Odisha has launched a new overseas scholarship scheme, ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ , for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. The program supports postgraduate (PG) and doctoral (PhD) studies at top international institutions. Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced the initiative, which begins in the 2025-2026 academic year .
Eligibility Requirements
SC and ST students are eligible to apply for the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scholarship. Applicants must report an annual family income of Rs. 12 lakh or below . Candidates need to secure admission into a Postgraduate or PhD program. The chosen educational institution must rank within the top 200 of the QS World University Ranking .
Application Windows
Applications for the scholarship program will open twice annually. The first application period runs from July to August . The second application period is scheduled for December to January . Specific submission deadlines within these months will be announced by the state government.
Financial Support Details
Selected students will receive substantial financial assistance. Each scholarship recipient will be awarded Rs. 25 lakh per year . This financial aid covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic costs during their study abroad. The support aims to cover essential educational and living expenditures.
Student Selection Process
Each academic year, a total of 50 students will be selected for the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scholarship. Selections are distributed across three main academic categories. This ensures a diverse representation of fields for international study.
| Category | PG Slots | PhD Slots | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering and Technical Education | 4 | 6 | 10 |
| Medical, Agriculture, Architecture, and Other Technical Streams | 4 | 6 | 10 |
| Other Academic Streams | 10 | 20 | 30 |
Minister’s Statement
Minister Suryabanshi Suraj stated the scheme’s objective is to expand higher education access. The initiative targets students from low-income SC and ST families. This support enables their pursuit of advanced degrees at leading global universities.