The National Overseas Scholarship is a special opportunity created by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. It is designed to help students from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community study abroad. This scholarship supports students who want to pursue higher education, such as a Master’s, Ph.D., or postdoctoral research, at universities outside India.
This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to ST students who have big dreams of studying in foreign countries. It covers many expenses like maintenance, travel, and study materials, making it easier for students to focus on their education without worrying about money.
The scholarship not only helps students achieve their educational goals but also encourages them to bring back knowledge and skills that can help develop their communities and the country.
National Overseas Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the National Overseas Scholarship, candidates must meet some important rules. For postdoctoral research, the applicant should be below 38 years of age by July 1, 2025, and must have a Ph.D. degree with a good score in the master’s degree. For Ph.D. studies, the candidate must be under 35 years old and have at least 55% marks in their master’s degree. For pursuing a master’s degree, the applicant should be younger than 32 and have a minimum of 55% marks in their bachelor’s degree.
Also, the total family income should not be more than ₹6,00,000 per year. However, if the applicant is an orphan supported by a guardian, this income rule does not apply. Only one child from the same family can receive this scholarship. Candidates already awarded this scholarship cannot apply again.
There is an exception for candidates who have secured admission in the top 1,000 universities worldwide as ranked by QS World Ranking; the marks criteria do not apply to them.
Benefits of the Scholarship
Selected students will receive financial help to cover many costs. They will get an annual allowance of USD 15,400 if studying in the USA or GBP 9,900 for the UK. For other countries, the amount will be set according to the currency’s equivalent value.
Apart from this, the scholarship covers other expenses such as money for books, equipment, travel, and visa fees. It also pays for medical insurance and the cost of air travel between India and the foreign university. Local travel costs from the airport to the university are covered too.
The scholarship supports students throughout their course duration, with time limits depending on the level of study. For example, the scholarship is valid for up to two years for postdoctoral research, four years for Ph.D., and one or two years for master’s courses.
Important Documents
To apply for this scholarship, candidates need to prepare and submit some key documents:
- Latest colored passport-size photograph
- ST certificate from a competent authority
- PVTG certificate if applicable
- Offer letter of admission from the foreign university
- Income certificate
- Class 10 certificate or marksheet as proof of date of birth
- Marksheets of graduation/postgraduation or Ph.D. completion certificate, with a percentage conversion sheet if CGPA is mentioned
Selection Process
After the applications close, all entries are checked for eligibility. A merit list is made separately for each field of study. Preference is given to candidates who plan to study in the top 1,000 universities worldwide, as per the QS ranking.
The selection depends mainly on the university’s ranking and the candidate’s marks. If two candidates have the same ranking, then the marks in the qualifying exam are considered. Once selected, candidates must secure admission and start their course within two years, or their scholarship will be cancelled.
Terms and Conditions
The scholarship does not cover undergraduate courses. It strictly supports only Master’s, Ph.D., and postdoctoral research programs.
Financial aid is provided only during the course period, and there are limits on how long the scholarship lasts, depending on the program. Some seats are reserved for female candidates, and if not filled, they may be given to male candidates.
Applicants currently employed must provide a No Objection Certificate from their employer within 15 days of applying. The course of study cannot be changed without prior approval from the Ministry.
If a student fails to complete the course or is found not serious about studies, the scholarship can be cancelled, and the student will be required to return to India at their own expense.
How to Apply for the National Overseas Scholarship 2025?
Applying for the National Overseas Scholarship is done online through the official portal. The steps are as follows:
- Visit the scholarship website at https://overseas.tribal.gov.in/ and click on the ‘Sign Up’ button.
- Register by filling in the required personal details, or log in if already registered.
- Verify your registration through the OTP sent to your mobile and email.
- Link your Aadhaar number via DigiLocker for document verification.
- Upload all necessary documents as per the requirements.
- Fill out the application form carefully and submit it online before the last date.
The application process opens on May 15, 2025, and the last date to apply is June 30, 2025.
Contact Details
For any queries, candidates can contact the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at:
Gate No. 3, Ground Floor, Jeevan Tara Building, Ashoka Road, Patel Chowk, New Delhi – 110001
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (011) 23345770