Maharashtra government has launched Scholarship for Higher Education Abroad for Meritorious Boys and Girls belonging to Economically Weaker Sections of the Open Category for the 2026-27 academic year. The scheme now covers 40 students annually, up from the previous 20, with a revised Government Resolution dated 10 June 2026 that also renamed the programme and introduced a new online application portal.
Applications for the 2026-27 cycle opened on the dedicated Foreign Scholarship Portal at fs.maharashtra.gov.in and the last date to apply has been extended to 27 July 2026. The Higher and Technical Education Department runs the scheme through the Directorate of Technical Education, offering full tuition fees, health insurance, subsistence allowance, contingency allowance, and round-trip economy class airfare for students admitted to top 200 QS-ranked universities abroad.
Scholarship for Higher Education Abroad for Meritorious Boys and Girls belonging to Economically Weaker Sections of the Open Category
This scholarship helps bright students from the open or unreserved category in Maharashtra pursue postgraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and PhD programmes at prestigious foreign universities. The government selects 40 meritorious students each year across seven discipline streams. To qualify, you must secure admission on merit at a university ranked within the top 200 in the latest QS World Ranking. The programme aims to give students global exposure so they can build strong careers and contribute to the country.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scholarship for Higher Education Abroad for Meritorious Boys and Girls belonging to Economically Weaker Sections of the Open Category |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Nodal Department | Higher and Technical Education |
| Implementing Agency | Directorate of Technical Education |
| Target Candidates | Individual Students |
| Annual Income Limit | Below ₹8,00,000 |
| Total Seats (2026-27) | 40 (30 PG/PG Diploma + 10 PhD) |
| Application Portal | https://fs.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Helpline | 022-68597496 / 421 (10:00 AM to 06:00 PM) |
Benefits
Selected students receive comprehensive financial support so they can focus on their studies without worrying about costs. The benefits include full tuition fees as charged by the university, the full premium for personal health insurance, a subsistence allowance of GBP 9,900 per year for the UK and USD 15,400 per year for all other countries, and a contingency allowance of GBP 1,100 per year for the UK and USD 1,500 per year for other countries. The scheme also covers economy class round-trip airfare for the nearest route, one time only. These rates follow the government-prescribed amounts for the entire academic period.
Eligibility
To apply for this scholarship you must meet the following criteria. The student and parents or guardians must be Indian citizens and domiciled in Maharashtra. You should have secured at least 55 percent marks in your qualifying degree from a recognised university under the Directorate of Technical Education, Directorate of Higher Education, or Directorate of Arts. Admission must be on merit at a foreign university or institution ranked within the top 200 in the latest QS World Ranking (2024 ranking for the current cycle). If the foreign university has a campus in India, admission to that Indian campus also makes you eligible. You must hold an unconditional offer letter from the foreign university. Conditional offer letters are not accepted unless the condition is only about mandatory educational qualifications for admission. Annual family income from all sources must be below ₹8,00,000 for the previous financial year. Age should not exceed 30 years as on 1st July of the admission year for postgraduate courses. PhD applicants will be considered only after confirming they have not received any other sponsorship. Selected students are required to provide two sureties.
The seat distribution for 2026-27 across disciplines is as follows:
| Branch or Course | PG and PG Diploma | Doctorate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Commerce | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Science | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Management | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Law | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Engineering/Architecture | 12 | 4 | 16 |
| Pharmacy | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Total | 30 | 10 | 40 |
Thirty percent of the total seats (12 seats) are reserved for girl students.
Application Process
You must complete your application online through the official Foreign Scholarship Portal. STEP 1 - Go to the new dedicated portal at https://fs.maharashtra.gov.in and register using your details. STEP 2 - Fill out the online application form carefully with all required information. STEP 3 - Upload scanned copies of all supporting documents including identity proof, Maharashtra domicile certificate, income certificate for the previous financial year (2023-24) from a competent authority not below the rank of Tehsildar or Naib Tehsildar, unconditional offer letter from the foreign university, academic qualification certificates, valid passport, and no-objection certificate if currently employed. STEP 4 - Submit the application before the deadline. The Directorate will verify your eligibility and academic credentials to prepare the final selection list based on marks in class 10th, 12th or diploma, graduation, postgraduation, and the QS World Ranking of your university.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before starting your application:
- Valid identity proof such as Aadhaar card or PAN card
- Maharashtra domicile certificate
- Income certificate for the previous financial year (2023-24) from competent authority (not below Tehsildar or Naib Tehsildar rank)
- Unconditional offer letter from the foreign university ranked within top 200 QS World Ranking
- All academic qualification certificates (class 10th, 12th, graduation, postgraduation marksheets)
- Valid passport
- No-objection certificate from employer if currently employed
- Two surety documents (required after selection)
References
For further details you can visit these official links:
- Foreign Scholarship Portal - Official Application Website
- Directorate of Technical Education - Scheme Information Page
- Government Notification - Application Date Extension to 27 July 2026
- Updated Government Resolution dated 10 June 2026
- Official FAQs on Foreign Scholarship Portal
FAQ's
Which department manages this scholarship?
The Higher and Technical Education Department of the Maharashtra Government manages this scheme through the Directorate of Technical Education.
How can I apply?
You can apply online via the dedicated portal at https://fs.maharashtra.gov.in during the application window announced each year.
Which courses are eligible?
The scholarship covers Master's Degree, Post Graduate Diploma, and PhD programmes at foreign universities ranked within the top 200 in the QS World Ranking.
How many students receive this scholarship?
The government selects 40 students annually for the 2026-27 academic year (30 for PG/PG Diploma and 10 for PhD), increased from the previous 20 seats.
Is there any quota for female candidates?
Yes, 30 percent of the total seats (12 seats) are reserved for girl students.
What is the minimum marks requirement?
You should have completed your qualifying degree with at least 55 percent marks from a recognised Indian university under the Directorate of Technical Education, Directorate of Higher Education, or Directorate of Arts.
Do I need an unconditional offer letter?
Yes, you must provide an Unconditional Offer Letter from the foreign educational institution. Conditional offer letters are not accepted.
What is the age limit?
Age should not exceed 30 years as on 1st July of the admission year for postgraduate courses.
What is the helpline number?
You can call 022-68597496 or 022-68597421 between 10:00 AM and 06:00 PM for assistance.
Is there a surety requirement?
Yes, selected students are required to provide two sureties after selection.
Can backward category students apply?
Backward category students for whom similar foreign scholarship schemes exist under other departments are expected to apply under those respective schemes. Other eligible students from the open category can apply here.
How is the scholarship amount paid?
The scholarship amount is credited to the student's account based on approved expenditure. If the education fee has not been paid to the institute, the amount is directly deposited to the institute's account.
What if I miss the application deadline?
No applications are accepted after the prescribed deadline for that academic year.
Which ranking is considered for university eligibility?
The latest available QS World Ranking (2024 ranking for the current cycle) is used to determine if a university falls within the top 200.