National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a prestigious Government of India scheme that empowers students from marginalized and underprivileged communities to pursue higher education abroad. Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, medical insurance, and international travel for students admitted to globally recognized institutions.
The scheme primarily benefits students from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans. Its objective is not just to fund education, but also to promote social mobility, economic empowerment, and equal opportunities.
For many students, the NOS scheme is a stepping stone to access top-ranked universities worldwide and build careers in academia, research, and industry. However, aspirants must carefully review the National Overseas Scholarship eligibility, benefits, and application process to maximize their chances of selection.
What is the National Overseas Scholarship in the World?
The National Overseas Scholarship is not just financial aid—it is a gateway to international education for socially and economically disadvantaged students. It ensures equal opportunities to compete globally while contributing to India’s inclusive growth.
What is the purpose of the National Overseas Scholarship?
The main goal of NOS is to open doors for students from marginalized backgrounds. By studying abroad, they gain advanced knowledge and bring those skills back to India.
Promotes educational equality.
Helps students access global institutions.
Contributes to national development through knowledge transfer.
Who provides the National Overseas Scholarship in India?
This scheme is a Central Sector Scholarship, fully funded by the Government of India.
Implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE).
Selection and monitoring done at the national level.
Benefits available only through the official NOS portal.
Which courses and countries are covered under the scholarship?
NOS supports study in some of the world’s leading universities and countries. The scheme supports only postgraduate and higher-level programs at top universities abroad.
Courses: Master’s, Ph.D., Post-Doctoral studies (no bachelor’s).
Eligible Countries: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands, etc.).
University must be in the QS World University Top 500 list.
How does the National Overseas Scholarship work for Indian students abroad?
The NOS ensures that selected students face no financial hurdles in pursuing their education overseas. The NOS program is designed to give full financial assistance to Indian students selected for eligible programs in top foreign universities. It includes tuition fees, living costs, airfare, and even contingency expenses.
Which courses are covered under the National Overseas Scholarship?
NOS is meant for advanced higher education, not undergraduate studies. Only postgraduate-level programs are supported.
Master’s degree (up to 3 years).
Ph.D. (up to 4 years).
Post-doctoral research (specific cases).
Which countries can I study in with this scholarship?
The scholarship opens doors to top destinations for global education. Students can choose from leading global destinations where top-ranked universities exist.
USA and UK (most popular choices).
Canada and Australia.
Top-ranked universities in Europe.
Who funds the National Overseas Scholarship program?
The scheme is fully funded by the MoSJE.
Tuition and living allowance are directly paid.
Airfare, visa, and insurance are reimbursed.
Monitoring support is provided via Indian missions abroad.
Who is eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship?
Eligibility is the most important part of the NOS scheme. Students must meet academic, financial, and community-based requirements to qualify. The government ensures that only deserving candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit.
What academic qualifications are required to apply?
Students must show strong academic performance in their previous education. The program is limited to postgraduate and doctoral levels.
At least 60% marks in the qualifying degree.
Master’s applicants need a Bachelor’s degree; Ph.D. applicants need a Master’s degree.
The degree must be from a recognized Indian institution (UGC/AICTE approved).
What is the age limit for applicants?
Age restrictions ensure opportunities go to younger students who can maximize their career potential after graduation.
Maximum 35 years of age as of 1st April of the selection year.
No relaxation is provided beyond this age limit.
What is the income limit for families applying?
The NOS scheme is targeted toward financially disadvantaged groups, so income is a key factor.
Family’s gross annual income must be ≤ ₹8,00,000.
Income is considered from all sources (salary, business, property, etc.).
Proof must be submitted through an income certificate issued by a competent authority.
Which caste and community categories are eligible?
The scholarship supports marginalized communities. Seats are reserved to ensure fair representation.
Caste and Quota Categorization
Category
Slots Available
Women’s Quota (30%)
Scheduled Castes (SC)
115
35
Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)
6
2
Landless Agricultural Laborers & Traditional Artisans
4
1
Are women applicants given any special preference?
To encourage gender inclusivity, the NOS scheme provides additional support for women.
30% reservation in each category.
If unfilled, slots go to male candidates.
Promotes gender equality in education.
Which Courses and Subjects Are Supported?
The NOS supports higher education in various academic and professional disciplines. Students can select from a wide range of subjects as long as they pursue them at a QS Top 500 institution.
What fields of study are eligible?
