Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship Scheme (Tamil Nadu)
Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu · Tamil Nadu
| Scheme Name | Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship Scheme (Tamil Nadu) |
| Provided By | Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Eligibility Summary | Postgraduate · SC, ST, SCC · Tamil Nadu residents · Family income up to ₹8 Lakh/year |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 5 June 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
The Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship is a prestigious Tamil Nadu government initiative that provides full financial assistance to SC, ST, and SCC students pursuing postgraduate and doctoral studies abroad.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹30.0 Lakh+
The scholarship provides financial assistance ranging from ₹24 lakh to ₹36 lakh. For families with an annual income up to ₹8 lakh, eligible beneficiaries may receive financial assistance of up to ₹36 lakh. For those with an annual family income between ₹8 lakh and ₹12 lakh, the financial assistance is up to ₹24 lakh. This funding covers tuition fees, living expenses, visa charges, medical insurance, economy-class airfare, and the cost of research materials. Tuition fees are paid directly to the foreign university, while other approved educational expenses are reimbursed to the eligible beneficiaries' Aadhaar-seeded accounts upon submission of bills and verification.
100% tuition fee coverage, living expenses allowance, visa fees, health insurance, and return economy airfare.
Note: Student must have secured admission in a foreign university ranked in the QS World University Rankings.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Postgraduate |
| Course / Stream | Engineering, Medicine, Science, Management, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts |
| Income Limit | Up to ₹8 Lakh/year |
| Category / Caste | SC, ST, SCC |
| Domicile State | Tamil Nadu |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Aadhaar Card
- ✓Community Certificate
- ✓Income Certificate
- ✓Passport
- ✓Unconditional Offer Letter from Foreign University
- ✓Marks Sheets
- ✓Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- ✓Aadhaar-seeded Bank Passbook
Selection Process
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Candidates must be permanent residents of Tamil Nadu and belong to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Adi Dravidar converted to Christianity (SCC) communities
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Applicants must have secured admission to a Master's or a Ph.D. program at a foreign university that is ranked within the top 1000 as per the latest QS World University Rankings
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The age limit for Master's applicants is under 35 years, and for Ph.D. applicants, it is under 40 years, as of April 1st of the selection year
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The annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹12 lakh
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Shortlisting of eligible applicants is primarily based on the QS World University Ranking of the admitting institution, with higher-ranked universities receiving higher priority
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In cases where two or more candidates are admitted to the same QS-ranked institution, priority is determined by their academic performance across all stages of education (PG/UG, 12th Standard, and 10th Standard)
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Priority is also given to applications from transgender candidates and persons with disabilities
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The scholarship can generally be availed only once by an eligible beneficiary, and only one member from a family can receive this scholarship.
Renewal Policy
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The Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship is generally available only once to an eligible beneficiary for the duration of their approved course
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Students are required to pursue the approved course and institution as stated in their application unless prior permission is obtained from the competent authority
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Beneficiaries must submit academic progress reports and other updates to the department as required
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Any changes in the course, institution, duration, or study status must be reported immediately
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Scholarship benefits may be withheld, modified, or recovered if the beneficiary violates the scheme conditions
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For the release of research funds, beneficiaries are now required to submit an official 'Endorsement Letter' signed and sealed by their university authority, department head, or guide to verify all research bills
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Research funds will not be released without this letter
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Students must also provide an undertaking that they will not claim research bills for personal reimbursement.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Online Registration & Application Submission
* Visit the official Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare (ADW) Scholarship Portal: [tnadwscholarship.in](https://tnadwscholarship.in) or [www.tnadw.gov.in/overseas_scholarship](https://www.tnadw.gov.in/overseas_scholarship). * If you are a new user, create a new account; otherwise, log in using your registered credentials. * Locate and select the application option for the "Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship Scheme." * Fill in all the required personal details, including your academic qualifications, community information, and family income details, in the prescribed format. * Provide comprehensive information about your chosen foreign university, the course you've secured admission for, your admission status, and the expected duration of your study program. * Upload all necessary supporting documents. These typically include: * Aadhaar Card * Community Certificate * Nativity or Residence Certificate of Tamil Nadu * Income Certificate (recently issued) * Recent Passport-size Photograph * Passport copy * Admission Letter from the foreign university * Course Details and University Offer Letter * Academic Certificates and Mark Sheets (10th, 12th, UG/PG, as applicable) * Statement of Purpose (if required) * Visa documents (if applicable) * Bank Account Details * No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer (if currently employed) * Undertaking, Bond, or Surety documents as prescribed by the competent authority. * Carefully review your entire application to ensure all information is accurate and complete before final submission. * Submit your application and make sure to note down the acknowledgement or application reference number for future tracking. **
- 2Application Status Tracking
* After submission, the concerned department will proceed with the verification of your submitted information and documents. * Eligible applications will then be placed before the competent authority for approval in accordance with Government guidelines. * Selected candidates will be notified through the prescribed communication channels. * Further formalities will need to be completed by selected candidates before the scholarship assistance is released, which may include executing a bond and related undertakings. * For research scholars, an official Endorsement Letter from the university authority, department head, or guide is required for the verification and release of research funds. Important Note: It is advisable to regularly check the official scholarship portal for updates on application deadlines and notification of selection.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What expenses does the Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial assistance, covering tuition fees, living expenses (including food and lifestyle), visa charges, medical insurance, economy-class airfare, and the cost of research materials. Tuition fees are paid directly to the university, while other approved expenses are reimbursed to the student's Aadhaar-seeded bank account after verification of bills.
What are the key eligibility criteria for applying to this scholarship?
Applicants must be permanent residents of Tamil Nadu belonging to SC, ST, or SCC communities, and have an annual family income not exceeding ₹12 lakh. They must have secured admission to a Master's (under 35 years of age) or Ph.D. (under 40 years of age) program at a foreign university ranked within the top 1000 of the QS World University Rankings. Only one member per family can avail this scholarship, and it is generally a one-time grant.
How is the selection process conducted, and is there a specific minimum mark requirement?
The selection is competitive and primarily based on the QS World University Ranking of the foreign institution where the candidate has secured admission, with higher-ranked universities given priority. While no specific minimum percentage marks are universally stipulated, candidates are expected to meet the academic performance requirements specified under the scheme and demonstrate academic merit. In case of multiple candidates from the same-ranked institution, academic performance across all education levels (PG/UG, 12th, 10th) is considered. Priority is also given to transgender candidates and persons with disabilities.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu website before final submission.