Government of India Programs Supporting Students Studying Abroad
The Government of India has launched several programs and initiatives to assist students aspiring to pursue education abroad. These initiatives aim to empower students financially, academically, and logistically, enabling them to achieve their academic dreams on the global stage. From scholarships and fellowships to guidance on visa processes and international collaboration, these programs are designed to make studying abroad a seamless experience for Indian students.
In this comprehensive blog, we explore various Government of India programs supporting students studying abroad, focusing on their objectives, benefits, and eligibility criteria.
1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a flagship program by the Government of India aimed at economically weaker sections of society. This initiative helps meritorious students pursue higher education abroad in master’s, Ph.D., and post-doctoral courses.
Objectives:
- To promote educational advancement among students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other marginalized communities.
- To support students pursuing courses in science, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
Benefits:
- Tuition fees and other educational expenses.
- Maintenance allowance.
- Airfare to and from the country of study.
- Visa fees and other miscellaneous expenses.
Eligibility:
- Annual family income should not exceed INR 8 lakhs.
- Applicants must have a minimum of 60% marks in their previous qualifying examination.
- Admission to a recognized university abroad is mandatory.
2. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies
This scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides interest subsidies on educational loans for students from economically backward sections pursuing higher education abroad.
Objectives:
- To reduce the financial burden on students availing of education loans for studying abroad.
- To encourage students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to pursue higher education internationally.
Benefits:
- Subsidy on the interest charged on education loans during the moratorium period.
- Support for postgraduate and doctoral studies in recognized fields.
Eligibility:
- The family income of the applicant should not exceed INR 8 lakhs annually.
- The student must have secured admission to a recognized foreign university.
3. Padho Pardesh Scheme
The Padho Pardesh Scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, is designed to provide interest subsidies on education loans for students from minority communities pursuing higher education abroad.
Objectives:
- To promote academic opportunities for students belonging to minority communities.
- To enable students to access global education and build competitive skills.
Benefits:
- Interest subsidy during the moratorium period of the education loan.
- Applicable for master’s and Ph.D. programs in various fields.
Eligibility:
- The family income should not exceed INR 6 lakhs annually.
- Applicants must belong to minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and Jains).
- Admission to a recognized foreign university is mandatory.
4. Skill India International Scholarships
Under the Skill India Mission, the Government of India has partnered with international universities and organizations to offer scholarships for skill-based courses. These scholarships focus on enhancing employability and vocational skills.
Objectives:
- To promote skill-based education on a global level.
- To align Indian students with international job markets and opportunities.
Benefits:
- Scholarships for short-term and long-term vocational courses abroad.
- Financial assistance for tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Eligibility:
- Indian citizens pursuing skill-based education abroad.
- Students must meet the specific criteria of partnered organizations.
5. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarships
The ICCR offers scholarships to Indian students for pursuing higher education in foreign universities under cultural exchange programs. These scholarships foster global academic collaborations and cultural diplomacy.
Objectives:
- To promote international academic exchange.
- To enhance cultural understanding between India and partner countries.
Benefits:
- Full or partial funding for tuition fees.
- Maintenance allowance and airfare.
- Support for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses.
Eligibility:
- Indian students who meet the academic and age criteria specified for the scholarship.
- Admission to a recognized university abroad is required.
6. SII (Study in India Initiative) Partnered Scholarships
The Study in India Initiative promotes educational exchange programs between India and other countries. While its primary focus is to attract international students to Indian universities, it also collaborates with foreign institutions to support Indian students studying abroad.
Objectives:
- To foster bilateral academic partnerships.
- To enable Indian students to access global education through scholarships and exchange programs.
Benefits:
- Scholarships covering tuition and living expenses.
- Exchange programs for short-term courses in partner universities.
Eligibility:
- Indian students enrolled in courses offered under the SII initiative.
- Selection based on academic performance and program requirements.
7. Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN)
The GIAN Program, launched by the Ministry of Education, facilitates academic collaborations between Indian institutions and foreign universities. While its focus is on hosting international faculty in India, it also provides opportunities for Indian students to engage in exchange programs and study-abroad initiatives.
Objectives:
- To enhance the global academic exposure of Indian students.
- To facilitate research collaborations with international institutions.
Benefits:
- Short-term study-abroad programs.
- Research funding for students pursuing international collaborations.
Eligibility:
- Indian students enrolled in institutions participating in the GIAN program.
- Interest in research and academic exchange opportunities.
8. National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) Scholarships
The NSDC provides scholarships to Indian students seeking vocational training and skill-based education abroad. These programs are part of the government’s focus on skill development and employability.
Objectives:
- To align Indian students with global standards in skill development.
- To create a workforce that is globally competent.
Benefits:
- Scholarships for skill-based education programs abroad.
- Financial assistance for travel, tuition, and living expenses.
Eligibility:
- Indian students enrolled in NSDC-partnered courses.
- Admission to a recognized vocational training program abroad.
9. INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) Fellowship
The INSPIRE Fellowship, initiated by the Department of Science & Technology, supports Indian students in pursuing higher education in science and research fields. While primarily focused on Indian institutions, it also funds international collaborative research projects.
Objectives:
- To encourage Indian students to excel in science and technology.
- To support international collaborations in research and development.
Benefits:
- Funding for tuition fees, research expenses, and living costs.
- Opportunities for joint research programs with foreign universities.
Eligibility:
- Indian students pursuing postgraduate or doctoral programs in science and technology.
- Collaborative research opportunities with recognized international institutions.
10. UGC’s Assistance for International Education
The University Grants Commission (UGC) supports Indian students seeking education abroad through various fellowship programs. These include grants for collaborative research, academic exchange programs, and financial assistance.
Objectives:
- To promote international exposure for Indian students.
- To enhance the global competitiveness of Indian higher education.
Benefits:
- Research grants for international collaborations.
- Scholarships for tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Eligibility:
- Indian students enrolled in UGC-approved programs.
- Applicants must meet the specific criteria of the fellowship.
Conclusion
The Government of India has made significant strides in supporting students aspiring to study abroad. Programs like the National Overseas Scholarship, Padho Pardesh Scheme, and Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme have empowered countless students by reducing the financial barriers associated with international education. Additionally, initiatives like the Skill India International Scholarships and GIAN program have expanded opportunities for skill-based education and academic collaborations.
If you are an aspiring student looking to pursue education abroad, exploring these programs and applying for suitable scholarships can make a significant difference in achieving your goals. With meticulous planning, strong academic performance, and the backing of these government initiatives, your dream of studying abroad can become a reality.