Latest Update: The National Overseas Scholarship application deadline has been extended to May 20, 2025, providing more time for eligible students to apply.
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a government-funded program that helps Indian students from economically weaker backgrounds pursue master’s and PhD programs at top universities worldwide. Each year, over 100 students benefit from this scholarship, which covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and visa costs in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the National Overseas Scholarship 2025, including eligibility, benefits, documents required, and the application process.
Highlights:
Covers full tuition, airfare, visa, and living costs
Only 125 scholarships awarded per year
Available for master’s and PhD programs
Applicable for studies in Engineering, Management, Social Sciences, and more
This scholarship changes lives. Let’s go through eligibility, benefits, and how to apply step by step!
For more details on available scholarships, explore upGrad’s Scholarship Programs.
National Overseas Scholarship 2025: Overview
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025 supports 125 students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Tribes (DNT), Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans to pursue Master’s and PhD programs abroad. The scheme aims to improve economic and social mobility through higher education at top-ranked global universities.
What’s New in 2025?
Application deadline extended to May 2025 for wider accessibility.
Increased financial support to match rising living costs.
Strict eligibility on university rankings – Only QS Top 500 universities qualify.
Cap on state-wise selection – No more than 10% of slots allotted to any one state or UT.
30% of scholarships reserved for women candidates.
Scholarship Coverage & Eligibility
Feature
Details
Total Scholarships
125 awards per year
Degree Levels
Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral
Fields of Study
STEM, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Law, Management
Top Study Destinations
USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia
Funding Coverage
Tuition, visa, airfare, living expenses
QS Ranking Requirement
Must be in Top 500 QS World Universities
Age Limit
35 years
Income Limit
₹8 lakh per annum (family income)
State Cap
Max 10% of total slots per state/UT
Benefits and Coverage of the National Overseas Scholarship
The NOS fully funds education for selected students, removing financial barriers to studying abroad.
Financial Benefits:
Full Tuition Fee Coverage – Paid directly to the university. Living Allowance – Monthly stipend based on country-specific costs. Airfare & Travel Allowance – One-time economy class airfare. Visa Fee Reimbursement – Covers all student visa-related expenses. Health Insurance – Included in the living allowance. Contingency Grant – Additional allowance for books and research materials.
Funding Breakdown (Per Year)
Expense Category
Coverage Amount (Approx.)
Tuition Fees
Full (Paid directly to university)
Living Expenses
₹10–₹15 lakh per year
Airfare (One-Time)
₹1–₹1.5 lakh
Visa Fee Reimbursement
₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
Health Insurance
₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
Contingency Grant
₹75,000 per year
Limitations & Exclusions:
No direct fund transfer to students – Funds disbursed through Indian Missions abroad.
Only one-time airfare – No additional travel costs covered.
No coverage for dependents or family members.
Limited to QS Top 500 universities – Admission in lower-ranked universities not eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for the National Overseas Scholarship
Applicants must meet strict academic, financial, and category-based requirements to qualify.
Educational Qualifications:
Master’s applicants must have at least 60% in their undergraduate degree. PhD applicants must have at least 60% in their master’s degree. Admission must be from a QS Top 500 university.
Age & Income Criteria:
Age must be 35 years or below as of April 1, 2025. Total family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum. Income calculation includes parents, spouse, and children under 18 years. Married women must include in-laws’ income in eligibility assessment.
Category-Based Eligibility:
Category
Number of Scholarships
Scheduled Castes (SC)
115
Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes
6
Landless Agricultural Labourers & Traditional Artisans
4
30% of total scholarships reserved for women.
Approved Fields of Study:
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Management & Business Law & Public Policy Social Sciences & Humanities
Language & Academic Expectations:
Strong academic background with high grades in previous degrees. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) as required by university.
How the Scholarship is Disbursed
Students do not receive direct payments. The Indian Missions abroad handle tuition fees and living expenses through the university.
Performance & Budget of NOS in Recent Years
The NOS budget and disbursements have increased over the years.
Year
Total Scholarships
Candidates Selected
Budget Estimate (₹ Crore)
Revised Estimate (₹ Crore)
Expenditure (₹ Crore)
2019-20
100
100
20.00
20.00
28.56
2020-21
100
100
20.00
30.00
32.92
2021-22
125
125
30.00
35.00
49.07
2022-23
125
125
36.00
80.00
75.44
2023-24
125
125
50.00
85.00
88.56
2024-25
125
TBD
95.00
TBD
TBD
The 2025 budget has increased to ₹95 crore, reflecting higher tuition costs and living expenses.
