The SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education 2025, launched by the SBI Foundation under its Integrated Learning Mission (ILM), is one of India’s largest scholarship programs. It is designed to support academically bright students from low-income SC/ST families who aspire to pursue a master’s or postgraduate degree at a top university abroad. With a focus on enabling uninterrupted education, the scholarship offers financial aid of up to Rs. 20 lakh per year. This initiative reflects the foundation’s commitment to empowering students through education, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals while reducing financial barriers to global learning opportunities.
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About SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education
The SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education is a flagship initiative by the SBI Foundation under its Integrated Learning Mission (ILM). It aims to support talented SC/ST students from financially weaker backgrounds in India, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies at top international universities. Offering up to Rs. 20 lakh per year, the scholarship helps ease the financial burden of studying abroad. By fostering equal opportunities in education, this program empowers students to excel academically and build successful careers on a global stage.
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What is the SBI Foundation?
SBI Foundation serves as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the State Bank of India, committed to driving positive change beyond banking. Operating across more than 28 States and Union Territories, it focuses on key areas such as rural development, healthcare, education, livelihood and entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and sports promotion. With a strong commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities, the Foundation designs and implements ethical initiatives that foster inclusive growth and social progress. Reflecting the core values of the SBI Group, it strives to bridge socio-economic gaps, empower individuals, and create sustainable impact. Through its diverse programs, the SBI Foundation continues to support meaningful development and transform lives across India.
Key Highlights of SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education
| Name of the Scholarship | SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education 2025 |
| Launched By | SBI Foundation |
| Objective | Support SC/ST students for overseas education |
| Scholarship Amount | Up to Rs. 20 lakh per year |
| Eligible Courses | Master’s/Postgraduate programs |
| Study Location | Premier universities outside India |
| Eligibility | SC/ST students from low-income families |
| Selection Criteria | Academic merit and financial need |
| Coverage | Tuition fees and living expenses |
| Program Under | Integrated Learning Mission (ILM) |
| Renewal | Offered annually based on performance |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://www.sbifashascholarship.org/ |
Objective of SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education
The SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education is designed to support deserving students:
- Provide financial assistance to meritorious SC/ST students from low-income families for higher education abroad.
- Enable talented individuals to pursue postgraduate studies at top international universities without financial barriers.
- Promote equal access to quality education by reducing economic challenges faced by underprivileged students.
- Encourage academic excellence and skill development to help students build successful global careers.
Eligibility Criteria
Students must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the SBIF Asha Scholarship:
- Applicants must be Indian nationals and belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.
- They must be enrolled in a master’s or higher course (any year) at a premier university abroad.
- A minimum of 75% marks in the previous academic year is required for eligibility.
- Students with a gross annual family income of up to Rs. 6,00,000 can apply for the scholarship.
- Preference will be given to students whose family income does not exceed Rs. 3,00,000 annually.
- Eligible institutions include top-ranked universities in QS and Times Higher Education rankings.
- 100% of the scholarship slots for overseas education are exclusively reserved for SC/ST scholars.
Application Deadline
- The application deadline for the SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education is 31 March 2025.
Scholarship Amount
- Selected students can receive a scholarship of up to Rs. 20 lakh per year.
Benefits of the SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education
The SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education offers various benefits to deserving students:
- Financial Support: Provides up to Rs. 20 lakh per year to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
- Access to Top Universities: Enables students to study at globally renowned institutions without financial constraints.
- Encourages Academic Excellence: Supports meritorious SC/ST students in achieving higher education and career aspirations.
- Reduces Financial Burden: Helps low-income families by easing the cost of international education.
- Promotes Social Upliftment: Empowers underprivileged students by providing opportunities for global learning and success.
Salient Features
The SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education has several key features that benefit students:
- Exclusive for SC/ST Students: 100% of the scholarship slots are reserved for SC/ST category applicants.
- High Scholarship Amount: Provides up to Rs. 20 lakh per year for tuition fees and living expenses.
- Covers Premier Universities: Applicable for students studying at top-ranked global universities from reputed rankings.
- Merit and Need-Based Selection: Candidates are chosen based on academic excellence and financial background.
- Encourages Higher Education Abroad: Supports deserving students in pursuing postgraduate studies without financial barriers.
Required Documents
Applicants need to submit the following documents for the SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education:
- Aadhaar Card (Both Sides)
- Passport
- 10th Marksheet
- 12th Marksheet
- Graduation Final Marksheet
- Graduation Degree
- Master’s Degree (If Applicable)
- Offer/Acceptance Letter from the Institute
- IELTS/TOEFL/Any Other English Proficiency Test Score Card
- Latest Institute Fee Receipt (Academic Session 2024-25)
- Fee Structure
- Family Income Proof
- Bank Passbook
- Country VISA for Study (If Applicable)
- Caste Certificate
- Disability Certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- GRE/GMAT Certificate (If Applicable)
- Education Loan Sanction Letter/Other Scholarship Acceptance Letter (If Applicable)
- Death Certificate/Divorce Decree/Any Affidavit
- Orphan Certificate/Letter from Orphanage
- Passport Size Photograph
Application Procedure for SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education 2025
The application process for the SBIF Asha Scholarship for Overseas Education 2025 is as follows:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the SBI Foundation to begin the application process.
Step 2: Scroll down on the homepage and click on the “Apply Now” button.
Step 3: You will be redirected to the Buddy4Study scholarship application page.
Step 4: Click on the “Apply Now” button again to proceed further.
Step 5: Log in using your existing ID or create a new account if not registered.
Step 6: Fill in the application form with accurate personal, academic, and financial details.
Step 7: Click on the “Submit” button to complete and finalize your application.
Contact Details
Address:
SBI Foundation, No. 35, Ground Floor,
The Arcade, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade,
Mumbai – 400005
Telephone:
011-430-92248 (Ext- 303)
(Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 6 PM)
Email ID:
sbiashascholarship[at]buddy4study[dot]com
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
SC/ST students from low-income families pursuing a master’s or postgraduate course at a premier university abroad.
What is the scholarship amount offered?
Selected students can receive up to Rs. 20 lakh per year.
Which universities are covered under this scholarship?
Top-ranked universities listed in reputed rankings like QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.
What is the last date to apply?
The application deadline is 31-Mar-2025.
Can students already studying abroad apply?
Yes, students in any year of their master’s or postgraduate course can apply.
Is there any reservation for SC/ST students?
Yes, 100% of the scholarship slots are reserved for SC/ST applicants.