Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship supports talented Indian students who want to pursue higher education at leading universities and institutions in the UK, Europe and USA. The scholarship can support eligible courses for nine months to four years and covers tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, visa costs and health allowance, up to USD 120,000 (INR 1.1 crore) .

Here’s a quick look at the main details:

• Scholarship provider: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
• Scholarship program: Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
• Purpose: Financial support for talented Indian students pursuing higher education abroad
• Study destinations: UK, Europe and USA
• Study levels: Masters, MPhil and Doctoral programs, subject to the Foundation’s eligibility rules
• Scholarship amount: Up to USD 120,000 (INR 1.1 crore) 
• Course duration: 9 months to 4 years
• Application mode: Online
• 2026 application status: Closed

The sections below explain the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship eligibility, scholarship amount, last date, application process, documents, selection process, application status, exclusions and other important requirements for students planning to apply. 

What Is the Last Date to Apply for the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship?

For the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship 2026, the last date to submit the application was 31 March 2026 at 12:00 PM (afternoon). The Foundation has now closed applications for the 2026 cycle, and shortlisted applicants have already been informed.

The Foundation also clearly states that the application cannot be saved once started. So, applicants had to complete and submit the form in one sitting before the deadline.

Particular	2026 Details
Application deadline	31 March 2026
Closing time	12:00 PM (afternoon)
Application status	Closed
Shortlist communication	Applicants selected for the next round were informed by email
Next cycle	Check the official Inlaks Foundation website for the next application dates

Note: The 31 March 2026 deadline applies specifically to the 2026 scholarship cycle. Students planning to apply for the next cycle should check the official Foundation website for the latest dates instead of following the old deadline. 

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Who Is Eligible for the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship?

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is meant for Indian students who want to pursue higher studies abroad. Applicants must meet the Foundation’s age, academic, residence and admission requirements. They must also have admission to an eligible course and institution before applying.

Here are the main Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship eligibility requirements for the 2026 cycle:

Eligibility requirement	Details
Citizenship	Must be an Indian passport holder
Residence	Must be residing in India when applying
Age	Must be born on or after 1 January 1996
Academic qualification	Must hold a degree from a recognised university in India. Final-year students waiting for their results can also apply
Undergraduate degree from abroad	Must have continuously lived, worked or studied in India for at least 2 years after completing graduation
Minimum marks for Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture and related subjects	65%, CGPA 6.8/10 or GPA 2.6/4
Minimum marks for Mathematics, Sciences, Environment and related subjects	70%, CGPA 7.2/10 or GPA 3/4
Admission	Must have prior admission to the chosen eligible course and institution
Offer letter	Both conditional and unconditional offers can be accepted, subject to the Foundation’s conditions
English language condition	Applicants with an English language requirement in their offer must meet it before applying
Deferred admission	Must have a valid offer for the 2026-27 academic year

Note: The Foundation also has separate rules for applicants with conditional or deferred offers. For example, candidates with a conditional offer must fulfil all the conditions before the final interview.

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Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship Amount and Benefits

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship can offer help of up to USD 120,000 (INR 1.1 crore). The actual amount depends on the course. Includes most study-related expenses like tuition, daily costs, travel, visa and health charges. This scholarship can help with courses that last from nine months, to four years.

Below are the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship Amount and Benefits:

Benefit	What it covers	Maximum support
Tuition fees	Fees for the approved course at the selected institution	Included within the total scholarship value
Living expenses	Living and maintenance costs during the course	Included within the total scholarship value
Travel	One-way travel to the study destination	Included within the total scholarship value
Visa costs	Visa-related expenses	Included within the total scholarship value
Health allowance	Health-related allowance as per the scholarship terms	Included within the total scholarship value
Total scholarship	Combined support based on the course and approved expenses	Up to USD 120,000 (≈ INR 1.1 crore)

What If the Course Costs More Than USD 120,000?

If the total cost of the course is more than USD 120,000 (INR 1.1 crore), the applicant must show proof that they can arrange the extra funds. The Foundation accepts different types of proof for this additional funding. 

