What is the Nehru Study Abroad Scholarship?

The Nehru Study Abroad Scholarship (NSAS) is a private scholarship initiative that claims to support Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. It offers partial financial assistance ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹5,00,000 as a one-time grant. Unlike government scholarships, it is operated by a private organization and not directly linked to official Indian ministries.

Who Can Apply?

Citizenship: Only Indian citizens with a valid passport.
Academic Requirement: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent GPA.
Discipline: Open to all fields of study (science, engineering, humanities, management, etc.).
Level of Study: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs are mentioned.
Merit & Need: Applicants must show academic excellence and demonstrate financial need.

What Does It Cover?

Financial Support: A one-time grant between ₹30,000 and ₹5,00,000.
Expenses Supported: Tuition fees, living expenses, study materials, and research costs.
Important Note: The scholarship is partial. Students should arrange other funding sources such as education loans, university bursaries, or family contributions.

Deadline

The NSAS states that it has a “rolling deadline”, meaning applications are accepted throughout the year.
However, some education portals mention fixed deadlines like July or September each year. Always confirm directly with the scholarship organizers before applying.

How and Where to Apply

Mode of Application: Online only, through the official application portal of NSAS.
Supporting Documents (likely required):
- Valid passport and recent photograph.
- Academic transcripts (Class X, XII, and degree results).
- Proof of admission (offer letter) from a foreign university.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining academic goals and contribution to India.
- Letters of Recommendation (minimum two).
- Financial documents (income certificate, ITR, or bank statements).
- Resume/CV and test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc. if applicable).
Apply online link
Direct Application Form Link

Step-by-Step Application Process

Research your program abroad and keep tuition/living cost estimates handy.
Prepare SOP connecting your academic background, future goals, and how your overseas education will benefit India.
Collect recommendation letters from professors or supervisors.
Scan and organize documents clearly (prefer PDF format with simple file names).
Fill the online application form on the NSAS portal and upload required documents.
Save confirmation proof (screenshot/email acknowledgment).
Follow up via email with the NSAS office to confirm receipt of application and expected timelines.

Selection & Award Process

Selection Criteria: Academic merit, quality of SOP, recommendation strength, and financial need.
Award Amount: Between ₹30,000 and ₹5,00,000 (exact amount varies by case).
Disbursement: Likely either to the student or directly to the university. Details should be clarified in writing once shortlisted.

Important Precautions

Since NSAS is a private scholarship and not government-run:

Do not pay any fee. Genuine scholarships do not charge application fees.
Request official confirmation of selection and disbursal details in writing.
Check for past awardee lists or alumni mentions before relying solely on this scholarship.
Have backup plans (loans or other scholarships) as NSAS is only partial funding.

Reliable Alternatives

Students should also consider established scholarships with strong credibility:

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (USIEF): Prestigious U.S.–India exchange programs that cover tuition, stipend, travel, and insurance.
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS): Government of India program for Master’s and PhD abroad, covering tuition and living costs for eligible categories.
Other Government Schemes: Various state and central scholarships for overseas studies.

FAQs About Nehru Study Abroad Scholarship (NSAS)

Q1. Is NSAS a government scholarship?
No. It is a private initiative, not officially run by the Indian government.

Q2. How much funding can I receive?
Between ₹30,000 and ₹5,00,000 as a one-time grant.

Q3. Does NSAS cover full tuition fees?
No. It only provides partial support. Students should arrange other funding sources.

Q4. Can undergraduates apply or is it only for postgraduates?
According to its guidelines, both undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply.

Q5. When is the application deadline?
It mentions a rolling deadline. Some sites list July or September cut-offs, so confirm directly before applying.

Q6. What documents are mandatory?
Common requirements include passport, transcripts, admission offer, SOP, two recommendations, and financial documents.

Q7. Is there an application fee?
No. Genuine scholarships do not charge fees. If asked for money, treat it as a red flag.

Q8. How can I contact them?
Applications are online; queries are handled by email. Keep all correspondence for your records.

Q9. Should I rely only on NSAS?
No. Since it is a private and partial funding program, students should also apply for trusted scholarships like Fulbright-Nehru or the National Overseas Scholarship.