Study Overseas | Scholarships

Introduction

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, which was started by the Indian Government, gives many worthy students who want to go to college abroad a shot at their dream. This programme has changed things by giving bright people the money they need to follow their dreams of studying and researching abroad for a master's degree. We will talk about the most important parts of this grant programme, which is eligible, and how it has changed the lives of those who have received it in this blog.

Overview of Scholarship

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, initiated by the Indian Government, is a prestigious and transformative scholarship program designed to support Indian students to study abroad. This scholarship embodies the government's commitment to fostering excellence in education, creating a pathway for talented Indian scholars to access world-class universities and research institutions around the globe. It serves as a testament to the nation's belief in the power of education to drive progress and innovation.

Benefits of National Overseas Scholarship

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme offers a comprehensive range of benefits to its recipients, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic pursuits. These benefits include:

• Tuition Fee Coverage: The scholarship typically covers tuition fees for the selected courses, alleviating the financial burden of expensive international education.
• Living Expenses Allowance: To support scholars in their daily lives abroad, a living expenses allowance is provided, enabling them to focus on their studies without financial stress.
• Travel Allowance: Recipients receive a travel allowance to cover the costs of international travel, making it more accessible for them to embark on their academic journey.
• Research Grants: For students pursuing research-based programs, the scholarship often includes research grants, which facilitate their research work and academic endeavours.
• International Exposure: The scholarship opens the door to a vibrant international academic community, offering a rich cultural and academic experience that enriches scholars' perspectives.

Highlights of National Overseas Scholarship

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is a shining example of academic achievement. Its goal is to find and support India's smartest students. Here are some important points:

• Diverse Fields of Study: This scholarship program is not limited to specific fields; it caters to a wide range of disciplines, from the sciences and engineering to the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
• Global Network: Scholars become part of a global network, engaging with peers, academics, and professionals from around the world. This international exposure cultivates a well-rounded educational experience.
• Nurturing Talent: The scholarship serves as a platform to nurture and support the talent that India holds, contributing to the nation's development and global progress.

Applicable Course, University, and Country

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme offers Indian students the opportunity to pursue a wide variety of courses, from undergraduate and postgraduate programs to research-based studies. This inclusivity ensures that students from diverse academic backgrounds can benefit from the scholarship.

1. Undergraduate Programmes: There are scholarships for undergraduate programmes that let students get their bachelor's degrees at well-known colleges around the world. These programmes last between three and four years, but it depends on what you study. Students can pursue their choice of diploma course after graduation for an enhancing career.
2. Postgraduate Programmes: The grant also helps pay for master's degrees and other postgraduate programmes. These programmes last between one and two years and give students the chance to specialise in an area of their choice.
3. Ph.D. and Research Programmes: The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme helps people pay for Ph.D. programmes and research-based studies if they want to make important contributions to research. The length of these programmes varies, but most of them last between three and five years.

Indian scholars can pursue their chosen courses at renowned universities and research institutions worldwide. The scholarship's flexibility allows students to study in countries known for their educational excellence, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and many more.

Scholarship Amount Details

To offer a clearer picture of the financial support provided by the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, let's delve into the scholarship amount details. While these figures may change over time and depending on the specific scholarship program, providing approximate values can offer valuable insights.

1. Covering Tuition Fees: Usually, the grant pays for all of the fees needed to take the chosen course. The cost of tuition can be very different based on the course, the school, and the country. The average annual tuition fee for an international student in the US is between $20,000 and $40,000 or more. In the UK, the average annual tuition fee for an international student is between £15,000 and £35,000.
2. Living Expenses Allowance: A living expenses allowance is often part of a scholarship to help students with their day-to-day lives while they are learning abroad. The amount given for living costs can also change depending on things like the country and the host city's cost of living. Like, in the US, the cost of living for foreign students can be between $10,000 and $20,000 a year.
3. Grant for Travel: Most scholarships come with a grant for travel that covers the cost of getting to and from the host country. How much the trip allowance is worth is based on how far India is from the host country. A round-trip flight from India to the US can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 or more.
4. Research Grants: Research grants are often given to scholars who are working on research-based programmes to help them with their job. These grants can be worth a lot of different amounts, based on the type and scope of the research. Grants for research can help pay for things like collecting data, buying equipment, study materials, and travel for research.

(Read More: Nehru Fulbright Fellowship for Indian Students for Higher Studies)

Eligibility Criteria of National Overseas Scholarship

Applicants belonging to minority communities who wish to apply for the National Overseas Scholarship are needed to meet the following stipulated criteria:

a) Academic Background: For admission to the Master's programme, a minimum grade of 55% or its equivalent is required at the undergraduate level.

• To be eligible for a Doctorate programme, applicants must have obtained a minimum grade of 55% or its equivalent at the master's level.
• In order to be considered, applicants must possess an age below 35 years
• The maximum permissible limit for total family income should not exceed 6,00,000 INR.
• The National Overseas Scholarship is limited to only two children per family who are eligible to benefit from it.
• Meeting the minimal score prerequisites for examinations such as IELTS, PTE, GMAT, GRE, and other similar assessments.

b) Eligible Student Nationality:

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is open to Indian citizens. This means that applicants must be Indian nationals to qualify for this scholarship. The scholarship is designed to empower Indian students to pursue higher education abroad and contribute to India's growth and development.

