National Overseas Scholarship: Study Abroad Made Easy

National overseas scholarships are emerging as a beacon for Indian students who want to study abroad. Several students wanting to go abroad often lack a good credit score, collateral or a high budget to pay for their tuition fees. 

However, they are talented and have potential; hence, they deserve a chance to study abroad. In this blog, I will help you delve into the intricacies of the NOS to ensure that you remain informed about how to utilize the opportunity. 

Understanding the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

The NOS and similar scholarships are initiatives by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Government of India. Its aim is to provide financial assistance to students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT), Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans. 

This type of scholarship helps students to study abroad for Master's degrees and Ph.D. programs and gain academic exposure. 

Objectives of the NOS

There are three primary objectives or goals of the National Overseas Scholarship scheme. They are— Empowerment through education, skill enhancements, and global enhancement. 

Find out about them vividly:

Empowerment through Education

The initial goal is to empower disadvantaged communities by offering them access to quality education overseas. This equips them with the knowledge, skills, and international exposure required to escape poverty cycles, reach their full potential, and contribute positively to their societies.

Skill Enhancement

The second goal is to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in different areas through high-standard international education and practical experience. This allows them to make a valuable contribution to national development when they return by promoting innovation, developing leadership, and solving major societal issues.

Global Representation

The third aim is to enhance the number of disadvantaged groups in global scholarly and professional fields. This is through establishing paths, networks, and support structures that allow the people from such groups to get into, contribute to, and succeed in international institutions and systems.

Eligibility Criteria

Specific eligibility parameters have been set to ensure the Overseas scholarship for Indian students​ reaches the most deserving candidates. These parameters include academic qualifications, age limit and family income. 

1. Academic Qualifications

• Master's Degree Applicants: Must have secured at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade in their Bachelor's degree.​
• Ph.D. Applicants: Should have obtained a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in their Master's degree.​

2. Age Limit

Applicants should not be older than 35 as of April 1st of every selection year. Age is calculated based on official documents. This parameter has been set to ensure equal opportunity for young professionals and recent graduates.

3. Family Income

The total annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8 lakh in the preceding financial year. This includes income earned by parents, guardians, or any earning members of the household. Income proof must be submitted through valid government-issued documents. This ensures that the benefits reach those who genuinely need financial assistance.

4. University Admission

Candidates must have an unconditional offer of admission to a foreign institution ranked among the top 500 per the latest QS rankings. The offer must be for a full-time program and should align with the candidate's academic and career goals. Preference will be given to programs that demonstrate high impact or innovation.​

5. Number of Scholarships

Annually, 125 scholarships are awarded. Out of these, 115 are explicitly allocated for SC candidates. The remaining 10 scholarships are reserved for other eligible categories. This ensures focused support and inclusive representation.​

Fields of Study Covered

The NOS supports a wide range of disciplines. These disciplines include:

• Engineering and Technology
• Pure and Applied Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences
• Medicine
• Commerce and Accounting
• Management
• Humanities and Social Sciences

However, it doesn't mean these are the only subjects for which students can receive the National overseas scholarship. 

Financial Assistance Provided

The scholarship covers various expenses to ensure students can focus solely on their studies. These expenses include tuition fees, living expenses, and various other things. 

Take a more detailed look:

• Tuition Fees: As per the actuals charged by the university.​
• Living Expenses: A maintenance allowance covers accommodation, food, and other daily needs.​
• Contingency Allowance: For unforeseen expenses during study.​
• Travel Expenses: Economy class airfare to the country of research and back.​
• Medical Insurance: Coverage for health-related emergencies.​

Application Process

There is a clear process to apply for the national overseas scholarship. This process includes online registration, document submission, and so on!

Find out about it step-by-step:

1. Online Registration

Candidates must register on the official NOS portal: https://www.nosmsje.gov.in/nosmsje/ 

2. Document Submission

Upload the necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of income, caste certificate, and the unconditional offer letter from the foreign university.​

3. Application Timeline

Follow the application timeline to ensure that you don't miss your chance of getting this opportunity.  

4. Selection Process

Applications are reviewed based on academic merit, the relevance of the chosen course, and the ranking of the foreign university.​

Tips for a Successful Application

To ensure you have a high chance of receiving the scholarship, here are a few tips you can follow. Read them and understand what you can do!

• Early Preparation: You must gather the necessary documents and information well before the application window opens.​
• University Selection: You must aim for universities within the top 500 QS rankings to meet eligibility criteria.​
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Craft a compelling SOP that outlines your academic goals, reasons for choosing the specific course and university, and how it aligns with your career aspirations.​
• Recommendation Letters: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can vouch for your capabilities.​

Challenges and Considerations

There are some challenges, and applicants should be aware of them, even though the NOS provides substantial support. These challenges can include:

• Limited Slots: With only 125 scholarships awarded annually, competition is intense.
• Financial Planning: Ensure that the scholarship amount suffices for your chosen destination, as living costs vary across countries.​
• Cultural Adaptation: Be prepared for cultural differences and the need to adapt to a new environment.​

FAQs

• How Can I Get a National Overseas Scholarship?

To get the National Overseas Scholarship, you need to do the following things: 

• Register Online
• Submit Your Documents
• Follow the Application Timeline
• Wait for the Selection Process to be Completed

• Who is eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship?

Students belonging to the Scheduled Caste, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans are eligible for the scholarship.

• Can I apply for Two Scholarships at the Same Time?

Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time. However, some scholarships have restrictions you must follow if you want them. Therefore, read the guidelines accordingly. 

• What is the minimum eligibility for National Overseas Scholarships?

The minimum eligibility for NOS is that students must secure at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade in their Bachelor's degree to pursue a Master's degree abroad. Moreover, students who want to pursue a Ph.D. abroad must also score 60% or equivalent grade in their Master's. 

Conclusion

The National Overseas Scholarship is a testament to the Indian government's commitment to inclusive education. Providing financial assistance to deserving students from marginalized communities opens doors to global opportunities and fosters socio-economic development. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to leverage this initiative to realize their academic and professional dreams on an international stage.