Study Abroad with NOS Scholarship 2026-27: Fully Funded Study Abroad Scholarship for SC Students

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS Scholarship) 2025-26 is a prestigious overseas education scheme implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The scholarship supports students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Tribes (DNT), Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNT), Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans who wish to pursue higher education at leading universities abroad.

Under the scheme, selected candidates receive financial assistance for Master’s Degree, PhD and Post-Doctoral Research programs in internationally recognized institutions across countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France and other approved destinations.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, contingency allowance, visa costs, airfare and medical insurance, helping deserving students access world-class education without financial barriers.

NOS Scholarship 2026-27 Overview

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What is the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)?

The National Overseas Scholarship is a Central Government scheme aimed at increasing access to global higher education opportunities for students from socially and economically disadvantaged communities.

The scholarship enables talented students to pursue advanced studies and research at internationally reputed universities. By covering major educational expenses, the scheme helps scholars gain international exposure, improve academic skills, and enhance career opportunities.

Key Features of NOS Scholarship

• Fully funded overseas education support.
• Financial assistance for Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doctoral programs.
• Tuition fee reimbursement as per government norms.
• Maintenance allowance for living expenses.
• Visa fee reimbursement.
• Medical insurance support.
• Economy class airfare assistance.
• Available for full-time courses only.
• Supports studies in globally recognized institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

Category Requirement

The applicant must belong to one of the following categories:

• Scheduled Castes (SC)
• Denotified Tribes (DNT)
• Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNT)
• Landless Agricultural Labourers
• Traditional Artisans

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 35 years on the application closing date.

Family Income

• Total annual family income from all sources should not exceed Rs. 8 lakh.

Academic Qualification

Applicants must have secured at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination:

University Admission Requirement

• Must possess an unconditional offer letter from a recognized foreign university.
• The course must be pursued on a full-time basis.

Other Conditions

• Only one member from a family can receive the scholarship during the same selection year.
• Applicants should not have previously availed the NOS scheme.
• Candidates employed in government or private organizations must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC), wherever applicable.

Courses Covered

The scholarship supports:

• Master’s Degree Programs
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Post-Doctoral Research

Professional and research-oriented programs offered by recognized foreign universities may also be considered as per scheme guidelines.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates receive comprehensive financial support covering:

Tuition Fees

• Actual tuition fees charged by the foreign university, subject to government norms.

Living Allowance

Maintenance allowance is provided to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses.

Contingency Allowance

Additional support for academic and miscellaneous expenses.

Visa Fee

• Reimbursement of actual visa charges.

Medical Insurance

• Medical insurance expenses are covered as per scheme provisions.

Airfare Assistance

• Economy-class airfare from India to the destination country.
• Return travel assistance may be provided according to scheme guidelines.

Financial Assistance Under NOS

How to Apply for NOS Scholarship 2025-26?

Step 1: Online Registration

Visit the official NOS portal and create an account using:

• Mobile Number
• Email Address
• Personal Details

Step 2: Complete Application Form

Provide:

• Personal Information
• Educational Details
• Category Information
• Income Details
• Passport Information

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload all required documents in the prescribed format.

Step 4: Submit Application

Review the details carefully and submit the application before the deadline.

Step 5: Verification and Selection

Applications are verified and shortlisted based on eligibility and merit criteria.

Selection Process

The selection process generally includes:

1. Online Application Submission
2. Eligibility Verification
3. Document Verification
4. Merit Ranking
5. Ministry Approval
6. Final Award of Scholarship

Preference may be given to applicants admitted to highly ranked international institutions.

Required Documents

Applicants should keep the following documents ready:

• Caste Certificate
• Income Certificate
• Aadhaar Card
• Valid Passport
• Passport-size Photograph
• Educational Certificates and Mark Sheets
• Admission/Offer Letter
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Recommendation Letters (LOR)
• Research Proposal (For PhD/Post-Doctoral Candidates)
• Disability Certificate (If Applicable)
• Self-Declaration/Affidavit

Participating Countries

Students may pursue studies in approved institutions located in countries such as:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• Germany
• France
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Other approved countries

Important Links

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the National Overseas Scholarship?

Students belonging to SC, DNT, SNT, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisan categories can apply.

2. Is an admission offer letter mandatory?

Yes. Applicants must have an unconditional offer letter from an eligible foreign university.

3. Which courses are covered under NOS?

Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doctoral programs are covered.

4. What is the maximum family income limit?

The annual family income should not exceed Rs. 8 lakh from all sources.

5. Can a student receive NOS twice?

No. The National Overseas Scholarship can generally be availed only once.

Conclusion

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025-26 is one of India’s most significant fully funded study abroad programs for students from disadvantaged communities. By covering tuition fees, living expenses, visa charges, medical insurance, and travel costs, the scheme creates equal opportunities for deserving students to study at globally recognized universities.

Eligible candidates planning to pursue Master’s, PhD, or Post-Doctoral studies abroad should begin preparing admission documents, secure an offer letter from a foreign university, and apply through the official NOS portal within the prescribed timeline.

Alok Kumar Singh

My name is Alok Kumar Singh ( Scholarship Content Specialist 2+ Years Experience), the editor of this website. I hold a B.Sc. in Computer Science and have spent over 2 years researching and publishing accurate scholarship, admission and education updates for students across India and world.