Fee Waiver Scheme for SC/ST Students Pursuing Higher Education gives eligible Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students in Goa a full waiver of academic fees for higher education. The Government of Goa keeps this scheme going for the 2026-27 academic year, so students who get admission to the first year of a degree or postgraduate course can apply and get the benefit.
The scheme is run by the Department of Education, Art & Culture, Government of Goa. It makes sure that money problems do not stop deserving students from studying further. The Directorate of Higher Education looks after general courses, while the Directorate of Technical Education handles technical degree and postgraduate programmes.
Fee Waiver Scheme for SC/ST Students Pursuing Higher Education - Introduction
Fee Waiver Scheme for SC/ST Students Pursuing Higher Education bridges the gap between ambition and opportunity by giving free access to higher learning for every eligible SC/ST student. The amended scheme was approved by the Government of Goa and taken up for notification, and it continues to cover students for the 2026-27 session. No eligible SC/ST student is meant to be left out for want of resources.
The scheme came into operation from the academic year 2012-13 and has been renewed every year since. For example, if a student secures admission into an engineering college, the benefit for that technical programme is handled through the Directorate of Technical Education. A student joining a general degree course applies through the Directorate of Higher Education.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Fee Waiver Scheme for SC/ST Students Pursuing Higher Education |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| State | Goa |
| Category | Education & Learning, Social Welfare |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Department of Education, Art & Culture |
Benefits
Eligible students get a full waiver of the main academic fees at the institution where they have taken admission. This support lets students focus on their studies without worrying about fee payments.
| Fee Component | Status |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Covered |
| Library Fees | Covered |
| Laboratory Fees | Covered |
| Development Fees | Covered |
| Other Personal Charges | Not Covered |
Note: Any other charges and fees, such as hostel, food or transport costs, have to be borne by the student.
Eligibility
To get the benefit under this scheme, a student needs to meet the following conditions:
- The student should have been born in Goa or should have lived in Goa as a resident for at least the last fifteen years.
- The student must have passed the qualifying examination from an educational institution located in Goa.
- The student should belong to the SC or ST community of Goa.
- The student should be enrolled in the first year of a degree or postgraduate course for the 2026-27 session.
Application Process
Applications under the scheme are submitted in the format hosted on the official website. Students can complete the process by following the steps given below.
STEP 1 - Obtain the official proforma of the application form from the institution or download it from the official portal of the Directorate of Higher Education, Goa.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the mandatory details accurately in the form.
STEP 3 - Paste a recent passport-sized photograph and sign across it.
STEP 4 - Attach copies of the required documents and self-attest them.
STEP 5 - Submit the signed application and documents to the designated authority at the college during the admission process. For the 2026-27 session, forms are to be submitted on or before 31 July 2026 as per the college notices.
The institution verifies the details and sanctions the fee waiver during the admission phase. Keeping the required documents ready beforehand makes the process smooth.
Documents
Students should keep the following documents ready to verify their eligibility:
- Valid proof of identity such as Aadhaar card.
- Caste certificate issued as per Goa state norms.
- Proof of educational qualification, that is the previous mark sheets.
- Proof of admission or enrolment in the first year of the course.
- Birth certificate or residential certificate showing fifteen years of residency in Goa.
- Fee receipt of the current year.
References
View Amended Scheme Notification PDF
View 2026-27 Fee Waiver Scheme Notice
View Scheme Details on College Website
FAQ's
Is there any provision for students who face difficulties in submitting documents during the application process?
Students should communicate their concerns directly to the institutional authorities, who may provide guidance or accommodations based on the specific situation.
Can students apply for this fee waiver scheme for courses pursued outside Goa?
No, this scheme is strictly for students who have passed their qualifying examination from an institution located in Goa and are studying within the state.
Is there a limit to the number of SC/ST students who can benefit from this scheme?
The number of beneficiaries depends on the annual budgetary allocations sanctioned by the Government of Goa for this scheme.
Can I pursue any course under this scheme?
Yes, students can pursue both general and technical education as long as they meet the standard eligibility criteria for the first year of their degree or postgraduate programme.
What specific fees are covered by the scheme?
The scheme covers tuition, library, laboratory and development fees. Items like lodging, food and personal transport expenses remain the responsibility of the student.
Which department administers this scheme?
The Department of Education, Art & Culture operates the scheme, with the Directorate of Higher Education managing general courses and the Directorate of Technical Education managing technical degree programmes.