Scholarships for NRI Students in India

The Non-Resident Indian (NRI) status is hugely important from a taxation perspective. Because taxation is an evolving body of rules and regulations the definition of NRI is also prone to changes. Find out whether you qualify as an NRI or not, here.

Note: For the sake of clarity, this guide refers to both NRIs proper and OCI holders under the umbrella term of “NRI”.

Are you searching for the best scholarships for NRI students? Your search is over. Read on to learn about the best scholarships offered by the Indian government to NRI students.

The Government of India does not fail to acknowledge that NRIs, PIOs, and their children are an essential part of the future of India, despite being away from their home. Your education and growth are just as much as a priority as those of other ordinary citizens.

Hence, in 2006, the Government of India launched the “Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children” (SPDC). This scheme provides financial assistance to Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin for specific professional and non-professional undergraduate courses in Indian universities. Medical courses are excluded.

Financial assistance is provided in:

• Admission fees
• Tuition fees
• Post-admission needs

Countries where SPDC is applicable:

Afghanistan	Australia	Austria and Montenegro	Bahrain	Belgium
Brunei Darussalam	Canada	China	Ethiopia	Fiji
France	France (Reunion Island)	France (Guadeloupe)	Germany	Ghana
Greece	Guyana	Hong Kong – China	Indonesia	Iraq
Ireland	Italy	Jamaica	Japan	Jordan
Kenya	South Korea	Kuwait	Libya	Lebanon
Madagascar	Malawi	Malaysia	Maldives	Mauritius
Mozambique	Myanmar	Nepal [SAARC]	Netherlands	New Zealand
Nigeria	Norway	Oman	Panama	Philippines
Portugal	Qatar	Russian Federation	Saudi Arabia	Singapore
South Africa	Sudan	Spain	Syria	Sri Lanka [SAARC]
Sweden	Switzerland	Tanzania	Thailand	Trinidad and Tobago
U.A.E.	United Kingdom	United States	Uganda	Zambia
Yemen

The following categories of students are eligible for SPDC:

• PIO children (excluding those in Pakistan and Bangladesh)
• NRI children
• Children of ECR workers – studying abroad
• Children of ECR workers – studying in India

Further Information:

• PIOs must provide evidence to prove their Indian nationality or origin (eg. OCI card issued by the government)
• In order to qualify for the SPDC as a child of an ECR worker left behind in India, the candidate must have cleared the Senior Secondary (10+2) examination or its equivalent from a board acknowledged by the Association of Indian Universities.
  ECR countries are Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, and Oman.
• Persons born outside India whose parents are neither PIOs nor NRIs are not eligible for SPDC.
• Candidates from all other categories need to have cleared grades 11 and 12 from schools abroad.
• The candidate must be between 17 and 21 years of age.
• A minimum of 60% aggregates in all subjects is necessary to pass the qualifying examination.
• In an irresolute situation with regard to eligibility, the Ministry of External Affairs will have the final say.
• The monthly income of the parents of the candidate must not be more than $4,000. Parents with a monthly income beyond this will not be eligible.
• Candidates who have cleared the qualifying examination for their institution and other eligibility criteria may apply for the SPDC. The admission letter from the institute must be submitted as proof.

About the Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) – FAQs

How much financial assistance is provided by SPDC?

The maximum amount covered by the scholarship is 75% of the total Institutional Economic Cost (IEC) with regard to NITs and other institutions under DASA. The IEC comprises the tuition fee, hostel fee, examination charges, registration charges, and other institutional charges. It excludes food-related charges. This amount will not exceed $4,000 per annum.

How many scholarships are offered annually?

A total of 150 students are granted scholarships annually under SPDC. Out of the 150 scholarships, 50 are reserved for Children of Indian Workers (CIWG). One-third of these 50 reserved scholarships are earmarked for CIWG who are pursuing studies in India.

Why is NAAC “A” Grade important?

It is important to note that the institution that you choose to study in is NAAC “A” Grade. SPDC is only applicable to NAAC “A” Grade institutions. However, if the status of your institution changes after your admission, your scholarship will not be affected.

What is the procedure to apply for SPDC?

Disclaimer – Certain guidelines for the procedure are bound to change from time to time. Please check with the most current version of official guidelines as you make use of this information.

• You may apply for SPDC after you’ve successfully secured admission in an institute.
• All application procedures are carried out online.
• All the certificates regarding income proofs, marks, date of birth, admission letter, etc., are to be submitted when applying for SPDC.

What institutes are included in SPDC?

• Central Institutions
• NAAC Grade “A” institutions
• Schools of Planning and Architecture

Can applicants of the Direct Admission to Students Abroad (DASA) scheme apply for SPDC?

Yes, as long as they fulfill the eligibility requirement.

What is Direct Admission to Students Abroad (DASA)?

This scheme is directly regulated by the Educational Consultants of India Lt. It provides direct admission and fee concessions to NRIs and PIOs into engineering and IT colleges in India.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates must have passed the examinations after 12 years of schooling or any other examination equivalent to the Senior Secondary examinations in India.
• Must have scored a minimum of 60% aggregate in all subjects on the qualifying examination.
• Indian nationals should have studied abroad for a minimum of 5 years.

Foreign nationals from SAARC countries are given a 50% fee concession under DASA.