Maharashtra Invites Tribal Students to Apply for Overseas Higher Education Scholarships
Pune, 9th February 2026: The Maharashtra Tribal Development Department has called on Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who have secured admission to prestigious universities abroad to apply for the “Overseas Education Scholarship” for the 2026–27 academic year. The announcement was made by Leena Bansod, Commissioner of Tribal Development, urging eligible students to submit applications online without delay.
The scheme aims to empower tribal students to pursue advanced studies overseas, covering PhD, postgraduate, and postgraduate diploma programs. Under this initiative, 40 meritorious students will receive scholarships that include:
-Tuition and examination fees
-Living allowance for accommodation and food
-Contingency and miscellaneous academic expenses
-Air travel and visa fees
-Health insurance
For contingency and miscellaneous expenses, students going abroad except the UK will receive USD 1,500 annually, while students in the UK will be granted GBP 1,100 per year.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
-Belong to the Scheduled Tribe category and be residents of Maharashtra
-Age limit: 35 years for postgraduate/diploma courses, 40 years for PhD programs
-Family income: up to ₹8 lakh (relaxable to ₹10 lakh if suitable candidates are not found)
-University ranking: QS World University Ranking within 200 (extendable to 300 in exceptional cases)
-Mandatory qualification in TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent exams for overseas study
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online only via https://fs.maharashtra.gov.in. A dedicated selection committee will evaluate applicants based on the prescribed criteria. The department has advised candidates to carefully review the scheme guidelines before applying.
The scholarship program reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to providing tribal students with opportunities to excel internationally, enhancing both their academic and professional prospects. Authorities emphasize that timely application submission is crucial to ensure consideration.