How to Apply for National Overseas Scholarship?

The application process for the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is a crucial step in securing this prestigious scholarship. To ensure that deserving candidates are chosen, the application process typically follows a structured path. Here are the key steps involved:

Step 1: Research Scholarships and Eligibility Requirements

Before starting the application process, prospective applicants should thoroughly research the available scholarships and fellowship programs under the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme. Each scholarship may have specific eligibility requirements and focus areas. Understanding these requirements is vital to ensure a successful application.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Applicants must gather all necessary documents to support their application. The specific documents required can vary depending on the chosen scholarship or fellowship program, but common documents often include:

• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts of previous academic qualifications, including school, undergraduate, and postgraduate records.
• Letters of Recommendation: These letters should be provided by individuals who can attest to the applicant's academic and personal qualities. They are typically submitted by professors, mentors, or employers.
• Statement of Purpose: This document outlines the applicant's academic and career goals, explaining why they are a suitable candidate for the scholarship.
• Research Proposal (for research-based programs): If applying for a research program, a well-structured research proposal detailing the research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes is essential.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency: For programs where English is the medium of instruction, applicants need to provide proof of their English language proficiency through standardised tests like the IELTS or TOEFL.
• Passport and National Identity Proof: A valid passport and proof of Indian nationality are required.

Step 3: Online Application

Most scholarship and fellowship programs under the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme require applicants to submit their applications online through a dedicated portal or website. This online application system streamlines the process and allows applicants to upload their documents and provide essential information about their academic and professional background.

Step 4: Application Review

Once submitted, the applications go through a thorough review process conducted by a selection committee. This committee assesses various aspects, including academic qualifications, research proposals (for research-based programs), letters of recommendation, and the applicant's potential impact.

Step 5: Interview

In some cases, applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process. The interview serves as an opportunity for applicants to further demonstrate their suitability for the scholarship.

Step 6: Notification of Results

Successful applicants are notified of their selection, and arrangements are made for them to commence their studies or research at the host institution. It is essential for applicants to stay informed about the scholarship's application deadlines and notification dates to ensure they are well-prepared for the next steps.

(Read More: Top 9 Hardest degrees to pursue in the Guinness World Record)

Terms & Conditions

Scholars and fellows under the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme are expected to adhere to certain terms and conditions. These conditions may vary depending on the specific scholarship program but often include:

• Academic Progress: Scholars are typically expected to maintain a high level of academic performance and make satisfactory progress in their studies or research.
• Return to India: Many scholarship programs require scholars to return to India upon the completion of their studies or research, with the aim of contributing to the nation's development.
• Research Obligations (for research programs): Scholars conducting research are often expected to fulfil specific research obligations, including publishing their findings and contributing to the body of knowledge in their field.
• Participation in Scholarly Activities: Scholars may be encouraged to actively participate in academic and scholarly activities, such as conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• Report Submission: Scholars may be required to submit periodic reports detailing their academic or research progress.

How many students can receive this scholarship?

Category-wise Allotment of Scholarship

• Scheduled tribe: 90
• Nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes: 6
• Landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisans: 4

Study-field-wise Seat Allocation

• Engineering and Management: 32
• Pure Sciences and Applied Sciences: 17 seats
• Agricultural Sciences and Medicine: 17 seats
• International Commerce Accounting and Finance: 17 seats
• Humanities and Social Sciences: 17 seats

FAQs

1. What is the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, and who can go for it?

A: The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is a renowned scholarship programme that was created by the Indian government to help Indian students go to college or do research abroad. Different scholarship programmes may have different requirements, but in general, candidates must be Indian citizens, have good grades, and meet certain requirements related to their field of study.

2. How can I learn more about the fellowship and scholarship programmes that are offered through this scheme?

A: Potential applicants should check out the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme website or call the government department in charge of the scholarship programmes to get the most up-to-date information on available scholarship and fellowship programmes. These sources have a lot of information about the newest possibilities and how to apply for them.

3. What should I put in my Statement of Purpose (SOP) for the application?

A: The most important part of your application is your Statement of Purpose (SOP). It should talk about your academic and career goals, why you want to take that particular course or do that study programme, and how the scholarship will help you reach those goals. In addition, you should talk about how well you did in school and how you can help your job and the country.

4. Can I apply for multiple scholarship programs under the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme?

A: Most of the time, you can apply for more than one scholarship programme as long as you meet the standards for each one. But it's very important to make sure you meet the exact requirements and apply by the due dates for each programme. You can improve your chances of getting a grant by applying to more than one.

5. What should I do if I get a scholarship?

A: It is very important to read and fully understand the rules and requirements of the grant programme if you are chosen to receive one. Prepare for your foreign education or research trip by getting visas, filling out any paperwork that needs to be done, and making sure that you are academically and financially ready.

Conclusion

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme has not only given Indian students access to high-quality education, but it has also encouraged them to do well in school and learn about other cultures. In conclusion, it's clear that this effort by the Indian Government has had a huge impact on the lives of many scholars, preparing them to make important contributions to the growth of their country and the progress of the world. This shows that the government is serious about helping and empowering its smartest people as they seek knowledge and success.