Applicants can provide:

• A sponsorship letter from a parent or relative
• Personal investment documents, excluding property documents
• An approved education loan letter
• Proof of an additional scholarship from another organisation
• Proof of a university scholarship or fee waiver

The Foundation asks applicants to upload proof of personal additional funding as one PDF file. For university funding or another scholarship, an official document or email from the university or scholarship organisation can be submitted as proof. 

Courses and Subjects Not Covered by Inlaks Scholarship

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is available for many subjects, but some courses are not covered. The Foundation lists these subjects as exclusions for the 2026 scholarship cycle. 

Below are the  Courses and Subjects Not Covered by Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship:

Subject not covered	Exception, where applicable
Business and Finance	No exception listed
Computer Science	No exception listed
Engineering	Engineering and Natural Sciences at Imperial College London are considered
Fashion Design	No exception listed
Film and Film Animation	Documentary filmmaking is considered
Hospitality and Tourism	No exception listed
Indian Studies without Contemporary Relevance	No exception listed
Management Studies	This includes MBA programs
Medicine, Dentistry and related therapies	No exception listed
Music	Western Classical singing is considered

Note: The Foundation also has two other important exclusions. Applicants who already have a postgraduate qualification from an institution abroad, such as a Masters or PhD, cannot apply. Students who have already started their postgraduate studies at an institution abroad are also not eligible. 

Important exceptions: There are a few exceptions in the subject list. The Foundation considers applications for Engineering and Natural Sciences at Imperial College London. It also considers Documentary filmmaking and Western Classical singing.

Also Read: Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in 2026

How to Apply for the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship application is submitted online when the application window is open. Before starting, make sure you already have admission to the course and institution you want to study at. The Foundation does not consider applications without proof of admission.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the Foundation's age, academic, citizenship and other requirements.
2. Get admission: Secure a conditional or unconditional offer from an eligible institution and course.
3. Prepare your documents: Keep your academic records, passport, CV and other required documents ready.
4. Register on the application portal: When applications are open, use the Apply Now option on the official Foundation website.
5. Fill in the application form: Enter your personal, academic and course details carefully.
6. Upload the required documents: Add your offer letter, academic documents, references and other supporting files.
7. Check the application: Review your details and uploaded documents before submitting.
8. Submit before the deadline: Submit the completed application within the given application period.

Documents Required for Inlaks Scholarship 2026

Applicants should keep the documents below ready. The exact documents can depend on the course and application requirements.

• Admission or offer letter
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• CV or resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP); check SOP format
• Indian passport
• Recent photograph
• Two references
• Portfolio or writing samples, where required
• Test scores, where applicable
• Course fee statement
• Proof of additional funding, if the total course cost is above the scholarship limit

For art and design-related applications, a strong portfolio is especially important because the Foundation assesses candidates in these areas mainly through their portfolios.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship Selection Process

The Inlaks Scholarship selection process has three main stages. An independent Inlaks Selection Committee reviews eligible applications and chooses candidates for the next round. The Foundation looks at both what the applicant has achieved so far and what they may do in the future. For art and design applicants, the portfolio is a major part of the assessment.

The selection process generally follows these steps:

1. Application review
   • The committee first reviews eligible applications.
   • Academic achievements, present achievements and the applicant's future potential are considered.
   • Art and design applicants are mainly assessed on the quality of their portfolio.
2. Preliminary online interview
   • Candidates selected after the first review are invited for an online interview.
   • This is the second stage of the selection process.
   • Applicants should be ready to discuss their academic work, achievements, course and future plans.
3. Final interview
   • Candidates who clear the preliminary interview move to the final stage.
   • The final interview is held in person in Mumbai.
   • The final selection is made after this interview.

Note: For the 2026 scholarship cycle, application review was scheduled for April 2026, preliminary online interviews around May 2026, and the final in-person interviews around the third or fourth weekend of May 2026. These dates were specific to the 2026 cycle and should not be treated as dates for the next cycle.

How to Check Inlaks Scholarship Application Status

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship application status is mainly communicated by the Foundation through email. It does not work like a regular application portal where students can keep checking a live status page.

For the 2026 scholarship cycle, applicants who were shortlisted for the next stage were informed by the Foundation. If an applicant did not receive an email from the Foundation by the stated date, they were advised to assume that their application had not moved to the next round.

