Education Future International Scholarship

The Education Future International Scholarship (EFIS) is a student-led fund created by past scholarship winners to “pay it forward” and support the next cohort of Indian students studying abroad. Awards range from INR 2–10 lakh, are merit-based, and open across all subjects and degree levels (UG/PG) at recognized universities outside India.

At-a-Glance (Quick Facts)

Who can apply: Indian citizens (valid Indian passport) with ≥60% in Class 10 & 12.
Funding amount: INR 2–10 lakh (partial funding; paid directly to student’s bank account after visa).
Fields/levels: All subjects; UG & PG; must be outside India.
Financial need rule: Applicants should plan to fund ≥50% via an education loan—and EFIS requires the loan be processed/sanctioned through WeMakeScholars.
Application windows: Rolling timelines for both USA and Non-USA courses starting Jan 1–Oct 31, 2025. Apply early.
Selection rounds: Online application → SOP questions (Round 2) → Final interview; results within ~14 days of interview.
Recognition: Listed among top impact scholarships in UNESCO’s 2022 Global Education Monitoring Report.

Eligibility (All Must Meet)

Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
Academic performance: Minimum 60% in Class 10 and Class 12. (Higher merit boosts chances.)
Financial profile: Demonstrate you are not self-funding; plan to secure ≥50% of total cost via an education loan (must be via WeMakeScholars).
Program & destination: Any recognized UG/PG program outside India (all disciplines).

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Award size: INR 2–10 lakh (number of awards varies by year and application quality).
Disbursement:
- Grant letter issued after you submit final admit and before visa interview.
- Funds transferred to your bank account within 90 days of sharing the visa copy.
- Use of funds is flexible as long as it supports study abroad expenses.
Taxes: Award is subject to applicable Indian tax laws; amounts are net of any TDS/withholding.

Application Timeline & Deadlines (2025 Cycle)

EFIS runs on rolling evaluation—applying earlier increases your chances. For 2025:

USA applicants: Courses starting Jan 1–Oct 31, 2025; applications open with rolling deadlines; final results around 1st week of Sept 2025.
Non-USA applicants: Courses starting Jan 1–Oct 31, 2025; applications open with rolling deadlines; final results around 1st week of Sept 2025.

Tip: Because EFIS is rolling, don’t wait for the last date—submit as soon as your admit, finances plan, and core documents are in place.

Selection Process (How You’re Assessed)

EFIS is primarily merit-based with strong emphasis on your motivation/SOP once you clear the basic academic bar. The process has three rounds:

Round 1: Online application review (you’ll be told within ~1 week if you advance).
Round 2: SOP/short-answer questions to understand your goals and fit.
Round 3: Interview with the scholarship committee. Results issued within ~14 days after interview.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Check eligibility (citizenship, academics, loan plan).
Prepare documents (see checklist below).
Submit the online application through EFIS’s portal (USA or Non-USA category for 2025).
Complete Round 2 SOP questions if shortlisted.
Attend the final interview if invited; await decision (around 2 weeks).
Post-selection: Accept T&Cs within 14 days; share required proofs for verification; then receive grant letter (pre-visa) and funds post-visa.

Contact Details :- Education Future (Email ID:– info@education-future.org )

Important Links

Document Checklist (Typical)

Applicants commonly provide:

Passport (valid) and passport-size photo.
Class 10 & 12 mark sheets (meeting ≥60% threshold).
University admit/offer (final admit required before grant letter).
Program details & fee structure (or I-20/CAS/offer letter breakdown, as applicable).
Education loan proof (application/sanction via WeMakeScholars).
Statement of Purpose/motivation answers (Round 2).

What Makes a Strong Application? (Practical Tips)

Grades + trajectory: Solid academics (well above 60%) and evidence of improvement or rigor.
Compelling SOP: Be clear, specific, and authentic about goals, impact, and why your chosen program/country is the right fit.
Loan readiness: Since ≥50% loan via WeMakeScholars is mandatory, start your loan process early and keep sanction timelines in mind.
Timely submission: Because EFIS is rolling, earlier quality submissions face less competition.

After You Win (Compliance & Disbursement)

Acknowledge & verify within 14 days of selection; provide any documents requested by the EFIS committee.
Grant letter issued after final admit and before visa interview; visa proof due within 90 days for disbursal.
Publicity consent: Winners’ names/photos may appear on EFIS channels (up to 12 months).

Scholarship Comparison Table

Feature	Education Future International Scholarship (EFIS)	Chevening Scholarship (UK)	Fulbright Program (USA)	DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Funding Amount	INR 2–10 lakh (partial funding)	Covers full tuition, travel, stipend	Covers tuition, living, travel, insurance	Full/partial funding depending on program
Eligibility (Citizenship)	Indian citizens only	Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries (India included)	Indian citizens (and others globally)	Open worldwide (India eligible)
Academic Requirement	≥60% in Class 10 & 12	Strong academic record (UG/PG degree)	Strong academic record; leadership potential	Excellent academics; usually min. CGPA 8/10
Programs Covered	UG & PG, all fields abroad	Master’s in the UK, all fields	Master’s/PhD/Research in the USA	Master’s/PhD/Research in Germany
Financial Profile	Must fund ≥50% via an education loan (through WeMakeScholars)	No loan requirement	No loan requirement	No loan requirement
Selection Criteria	Merit + strong SOP + Interview	Leadership, networking, academics, SOP	Academics, leadership, cultural exchange potential	Academic excellence, research plans, SOP
Application Timeline	Rolling (apply early; Jan–Oct 2025 starts)	Opens Aug, closes Nov each year	Opens Feb, closes Sept each year	Varies by program; usually Sept–Dec
Result Timeline	Within ~14 days of interview	Results around June	Results around Mar–Apr	Varies (3–6 months after deadline)
Special Notes	UNESCO-recognized; only for students who cannot fully self-fund	Prestigious UK govt. program	Highly competitive US govt. program	Focused on Germany; strong for STEM & research

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Is EFIS only for certain countries or subjects?
No. It’s country-agnostic (outside India) and open to all subjects at recognized universities.

2) Do I need a loan even if I can self-fund?
Yes. EFIS is designed for students who cannot fully self-fund; you must plan ≥50% via an education loan, processed and sanctioned through WeMakeScholars.

3) Is there a fixed number of awards?
No. The number varies by year and application quality.

4) What weighs more—marks or SOP?
EFIS is merit-first; once you clear the 60% threshold, your motivation/SOP and interview strongly influence outcomes.

5) When do I hear back after each round?
Shortlist notifications are typically within ~1 week after Round 1; final results ~14 days after the interview.

6) Can funds cover living costs?
Yes. EFIS does not micro-restrict usage; funds must be used for study-abroad purposes (tuition, fees, living, travel, etc.).

7) Will I pay taxes on the scholarship?
Awards are subject to Indian tax law; disbursal is net of any required withholdings.

Action Plan for Applicants (2025 Intakes)

Secure an admit/conditional offer (target Jan–Oct 2025 starts).
Begin education-loan processing with WeMakeScholars (build in time for sanction).
Draft a crisp, specific SOP (align goals, program fit, impact).
Apply early under the correct category (USA/Non-USA).
Prepare for the interview (know your budget, loan, program outcomes).