In an effort to financially support the education of Indian students, education loans under different schemes are available. Please review the following schemes to find out if you are eligible for any education Loans.
1. Central Scheme to provide Interest Subsidy (CSIS) on Education Loan
This scheme, by the Government of India, is aimed at financially supporting Indian students of economically weaker sections to pursue technical and professional studies from recognized institutions in India. Interest subsidies are granted for education loans taken from scheduled banks under the Educational Loan scheme of the Indian Banks Association. Under this scheme, interest subsidy is provided for the period of moratorium, which includes course period plus one year or course period plus six months after getting employed, whichever comes earlier. Find more details.
2. Educational Loan Scheme by the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)
Under this scheme, education loans are provided to eligible students belonging to Minorities, for pursuing job oriented studies. Educational loans are granted for pursuing technical and professional courses and also for studying abroad. Educational Loan Scheme by NMDFC is implemented through State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs). Find more details.
3. Educational Loan Scheme by the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
Under the Education Loan Scheme of NSKFDC, education loans are offered to the members from the community of Safai Karamcharis\Manual Scavengers & their dependents for pursuing graduate, post graduate, technical and professional courses, and Ph.D studies. Loans are also given for pursuing approved job oriented diploma courses with minimum one year study. Find more details.
4. Educations loan schemes by the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC)-New Akanksha
Under this scheme, Education loans are given to members of Backward Classes for pursuing professional or technical courses, at graduate level and above. In order to qualify for the education loan under this scheme, the courses should be approved by authorities such as UGC, AICTE, Medical Council of India, etc . Find more details.
5. Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
This scheme comes under the Educations loan schemes by the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC). Under this scheme of Interest Subsidy on educational loans for overseas studies, qualified students from Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are awarded interest subsidies on education loans for pursuing Masters and PhD level studies abroad. Find more details.
6. Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies for Economically Backward Classes (EBCs)
This scheme comes under the Educations loan schemes by the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC). Under this scheme, eligible students from Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) are awarded interest subsidies on education loans for pursuing Masters and PhD level studies abroad. Find more details.
7. Education Loan by National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSCFDC)
Eligible students are offered Educational Loans to pursue Professional or Technical courses approved by the Government of India or to study Abroad. Find more details.
8. Education loan by National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC)
Under this scheme, eligible Indian students with 40% or more disability are offered education loans for pursuing higher studies in India or for studying abroad. The courses in India eligible for education loan under this scheme are graduate, postgraduate, and professional courses approved by authorities such as UGC, Government, AICTE, etc. Find more details.
7. Padho Pardesh – Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for the Students Belonging to the Minority Communities
Under this Education Loan scheme, eligible students belonging to economically weaker sections of minority communities are awarded interest subsidies on education loans for pursuing higher education abroad. This scheme is administered by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Find more details.
For more information about PADHO PARDESH SCHEME, including the eligibility criteria, courses covered, and the duration of interest subsidy offered under the Padho Pardesh scheme, watch the video below:
SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES BY THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS, INDIA
The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India offers different scholarships to members belonging to minority communities, to support their education pursuits. Please take time to review the following scholarship schemes to find out if you are eligible.
1. Pre-matric Scholarship Scheme
Under the Pre-matric Scholarship Scheme by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, eligible students from minority communities are awarded scholarships for studies in a government or private school in India, from class I to class X. Eligibility is based on family income and student’s marks. In order to qualify for the scholarships under the Pre-matric Scholarship Scheme, students should have 50% or more marks in the previous years’s final examination and the family income should be Rs.1 lakh or less. Find more details here.
2. Post-matric Scholarship Scheme
Under the Post-matric Scholarship Scheme, eligible students belonging to economically weaker sections of minority community are awarded scholarships to pursue studies in government or private higher secondary schools/colleges/universities in India. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students should have received 50% or more marks or equivalent grade in the previous year’s final examination and the family income should be Rs.2.00 lakhs or less. Find more details here.
3. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme provides scholarships for eligible and poor students belonging to minority community for professional and technical studies in India. This scholarship is offered to students pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies. Students who get admission to attend professional or technical courses on the basis of competitive exams are considered eligible for the scholarship. If the student secured admission not on the basis of competitive exams, 50% marks at higher secondary or graduation level is required to be eligible under the Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme. The annual family income should not be more than Rs.2.50 lakhs. Find more details here.
4. Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students Scheme (MANF).
Under this scheme, eligible students belonging to minority communities are offered financial assistance to pursue research studies in India. This include M. Phil, PhD studies and equivalent research degree in institutions in India. Find more details here.
