The Scholarship for Transgender Students is an initiative by the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, aimed at providing financial assistance to transgender students studying from Class 7th to postgraduate levels in State Government, Government-aided, and Self-financing schools/colleges.
This scheme is designed to empower the transgender community by promoting education, financial independence, and social inclusion, helping them overcome economic barriers, discrimination, and stigma.
Objectives of the Scheme
- To encourage transgender students to pursue education without financial constraints.
- To promote inclusivity and social empowerment of the transgender community.
- To reduce dropout rates among transgender students.
- To ensure equal access to education and skill development for transgender individuals.
Benefits of the Scheme
Financial Assistance Provided
Eligible transgender students will receive a monthly scholarship for 10 months based on their level of education:
- For Class 7th to 10th students: Rs 1,000 per month
- For Plus One and Plus Two (Class 11 and 12) students: Rs 1,500 per month
- For Diploma, Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), and Professional courses: Rs 2,000 per month
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
- The applicant must be a transgender individual.
- The applicant must be a resident of Kerala.
- The applicant must be studying in a State Government, Government-aided, or Self-financing school or college.
- The applicant must be enrolled in Class 7th, higher secondary, diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses.
- No income limit is applicable for this scheme.
Application Process
Mode of Application: Online and Offline
Online Application Process
- Visit the Online Portal
- Go to SUNEETHI – Online Service Application Portal.
- One-time Registration
- Click “One-time Registration”.
- Enter Name, Email ID, and Mobile Number and click Register.
- Enter the verification code (OTP) received on your mobile and click Verify.
- Fill in the profile details and click Register.
- Login and Profile Update
- Visit the SUNEETHI Portal and click on “Citizen Login”.
- Enter your Mobile Number and Password and click Sign In.
- Update your profile with Personal Information, Contact Details, Identity Cards, and Bank Details.
- Apply for the Scholarship
- Select the Scholarship for Transgender Students scheme from the list.
- Click “Apply Now” and fill in the application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Click Submit to complete the application.
Note: Applications must be submitted before the deadline to be considered for approval.
Offline Application Process
Steps to Apply Offline
- Download the Application Form
- Visit the official website of the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, and download the scholarship application form.
- Fill Out the Application Form
- Enter complete details, including full name, school or college name, and other required information.
- Super Scribe the Envelope
- The envelope should be clearly marked with “Application for Scholarship”.
- Mention Full Name, Contact Address, and Native District on the envelope.
- Attach Required Documents
- Ensure that all necessary documents are attached with the application form.
- Submission Through Institution
- The completed application must be forwarded through the Head of the Educational Institution.
- Submit the duly filled form and documents to the concerned District Social Justice Officers.
Note: Incomplete applications or those submitted without the required documents will not be considered.
Documents Required
Mandatory Documents for Application
- Identity Proof – Aadhaar Card, Election ID or Voter ID
- Mobile Number (for OTP verification)
- Email ID
- Passport-size Photo
- Self-Declaration Affidavit stating that the applicant is transgender
- Bank Passbook Copy (for Direct Benefit Transfer – DBT)
- Ration Card (if applicable)
- Certificate from School or College Principal confirming enrollment
- Educational Certificates or Course Certificates
- For applicants below 18 years – Parent’s certificate
- For applicants above 18 years (without ID card) – Self-attested certificate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Scholarship for Transgender Students?
It is a financial assistance scheme by the Government of Kerala, designed to support transgender students in their education from Class 7th to postgraduate levels.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
- Transgender students residing in Kerala.
- Students studying in Government, Government-aided, or Self-financing schools or colleges.
- Students from Class 7th up to diploma, UG, PG, or professional courses.
- No income limit is required for eligibility.
How much financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
- Rs 1,000 per month – For Class 7th to 10th students
- Rs 1,500 per month – For Plus One and Plus Two students
- Rs 2,000 per month – For Diploma, UG, PG, and Professional courses
How many months is the scholarship provided per year?
The scholarship is awarded for 10 months per year.
Can students from other states apply for this scheme?
No, only transgender students residing in Kerala are eligible.
How can I apply for this scholarship?
Online Application Process:
- Visit the SUNEETHI Online Portal
- Register and update profile details
- Select the scheme and fill in the application
- Upload required documents
- Submit the application before the deadline
Offline Application Process:
- Download the application form from the Social Justice Department website
- Fill in personal and academic details
- Super scribe the envelope with “Application for Scholarship”
- Attach the required documents
- Submit the application through the Head of Institution to the District Social Justice Officers
Where can I check my application status?
You can log in to the SUNEETHI Portal and track your application status in the dashboard.
Is there any offline application process available?
Yes, applications can be submitted offline through the Head of Institution to the concerned District Social Justice Officers.
Is this scholarship exclusively for transgender students?
Yes, this scheme is specifically for transgender students to help them continue their education.
Sources and References
- Kerala Social Justice Department
- SUNEETHI – Online Service Application Portal (For Online Applications and Updates)
- Government Guidelines and Notifications
For Further Assistance:
Contact the Kerala Social Justice Department’s official helpline.