Jagananna Vidya Deevena: Scholarship Guide 2026

Overview of the Andhra Pradesh Overseas Scholarship Scheme

The Jagananna Vidya Deevena initiative is a flagship overseas education scholarship launched by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to support students pursuing postgraduate, PhD, and MBBS programs abroad. Through Jagananna Vidya Deevena, financially deserving students gain access to world-class universities while reducing the burden of high international tuition fees.

In 2023 alone, more than 350 students from Andhra Pradesh received over INR 45 crore through Jagananna Vidya Deevena, highlighting the scale and seriousness of the program. The scheme focuses on academic merit, economic need, and admission to globally ranked institutions.

Eligible Fields of Study

Students applying under Jagananna Vidya Deevena can pursue overseas education in the following disciplines:

• Pure Sciences
• Engineering and Technology
• Agricultural Sciences
• Business and Management
• Social Sciences
• Medicine and Nursing
• Humanities

Admission must be secured in globally ranked universities to qualify for scholarship support.

Major Features of the Scholarship

The Andhra Pradesh Overseas Study Scholarship is administered by the State Social Welfare Department and is strictly need-based.

• Reserved for SC, ST, BC, EBC, and minority students
• Tuition fee coverage:
• Up to 100% for SC and ST candidates
• Up to 50% for BC, EBC, and minority candidates
• Maximum funding limit of ₹1.5 crore per student for the entire course
• Supported countries include:
• USA, UK, Canada, Australia
• Germany, New Zealand, France, Singapore
• Applications are submitted online via the AP Navasakam portal
• Selection is based on academic merit and family income
• Students must submit periodic academic progress reports

Students can also explore private funding options like the Tata Scholarship, which supports meritorious Indian students pursuing higher education at globally reputed universities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Jagananna Vidya Deevena, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Applicants must be permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh.
• Students should belong to Below Poverty Line Families.
• This scholarship is open to students belonging to various communities, including SC/ST/BC/Kapu/Brahmin/Arya Vysya/Kamma/Reddy/Kshatriya/EBC(others).
• Candidates must be enrolled in the first year of UG/PG courses in government-aided colleges.
• A minimum of 50% marks in previous academic courses is required for selection.
• The scheme covers a wide range of courses, including B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, ITI, Polytechnic, MCA, B.Ed, M.Tech, M.Pharmacy, MBA, and other degree/PG courses.
• Government job employees are ineligible for the scheme.
• Individuals receiving a pension within the family are ineligible for the scheme.
• Sanctuary workers are exempt from the scheme.
• Eligible courses for students include Polytechnic, ITI, and Degree programs.
• Enrollment must be in government or government-aided institutions or private colleges affiliated with State Universities/Boards.
• The family's annual income should be less than Rs 2.5 Lakh per annum.
• Beneficiaries should possess wetland below 10 acres/agricultural land below 25 acres, or a combination thereof under 25 acres.
• Beneficiaries should not own any four-wheelers (Car, Taxi, Auto, etc.).

Educational Requirements

Academic eligibility is uniform across disciplines to ensure fairness:

• MBBS:
• Class XII completion with minimum 60% marks in relevant subjects
• Postgraduate programs:
• Bachelor’s degree in approved disciplines with at least 60% marks
• PhD programs:
• Postgraduate degree in the same approved field with minimum 60% marks

Academic and Institutional Conditions

Applicants must strictly comply with institutional guidelines:

• Admission must be to overseas universities only
• Courses must fall under the 21 approved subject categories notified by the state
• University must be ranked within the global top 50 (QS or THE rankings)
• Students must join the institution within six months of approval
• Course or university changes after sanction are not permitted

Approved Universities and Countries

The approved list is updated annually to maintain global academic alignment.

• Countries covered include:
• USA, UK, Australia, Canada
• Germany, France, Japan, China, Singapore
• Recognised institutions include:
• Harvard University
• University of Oxford
• University of Melbourne
• National University of Singapore
• HEC Paris

Approval depends on the country–discipline combination notified each year.

Scholarship Amount and Benefits

Tuition fee plus hostel fee coverage for students pursuing the following courses:

Degree & Engineering :

• Beneficiaries will receive Rs 20,000/- per year.
• Students residing in Welfare hostels will be exempt from mess charges.

Monetary incentives are distributed as follows:

• Rs 15,000 for Polytechnic students
• Rs 10,000 for ITI Students
• Rs 20,000 for Graduate Degree and other courses.

Education Loan Support Options

To bridge funding gaps beyond tuition:

• Platforms like Student Cover help students:
• Compare loans from multiple banks and NBFCs
• Secure better interest rates and faster disbursement
• Receive personalised financial guidance
• Especially useful for students already receiving Vidya Deevena benefits

Payment Structure

Students approved under the scheme receive the Jagananna Vidya Deevena Scholarship directly into their registered bank account in multiple instalments. Each instalment is released only after the student meets a specific academic or immigration milestone. The payment structure works as follows:

• The first instalment is released once the student submits proof of international travel and entry. This can include an immigration card, I-94 card, or a valid landing permit.
• The second instalment is credited after the successful completion of the first semester or term. Students must submit their official semester or term results for verification.
• The third instalment is released after the student completes the second semester or term. Similar to the previous stage, submission of academic results is mandatory.
• The fourth instalment is paid after completion of the final or fourth semester of the course. Students must upload their final semester mark sheet to receive this amount.
• For longer-duration programs, the payment structure extends beyond four instalments. While postgraduate courses with four semesters conclude with the fourth payment, programs such as PhD or MBBS continue to receive additional instalments after the completion of each subsequent semester, subject to academic progress and document submission.

