Study Abroad with NOS Scholarship 2025-26: The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025–26 is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, designed to support students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT), Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNT), Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans. This scheme provides fully funded financial assistance to pursue Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doctoral programs at top universities abroad, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and other recognised countries.
The NOS Scholarship ensures that economically and socially disadvantaged students gain access to world-class education, empowering them to achieve global careers and academic excellence. The program covers tuition fees, living expenses, contingency, visa and travel costs, and medical insurance, offering a comprehensive financial package for international study.
Key Features of NOS Scholarship 2025–26
- The scholarship is designed to provide full financial support for eligible students:
- Covers full tuition fees up to limits prescribed by the Government of India.
- Provides annual maintenance allowance and contingency support for living costs.
- Reimburses visa and travel expenses, including airfare from India to the foreign university.
- Supports full-time courses only, excluding part-time or distance learning programs.
- Applicable to UGC-recognised universities abroad offering Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doctoral programs.
This makes the NOS scholarship one of the most comprehensive financial aid programs for socially and economically disadvantaged students seeking overseas education.
Eligibility
1. Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or
- Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT)
- Semi-Nomadic Tribes
- Landless Agricultural Labourers
- Traditional Artisans
2. Age must be 35 years or below on the last date of application.
3. Total family income must be below Rs. 8,00,000 per year, from all sources.
4. Minimum 60% marks in the last completed degree
(Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for PhD, PhD for Post-Doctoral).
5. Applicant must have an unconditional offer letter from a recognized foreign university.
6. Course must be full-time, not part-time or distance learning.
7. Only one member of a family can be awarded the scholarship in the same year.
8. Applicants should not be employed in a full-time job unless they have an NOC.
9. Must have a valid passport at the time of joining the course abroad.
10. Applicant must not have availed of NOS earlier, as the scheme is one-time only.
Courses Covered Under NOS Scholarship
- Master’s Degree
- Ph.D
- Post-Doctoral Research
Benefits Scholarship
- Tuition fee (up to prescribed limit)
- Maintenance allowance (country-wise)
- Contingency allowance
- Visa fee reimbursement
- Medical insurance support
- To & Fro economy class airfare
How to Apply
- Visit the official NOS Portal of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- Register using your email and mobile number.
- Fill the online application form with personal, academic, and income details.
- Upload documents like caste certificate, income proof, passport, mark sheets, and offer letter.
- Review and submit the application online.
- Application is verified, and selection is made on merit basis.
- Selected candidates receive final approval and instructions for next steps.
Selection Process
- Online application
- Document verification
- Merit-based selection using academic score + university ranking
- Final approval by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Documents Required
- Caste Certificate (SC/DNT/SNT etc.)
- Income Certificate (family income below Rs. 8,00,000)
- Valid Passport
- Aadhaar Card
- Educational Certificates & Mark Sheets (10th, 12th, UG/PG)
- Offer Letter / Admission Letter from foreign university
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Research Proposal (for PhD/Post-Doctoral)
- Birth Certificate / Age Proof
- Passport-size Photograph
- Recommendation Letter (LOR)
- Affidavit / Undertaking as required by scheme rules
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
Financial Assistance in NOS Scholarship
Annual Maintenance Allowance
- USA & other countries (except UK): 15,400 USD
- UK: 9,900 GBP
Annual Contingency Allowance
- USA & other countries: 1,500 USD
- UK: 1,100 GBP
Tuition Fees
- Actual fees as charged by the university.
Visa Fees
- Actual visa fee reimbursed in Indian Rupees.
Medical Insurance
- Actual premium paid.
Incidental Journey & Equipment Allowance
- 20 USD (or equivalent in INR).
Air Passage
- One-way economy class ticket (shortest route) from India to the university.
- Tickets must be booked from BLCL, ATT, or IRCTC.
- No extra charges like cancellation or baggage are reimbursed.
- Reimbursement of airfare is done by Indian Mission abroad after joining.
- Return ticket provided as per scheme rules.
Download NOS Scholarship Guideline
Click Here: Download NOS Scholarship Guideline PDF
FAQs: Study Abroad with NOS Scholarship 2025-26
1. Who can apply for the National Overseas Scholarship? Students belonging to SC, DNT, SNT, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans categories can apply.
2. What courses are covered under the NOS scheme? The scholarship supports Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doctoral studies abroad.
3. Is an offer letter mandatory? Yes, an unconditional offer letter from a foreign university is required.
4. Does NOS cover full tuition fees? Yes, actual tuition fees charged by the university are reimbursed.
5. Is there any age limit? Yes, the applicant must be 35 years or below on the last date of application.
Conclusion
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025–26 is a life-changing opportunity for eligible SC, DNT, SNT, and other disadvantaged students aiming to study abroad. By providing full tuition support, living allowance, visa reimbursement, airfare, and medical insurance, the scheme removes financial barriers and opens doors to global education.
Students aspiring to gain international exposure and pursue advanced studies should prepare documents carefully, ensure eligibility, and apply on time through the official NOS portal. This program empowers talented students to achieve academic excellence and pursue high-quality education from top-ranked universities worldwide.
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