How to Apply for the National Overseas Scholarship?
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) application process is fully online. Eligible candidates must apply through the official portal www.nosmsje.gov.in during the designated application period.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Check Eligibility:
Ensure you meet academic, financial, and category-based requirements.
Secure admission to a QS Top 500 ranked university.
Prepare Required Documents:
Aadhaar Card (mandatory before the final award letter).
Unconditional offer letter from a foreign university.
Proof of family income (latest IT returns, salary slips).
Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s/Master’s as applicable).
Caste certificate and domicile certificate.
Passport and visa (if available).
Apply Online:
The portal opens mid-February for 45 days for the first round.
If slots remain, the portal reopens September 1st for 45 days for the second round.
Applications are only accepted online.
Application Screening & Selection:
Merit List is based on university ranking (QS Top 500).
Selection-cum-Screening Committee reviews applications and recommends candidates.
Candidates with higher-ranked universities get priority.
Provisional Award & Final Approval:
Selected candidates receive a provisional award letter.
Within six months, they must submit bonds, solvency certificates, and original documents.
Once verified, a final award letter is issued.
Disbursement of Funds:
Funds are not directly transferred to students.
Indian Missions abroad handle tuition, maintenance allowance, and other expenses.
Important Dates for National Overseas Scholarship 2025
The NOS 2025 selection process follows a structured timeline. Candidates must apply within the given timeframes.
Event
Date (Tentative)
Details
First Round Applications
Feb 15 – Mar 31, 2025
Portal opens for 45 days.
Screening Process
April 2025
Applications are reviewed in 20-30 days.
Selection Committee Review
May 2025
Recommendations finalized in 10-15 days.
Final Approval & Award Letters
June 2025
Approved by the Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Second Round Applications
Sep 1 – Oct 15, 2025
Portal reopens if slots remain unfilled.
Final Selection & Waitlist Announcement
Jan 2026
Subject to slot availability.
Important Notes:
Only two selection rounds occur each year. A third round may open in January, depending on available slots.
Incomplete applications are rejected. Candidates can reapply in the next round.
Selected candidates must complete formalities within 6 months to secure the scholarship.
Required Documents for the National Overseas Scholarship Application
Applying for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025 requires submitting multiple documents at different stages. Missing or incomplete documents lead to rejection.
Documents Required at the Application Stage
Candidates must upload these documents while applying online at www.nosmsje.gov.in:
Document Type
Specific Requirement
Identity Proof
Aadhaar Card
Educational Proof
10th Board Certificate, Qualifying Degree Certificate (Bachelor’s/Master’s), Marksheet of Qualifying Examination
Caste & Domicile
Caste Certificate, Address Proof (if different from permanent address)
Financial Documents
Income Documents of All Family Members, ITR Acceptance Document
University Admission Proof
Unconditional Admission Offer from a QS Top 500 University
Employment Status
Employer’s NOC (if employed), Gap Certificate (if academic gap exceeds 6 months)
Additional Requirements
Passport-sized Photo, Scanned Signature
Only complete applications will be considered. Incomplete forms will be rejected without review.
Documents Required After Selection (Provisional Award Letter Stage)
Selected candidates must personally visit the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment with these documents:
Document Type
Purpose
Attestation Form
Verification of candidate details
Self-Declaration (Annual Family Income)
Confirms financial eligibility
Self-Declaration (No Pending Criminal Cases)
Legal clearance requirement
Copy of Passport
Proof of international travel readiness
Documents Required for Final Award Letter Confirmation
Candidates must submit these documents within six months of receiving the Provisional Award Letter:
Document
Requirement
Two Bonds (Rs.100/- stamp paper)
Signed by two sureties before a Notary Public
Solvency Certificates (Both Sureties)
Proof of financial stability
Health Certificate
Medical fitness clearance
Passport & Visa Copies (Two Sets)
Confirmation of travel arrangements
Undertaking on Stamp Paper (Rs.10/-)
Confirms the candidate has not obtained another scholarship
Planned Travel Date
Expected departure for the university
Submission of Documents via Email (PDF)
Digital copies required for Ministry records
Failure to submit these within six months results in automatic cancellation.
