Maharashtra opens overseas scholarship applications for minority students
The Maharashtra Government's Minority Development Department opened applications for its Overseas Scholarship Scheme on July 2, 2026, for the 2026–27 academic year. The initiative provides complete financial backing for meritorious students from notified minority communities to pursue postgraduate and doctoral degrees at top-ranked international universities. Physical copies of the applications must be submitted to the Directorate of Minority Development at Haj House on Shahi Masjid Road in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, return economy-class airfare, medical insurance, living allowances, and contingency grants. It aims to eliminate financial barriers for students from Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Jain, Sikh, Parsi, and Jewish communities who wish to study abroad.
Financial benefits vary by destination. Students enrolled in United Kingdom universities will receive an annual living allowance of £9,900 alongside a £1,100 contingency grant. Meanwhile, those studying in the United States or other eligible nations will receive 15,400 US dollars annually for living expenses and a 1,500 US dollar contingency grant.
To qualify, applicants must be permanent residents of Maharashtra. Candidates applying for postgraduate programs must have secured a minimum of 55 per cent marks in their bachelor's degree. For doctoral candidates, a minimum of 55 per cent in their master's degree is required. Additionally, applicants must hold an unconditional admission offer from a university ranked within the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings.
The scheme sets an upper age limit of 35 years for postgraduate candidates and 40 years for Ph.D. applicants. To ensure the aid reaches those in need, the annual family income of the applicant must not exceed Rs 8 lakh, which must be certified by a Tehsildar.
To promote higher education among women, the state has reserved 30 per cent of the total scholarships for female candidates.
Eligible students must submit their applications online through the state's dedicated foreign scholarship portal by July 18, 2026, at 6:15 pm. Following online submission, candidates are required to submit a printed copy of the form along with self-attested supporting documents to the Haj House office in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, either in person or by post.