5. Free Coaching and Allied Scheme
Under this scheme, eligible students belonging to minority communities are offered assistance in the form of special coaching for qualifying exams for admission to technical/ professional courses, competitive exams for employment in posts under the Central, State governments, and autonomous bodies, and Coaching/training for private sector employment. Find more details here.
6. Nai Udaan – Support for Students for preparation of Main Examination who clear Prelims conducted by UPSC/SSC, State Public Service Commission (PSC) etc.
In an effort to increase representation of members belonging to minority communities in the Civil Services, Ministry of Minority Affairs is offering support to eligible minority students for preparation of Main Examination. In order to be eligible, students should clear Preliminary exams conducted by Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, State Public Service Commission etc. Find more details here.
Scholarships to Study Abroad: Administered by MHRD, Government of India
Government study abroad Scholarships are available for Indian students who are planning to pursue their studies in foreign countries. In addition to the National Scholarships, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) administers external scholarships and fellowships. These are awarded by other foreign countries under programs such as Cultural Exchange Programs. Based on their field of study and their foreign country of interest, eligible Indian students can apply for these external scholarships and fellowships to study abroad. Check for new scholarship announcements by MHRD.
The subjects or field of study for which scholarships are awarded varies according to the country which offers the external scholarship. Therefore, it is important to review current scholarships and fellowships offered by different countries. As of now, following are the countries offering scholarships and fellowships to Indian students to study abroad:
Government Study Abroad Scholarships to study in United Kingdom
Commonwealth Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded to eligible students to pursue studies in Medicine, Engineering & Technology, Science, Agriculture & Allied Field, and Humanities & Social Science. Find more details.
Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship Eligible Indian students can apply for scholarships for studies in the field of Modern Indian Studies in History, Economics & Political Science at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, UK. Find more details.
Scholarships to study in China
Scholarships are awarded to eligible Indian students to pursue studies in Chinese Language & Literature and Fine Arts (Painting & Sculpture). Additional areas include Botany, Environmental Science, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Political Science/International Relations, MBA, Sericulture and Agronomy. Find more details.
Scholarships to study in Korea
Scholarships are offered by the Korean Government for eligible Indian students. It is to pursue studies in the field of Biotechnology, Korean Language & Literature and Agriculture. Find more details.
Government Scholarships to study in Israel
Government of Israel offers scholarships to eligible Indian students. It is to pursue studies in the field of Economics, Business Management, Mass Communication, Environment Studies. Also includes Judaism, Hebrew Language, History of the Jewish people, Agriculture, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology and Middle East Studies. Find more details.
Scholarships to study in Japan
Scholarships are awarded to eligible Indian students for studies in Japan. The areas of study include Information Technology, Optical Fiber Communication, Quality and Reliability Engineering, Electronics & Communication; Additional areas are Robotics, Laser Technology, Bio-technology, Japanese Language and Literature, Fisheries, Japanese Studies, Earthquake Engineering; Also includes Environmental Science, Architecture, Aerospace Engineering, Material Science/Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Find more details.
Scholarships to study in Belgium
Qualified Indian students can apply for scholarships for studies in the field of Environmental Science, Agronomy, and Photonics in Belgium. Find more details.
Government Study Abroad Scholarships to study in Italy
Scholarships are awarded to eligible Indian students to study in Italy. It is for studies in the field of Italian Language and Culture, Fashion Technology, Economics and Management, Information and Communication Technology, Environment, Biotechnology, and Art and Music courses. Find more details.
Scholarships to study in Mexico
Eligible Indian students can apply for scholarships for pursuing studies in Mexico. For this, areas include Agriculture, Architecture, Biotechnology, Environment Science, Latin American Studies, History, Economics, Psychology, Spanish Literature, and Geography. Find more details.
Scholarships to study in Turkey
Government study abroad Scholarships are awarded to eligible Indian students to study in Turkey. This is for studies in the field of Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Environmental Engineering. Find more details.
National Scholarships offered by MHRD, Government of India
With an increasing number of high achieving students in India, getting admitted to one’s preferred field of study in a top university still remains a dream for many. Even more, many Indian students aspiring higher education are unable to afford the high costs of education in many colleges. Indian Government, in an effort to provide financial support to such deserving students, is offering scholarships and interest subsidy on education loans for Indian students. The Ministry of Human Resource Development, under the Government of India, is responsible for awarding scholarships and education subsidies to eligible Indian students. Students should keep themselves updated about different scholarship schemes offered by the Government of India. Please take some time to explore different scholarships offered by the Government of India, and find out whether you qualify.
