National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2026: Financial Aid for SC & ST Students to Study Abroad
Apply for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for SC, ST, and Landless Agricultural Labourers. Get complete financial support for Master's and PhD programs
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India designed to empower students from marginalized communities to pursue higher education at prestigious international universities. By removing financial barriers, this scheme aims to enhance the social and economic status of Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Tribes, and Landless Agricultural Labourers through elite global exposure.
What is this scheme?
The National Overseas Scholarship is a central sector scheme administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It provides full financial assistance to selected candidates for pursuing Master's level courses or PhD programs in foreign universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, focusing on diverse fields such as Engineering, Management, Agriculture, Medicine, and Social Sciences.
Who is eligible?
- Applicant must belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, or Traditional Artisans.
- Minimum of 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination (Bachelor's for Master's applicants; Master's for PhD applicants).
- Age must be below 35 years as of the first day of April in the selection year.
- Total family income from all sources must not exceed INR 8,00,000 per annum.
- Maximum of two children of the same parents/guardians are eligible for the scholarship.
- Candidates must have a valid offer of admission from a recognized foreign university/institute ranked within the top 500 as per latest QS rankings.
How much money?
The scholarship provides full tuition fees as per actuals. Maintenance allowance is approximately USD 15,400 or GBP 9,900 per annum, depending on the country. Additionally, it covers a contingency allowance, visa fees, medical insurance premiums, and airfare (economy class) both ways.
Documents needed
- Caste Certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Income Certificate for the current financial year.
- Mark sheets and Degrees of all qualifying examinations.
- Valid Passport.
- Unconditional Offer Letter from a foreign university.
- Aadhar Card.
- Self-declaration regarding any previous scholarships received.
How to apply (step by step)
- Visit the official NOS online portal (nosmsje.gov.in for SC or tribal.nic.in for ST).
- Register as a new user by providing basic details and creating a login ID.
- Fill out the comprehensive application form, including academic history and university details.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format.
- Submit the application and download the acknowledgment receipt.
- Wait for the merit list and provisional award letter issued by the Ministry.
- Complete the verification process and sign the bond/agreement before departure.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening Date | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Application Closing Date | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Release of Merit List | Typically 2-3 months after the application deadline |
Conclusion
The National Overseas Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for meritorious students from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain global expertise. With substantial financial backing and a transparent selection process, it bridges the gap between dreams and international reality. Eligible students are encouraged to keep their documents ready and apply during the open window to secure their future in top-tier global institutions.
Comments (0)
Sign up to join the conversation.