National Overseas Scholarship: ST students to get USD 15,400 to study at top 1000 QS ranked universities

The National Overseas Scholarship for Scheduled Tribes (ST) students is inviting applications till June 30, 2025, till 5:30 pm. The scholarship scheme is awarded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for Masters, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Post-Doctoral research programmes in foreign countries.

Each ST candidate who manages to secure an admission offer from an institution which is among the top 1,000 universities in the latest QS Rankings will be supported with the following financial assistance:

• A sum of USD 15,400 or 9,900 Pounds Sterling will be given per year as annual maintenance allowance.
• A sum of USD 1,532 or 1,116 Pounds Sterling will be given as equipment allowance.
• Poll tax will be covered.
• Visa fees in INR will be covered.
• Incidental journey expenses up to USD 20 will be provided.
• Tuition fees and other non-refundable fees will be paid.
• Medical insurance premium will be paid after being deemed appropriate by the Indian Embassy in the respective country.
• Air fare to and from the institution will be paid for.
• Local travel within the foreign country will be covered.

There are 20 slots available for the academic year 2025-26, out of which six slots are reserved for female candidates. Out of the total 20 seats, 17 are for ST candidates, and three are for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) candidates. If eligible candidates from any category are not available, the seats become open to other categories.

Candidates can apply through the official government portal: overseas.tribal.gov.in.

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ST students scholarship subjects

Under the National Overseas Scholarship scheme, there are seats reserved for certain disciplines as well. Interested candidates can check the same below.

The age limit for Master’s programmes is 32 years, with 55% marks in a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Similarly, the age limit for PhD programmes is 35 years, with 55% marks in a Master’s degree. The age limit for Post-Doctoral programmes is 38 years, with 55% marks in a Master’s degree along with a PhD.

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Tribal Students Scholarship: Documents required

It should be noted that only one child from one parent will be selected for the scheme, provided that the family income does not exceed Rs 6 lakh per annum. Candidates will have to prove their eligibility by submitting the documents as follows:

• Latest coloured passport size photograph
• ST certificate issued by the competent authority
• PVTG certificate issued by the competent authority (if applicable)
• 10th Certificate/Marksheet in support of Date of Birth
• Graduation/Post-Graduation mark sheet/PhD completion certificate, wherever applicable
• Offer of admission
• Income Certificate

Candidates will go through a verification and interview process, and the selected candidates must obtain an offer of admission from a top 1,000 QS Rankings university within a period of two years, or their selection will become invalid.