Selection Process for the National Overseas Scholarship
Selection follows a merit-based ranking system based on QS World University Rankings. Candidates with higher-ranked university offers are prioritized.
Eligibility for Selection
Requirement
Criteria
QS University Ranking
Admission must be in Top 500 QS Ranked Institutions
Aadhaar Submission
Mandatory before final award letter
Change of University or Course
Not allowed after selection
Selection Stages & Criteria
Selection Stage
Process
Key Criteria
First Round (Feb-Mar)
125 candidates selected
QS Ranking, Academic Performance, Income Limit
Second Round (Sep-Oct)
Remaining slots filled
Same as first round criteria
Final Approval (June & Jan)
Confirmation of Award Letter issued
Document verification & financial approval
Waitlist remains valid until March 31st. Candidates can reapply in the next cycle if not selected.
Selection Prioritization Criteria
Tie-Breaking Factor
Higher Rank Preference
University Ranking
Candidates from higher QS-ranked universities are selected first
Academic Grades
Higher grades in the qualifying exam receive priority
Annual Family Income
Lower-income candidates get preference
Selection is final. No requests for university/course change are accepted.
Deferral & Cancellation Rules
Condition
Action Taken
Candidate does not join university within one year or two intake cycles
Scholarship automatically canceled
Candidate fails to submit final documents within 6 months
Confirmation of Award Letter revoked
Waitlisted candidates do not get a seat by March 31
Must apply in the next selection cycle
Timely submission of documents is critical to retaining the scholarship.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning the National Overseas Scholarship
Securing the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is highly competitive. Only 125 students get selected each year, and demand far exceeds available slots. A well-prepared application significantly improves your chances.
Apply to a QS Top 200 University for Better Selection Odds
The NOS prioritizes candidates admitted to higher-ranked universities.
QS Top 200 universities have higher success rates in the selection process.
Example: A student admitted to MIT (#1) or Oxford (#2) will rank higher than someone in a QS #450 university.
Achieve a Strong Academic Record
60% is the minimum required for eligibility, but higher marks improve ranking.
In case of a tie, academic scores decide selection.
Example: A PhD candidate with 80% in their master’s has a better chance than one with 65%.
Show a Clear Financial Need
Family income must be under ₹8 lakh per year.
Submit latest IT returns, salary slips, and official income proof.
Candidates from lower-income families get priority.
Submit a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
The SOP must explain why you need funding and how your course benefits India.
Highlight:
Your academic and professional achievements.
How NOS funding will help you succeed.
Your plans to contribute to India after completing studies.
Example: A student researching sustainable energy solutions for India has a stronger case than one without a clear future plan.
Apply in the First Round
Priority is given to first-round applicants (February-March cycle).
Fewer slots remain for second-round applications (September-October).
Higher-ranked candidates from the first round fill most positions.
Keep All Documents Ready
Missing documents lead to automatic rejection.
Common reasons for rejection:
Incomplete income proof.
Offer letter from a university outside QS Top 500.
No Aadhaar card submission before the final award letter.
Common Rejection Reasons
How to Avoid Them
Missing caste/income certificate
Get a valid certificate from a government authority
Admission in QS rank below 500
Apply only to QS Top 500 universities
Incomplete application
Double-check all required documents before submitting
Late application
Apply in February-March cycle to improve selection odds
Top Universities for National Overseas Scholarship Holders
Only candidates with admission to QS Top 500 universities qualify for NOS. However, those admitted to higher-ranked institutions have better selection chances.
QS Top 200 Universities with High Selection Success Rates
QS rankings impact NOS selection chances. Universities in the top 200 are recommended.
Selection Prioritization Criteria
Selection Factor
Higher Rank Preference
University Ranking
Candidates from higher QS-ranked universities get priority
Academic Grades
Higher grades in the qualifying exam improve selection chances
Annual Family Income
Lower-income candidates get preference
Even if a student meets all eligibility criteria, a low QS-ranked university can lower selection chances.
Fees Associated with the National Overseas Scholarship Application
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025 covers all major academic expenses, but applicants should be aware of certain costs they might incur. There is no application fee, but students need to pay for visa processing, travel arrangements, and some administrative expenses upfront before receiving reimbursements.
