PG Scholarship for SC/ST Students to Study Abroad in 2026

The PG Scholarship for SC/ST Students provides crucial financial assistance for postgraduate education in reputed global universities. This initiative by the Government of India and various state governments ensures equal access to international learning opportunities for SC and ST students. This blog will explain everything about eligibility, benefits, application steps, and the top scholarships that can help students achieve their academic and career goals abroad.

List of Top PG Scholarships for SC/ST Students to Study Abroad 

Finding the right PG Scholarship for SC/ST students can be confusing with so many schemes available. To make things simple, here is a quick list of the top government-funded scholarships that support postgraduate education for SC/ST students abroad. 

Scholarship Name	Key Benefits	Coverage Amount	Application Deadline (Tentative)	Offered By
National Overseas Scholarship)	Supports SC/ST students for PG & PhD abroad	Full tuition, living expenses up to USD 15,400 per year, airfare, and visa fees	Usually opens April–May 2026	Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (GoI)
Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi	Helps SC/ST students from Telangana for PG studies abroad	Tuition up to INR 20 lakh, airfare, visa, and living costs	January–March 2026	Government of Telangana
Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Foreign Scholarship Scheme	Assists SC students from Maharashtra for PG/PhD	Covers tuition, living allowance up to INR 25 lakh, travel	April–June 2026	Government of Maharashtra
Tamil Nadu Overseas Scholarship	Financial aid for SC/ST postgraduate students abroad	Tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, insurance	May–July 2026	Government of Tamil Nadu

National Overseas Scholarship 

The National Overseas Scholarship is one of India’s most prestigious government-funded schemes designed to help SC, ST, and other marginalized category students pursue postgraduate and PhD degrees abroad. Managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this scholarship opens doors for talented students who dream of studying at top international universities but face financial barriers.

The NOS scheme aims to provide equal global education opportunities by supporting higher studies in fields like Engineering, Management, Pure Sciences, Agricultural Science, Medicine, Social Science, and Law. Every year, 125 new awards are granted under this program for SC students, with a portion reserved for specific groups like Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must belong to SC, Denotified/Nomadic Tribes, or Landless Agricultural Labourers.
  
• Age limit is below 35 years as of April 1, 2026.
  
• Minimum qualification is:
  
  • For PG courses: Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks.
    
  • For PhD: Master’s degree with 60% or equivalent grade.
    
• Annual family income must not exceed INR 8,00,000.
  
• Applicants must already have a confirmed offer of admission from a recognized foreign university.
  

Financial Coverage

The NOS provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full tuition fee coverage as charged by the university.
  
• Maintenance allowance: USD 15,400 per annum or equivalent in other currency.
  
• Contingency allowance: USD 1,500 per annum.
  
• Travel costs: Economy class airfare for the student.
  
• Visa and insurance expenses reimbursed as per actuals.

Application Process

1. Applications are accepted online through the official portal of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: nosmsje.gov.in.
   
2. Students must register and fill in details like educational background, admission proof, and family income.
   
3. Upload scanned documents, including caste certificate, income certificate, passport, offer letter, and SOP.
   
4. The selection is merit-based, candidates with higher marks and a strong academic background are prioritized.
   
5. Selected students receive a confirmation letter and guidance for pre-departure formalities.

Selection Timeline (Tentative for 2026)

• Application Opens: April 2026
  
• Application Closes: May 2026
  
• Provisional Selection List: June–July 2026
  
• Final Approval & Funding Release: August–September 2026

Also Read: Study Abroad: Romanian Government Scholarship for Indian Students (2025-26)

Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scholarship

The Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scholarship is a flagship initiative by the Government of Telangana aimed at helping SC, ST, BC, and Minority students pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies abroad. This scheme reflects the state’s commitment to creating equal global education opportunities for students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Introduced by the Telangana State Scheduled Caste Development Department, the scholarship provides financial support to cover the major costs of studying abroad, including tuition, travel, and living expenses. It targets students who have secured admission to top-ranked universities across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other recognized global institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a domicile of Telangana.
  
• Must belong to the SC, ST, or Backward Class community.
  
• Age limit: Below 35 years as of July 1, 2026.
  
• Minimum qualification: Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks.
  
• Annual family income should not exceed INR 5,00,000 from all sources.
  
• Must possess a valid admission offer from a recognized foreign university in eligible countries.

Financial Coverage

The Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi provides substantial financial aid, covering:

• Tuition fee up to INR 20 lakh or the actual fee.
  
