state has a Foreign Higher Education Scholarship Scheme that includes undergraduate study abroad. Some state SC/ST/Minority welfare departments do offer this.
• Look for bilateral / scholarships from foreign governments, or university scholarships abroad which accept undergrad study for international students.

Scholarships for Masters / Post-Graduation / Research Abroad

Students after graduation, going for Masters or PhD, there are more choices. Central schemes + state schemes + external / foreign government scholarships + university scholarships abroad all increase the chances! 

Central Govt

• As mentioned: NOS is the most important scheme at the central level.
• Also the External Scholarships / Fellowships facilitated by Ministry of Education / Department of Higher Education: Usually for research, masters and doctoral studies abroad they are under cultural / educational arrangements with foreign governments.
  

State Govt

• Foreign Scholarship for Minorities (Maharashtra) – for Masters & PhD afield.
• Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Foreign Scholarship (SC etc.) – again for Masters/PhD.

Private Trusts / University Scholarships & Combinations

• Sometimes universities offer merit scholarships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or grants. If you can combine one of them with Indian Government support (from Maharashtra), then you are financially reasonable.
• Similarly, private philanthropic trusts from India may act as complementary sources of funding.

Scholarships for SC / ST / Minorities & Reserved Categories

This is a focus for most schemes supported by the Indian government to study abroad. 

• NOS is specifically made for SC / DNT / semi-nomadic / landless agricultural labourers / traditional artisans. 
• State schemes usually focus on Scheduled Castes (e.g. Rajashri Shahu scheme), Neo Buddhists etc. 
• Minority schemes (religious minorities) in some state foreign scholarships (e.g. Maharashtra’s Foreign Scholarship for Minorities) are based on the same specifications: income limit, age limit, good performance in academic studies.
• For SC students: Schemes often have reserved seats, some schemes have elevated income ceilings, and some reduced fees for documentation etc.

Current Challenges & Recent Updates (2025)

Here are some of the most recent updates, issues, and alerts.

Recent & Notable Updates

• As of 15 September 2025, NOS 2025-26 applications are open.
  
• Maharashtra Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Foreign Scholarship Scheme for SC & Neo-Buddhist students is open for applications for the year 2025-26.
• Maharashtra’s Foreign Scholarship for Minorities (PG / PhD abroad) has the same eligibility criteria: income limit, domicile, minimum marks, top university rank.
  
• There are cases in Maharashtra, in which SC/Neo-Buddhist students and other minority students have won large scholarships (in lakhs of rupees) to study abroad, mostly won through state foreign higher education scholarship schemes. For example, in August 2025, 12 Neo-Buddhist students from Maharashtra won government scholarships to study abroad (in courses like cybersecurity, MBA, etc.) under the state Foreign Higher Education Scholarship Scheme.

Challenges / Issues Students Face

• Funding holds/delays: Reports indicate that NOS funding is either held or delayed in some instances, thus affecting students who have already been selected.  
• Limited seats: Even when schemes are available, there are limited scholarships available (e.g. in Maharashtra’s state scheme, only 75 SC / Neo-Buddhist students under the Rajarshi Shahu scheme selected each year).  
• A high-quality bar (for age, marks, income ceilings and university ranking) that is difficult for many to meet.  
• Documentation & Application delays are standard (admission letters, visa documents, etc.).

How to Apply: Step-by-Step & Tips to Increase Chances

Presented below are steps & advice you can take. Use these, especially for india scholarships for studying abroad, scholarships for studying abroad after completing your degree, for your masters, for SC students, and so on.  

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Identify Programs You Want & Universities
  Determine your field you are studying abroad, what universities you are targeting; check their fees, check their rankings (QS / Times etc.), get their admission information. Many Indian government foreign scholarship schemes will ask that the university abroad is ranked (e.g. top 200). The Maharashtra minority scheme uses top 200 QS. 
• Check if You Qualify for Government Scheme
  Check NOS and getting the state schemes: check the category (SC/ST/minority), marks qualifications, age, income ceiling, domicile.
• Secure Admission / Conditional Offer
  Many schemes require an offer/admission (even if conditional) from abroad so that cost/fee details etc. are known.
• Gather All Documents Early
  • • Caste or minority certificate
    • Income certificate (from competent authority)
    • Mark sheets / transcripts / degree certificate or provisional one
    • Passport, visa, offer letter from foreign university
    • Domicile certificate
    • Passport size photographs etc.
      
• Check Alerts and Deadlines 

Application windows will be posted on government websites (NOS portal, State Social Welfare / Minority Commission / SC/ST departments). For instance, in Maharashtra, for the Rajarshi Shahu Scheme, the deadline was extended in 2025 to May 20. 

• Read/Fill Application Carefully 

Watch for errors in uploading files, spelling, address, etc, as errors can lead to disqualification! 

• Submit the application and follow up. 

Once the application is submitted, be alert for: provisional selection or forwarding of award letters; and the award letter indicates the execution of fund disbursement. 

Tips to Improve Your Chances

• Ensure to maintain good academic standing (≥60-70% depending on scheme) 
• Obtain excellent recommendation letters & strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) especially for Master’s/PhD 
• Make sure it satisfies the university ranking requirement if scheme requires it 
• Ensure to be well below age limit; don’t be waiting until last minute 
• If it is for out of country scholarship schemes of states for example, Maharashtra, plan cost: travel, insurance, living — have a back up plan

Conclusion

When asked whether the Indian government provides scholarships for studying abroad, particularly for post graduate degrees, research or SC, ST, minorities etc. – the answer is simple, yes. Undergraduates or fresh out of the 12th, the central government support is limited. The state governments bridge part of the gap, particularly for SC / minority students. 

If you are serious about studying abroad, plan ahead, explore schemes from central and state governments, ensure you meet eligibility conditions (academics, age, income, university ranking), and apply exactly.

FAQs 

Ques. 1. Does the Indian government provide scholarships for studying abroad?

Ans.  Yes, the Indian government provides scholarships for studying abroad, but mainly at the postgraduate and PhD levels. The flagship scheme is the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS), and several state governments like Maharashtra and Punjab also run their own overseas scholarship schemes. Undergraduate scholarships are rare and usually state-specific.

Ques. 2. Can I get an Indian government scholarship to study abroad after 12th?

Ans.  Currently, central government scholarships like NOS do not cover undergraduate programs abroad. However, some state-level schemes for SC/ST/minority students may occasionally support undergraduate study. Students after 12th are encouraged to also look at foreign government and university scholarships.

Ques. 3. Who is eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)?

Ans.  The NOS is mainly for SC, Denotified Nomadic Tribes, Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural labourers, and traditional artisans. Key conditions include:

• Minimum 60% marks in qualifying degree (Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for PhD).
  
• Age below 35 years on 1st April of the selection year.
  
• Family income less than ₹8,00,000 per annum.
  
• Admission to a recognized foreign university (Master’s/PhD only).
  

Ques. 4. What expenses are covered under Indian government scholarships for studying abroad?

Ans.  Most central and state schemes cover tuition fees, visa charges, medical insurance, airfare, and a maintenance allowance for living expenses. For example, NOS provides around USD 15,400 annually as maintenance allowance (varies by country).

Ques. 5. How can I improve my chances of getting an Indian government scholarship for studying abroad?

Ans.  You can increase your chances by:

• Maintaining high academic performance (60–70% or above).
  
• Securing admission in top-ranked foreign universities (many schemes require QS/Times ranking criteria).
  
• Preparing documents early (income certificate, caste/minority certificate, admission letter, etc.).
  
• Writing a strong SOP and obtaining good recommendation letters.
  
• Applying before deadlines and following up with the concerned department.