Eligible courses are professional, technical, and research-oriented. Students can choose from multiple streams:
Engineering, Technology, and Medicine.
Pure Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
Law, Agriculture, and Management.
Does the scheme cover Master’s, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral programs?
Yes, all advanced academic levels are supported. The program strictly funds postgraduate-level studies.
Master’s degree (up to 3 years).
Ph.D. (up to 4 years).
Post-doctoral studies in exceptional cases.
Are professional and vocational courses supported?
The scheme also covers certain skill-based fields. NOS allows funding for professional qualifications.
Yes, but only at postgraduate or doctoral level.
Must be in a recognized international university.
Bachelor’s programs are not funded.
What benefits are provided under the National Overseas Scholarship?
The NOS is a fully funded scholarship, meaning that students don’t need to worry about financing any part of their education abroad. Unlike partial scholarships, it takes care of almost all essential costs including tuition, travel, insurance, and living expenses. This makes the scheme particularly impactful for students who cannot afford overseas education otherwise.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees fully?
One of the biggest advantages of NOS is its full tuition coverage, which ensures students face no financial burden.
✓ 100% tuition fee paid directly to the university.
✓ Coverage for laboratory, library, and other academic fees.
✓ Only courses from accredited institutions abroad are eligible.
How much stipend or living allowance is provided?
Living costs can be a huge barrier, but NOS ensures students can comfortably sustain themselves abroad.
Country
Living Allowance (Annual)
Contingency Allowance
USA & Others
$15,400 (13,50,418)
$1,500 (1,31,534)
UK
£9,900 (11,69,657)
£1,100 (1,29,961)
Is travel and visa support included in the scholarship?
Travel is fully funded under NOS.
Covers airfare to destination country.
Includes visa processing costs.
Incidental journey expenses also paid.
Are medical insurance and contingency expenses covered?
Healthcare and emergencies are supported. The scheme ensures students have a safety net abroad.
Medical insurance covered.
Contingency allowance per year; Foe example:- $1,500 for USA/others (INR 1,31,513) and £1,100 for UK (INR 1,29,961).
Helps cover research or emergency needs.
How can I apply for the National Overseas Scholarship?
The application process for NOS is entirely online and transparent. Candidates must carefully follow the steps outlined on the official portal to ensure their application is not rejected.
It’s essential to keep documents ready in advance and regularly check for announcements to avoid missing deadlines.
What is the step-by-step process to apply online?
The online application requires filling personal, academic, and financial details along with uploading supporting documents. Applicants must follow each step carefully:
Visit www.nosmsje.gov.in.
Register with Aadhaar and create an account.
Fill in academic, caste, and income details.
Upload all required documents (PDF format).
Submit before the National Overseas Scholarship deadline.
What is the official portal for the application?
To maintain transparency, applications are accepted only via the official government portal. The process is centralized.
Only apply through nosmsje.gov.in.
No offline or third-party applications accepted.
When are the application deadlines announced?
Deadlines are announced annually, and timely submission is critical. There are two cycles each year.
Round 1 – February/March.
Round 2 – September/October.
Applications remain open for 40 days each cycle.
What documents are required for the National Overseas Scholarship?
Documentation is a vital part of the process as it verifies eligibility and ensures fairness. Students should gather all necessary papers in advance, since missing documents often lead to rejection. The documents act as proof of academic performance, community background, and financial need.
Which academic records should be submitted?
Academic transcripts showcase eligibility for higher education abroad.
Degree certificates of qualifying exams.
Mark sheets (Bachelor’s/Master’s depending on program).
Proof of academic recognition from UGC/AICTE.
Do I need an admission letter before applying?
Having an admission offer strengthens the application, but it’s not always mandatory at the initial stage.
Preferred to submit admission offer letters.
Admission must be from accredited foreign universities.
Final award requires proof of admission.
What caste, income, or identity certificates are needed?
Since NOS is community-based, caste and income certificates are mandatory.
Valid caste certificate (SC/DNT/Artisan category).
Annual income certificate (issued by Tehsildar or above).
Identity proof – Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID.
Are recommendation letters or SOPs required?
Supporting documents like SOPs and recommendation letters strengthen the application.
Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining goals.
Letters of Recommendation from professors/employers.
Resume or CV for professional/academic achievements.
How are candidates selected for the National Overseas Scholarship?
The selection process is highly competitive and based on merit as well as community eligibility. The government follows a transparent process to ensure only the most deserving candidates are selected. Applicants are assessed on academic merit, financial background, and admission offers from foreign universities.