• One-way economy class airfare.
  
• Visa charges and insurance costs.
  
• Living expenses allowance as per government norms.

Application Process

1. Applications must be submitted online through the official Telangana ePass portal – https://telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in.
   
2. Register using Aadhaar and personal details, and upload the necessary documents such as academic certificates, income proof, passport, and admission offer.
   
3. Applications are verified at the district and state levels before final approval.
   
4. The final list of selected candidates is published online, followed by the disbursement of funds.

Key Dates (Tentative for 2026)

• Application Start: January 2026
  
• Last Date to Apply: March 2026
  
• Selection List Release: April–May 2026

Also Read: Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students: Apply & Win in 2026

Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Foreign Scholarship Scheme 

The Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Foreign Scholarship Scheme is a prestigious initiative by the Government of Maharashtra, launched to help Scheduled Caste students pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies abroad. It reflects the state’s long-standing commitment to promoting higher education, social inclusion, and equal opportunity for underprivileged communities.

Managed by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, this scheme supports talented SC students who have secured admission to reputed foreign universities. The scholarship covers major study destinations such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and other recognized countries. It ensures that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from accessing top-tier global education.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a domicile of Maharashtra.
  
• Must belong to the SC category.
  
• Age limit: Below 35 years at the time of application.
  
• For Postgraduate: Minimum 60% marks in a Bachelor’s degree.
  
• For PhD: Minimum 60% marks in a Master’s degree.
  
• Annual family income should not exceed INR 6,00,000.
  
• A valid admission letter from a recognized foreign university is mandatory.

Financial Coverage

The scheme provides comprehensive financial support for both PG and PhD students, including:

• Tuition fee and living expenses up to INR 25 lakh or actuals, whichever is lower.
  
• Travel allowance, one-way airfare.
  
• Health insurance and visa fees.
  
• Contingency allowance for academic expenses such as books and research materials.

Application Process

1. Visit the official website: https://sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in.
   
2. Fill out the online application form under the “Foreign Scholarship” section.
   
3. Upload the required documents like educational certificates, income proof, caste certificate, passport, and admission letter.
   
4. Applications undergo verification at the state and department level.
   
5. Final selection is based on academic merit, university ranking, and course relevance.

Key Dates (Tentative for 2026)

• Application Opens: April 2026
  
• Last Date to Apply: June 2026
  
• Final List Announcement: July–August 2026

Tamil Nadu Overseas Scholarship

The Tamil Nadu Overseas Scholarship is a state-funded initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu, designed to support Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Scheduled Caste Converted to Christianity students in pursuing postgraduate degrees abroad. This program reflects the state’s mission to create global learning opportunities for students from disadvantaged communities through financial assistance and academic empowerment.

Managed by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, the scheme provides full or partial financial support for students who secure admission to recognized foreign universities. It encourages higher studies in fields like Engineering, Medicine, Management, Science, and Humanities, promoting both academic excellence and international exposure.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a domicile of Tamil Nadu.
  
• Must belong to SC, ST, or SC Converted to Christianity community.
  
• Age limit: Below 35 years as of April 1, 2026.
  
• Minimum academic qualification: Bachelor’s degree with 60% marks or above.
  
• Annual family income must not exceed INR 6,00,000.
  
• The candidate must hold a confirmed offer letter from a recognized university abroad.

Financial Coverage

The Tamil Nadu Overseas Scholarship covers major educational and living costs, including:

• Full tuition fee up to INR 25 lakh or actual amount, whichever is lower.
  
• Living allowance for accommodation and personal expenses.
  
• Airfare, visa, and insurance charges reimbursed as per actuals.
  
• One-time contingency grant for study materials and research costs.

Application Process

1. Applications are accepted online through the official Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare portal: https://adw.tn.gov.in.
   
2. Candidates must register, fill out the form, and upload all required documents, like mark sheets, community certificate, income proof, passport, and university admission letter.
   
3. Applications are verified at the district and state levels before approval.
   
4. Selection is based on academic merit, university ranking, and course relevance.

Key Dates (Tentative for 2026)

• Application Opens: May 2026
  
• Last Date to Apply: July 2026
  
• Provisional Selection List: August 2026

Also Read: University of Birmingham’s Scholarships for Indian Students: Apply by May 2025!

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This was everything you needed to know about PG Scholarship for SC/ST students to study abroad in 2026. These scholarships help deserving SC/ST students pursue postgraduate studies abroad without financial barriers while supporting their academic and professional growth. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.