National Overseas Scholarship 2026: Full Tuition, Living Allowance & How to Apply

At a glance

About the scheme

Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the National Overseas Scholarship provides financial backing to meritorious candidates from disadvantaged communities to pursue higher education abroad in accredited institutions. Offering 125 fresh scholarships every year, the programme covers complete tuition costs, standard living expenses, travel passages, and essential contingency fees for up to three years for Master's degrees and four years for doctoral research. The scheme also reserves 30% of its total slots specifically for women applicants.

Benefits

• Full tuition fees paid as charged by the accredited foreign institution
• Annual maintenance allowance of 15,400 US Dollars for the USA and other countries (9,900 Great Britain Pounds for the UK)
• Contingency allowance of 1,500 US Dollars for the USA and other countries (1,100 Great Britain Pounds for the UK) for books, study tours, and academic fees
• Economy class international airfare through authorized travel partners (BLCL, ATT, or IRCTC)
• Full actual medical insurance premium coverage
• Actual visa fees reimbursed in Indian Rupees
• Incidental journey allowance and equipment allowance of 20 US Dollars each (or INR equivalent)

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must belong to Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, or Traditional Artisans
• Candidate must have secured an unconditional offer of admission for a regular Master's or PhD programme in an accredited university abroad
• Candidate must have scored at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying degree examination
• Total family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum
• Applicant must not have two or more siblings already availing of this scholarship
• Thirty percent (30%) of awards are earmarked for eligible women candidates

Who cannot apply

• Bachelor's degree programmes in any subject are not covered
• Candidates already living, studying, or who have completed overseas studies through another government scholarship or personal funds cannot apply
• Candidates seeking to pursue the same academic degree level (Master's or PhD) that they have already obtained in India or abroad are ineligible
• Not more than two children of the same parents or guardians can receive this scholarship

Documents required

• 10th Board Certificate (for date of birth and identity verification)
• Category or caste certificate (SC, DNT, Landless Agricultural Labourer, or Traditional Artisan)
• Family income certificate proving annual earnings do not exceed ₹8 lakh
• Aadhaar card and valid Indian Passport
• Qualifying degree certificates and official mark sheets showing at least 60% marks
• Unconditional offer letter from the accredited foreign university
• Employment details or self-affidavit for education gap (if applicable)

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official portal at www.nosmsje.gov.in and click on the 'Student Register Form' link under the login tab.
2. 2Complete basic registration with your name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, and 10th board details.
3. 3Log in using your registered email and password sent to your email address.
4. 4Fill in personal data, communication address, family income, and next of kin emergency contact information.
5. 5Enter details of the accredited foreign institution, degree level, QS ranking, and unconditional admission offer.
6. 6Provide academic scores from your qualifying examination along with details of any past or current employment.
7. 7Upload the required supporting certificates, review your entered details, and submit the online application form.

Frequently asked questions