India
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially opened applications for the 2024-25 academic year under its Scholarship Program for Diaspora Children (SPDC). This program offers significant financial support to students of Indian origin studying in India. Launched in 2006, SPDC aims to ease the financial burden of higher education for children of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).
Under this program, eligible students receive financial assistance that covers up to 75% of their Institutional Economic Cost (IEC), capped at $4,000 per year. The IEC includes fees related to tuition, hostel, and other institutional expenses, although food costs are not covered. According to the MEA, the SPDC’s goal is to make higher education in India more accessible to diaspora youth. It is aimed at helping them overcome the financial challenges often associated with university studies. “The SPDC prioritizes merit-cum-means selection, providing deserving students with meaningful support,” said an MEA official.
A total of 150 scholarships are available for this academic year, with 50 reserved specifically for children of Indian workers from Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries. Furthermore, one-third of these reserved slots are allocated to applicants who completed grades 11 and 12 in India. The program also places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, giving preference to female candidates by filling 50% of the slots within each category.
To be eligible, applicants must have completed grades 11 and 12 from recognized educational systems abroad. There are certain exceptions for children of Indian workers from ECR countries who may have completed their studies in India. The program covers undergraduate studies at prominent institutions, including Central Universities, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Schools of Planning and Architecture, and ‘A’ Grade institutions accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Students enrolling in undergraduate programs in the 2024-25 academic year can apply through the official SPDC portal. For students in medical courses, the scholarship covers costs starting from the second year of study. The application deadline is set for November 30, 2024.