This milestone-based approach ensures that funds are released in line with the student’s academic journey and verified progress abroad.

Documents required

Here’s a detailed list of documents you must produce to receive the Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena Scholarship:

• A passport-size photograph
• Your scanned signature
• The concerned Ward/ Village secretariat issued your family’s Income Certificate. The concerned District Collector must also physically certify the document. 
• A Cast Certificate issued by the concerned Ward/ Village Secretariat.
• Your Birth Certificate or SSC Certificate to prove your age eligibility for the scholarship.
• Aadhar Card
• Your family’s Ration Card, if available
• Your mark sheets of the required qualifying examinations
• Score sheet for the following language and academic tests – GMAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL
• Your NEET scorecard (if you are applying for an MBBS program)
• An offer letter from a university abroad
• Details of your nationalized bank account
• A copy of your family’s tax returns, wherever applicable
• A Nativity Certificate issued by the Revenue Department or MeeSeva.
• Passing certificates of the following levels of education – intermediate and undergraduate for a master’s degree program and postgraduate for a doctoral program.
• A self-certification proving that no other member of your family has availed of similar financial assistance by the state or central government. 

How to apply for the Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena Scholarship?

You can apply online or offline for the Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena Scholarship. Follow the steps mentioned below to complete your application through either mode: 

Online application for the Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena Scholarship

Step 1: Registration

• The government of Andhra Pradesh releases a notice on the official website of Jnana Bhumi. 
• Visit the website and go through the notice. 
• You can either find an application link on the notice or the website. 
• Clicking on the link will redirect you to the login page. 
• If you’re a first-time user, you must choose the “New Registration” option. 
• On the redirected page, enter your email ID and mobile number. 
• You will then receive an OTP to complete setting up your account.

Step 2: Login

• After you’ve set up your account, log into your account. 
• Now, complete your application form by entering correct and verified information. 

Step 3: Upload documents

• Attach all the required documents in the designated size. 
• Once done, press “Submit”.
• With this, your application process is complete. 
• As confirmation, you will receive a reference ID on your registered mobile number or email ID. 
• You must keep this safe for future reference or to track your application. 

Offline application for the Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena Scholarship

• Visit the official website of Jnana Bhumi and download the application form. 
• Take a printout of it and fill it in.
• Attach the important and self-attested documents to the application. 
• Once completed, submit the application and documents to your district’s DSWO (District Social Welfare Officer).

Conclusion

The Jagananna Vidya Deevena Overseas Scholarship is a powerful step by the Andhra Pradesh government to make global education accessible to deserving students. However, even with generous tuition support, students often face gaps related to living expenses, insurance, travel, and cash-flow timing.

This is where Student Cover plays a critical role.

Student Cover helps Vidya Deevena scholars:

• Plan end-to-end overseas education financing
• Bridge funding gaps through structured education loan solutions
• Choose the right mix of scholarships, loans, and self-funding
• Avoid last-minute financial stress after visa approval

By combining government scholarship benefits with smart financial planning, Student Cover ensures students don’t just go abroad—but stay, study, and succeed with confidence.

FAQs

1. What is the Jagananna Vidya Deevena Overseas Scholarship?

It is a Government of Andhra Pradesh scheme that provides financial assistance to eligible students pursuing PG, PhD, or MBBS programs abroad.

2. Who is eligible to apply for Vidya Deevena?

Permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh from SC, ST, BC, EBC, or minority communities with family income up to ₹8 lakh per year.

3. What courses are covered under the scholarship?

Postgraduate, PhD, and MBBS programs in approved disciplines such as engineering, sciences, management, medicine, and humanities.

4. How much financial support is provided?

Up to 100% tuition for SC/ST students and up to 50% for BC/EBC/minority students, with a maximum cap of ₹1.5 crore per student.

5. Does the scholarship cover living expenses abroad?

No. The scholarship mainly covers tuition, airfare, and visa fees. Living expenses are typically managed through personal funds or education loans.

6. Are only top-ranked universities eligible?

Yes. Admission must be secured in universities ranked within the global top 50 (QS or THE) for approved subject categories.

7. Can a student change the course or university after approval?

No. Course or university changes after scholarship sanction are not allowed and may lead to cancellation.

8. How is the scholarship amount disbursed?

Funds are released in installments directly to the student’s bank account after joining the course and upon successful completion of each semester.

9. Can students take an education loan along with Vidya Deevena?

Yes. Many students combine the scholarship with education loans to manage living and miscellaneous expenses.

10. How does Student Cover support students for overseas education?

Student Cover helps students compare loan options, manage funding gaps, plan repayments, and align scholarships with long-term financial stability.