Costs Covered by the Scholarship
Tuition Fees – Paid directly to the university by the Indian Mission. Living Allowance – Covers accommodation, food, and other essentials. Contingency Allowance – Provided for books, study materials, and research-related expenses. Airfare – One-time economy-class ticket from India to the study destination. Student Service Fees – Covers costs like library fees, registration, and examination fees.
Important: Language courses (English or any other language) before or during the program are NOT covered.
Upfront Costs for Students (Reimbursed Later)
Students must initially pay for certain expenses before getting reimbursed by the scholarship.
Expense
Estimated Cost (₹ INR)
Reimbursed by NOS?
Student Visa Fee
₹35,000 – ₹50,000
Yes
University Enrollment & Registration Fees
₹20,000 – ₹80,000
Yes
Flight Ticket (One-Time Economy Class)
₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000
Yes
Health Insurance
₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000
Yes
Books & Essential Study Materials
₹30,000 – ₹75,000
Yes (under Contingency Allowance)
Laptop/Academic Software
₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000
Yes (under Contingency Allowance)
Conference & Research Travel Expenses
₹20,000 – ₹50,000
Yes (if related to research)
Thesis Printing & Binding
₹10,000 – ₹25,000
Yes
Upfront costs must be borne by students, but reimbursement is provided after verification.
Expenses NOT Covered by the Scholarship
Language courses before or during the degree program. Extra travel expenses beyond the one-time flight ticket. Personal expenses like leisure travel, entertainment, or private housing upgrades. Dependent expenses (family members or spouses are not covered). Health-related expenses beyond insurance.
Refund Policies & Payment Process
The Indian Mission in the student’s host country handles direct payments for tuition and living expenses. Students receive reimbursements for approved expenses like visa fees, travel costs, and books.
Reimbursement Process: Submit original receipts for visa, books, travel, and conference costs. The Indian Mission verifies and processes claims within 60-90 days. Reimbursement is credited to the student’s overseas bank account.
How many students receive the NOS scholarship each year?
Every year, 125 students from economically weaker sections (EWS) in India are awarded NOS. The number may vary based on government funding.
Can I apply for NOS while waiting for university admission confirmation?
Yes, you can apply, but final approval requires submitting an admission letter from an eligible university. Without it, the scholarship cannot be processed.
Is there a limit on the countries I can apply to under NOS?
Yes, NOS supports studies in selected countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia. Other countries may require special approval.
Can I use NOS for an undergraduate program?
No, NOS is only for Master’s and PhD programs. Undergraduate courses are not covered under this scholarship.
Does NOS cover living costs in expensive cities like London or New York?
Yes, NOS provides a maintenance allowance based on location, but students may need additional funds in high-cost cities due to rising living expenses.
What happens if I change my course after receiving NOS funding?
Changing courses requires official approval from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Unapproved changes can lead to funding cancellation.
Do I need IELTS/TOEFL to qualify for NOS?
Yes, proof of English proficiency is mandatory for universities in English-speaking countries. Some universities may offer exemptions based on academic performance.
Can I defer my admission if I receive NOS funding?
Deferrals are allowed but require written approval from the ministry. The delay must be justified and aligned with the scholarship terms.
Is it possible to switch universities after receiving the scholarship?
Yes, but only if the new university is of the same or higher ranking and the ministry approves the transfer. Any unapproved move may lead to cancellation.
How long does it take for funds to be disbursed after selection?
Funds are typically disbursed 6–8 weeks after document verification. Delays may occur due to administrative processing.
Are part-time jobs allowed for NOS recipients?
Yes, students can work as per visa regulations of the host country. However, they must ensure that work does not affect academic performance.
What is the repayment policy if I fail to complete my course?
Students must repay the scholarship amount if they drop out or fail to complete their degree, as per the agreement with the ministry.
Are there restrictions on post-study work permits after NOS-funded education?
Yes, recipients must return to India within two years of completing their degree. Staying abroad beyond this period may lead to penalties.
Can I apply for additional scholarships while receiving NOS?
Yes, but the total funding cannot exceed actual tuition and living costs. Any extra amount must be declared to the ministry.
Is there a quota for students from specific states in India?
No, NOS is open to all eligible students across India, but priority is given to Scheduled Castes, Denotified Tribes, and EWS applicants.
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