National Overseas Scholarship 2024: Eligibility, Application

Today, studying abroad is possible for students from different social strata. One can pursue higher education by availing of lucrative schemes like the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS).

This funding scheme is available for Indian students and comes under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The main motive of this scholarship is to support individuals from low-income backgrounds in their aspiration to study overseas.

The National Overseas Scholarship for Indian students has specific criteria to become eligible. Also, it is applicable for pursuing education at specific predefined levels. 

This article contains all the essential details about NOS for one’s perusal.

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National Overseas Scholarship Eligibility 

The NOS applies to all Indian students who fulfill the following criteria:

• Scheduled Tribes Or
• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal groups
• Economically backward class
• Pursuing or aspire to choose a Master’s, Ph.D., or Post-doctoral program
• Less than 35 years of age

The primary criteria for applying to the National Overseas Scholarship are quite straightforward. However, students should also know the family income criteria. Here’s a glance:

• Total family income: Less than or equal to ₹6,00,000 per year
• Additional requirements: Copy of ITR Form-16 (If an applicant has existing employment)

In addition, students need to match specific academic standards to apply for NOS:

• Master’s level courses: Minimum 55% in bachelor’s
• Ph.D. level courses: Minimum 55% in master’s
• Post-doctoral studies: Minimum 55% in master’s degree and Ph.D.

Also, applicants with a minimum two-year work experience (for master’s courses) have an edge in the selection process. On the other hand, candidates with a two and five-year work experience for Ph.D. and Post-doctoral education, respectively, have first preference.  

Benefits of NOS

The financial benefits of the National Overseas Scholarship are variable. Notably, the funds vary as per different criteria and countries.

Here are the funds that one can receive after acquiring NOS:

• Annual maintenance allowance: USD 15,400 (GBP 9,900 for the UK)
• Tuition fees: As per actuals
• Poll tax: Actuals (if applicable)
• Visa fees: Actuals (if applicable)
• Annual contingency and equipment allowance: USD 1,532 (GBP 1,116 for the UK)

In addition, students also receive an air passage grant on an actual basis by economy class. Notably, 30% of these scholarship awards apply to female candidates.

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Documents Required to Apply for the National Overseas Scholarship

Planning in advance is vital to eliminate any last-minute hassle during the application process. For this purpose, students should prepare the required documents in hard and soft copies.

Here is the list of all the papers that one needs to apply for the National Overseas Scholarship: 

• 10th standard board certificate
• Photo
• Caste certificate
• Qualifying degree proof
• ITR acceptance
• Employer’s NOC (if applicable)
• Address proof (current and permanent)
• Scanned signature
• Income documents of the entire family
• Foreign university admission proof

After selection, candidates need to submit a copy of their passport, attestation, and other self-declaration forms. Visiting the ministry is crucial during the application process.

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How to Apply for a National Overseas Scholarship?

The application process for NOS is relatively easy to understand. Aspiring candidates can follow these steps to minimize any challenges:

• Look out for notification of the scheme in newspapers and electronic media
• Visit the official portal to verify all the terms and eligibilities
• Fill out the application form only on the official website
• Anticipate the selection and subsequent communication from the ministry

So, students or working professionals who fulfill the eligibility criteria can pursue higher education through the NOS funds. Notably, this funding can prove crucial in reducing the economic burden during the international course tenure.

Important Dates

Here are the crucial dates and months to avoid missing deadlines for the National Overseas Scholarship application:

• Opening of the online portal for applications: 15th February – 31st March
• The second round of candidate screening: September 1st week
• Opening of the online portal for 3rd round: January (subject to slot availability)

It is essential to keep checking the ‘What’s New’ section on the NOS official homepage. This way, applicants will stay aware of important notifications. 

Selection

The selection committee shortlists candidates based on the following criteria:

• Proof of unconditional admission offer from an international university
• The international university should be present in the top 500 of the latest QS rankings
• There are two rounds of selection
• Selection takes place based on merit
• Preference is given to applicants with an offer from higher-ranked institutes

Overall, a candidate’s admission offer in a reputed foreign university significantly influences the selection process.

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