National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2026: Eligibility, Benefits & Apply Process

Pursuing higher education abroad can be life-changing, but financial constraints often become a major barrier—especially for students with disabilities. To address this challenge, the Government of India offers the National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (NOS).

This scholarship, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides comprehensive financial assistance to eligible students with disabilities who wish to pursue Master’s or Ph.D. programs at reputed foreign universities.

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) – Overview

• Scheme Name: National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities (NOS)
• Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Department: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
• Target Group: Students with Disabilities (PwDs)
• Courses Covered: Master’s and Ph.D. programs abroad
• Scholarship Type: Fully funded (covering major expenses)
• Application Mode: Offline

What is National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a Government of India initiative aimed at supporting students with disabilities in pursuing higher education abroad. It provides financial assistance for tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other essential costs.

The scheme is designed in accordance with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, covering various disability categories such as visual, hearing, speech, locomotor, and intellectual disabilities.

Key Benefits of the Scholarship

The scholarship offers extensive financial support, including:

Maintenance Allowance

• USA and other countries (except the UK): $15,400 per year
• United Kingdom: £9,900 per year

Contingency Allowance

• USA and other countries: $1,500 per year
• UK: £1,100 per year

Additional Financial Support

• Tuition Fees: Actual fees charged by the institution
• Visa Fees: Reimbursed as per actual cost
• Medical Insurance: Covered as per actual premium
• Equipment Allowance: ₹1,500
• Poll Tax: Covered as applicable
• Incidental Journey Allowance: $20 or equivalent
• Air Travel: Economy class airfare (India to destination and return)
• Local Travel: Second-class railway fare from arrival point to institution

Who Should Apply?

This scholarship is ideal for:

• Students with disabilities planning to study abroad
• Candidates pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. programs
• Individuals seeking financial support for international education
• Students from economically weaker backgrounds

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Must have a disability of 40% or more
• Must have secured admission to a recognized foreign university
• Must be pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. course
• Age should not exceed 35 years (as per notification date)
• Annual family income must not exceed ₹6 lakh

Application Process (Offline Apply)

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Download the prescribed application form from the official source
2. Fill in all required details carefully
3. Attach all necessary documents
4. Send the completed application form to the following address:

Under Secretary (Scholarships)
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Room No. 516, 5th Floor, Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road
New Delhi – 110003

Required Documents

• Disability certificate (minimum 40%)
• Admission offer letter from foreign university
• Income certificate
• Academic certificates
• Identity proof
• Passport details

Important Guidelines

• Only candidates with confirmed admission are eligible
• Applications must be complete and accurate
• Incomplete applications may be rejected
• Scholarships are subject to verification and approval

Why This Scholarship is Important

The National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities plays a crucial role in promoting inclusive education and equal opportunities. It empowers students with disabilities to access world-class education and build successful careers.

By removing financial barriers, the scheme ensures that talent and potential are not limited by economic or physical constraints.

FAQs – National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

Q1. Who can apply for NOS?
Students with disabilities (40% or more) pursuing higher education abroad.

Q2. What courses are covered?
Master’s and Ph.D. programs.

Q3. What is the income limit?
₹6 lakh per annum.

Q4. Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers major expenses including tuition, travel, and living costs.

Q5. How to apply?
Through offline application submission to the designated department.

Conclusion

If you are a student with a disability aspiring to study abroad, the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is an excellent opportunity to achieve your academic goals without financial burden. Make sure to prepare your documents, secure admission, and apply on time.