The “Scholarships for Meritorious Students to Study Abroad” scheme is an initiative by the Higher Education Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh. This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to outstanding students from Madhya Pradesh who wish to pursue their higher studies abroad. The scholarship supports postgraduate studies or Ph.D. research, helping deserving students achieve their academic goals.
Benefits:
- Financial Support: The scholarship covers actual expenses or up to $38,000 annually, with an additional $2,000 provided for books, equipment, thesis binding, and other academic work.
- Total Amount: A maximum of $40,000 annually or its equivalent in the local currency is provided.
- Bond Requirement: The applicant must sign a bond for the entire amount received under the scheme.
Eligibility:
- Domicile: The applicant must be a resident of Madhya Pradesh.
- Educational Qualification:
- For postgraduate studies: The applicant must have secured at least 75% marks in their graduation from a recognized university/institute in Madhya Pradesh.
- For Ph.D. research: The applicant must have secured at least 75% marks in postgraduate studies and have either two years of teaching experience or an M.Phil degree in the relevant subject from a recognized university or government college in Madhya Pradesh.
- Family Income: The applicant’s annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh from all sources.
- Age Limit:
- Undergraduate/Postgraduate students: Must be under 25 years of age.
- Ph.D. applicants: Must be under 35 years of age.
- Admission Requirement: The applicant should have secured admission to a study program abroad and must have qualified for international tests such as GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
Application Process:
Offline Process:
- The interested applicant should visit the Commissioner Higher Education office during office hours and request a hard copy of the prescribed application form from the concerned authority.
- Complete the application form, ensuring all mandatory fields are filled. Paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required) and attach the necessary self-attested documents.
- Submit the completed and signed application form along with the required documents within the prescribed time frame.
- Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority to confirm submission.
Documents Required:
- Proof of Age: (Birth Certificate or Aadhaar Card).
- Income Certificate: To confirm the family income.
- Educational Qualification Certificates: Graduation/Postgraduation marksheets.
- Passport Copy.
- Proof of Admission: To a foreign educational institution.
- Visa Application and Visa Fee Receipt.
- Medical Insurance Document.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Who is eligible for the scholarship?
Any student from Madhya Pradesh who has been admitted into a postgraduate or Ph.D. program abroad and satisfies the academic criteria and family income limits.
Q2: What are the academic qualifications required?
For postgraduate studies: minimum 75% marks at the graduation level.
For Ph.D. research: 75% in completed postgraduate studies, and two years working experience teaching or an M.Phil.
Q3: What is the maximum family income limit for applicants?
Family income must not be beyond ₹8 lakh in total annually.
Q4: What is the upper age limit of a beneficiary?
25 years for the postgraduate students.
35 years for Ph.D. aspirants.
Q5: Is admission into the study program abroad a criterion?
The candidate must have secured admission into a foreign educational institute.
Q6: Which other entrance examinations make one eligible?
The candidate shall have passed GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
Q7: If I am a student other than from Madhya Pradesh, would it be possible for me to apply?
No, this scholarship is exclusively for students from Madhya Pradesh.
Q8: How much amount is sanctioned under the scholarship?
The financial aid amounts up to $40,000 each year along with an allowance every month for tuition and extra academic costs.
Q9: What documents are to be submitted with the application?
The proof of age, proof of income, qualifications, copying of passport, proof of the admission granted, proof of visa receipts, and also proof of medical insurance.
Q10: Can I apply after the admission starts abroad?
It is always better to apply before the student is admitted. However, it is advisable to check with the concerned authorities for further on this matter.