Financial Assistance to sc Students for Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad helps meritorious scheduled caste students from Delhi achieve their academic dreams. This scheme provides significant monetary support for master's and ph.d. programs at renowned international universities for students from low-income families. Applications for the 2025-26 academic year are now accepted online through the e-District portal of the Delhi government.
Financial Assistance to sc Students for Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad - Introduction
Financial Assistance to sc Students for Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad helps ambitious students excel on a global stage. This scheme provides specialized support for master's and ph.d. students in fields like engineering, pure sciences, and humanities.
Introduced in 2020 by the department for the welfare of sc/st/obc/minorities, government of nct of delhi, this scheme supports 100 students each year. If you are a bright student from the scheduled caste community residing in delhi, you could receive up to ₹20,00,000 for your doctoral research or ₹10,00,000 for a master's degree. The scheme aims to bridge the financial gap for deserving individuals who dream of studying at top-tier foreign universities.
For the 2025-26 academic year, the delhi government released the scholarship notification on 6 april 2026 and invited applications online. The last date to apply was 30 april 2026. The scheme runs every year, so eligible students can apply in the next cycle through the official e-District portal.
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance to sc Students for Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary state | Delhi |
| Nodal department | Welfare of sc/st/obc/minorities department |
| Benefit type | Financial support |
| Application mode | Online |
| Official website | scstwelfare.delhi.gov.in |
Benefits
Financial Assistance to sc Students for Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad offers crucial funding for your tuition and living expenses. The funds are provided in the following manner:
| Course Level | Total Assistance |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | ₹10,00,000 |
| ph.d. Program | ₹20,00,000 |
You will receive these funds in installments. The first payment arrives once you confirm your university admission, and subsequent amounts are released based on your academic progress reports. Remember, you should return to india upon completion of your studies and commit to staying in the country for at least five years. Failure to follow these terms might lead to a refund requirement with 15% compound interest.
Eligibility
To benefit from this scheme, you should meet the following criteria:
- you should hold indian citizenship.
- you should be a domicile or bonafide resident of delhi for at least five years.
- only one child per family is eligible under this scheme.
- if you are currently employed, you should apply through your employer and obtain a no objection certificate (noc).
- you should be under 30 years of age by the designated cutoff date.
- your total annual family income should remain at or below ₹8,00,000.
- for a master's course, you should have secured at least 55% in your bachelor's degree.
- for a ph.d. course, you should have secured at least 55% in your master's degree.
Example: if ravi works a government job while applying, he must get his application signed by his department head before submitting it.
Exclusions
You are not eligible if you have already begun your studies abroad before the official advertisement appears. Additionally, if you have already completed a master's or ph.d. degree elsewhere, you cannot apply for funding for the same level of education.
Application Process
Applications for this scheme are now submitted online through the e-District portal of the delhi government. Follow this simple process to apply:
STEP 1 - Visit the official e-District delhi portal at edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in and register as a new user using your aadhaar number, or log in with your existing credentials.
STEP 2 - Under the services section, click on apply service and select the welfare of sc/st/obc department.
STEP 3 - Choose the financial assistance for higher studies abroad scheme and fill in the online application form with your personal, academic, income and bank details.
STEP 4 - Upload scanned copies of all required documents in pdf or jpeg format, verify the details, and submit the application.
STEP 5 - Save and print the confirmation receipt with your application number to track your application status later.
Online submission is completely free with no registration or processing charge. Once the department receives your application, a selection committee will review your profile. If short-listed, you might be invited for a personal interview.
Documents
Keep these documents ready for your application:
matriculation certificate, degree and diploma grade sheets, income certificate, caste certificate, official admission offer letter from your foreign university, aadhar card, signed declaration (annexure-i), and the noc if you are an employee.
References
Official Scheme Page on scstwelfare.delhi.gov.in
FAQ's
What is the maximum age limit for applying?
you should be below 30 years of age as on the cutoff date of the current year.
What if my family income is above ₹8,00,000?
eligibility requires that your total family income from all sources does not exceed the limit of ₹8,00,000 per annum.
Can two siblings apply?
no, only one child from the same parents or guardians can receive this financial assistance.
What happens if I finish my degree abroad?
you should inform the government in writing and return to india, where you are expected to stay for at least five years.
How will I receive the financial assistance?
the department credits the funds directly into your bank account in installments once you confirm your admission and demonstrate academic progress.
How do I apply for this scheme?
you can apply online through the e-District delhi portal at edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in by selecting the welfare of sc/st/obc department and choosing this scheme.