What criteria are used for shortlisting candidates?
Shortlisting is done through strict parameters to ensure fairness.
Academic performance (minimum 60%).
Community and income eligibility.
Admission in a recognized foreign institution.
Is there an interview during the selection process?
An interview may be part of the final evaluation to assess the applicant’s readiness.
Conducted by a selection committee.
Focus on academic background and study goals.
Only shortlisted candidates are invited.
How is the final award of the scholarship decided?
Final selection combines merit, eligibility, and seat availability. The Screening Committee makes the final call.
Based on academic scores + admission offers.
Reservation rules strictly followed.
Final merit list published on the official portal.
How does the National Overseas Scholarship support students in different regions of the world?
The NOS is not limited to a single country; it provides opportunities across major global education hubs. Students benefit from exposure to diverse learning environments, research ecosystems, and global networks.
Depending on the destination, allowances and benefits may vary slightly, but the scheme ensures full support everywhere.
What opportunities are available for NOS scholars in the USA?
The USA is one of the most popular destinations under NOS due to its strong research infrastructure.
Funding covers high tuition costs in US universities.
Stipend ensures comfortable living in major cities.
Exposure to world-class labs and research facilities.
What benefits do NOS scholars get while studying in the UK?
The UK attracts NOS scholars for law, humanities, and management programs.
Coverage of tuition in universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE.
Living allowance in line with UK costs.
Access to global networking opportunities.
How does the scholarship work for students in Canada and Australia?
Both Canada and Australia are strong hubs for engineering, healthcare, and business.
Tuition and stipends adjusted to local living expenses.
Support for research-based programs in top universities.
Visa and medical insurance covered.
Can I use the scholarship for universities in Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands)?
Europe offers low-cost education, but NOS still provides full support.
Tuition paid even in low/zero tuition countries.
Generous stipend for living expenses.
Opportunities in technology, medicine, and social sciences.
How is the National Overseas Scholarship different from other international scholarships?
Many Indian students wonder how the National Overseas Scholarship compares to other prestigious international funding programs. Unlike private or foreign-government scholarships, National Overseas Scholarship is a government of India initiative, created specifically to uplift marginalized communities.
While scholarships like Fulbright, Chevening, or Erasmus are open to broader applicants worldwide, NOS is unique in its focus and eligibility.
Difference Between NOS & Other International Scholarships
Scholarship
Countries Covered
Who Can Apply
Focus Area
NOS
Global (QS Top 500)
SC, DNT, Artisans
Inclusive education
Commonwealth
UK only
All Commonwealth countries
Leadership, academics
Fulbright
USA only
Indian scholars
Exchange & research
Chevening
UK only
Global leaders
Leadership programs
Erasmus Mundus
Europe
Global students
Joint Masters
How does National Overseas Scholarship compare with the Commonwealth Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is funded by the UK government, while NOS is run by the Indian government.
NOS is only for SC, DNT, and specific minority categories; Commonwealth is open to wider groups.
NOS covers a wider range of countries, while Commonwealth is UK-specific.
Both provide tuition, living, and travel allowances.
How does NOS differ from the Fulbright Fellowship?
Fulbright is one of the most prestigious scholarships for studying in the USA, but it differs in scope and criteria.
Fulbright is merit-based and open globally; NOS is targeted for disadvantaged groups in India.
NOS is fully funded by India’s government, Fulbright is sponsored by the US government.
Fulbright emphasizes cultural exchange, NOS focuses on social empowerment.
Is NOS better than the Chevening Scholarship?
Chevening is a UK government program designed for global leaders of tomorrow.
Chevening requires significant work experience and leadership potential.
NOS does not mandate prior work experience, focusing more on academic eligibility.
NOS guarantees financially weaker sections a chance, unlike Chevening which is merit-driven.
How does NOS compare with Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus Mundus supports joint programs across Europe, whereas NOS is country-flexible.
Erasmus is specific to joint master’s courses; NOS supports Master’s, PhD, and Post-docs.
Erasmus funds tuition and stipend, but NOS covers extra support like visas and contingency grants.
NOS allows study in multiple global destinations, not just Europe.
What Are the Important Dates for the National Overseas Scholarship?
Timeliness is a crucial factor for NOS applications. Since the scholarship follows a strict annual cycle, missing deadlines can result in waiting another full year. Students should monitor the portal regularly and set reminders for important dates.
