National overseas scholarship for students with disabilities

Introduction

The National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is a government-sponsored scholarship program in some countries around the globe. It aims to financially support students with disabilities who wish to pursue higher education or specialized training abroad. The scholarship program’s specific details and eligibility criteria may vary depending on the country and organization that administers it. 

The scholarship typically provides financial assistance to cover expenses such as tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, accommodation, and health insurance. The amount of funding and the duration of the scholarship may vary depending on the program’s guidelines and the individual student’s needs. 

Benefits of national overseas scholarships for students with disabilities 

National overseas scholarships for students with disabilities offer a range of benefits that can transform their lives. Some of the key benefits include- 

● Access to Quality Education– National overseas scholarships provide students with disabilities with an opportunity to access high-quality education in renowned institutions abroad. This allows them to learn from world-class faculty, access cutting-edge research facilities, and engage in academic pursuits that can broaden their horizons. 

● Exposure to Diverse Cultures– Studying abroad through national overseas scholarships allows students with disabilities to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and communities. This exposure helps them develop a global perspective, appreciate diversity, and enhances their intercultural competence, which can be valuable in a globalized world. 

● Personal Growth and Independence– Studying abroad often requires students to step out of their comfort zones and become more self-reliant. For students with disabilities, this experience can foster personal growth and independence as they learn to navigate new environments, adapt to different situations, and develop resilience and confidence. 

● Enhanced Career Opportunities– National overseas scholarships can significantly enhance the career prospects of students with disabilities. Studying abroad can add value to their resumes, making them more competitive in the job market. Additionally, the international exposure and cross-cultural skills gained during their overseas studies can make them attractive candidates for global job opportunities. 

● Building a Supportive Network– National overseas scholarships provide students with disabilities with opportunities to build a supportive network of peers, mentors, and professionals from different countries. This network can offer invaluable support, guidance, and resources and can open doors to future collaborations and partnerships. 

Eligibility criteria for a national overseas scholarship for students with disabilities 

The eligibility criteria for a national overseas scholarship for students with disabilities may vary depending on the specific scholarship program and the country offering it. However, here are some general eligibility criteria that are often considered-

• Age- Applicants must be below 35 years of age. 
• Disability Status- Applicants must have a documented disability. 
• Academic Qualifications- Applicants must have secured 55% marks or above in their bachelor’s or master’s degrees. 
• Parental Annual Income- Applicants must have an annual parental income of Rs.6,00,000/- or below. 
• Effective Date- The scholarship is effective from 1st April 2014. 
• Family Limit- Only two children from the same family will be eligible for the scholarship. 

Application process for a national overseas scholarship for students with disabilities 

The application process typically involves several key steps that applicants need to follow. These steps include researching and identifying suitable scholarships, gathering the required documents, completing the application form, writing a statement of purpose, submitting the application, and awaiting the selection and notification process. Following are the details you will require to apply-

• Grants Types- Candidates can apply for two types of grants 
  1. Scholarships
  2. Passage grants. 
• Application Form- Candidates need to download the application form from the website www.socialjustice.nic.in. 
• Submission Address- The completed application form must be submitted to the Under Secretary, DD-IV-B Section, Department of Disability Affairs, M/o SJ&E, Govt. of India, PDUIPH, 4, Vishnu Digambar Marg, New Delhi – 110 002. 
• Deadline- The application must be submitted within one month of the publication of the advertisement for the scholarship. 
• Additional Documents- Students are required to submit additional documents to validate their application form particulars. These documents are specified in the application form itself. 

Specifications for a national overseas scholarship for students with disabilities 

There are 20 scholarships available annually, with 6 scholarships reserved explicitly for women. These scholarships are intended for students pursuing Master’s and Ph.D. programs abroad. 

For students studying in the United States or other countries, the annual maintenance allowance provided is USD 15,400, and the yearly contingency allowance is USD 1,500. For students studying in the United Kingdom, the yearly maintenance allowance is GBP 9,900, and the annual contingency allowance is GBP 1,100. 

The duration of financial assistance varies based on the program. For Ph.D. students, financial assistance is provided for up to 4 years. For Master’s degree students, it is provided for up to 3 years. Financial aid will be provided until the completion of the course or the specified period, whichever is earlier. 

Key takeaways 

• National overseas scholarships provide financial assistance, allowing students with disabilities to pursue their education without financial burden. 
• Students with disabilities get the opportunity to access world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse academic programs.
• Students with disabilities who receive national overseas scholarships can become advocates and representatives for their communities, raising awareness about disability rights, promoting inclusivity, and inspiring others with disabilities to pursue higher education. 
• It’s important to note that the specific details and eligibility criteria for national overseas scholarships for students with disabilities may vary by country. So it’s advisable to check with the respective government or scholarship provider for accurate and up-to-date information. 

Learning about various scholarships and applying for them could be a hectic process! But worry not; our study-abroad experts are always there to guide you. So contact us now with any of the problems and roadblocks you face in your study abroad application journey.

Like the blog? Read more at Students with disabilities | Top 5 colleges for a brighter future

FAQs 

Q1: Can students with disabilities apply for multiple national overseas scholarships?

Answer: It depends on the rules and regulations of the specific scholarship programs and the country offering the scholarships. Some programs may allow students with disabilities to apply for multiple scholarships, while others may have restrictions. It’s advisable to review the scholarship guidelines and regulations for each program. 

Q2: How can students find national overseas scholarships for students with disabilities?

Answer: Students can usually find information about national overseas scholarships for students with disabilities through government websites, scholarship databases, and education institutions’ websites. It’s advisable to check with relevant authorities or scholarship providers for accurate and up-to-date information. 

Q3: Can students with all types of disabilities apply for national overseas scholarships?

Answer: Yes, national overseas scholarships for students with disabilities are generally open to students with various types of disabilities. Including but not limited to physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and invisible disabilities. However, eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific scholarship program.