The Odisha government has launched the new ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scholarship scheme to support Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students from the state who wish to pursue postgraduate and PhD courses at leading foreign universities.

The Higher Education Department (DHE) has invited applications through the state scholarship portal, with the deadline set for August 31. Eligible students can apply for financial assistance for foreign studies for both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic sessions.

The scholarship has been introduced under the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana (MMCPY). The scheme aims to provide financial support to Odisha-domiciled SC and ST students seeking admission to top 200 universities and institutes ranked by QS.

Students pursuing postgraduate or doctoral programmes in disciplines including engineering, technical education, medicine, agriculture, architecture and other higher education fields can benefit from the scheme.

Videsh Siksha Bruti: Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, applicants must be domiciled in Odisha and belong to the SC or ST communities. The annual family income must not exceed Rs 12 lakh.

The government plans to support around 50 students every year under the scholarship. Of these, 10 students will be selected for engineering and technical education, another 10 for medical, agriculture, architecture and other technical courses, while 30 students will be supported for courses under the Higher Education Department.

Each selected candidate will be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to Rs 25 lakh per year to support their studies abroad.

However, the scholarship comes with several conditions. Students receiving financial assistance under the scheme cannot simultaneously avail themselves of another scholarship or financial support from the state or Central government, public sector undertakings, private institutions or individuals.

Students facing disciplinary proceedings or criminal charges will also be ineligible for assistance under the scheme.

Candidates who have already completed higher education abroad will not qualify, even if they financed their previous studies themselves.

Applications to Be Invited Twice a Year

The Odisha government plans to invite applications under the Videsh Siksha Bruti scheme twice every year. The application windows are expected during July-August and December-January, allowing eligible students to seek support for different academic admission cycles.

The initiative is aimed at expanding access to international higher education for meritorious students from economically disadvantaged SC and ST communities. By providing substantial financial assistance, the government hopes to reduce the cost barrier associated with studying at leading foreign universities.

The launch comes as Indian students increasingly look towards international universities for postgraduate and doctoral education. For students from disadvantaged communities, the scholarship could provide an opportunity to access globally ranked institutions that may otherwise remain financially out of reach.

Eligible students seeking to pursue PG or PhD programmes abroad should check the Odisha state scholarship portal for the latest application requirements, documentation and deadlines before submitting their applications.