When does the application process start?
Applications typically open once a year.
Usually begins in February or March.
Announced on the official portal.
Students should prepare documents in advance.
What is the deadline to apply?
The scholarship portal is closed after the final deadline.
Generally falls around end of March or April.
No late submissions accepted.
Applicants must complete online submission before closing.
When is the result or selection list released?
Results are declared after evaluation and verification.
Merit list usually out by June or July.
Published on the official NOS website.
Selected students get direct communication via email/portal.
How Can I Check the National Overseas Scholarship Result?
Once results are out, students must know where and how to check them. The government ensures transparency by publishing merit lists online. It’s important to track the official portal to avoid misinformation.
Where to find the merit list online?
The merit list is always published digitally.
Official portal: nosmsje.gov.in.
Downloadable PDF format.
Updated in line with reservation quotas.
How is the reservation quota applied in results?
The selection respects India’s constitutional reservation policies.
30% of seats reserved for women.
30% for SCs, 20% for DNTs, and specific artisan categories.
Transparent allocation across categories.
What steps should selected candidates take next?
Selected students need to complete joining formalities quickly.
Accept the award on the portal.
Submit final admission letter from the foreign university.
Prepare for travel, visa, and relocation.
How Does Renewal and Continuation Work?
Since many NOS programs extend beyond one year, renewal is necessary to ensure continued funding. Renewal depends on the student’s performance and adherence to rules. Academic consistency and timely submission of progress reports are critical.
How can students renew the scholarship for the next academic year?
Renewal is not automatic—it requires proof of progress.
Submit academic progress report from the foreign university.
Upload new bank and insurance details.
Apply through the same NOS portal.
What academic performance is required for renewal?
Good academic standing is mandatory to receive funding for the next year.
Minimum GPA/grade required as per host university.
No backlog or failure in courses.
Consistent research and thesis progress for PhD/Postdoc.
What documents are needed for continuation?
Students must submit updated documents annually.
Academic transcripts of the completed year.
Research supervisor’s recommendation (for PhD/Postdoc).
Updated visa, insurance, and bank documents.
Conclusion
The National Overseas Scholarship is not just a funding opportunity; it is a life-changing initiative designed to empower India’s marginalized students with global exposure. By covering tuition, travel, living, and research expenses, the scheme removes financial barriers and helps students compete on the world stage.
For eligible students, applying on time and preparing a strong application can open doors to prestigious universities across the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, and Australia. The program not only uplifts individual careers but also contributes to India’s inclusive development.
Can I apply for the National Overseas Scholarship without IELTS/TOEFL?
No, most universities abroad require IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent English proficiency test scores. While NOS does not mandate these directly, you need them to secure admission in foreign universities.
Is the National Overseas Scholarship available for undergraduate programs?
No, the scholarship only supports Master’s, PhD, and Post-doctoral programs. Undergraduate and diploma courses are not covered.
Can I apply if I am already studying abroad?
Yes, but only if you meet the eligibility criteria and your course aligns with the approved list. However, preference is usually given to fresh applicants.
What happens if my family income increases after selection?
Eligibility is determined at the time of application. Later changes in family income will not affect your ongoing scholarship.
Does the NOS scholarship cover dependents or family expenses?
No, the scholarship only covers the student’s tuition, living allowance, travel, and academic needs. Family members’ expenses are not included.
Can I change my university or country after selection?
Yes, but only with prior approval from the Ministry. The new university and course must still fall under the eligible list.
Is there a bond or service requirement after completing studies?
Yes, scholars must return to India after completing their course and contribute professionally for a specified duration, as per government guidelines.
Does the scholarship cover short-term training or exchange programs?
No, NOS is strictly for full-time regular degree programs like Master’s, PhD, or Post-docs. Short courses, diplomas, or exchange semesters are not funded.
Can I apply if I already hold another international scholarship?
No, dual funding is not allowed. If you are already receiving any other government or private scholarship abroad, you cannot apply for NOS.
Are distance learning or online courses supported under NOS?
No, only full-time on-campus degree programs in recognized foreign universities are eligible.
What happens if a student fails or drops out of the course?
In such cases, the scholarship is immediately terminated, and the student may even be asked to refund the expenses depending on the rules.
Can I apply again if I was rejected in the previous year?
Yes, students can reapply in the next cycle, provided they still meet the age and eligibility criteria. Improving your SOP, documents, or university admission can strengthen re-application.
upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2862 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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