Top Overseas Scholarships for SC, ST & Minority Students in 2026
Key Takeaways
- ✓Central and state governments provide 100% funded overseas scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, and minority students.
- ✓Grants cover tuition fees, international airfare, living allowance, and visa fees for Master's and Ph.D. abroad.
- ✓Selection is based on academic merit, university admission confirmation, and family income criteria.
Overview of Government Overseas Scholarships
Higher education at premier international universities opens doors to global research and career opportunities.
To support talented students from underrepresented communities, government bodies offer fully funded foreign education scholarships.
These awards cover full tuition fees, international air travel, living stipends, and medical insurance.
Grants are available for Master's, M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in Science, Engineering, Medicine, Humanities, and Agriculture.
Find your eligible opportunities on our Eligibility Checker.
1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) by Ministry of Social Justice
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a flagship central scheme funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
It provides financial support to low-income students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic Tribes, and landless agricultural laborers.
Key Highlights:
- Coverage: 125 fresh awards offered annually.
- Financial Support: Full tuition fee waiver plus annual living allowance of $15,400 (USA) or £9,900 (UK).
- Income Ceiling: Annual family income must be below ₹6,00,000 per annum.
- Eligibility: Candidate must be under 35 years of age and hold 60%+ in qualifying degree.
2. Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Overseas Scholarship (Jharkhand)
The Government of Jharkhand provides this exclusive overseas award for ST, SC, Minority, and OBC students.
Selected scholars study at top universities in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
Detailed scheme guidelines are available on our Marang Gomke Overseas Scholarship Page.
Key Highlights:
- Coverage: Up to 25 students selected annually across 31 subject categories.
- Financial Support: 100% tuition fee, living stipend, contingency allowance, and return airfare.
3. Videsh Siksha Bruti - Foreign Education Scholarship (Odisha)
The Higher Education Department of Odisha awards this fellowship to meritorious SC and ST students.
It supports postgraduate study at foreign institutions ranked in the top 500 QS World University Rankings.
Explore complete eligibility on our Videsh Siksha Bruti Odisha Page.
Key Highlights:
- Financial Package: Tuition fee reimbursement up to ₹25 Lakh or total actual costs.
- Income Ceiling: Annual family income limit up to ₹6,00,000 per annum.
4. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi (Telangana & AP)
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh state governments offer the Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi for SC and ST graduates.
It provides substantial financial aid for pursuing Master's and Doctoral studies in foreign countries.
Read full details on our Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Page.
Key Highlights:
- Grant Amount: Financial grant of ₹20,00,000 paid in two installments.
- Supported Countries: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Germany, New Zealand, and Japan.
How to Prepare a Strong Overseas Application
Applicants should follow a clear step-by-step roadmap to secure scholarship approval:
- Secure Admission Early: Apply to QS-ranked foreign universities before applying for government funding.
- Prepare Verified Income Proof: Obtain an authentic Income Certificate from your local Revenue Officer.
- Keep Passport Updated: Ensure your Indian passport has sufficient validity before submitting portal forms.
Browse all foreign education opportunities in our comprehensive Scholarship Guides.
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