Here are the main things applicants should do:

• Check your registered email: Look regularly for messages from the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.
• Check your spam or junk folder: Important selection emails can sometimes land there.
• Look for interview communication: Shortlisted applicants are contacted about the next stage of selection.
• Check the final selection communication: Candidates who move through the selection process are informed by the Foundation.
• No communication: For the 2026 cycle, applicants who did not receive communication by 30 April 2026 were advised to assume that their application was not successful and had not moved to the next stage.

So, if you are waiting for your Inlaks Scholarship 2026 result or application status, keep checking the email address used for your application. For future cycles, follow the latest instructions given by the Foundation, as the communication dates may change.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting the Inlaks Scholarship

The Inlaks Scholarship is given through a selection process where the Foundation looks at an applicant’s past and present achievements, along with their future potential. There is no single trick that can guarantee selection. The best approach is to make your application clear, complete and honest.

Here are some simple ways to make your application stronger:

• Choose an eligible course: Check the subject exclusions before applying. Your course and institution must meet the Foundation’s rules.
• Maintain a strong academic record: Your academic performance is one of the important parts of your application. Make sure your marks meet the required level.
• Show your achievements: Mention academic awards, research work, projects, publications, work experience or other achievements that support your profile.
• Write a clear SOP: Explain why you want to study the course, what you want to learn and how it connects with your future plans. Avoid making it too general.
• Choose the right referees: Pick people who know your academic or professional work well and can give a meaningful reference.
• Build a good portfolio: If you are applying for art, design or another field where a portfolio is required, make sure your work clearly shows your skills and experience.
• Be clear about your future plans: The Foundation also considers your future potential. Explain what you want to do after your studies and how the course fits into that plan.
• Prepare for the interviews: If shortlisted, be ready to talk about your achievements, course, goals and reasons for choosing the program.
• Check every document: Make sure your application is complete and all information is correct before submitting it.
• Be honest: Do not add achievements or information that you cannot support with proper documents.

Common Reasons for Inlaks Scholarship Rejection

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation does not publish a fixed list of reasons why an application is rejected. So, students should not treat the points below as an official rejection formula. However, an application may not move forward when it does not meet the scholarship rules or does not make a strong enough case during the selection process.

Below are the Common Reasons for Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship Rejection:

Possible reason	What it means
Not meeting eligibility rules	The applicant does not meet the citizenship, age, residence or academic requirements.
Applying for an excluded subject	The chosen course falls under a subject that the Foundation does not cover, unless a listed exception applies.
No admission offer	The applicant does not have proof of admission to the chosen institution and course.
Academic score below the requirement	The applicant does not meet the minimum academic score required for their subject area.
Already studying abroad	The applicant has already started postgraduate education at an institution abroad.
Previous postgraduate qualification abroad	The applicant already holds a postgraduate qualification from an institution abroad.
Missing documents	Required documents, references or other supporting information are missing.
Conditional offer requirements not completed	A shortlisted applicant has not fulfilled the conditions mentioned in their offer letter before the final interview.
Weak application profile	The application may not show enough evidence of the applicant's achievements and future potential compared with other candidates.
Interview performance	A candidate may not progress after the preliminary or final interview.
Portfolio not strong enough	For art and design applicants, the portfolio is an important part of the assessment and may affect the selection decision.
Insufficient additional funding proof	If the course costs more than the scholarship limit, the applicant needs to show proof that the remaining costs can be covered.

Note: The Foundation assesses applicants based on their past and present achievements and future potential. For art and design applicants, portfolios are given particular importance. This means meeting the basic eligibility rules does not automatically guarantee selection.

Conclusion

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship 2026/27 can help eligible Indian students manage the cost of studying at selected institutions in the UK, Europe and USA. The scholarship offers up to USD 120,000 (≈ INR 1.1 crore) and can cover tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, visa costs and health allowance.

To apply, students need to meet the eligibility rules and have admission to their chosen course and institution. Academic performance, achievements, future plans and, where required, the quality of the portfolio are important parts of the selection process.

The 2026 applications are now closed. Students planning to apply in the next cycle should check the official Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation website for the latest application dates, eligibility rules and instructions before applying.

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