Studying abroad can be financially challenging for many meritorious students who often opt out due to the expensive course fee, visa charges, accommodation and food expenses. Therefore, scholarships help many to pursue their dreams.
News18 ‘Scholarship Guide’ brings the best and most prestigious grants for Indian students to study abroad, with most of them covering flight tickets, accommodation and course fee; and some also providing stipend.
As more and more children are enrolling in schools, there are few takers for higher education in India. Most common reason cited is the lack of resources and tools. In fact, many students also find it hard to get returns on their investment for post-graduation as the salaries offered are not even close to the course fee.
According to the government data, as many as 4.14 crore students have been enrolled in institutions in the 2020-21 academic year. Among these, 79.06% are undergraduates while 11.5% are studying for post-graduation, according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report.
News18 brings top scholarships offered to study PG courses in India:
Central Scholarship
Scholarships are offered in bulk ensure students who have merit continue with their education. The Centre offers a couple of scholarships, which are open to all students who have cleared graduation from a recognised institute.
AICTE PG Scholarship
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) offers scholarships to support the postgraduate education of students in India.
Who can apply: Candidates applying to study in the first year at an AICTE-approved institute in courses including M.E. /M.Tech /M.Arch./M.Des can apply for the course.
Selection Procedure: Students will be shortlisted based on merit including their score in CAT, CEED, or other relevant entrance exams. Students’ profiles will be shortlisted and sent to AICTE. Respective institutes will verify personal details, date of admission/date of commencement among other details.
Where to apply: https://pgscholarship.aicte-india.org/
Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child
The government offers this scholarship to girls who wish to study in non-professional postgraduate courses. As many as 1,200 seats are available every year. Students get Rs 2,000 per month for two years of the course.
Who can apply: Girls who are 30 years or younger and have been admitted to a non-professional postgraduate courses can apply. They should also be single child, not having any sibling.
Selection Procedure: Girls can get the scholarship by providing supporting documents, which will be verified by authorities.
Where to apply: ugc.gov.in
There are many other central government-funded scholarships, including the Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students, for those who belong to one of the minority communities including Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians, and wish to pursue higher studies. The scholarship offers 756 slots every year for all the subjects including MPhil/PhD degrees in sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering and technology.
Of the total, 3% of fellowships are reserved for physically differently-abled candidates belonging to minority communities.
State-Level Scholarships
Many states also offer scholarships to students. They can check the scholarship options in their native state and also on the official websites in which their desired educational institute is based to match with the best possible grants.
Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulkh Shishyavrutti Scheme
The Maharashtra government offers financial support to students who wish to study higher education but are from Economically Backward Classes. The scheme offers 50% of the tuition fee as well as 50% of the exam fee.
Who can apply: Applicants should have a domicile of Maharashtra and been admitted to a professional or technical course. The family income of the candidates should not be more than Rs 8 lakh. This is applicable to diplomas, post-graduation as well as graduation.
Selection Procedure: Applicants will undergo document verification only.
Where to apply: https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in
Private Support Groups
There are many non-government scholarships available for Indian students. These include corporations, foundations, and help groups. Many of these offer waivers and can cover up to 100% fees of students. Many also offer internship opportunities or mentoring after the course.
Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships
The Reliance Foundation supports students pursuing postgraduate courses in India. It offers up to 100 scholarships of up to Rs 6 lakh. Of these, 80% of the funds will be granted in advance at the start of each academic year, for tuition and direct academic expenses. The remaining 20% of the funds will be granted upon request to support professional development, including indirect academic and personal development expenses, including conference-related expenses.
Who can apply: Indian citizens who wish to pursue higher education degrees back home can apply. Applicants should have a score of 550-1,000 in the GATE exam or equivalent.
Selection Procedure: Applicants undergo a multi-layered programme. First, the profiles are shortlisted followed by an aptitude test. As part of the application, candidates have to submit documents, reference letters, essays and statements of purpose. After passing aptitude test, candidates will be called for an interview.
Where to apply: https://scholarships.reliancefoundation.org/PG_Scholarship.aspx
IDFC First Bank MBA Scholarship
The IDFC Bank scholarship is offered on a need basis to students who wish to pursue MBA in India. Students get Rs 2 lakh for two years to support their education. As many as 350 scholarships are offered in a year.
Who can apply: Indian students who wish to pursue MBA and have a family income of less than Rs 6 lakh per annum are eligible to apply.
Selection Procedure: Students will have to submit the form and undergo on-ground screening and document verification.
Where to apply: https://www.idfcfirstbank.com/csr-activities/educational-initiatives/mba-scholarship
Other popular scholarships in the non-government category include the Tata Trust Scholarship and the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship.
Bridging the Gap Between Students & Scholarships
“Several governmental bodies, non-profit organisations, and private institutions have come forward to support students. However, considering the vast student population in our country, there’s always room to introduce more scholarship schemes. There should be a stronger collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector to establish more scholarships and sponsorships,” said Anirudh Motwani, co-founder and CEO, CollegeSearch.
Motwani also suggested that “regulatory bodies need to ensure that educational fees are rationalised and that no deserving student is left out due to financial constraints. We believe in a future where every student has access to quality education irrespective of their economic background.”
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