Specialised Scholarships for STEM Students Studying Abroad

For students aspiring to study relevant courses in a foreign university, there is no better time than now. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses build the study of everything we see, touch or feel. It cultivates the heart of everything that exists or ever existed. The world is rapidly evolving as STEM reshapes everything we know. It is the foundation of progress in every corner of the world. It consists large array of subjects from astrophysics to neurobiology to Artificial Intelligence (AI). The global movement needs bright minds who contribute to its innovations and keep the mill running.

Students in STEM courses develop vital skills like problem-solving, creativity, broad thinking and more. During their course, they can meet and collaborate with like-minded to contribute to the greater good. They can foster a generation of visionaries, innovators and problem solvers who can keep rebuilding the tomorrow. In effect, institutes and foundations encourage STEM scholars and other students to benefit from this cause. India, too, is walking towards globalisation. While we might lack the quality of education and techniques to shape our great minds, we do have scholarships to support their dreams.

In this blog, we will understand the scholarships available for STEM students coupled with scholarship amount, eligibility criteria, procedure and other key details.

Types of STEM Scholarships

There are a variety of STEM scholarships available for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. Merit-based scholarships, as the name suggests, are awards to students based on their achievement in STEM-related fields. The scholarship providers recognise the academic excellence of the applicants to shortlist the eligible pool. These scholarships could also be specific to disciplines under the STEM branches. Whereas, need-based scholarships support applicants facing several financial constraints. Students coming from a financial-challenged background can apply for this type of scholarship to significantly advance their chances. Lastly, research grants and fellowships are awarded to researchers to support their innovative endeavours.

Another way of understanding and categorising scholarships is with its seekers. There are scholarships available for undergraduate courses as well as postgraduate courses. While the STEM scholarships for UG courses aim to train young minds and support their exploration, the ones for PG courses provide financial assistance to students aspiring to gain expertise and specialisation. The section is witnessing a rise in women in varied scientific and technological domains. The STEM scholarships for women can bring a significantly larger number of women out of their shells. Such scholarships are tailor-made for females pursuing education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Inspire Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)

Launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, the INSPIRE Scholarship is for students aspiring to gain higher education in Natural and Basic Science. Students who have completed their 12th grade can apply for this scholarship to avail assistance of up to INR 80,000 for each year of their course. The ministry has set an age criteria of 17-22 years for this scholarship. Those who have qualifying marks and rank under 10,000 in their entrance exams like IIT JEE, AIMPT and NEET have a better chance of badging this award. Apart from that, the authority also considers applicants who are selected under Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) and/or are NTSE and JBNSTS scholars. However, the scholars must undertake summer research projects during their course.

Fulbright Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships 2024-25

The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) administers the Fulbright Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships 2024-25. It provides Indian researchers, faculty and other professionals a chance to engage in STEm research and teaching at a US institute. However, it has drawn the minimum line for PhD holders with 5 or more years of experience in relevant fields. It provides them with assistance in the visa process and travel expense coverage coupled with the monthly stipend. Further, they also cover them with an accident and sickness insurance program.

AICTE PG (GATE/GPAT/CEED) Scholarship

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Scholarships are for students enrolled in full-time masters courses at recognised institutions affiliated with AICTE. These courses could be Master of Engineering, Master of Technology, Master of Pharmacy, Master of Architecture, and Master of Design programmes, or a dual degree integrated programme equivalent to them. They must clear the GATE, GPAT or CEED examination to be eligible for this scholarship. With this scholarship, they can avail a monthly stipend of INR 12,400.

Notably, women following the same eligibility criteria can apply for the Rolls-Royce Unnati Scholarship for Women Engineering Students but for INR 35,000 per annum with mentorship sessions, webinars, and workshops on different topics.

Progress Software Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM

This scholarship extends a four-year renewable scholarship of up to INR 1.5 lakh per year for females in STEM. They must be enrolled in computer science, software engineering, IT, and/or computer information systems at an accredited university or college. The academic performance required to obtain this scholarship includes minimum marks of 75% in class 12th or equivalent.

Microsoft Diversity Fellowship

The Microsoft Diversity Fellowship program is rather selective for candidates. It is only for students undertaking courses at undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral level in the US, Canada or Mexico. With this fellowship, students can avail the chance to participate in one of four diversity conferences. Furthermore, the students also receive a stipend of $1,200 to cover their travel and other expenses. However, the scholarship amount is said to vary as per the applicants.

Masergy STEM Scholarship Program

The Masergy STEM Scholarship program supports students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in relevant fields. To avail of this scholarship, they must be undertaking a 4-year college course. The selected applicants can get a scholarship worth over $5,000 per year of their education.

KUT Ph.D. Engineering Scholarships for International Students

Japan has the Kochi University of Technology (KUT) that offers this scholarship for engineering students pursuing a doctoral degree. Their advanced programs encourage thousands of students every year to its state-of-the-art facilities. With their scholarships, they wish to make it easier for eligible applicants to seek shelter under their quality education and research programs. On top of it all, they also have students assist their host professors as research assistants to gain more exposure and knowledge. The amount of the scholarship varies.

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