1. Central Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students is aimed at financially supporting Indian students from poor families to help with their higher education expenses. National scholarships are offered to Indian students based on their family income and the results of class XII examination. Students should score above 80th percentile in the particular stream of study for specific Boards of Exam and should have family income below Rs. 6 lakhs per year . National scholarships, open to students of age group 18-25 years, is offered to eligible Indian students to pursue professional studies and graduate / postgraduate courses in colleges and universities.
Currently, eligible students are awarded Rs. 1000 per month for three years of graduate level studies and Rs. 2000 per month for Post-Graduation studies. Eligible students taking professional courses will receive Rs. 2000 monthly in the 4thand 5th year of their professional studies. Under this scheme, students receive scholarships for 10 months in a particular academic year. Currently, 82000 fresh scholarships are awarded every year, ensuring 41000 scholarships are offered for boys and 41000 for girls.
The examining bodies will shortlist qualified students within five weeks of announcement of results of class XII examination. Eligible students are selected based on the exam results and the family income. These shortlisted students will receive written notification from their Boards or other concerned authorities to find out if they are willing to accept the scholarship. Eligible students are required to reply within the time specified, or else the scholarship will be awarded to the next eligible candidate. Find more details.
2. Scheme of Scholarship to Students from Non-Hindi Speaking States for Post Matric Studies in Hindi
Scheme of Scholarship to Students from Non-Hindi Speaking States for Post Matric Studies in Hindi is aimed at promoting study of Hindi in the non-Hindi speaking states of India. Currently, 2500 Scholarships are awarded to eligible students pursuing Post-Metric to PhD level studies. The scholarship amount varies between Rs. 300 to 1000 monthly. Find more details.
3. Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu& Kashmir
Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu& Kashmir is aimed at improving education and employment opportunities in Jammu& Kashmir. Each year, 5000 scholarships are awarded, which includes 4500 scholarships awarded for general degree courses, 250 for engineering studies, and 250 for medical education. Find more details.
Study Abroad Scholarships- For Indian students to study in foreign universities
There are many study abroad scholarships for Indian students to study in foreign universities. Today, Indian students have multiple avenues open in front of them to pursue their undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degrees in top universities internationally. Many government and private organizations, in India and abroad, offer scholarships and fellowships for Indian students to pursue higher studies abroad. However, students applying for study abroad scholarships should keep themselves updated about different scholarships offered for their area of study. Also, in order to successfully complete the scholarship application process, applicants should know the scholarship eligibility criteria, timeline for application, etc.
List of Study Abroad scholarships for Indian students
Here is a list of study abroad scholarships for Indian students planning to study abroad. Please take sometime to go through the list to find out which scholarships are applicable to you. For this, check your field of study and the universities you are interested in to pursue higher studies. Also, check scholarships for secondary school student, undergraduate, post graduate, or doctorate degree holders.
A*STAR Investigatorship (A*I) is one of the study abroad scholarships for Indian students. And, it is awarded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore for researchers worldwide. Also, the applicants should have a doctorate degree or equivalent.
Aichi Scholarship Program is awarded by the Aichi Prefectural Government, Japan. It is offered to eligible graduate level applicants from Asian countries, including India. Additionally, the scholarship period extends from 6 months to 2 years. And, Aichi Scholarship Program is offered to qualified students who pursue a field of study that supports Aichi’s manufacturing industry.
Ashok Khurana Scholarship is open to outstanding Indian Students for post-graduate study at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Areas of post graduate coursework includes Health Services, Education, Agriculture, Environment, Aerospace, Resources, Clean Technology, or any other area of interest if permitted by the University of Adelaide and the donor.
Chinese Government Scholarship is offered by the Government of China for qualified Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctoral students and general and Senior scholars.
Commonwealth Scholarships offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) provides fellowships and scholarships to citizens of Commonwealth nations. Scholarships and fellowships are awarded for professional and postgraduate studies at UK universities. Interestingly, students of developing Commonwealth nations, pursuing degree courses in UK while residing in their home country, have the opportunity to apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships.
The European Union’s Erasmus Mundus program provides scholarships for higher education and facilitate education partnership between the EU and other nations.
Scholarships are offered for Erasmus Mundus courses, including Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degrees (EMJMD) and Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate (EMJD) program, and Erasmus Mundus partnerships.
Global E3 or The Global Engineering Education Exchange Program is aimed at training Engineering students internationally. As of now, there are no Indian universities that are listed as member institution of the Global Engineering Education Exchange Program. However, Indian Engineering students enrolled in foreign universities can participate in Global Engineering Education Exchange Program. Thereby, they will have the opportunity to study in other participating universities in Asia, United States, Europe, Australia, Latin America, and Middle East.
