Pursuing higher education at prestigious foreign universities is a dream for many students. However, financial constraints often become a major hurdle. To support bright students from the Open/Unreserved Category, the Government of Maharashtra’s Department of Higher and Technical Education launched the Scholarships for Higher Education Abroad for Meritorious Boys and Girls from Open Category scheme on October 4, 2018. This initiative provides financial assistance to deserving students who wish to pursue Postgraduate (PG), Postgraduate Diploma, or Ph.D. studies abroad.
What is This Scholarship About?
The Maharashtra Government has designed this scholarship to help meritorious students from the open category by covering major educational expenses at top 200 ranked universities worldwide (as per Times Higher Education (THE) or Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) rankings). The scholarship is awarded to 20 students every year.
Key Benefits of the Scholarship
- Full tuition fee coverage as per the university’s official fee structure.
- Health insurance expenses will be fully covered.
- Living allowance:
- GBP 9,900 per year for students studying in the UK.
- USD 15,400 per year for students studying in other countries.
- One-time airfare (economy class) from India to the foreign university.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must:
- Be an Indian citizen and a resident of Maharashtra (parents/guardians must also be residents of Maharashtra).
- Belong to the Open/Unreserved Category.
- Reserved category students can apply under this scheme if they choose to do so.
- Have an unconditional offer letter from a foreign university ranked within the top 200 as per THE or QS rankings.
- Have a family income of less than ₹8 lakh per year.
- Be applying for Postgraduate Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or Ph.D. programs in the following fields:
| Field of Study | PG Degree & PG Diploma | Ph.D. | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Commerce | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Science | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Management | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Law | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Engineering/Architecture | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Pharmacology | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 10 | 10 | 20 |
How to Apply? (Application Process)
The application process is completely online and follows these steps:
Step 1: Online Registration
- Visit the official portal of the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE): www.dtemaharashtra.gov.in.
- Create an account and register as a new applicant.
Step 2: Submission of Application
- Fill in all required details and upload scanned copies of necessary documents.
- Submit the online application before the specified deadline.
Step 3: Verification & Selection
- The Directorate of Training will verify all applications and check eligibility conditions.
- A final list of selected candidates will be published online.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.)
- Domicile Certificate (issued by Maharashtra government authorities)
- Income Certificate (to prove annual income is below ₹8 lakh)
- Unconditional Offer Letter from a foreign university
- Educational Qualification Certificates (Mark sheets, Degree certificates, etc.)
- Passport of the applicant
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) (if the candidate is currently employed)
Conclusion
This scholarship is a golden opportunity for meritorious students from Maharashtra’s Open Category to pursue higher education abroad without financial burden. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have secured admission to a top-ranked foreign university, don’t miss this chance! Visit www.dtemaharashtra.gov.in and apply today!
Frequently Asked Questions
By which department will this scheme be implemented?
The scheme “Scholarship Scheme for meritorious children for higher studies abroad” is implemented by the Department of Higher and Technical Education of the Government of Maharashtra.
How to apply under the scheme?
The applicant may apply online by visiting the official website: www.dtemaharashtra.gov.in
Which courses is the scholarship paid under this scheme?
Scholarships are offered for Post-Graduation, Diploma after Graduation, and Ph.D. courses.
Does this scheme cover the six-month course?
No, the scheme does not cover the six-month course.
How many students are covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship will be given to twenty students only.
How much reservation is there in the scheme for girls?
30% of the total seats are reserved for the girls.
Which educational institution should I enroll in for a scholarship abroad?
Candidates should enroll for PG, Diploma after Graduation, and Ph.D. courses from a foreign educational institution, THE (Times Higher Education) / or QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Ranking must be within 200 rankings.
What is the minimum educational qualification required for applying under the scheme?
The candidates must have passed graduation or post-graduation exam with a minimum of 60% marks from recognized universities in India.
What is the eligibility for Scholarships for Ph.D. course study in an abroad institution?
The candidate, taken up for a Ph.D. thesis abroad, should have Post Graduate Degree with a minimum of 60% marks from recognized universities in India.
Is it necessary to give a no-objection certificate by the candidate who is in the job?
Yes, the candidate who is in the job should give a no-objection certificate and also provide information about the organization (Employer) where he/she works.
Is it necessary to have a Conditional Offer Letter from the foreign educational institution?
Yes, the students must have received an Unconditional Offer Letter from a foreign educational institution.
What assistance will the government provide for obtaining passports?
It will be the responsibility of the student to obtain passports and visas.
What rankings are to be considered for selecting the course?
While selecting for Bachelor’s Scholarship, the QS or THE ranking average will be considered.
How to verify the document if the candidate has taken his/her original document/s abroad for personal examination?
Such documents/certificates should be signed by the candidate (including education) and certified by the concerned authorities of the University. Further, he/she can by taking or attesting from Indian embassies abroad and send a scanned copy through e-mails immediately, and the originals which are attested/certified to be sent by courier to Directorate.