Her Majesty the Queen’s Scholarships (HM Queen’s Scholarships), offered by the Royal Thai Government (RTG) to eligible candidates from any Asian country. This scholarship is granted to eligible applicants with undergraduate degree. And, it is awarded to pursue Master’s degree in environmental-related field at the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), AIT, Thailand.
Hinrich Foundation Scholarships are offered by Hinrich Foundation. It is for eligible students to pursue Master of Arts in International Journalism Studies at Hong Kong Baptist University in Hong Kong SAR. And, nationals of India, Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, holding an undergraduate degree in related fields can apply. Also, applicants should clear TOEFL iBT or IELTS with a valid minimum score of 79 or 6.5 respectively.
His Majesty the King’s Scholarships (HM King’s Scholarships) are awarded by the Royal Thai Government (RTG) to eligible applicants from any Asian nation. And, it is offered to eligible candidates to pursue Master Degree at School of Engineering and Technology (SET) and School of Management (SOM), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand.
Hornby Scholarship funded by the A.S.Hornby Educational Trust, offers scholarships for English language teachers outside UK. And, it is awarded for completing one year Masters program in English Language Training at the University of Warwick, England. Moreover, Hornby Scholarship offers funding to cover all expenses, including tuition, travel, accommodation, visa, and IELTS costs for eligible candidates.
13. Huawei Maitree Scholarship
Huawei Maitree Scholarship is offered by Huawie Technologies, the global telecommunications provider. This scholarship is awarded for eligible Indian students to study in China. Additionally, for details, visit www.huaweimaitree.org
14. Inlaks Scholarship
Inlaks Scholarship is offered by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation. And, it is aimed at financially supporting Indian students, who are exceptionally talented. Additionally, this scholarship is for students to pursue postgraduate studies or research outside India. Inlaks Scholarships are awarded to eligible Indian students taking university courses or attending specific programs proposed by the student.
In an effort to improve the research activities in Australia, Government of Australia awards International PG Research Scholarship (IPRS) to qualified international post graduate applicants. As a part of this, IPRS supports international students to pursue research studies in Australia. And, this scholarship is granted for a duration of two years for students pursuing a research Masters degree. Similarly, scholarship is granted for three years for those pursuing a research doctorate degree. Also, applicants are required to apply to the respective universities participating in International PG Research Scholarship (IPRS) by Government of Australia.
University of Melbourne offers multiple scholarships to international students. These include the International Postgraduate Coursework Award (IPCA), International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, and Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship. The International Postgraduate Coursework Award (IPCA) by the University of Melbourne is offered to qualified international students pursuing graduate course work degree.
17. Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OSCI) Scholarships
The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarships are awarded to Indian citizens to study in the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, UK. Again, candidates planning to pursue undergraduate, graduate study or research program may apply.
Raman-Charpak Fellowship Program was introduced by the Indo French Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/ CEFIPRA). And, this is aimed at supporting exchange of research students between India and France. So, if eligible, Indian PhD research scholars will be able to complete part of their study in France, and vice versa.
19. The Silk-Road Scholarship Program
Silk-Road Scholarship is offered by the SBS Foundation and Seoul National University. And, it is awarded to eligible candidates to pursue study in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Seoul National University, South Korea. Additionally, students from all countries along the Silk Road, including India and China can apply for the Silk-Road Scholarship.
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships is offered by Reliance Industries Limited. And, it is aimed at providing financial support to Indian students for pursuing MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Sussex India scholarship is another study abroad scholarship for Indian students. And, it will be awarded as a tuition fee reduction to eligible Indian nationals after enrolment at the University of Sussex.
Tata Scholarship is the next one of the study abroad scholarships for Indian students. And, it is given to qualified Indian students for Undergraduate studies at Cornell University.
Ireland’s global university, University College Dublin (UCD) offers scholarships for eligible undergraduate students.
24. University of Oxford Rhodes Scholarships
Another one of the study abroad scholarships for Indian students is University of Oxford Rhodes Scholarships. And, it is awarded every year to five outstanding Indian students to study at University of Oxford.
Fellowships offered by United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) to Indian nationals for pursuing Masters, Doctoral research, and post doctoral studies in US.
As globalization is minimizing the distances between different nations, more and more foreign universities are embracing the idea of cultural diversity and transfer. One of the main problems Indian students face when planning to study abroad is the burden of high tuition costs and additional expenses. This has led to more students applying for study abroad scholarships and fellowships, which would ease the burden of tuition costs. However, getting access to right information at the right time is very important to find the right scholarships to apply to and to complete the application in time!
