Nalanda University, located in Nalanda, Bihar, India, offers a variety of scholarships to support domestic and international students from diverse backgrounds. Key forms of support include merit-based awards, need-based and EWS assistance, and substantial fee waivers under government and university-sponsored schemes. Unique opportunities exist for students from BIMSTEC nations, ASEAN countries, and other developing countries.
Nalanda University Scholarships Overview
Scholarships at Nalanda University aim to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and remove financial barriers to higher education. Most awards include partial or full tuition waivers, stipend support, and subsidized accommodation costs. Key categories are:
Merit-based waivers (outstanding entrance/Bachelor’s scores)
Need/EWS-based support (waivers for demonstrable financial hardship)
Category-based (for international, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, Bhutanese, and developing country students)
Nalanda University Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for scholarships at Nalanda University vary by scheme, but all emphasize demonstrated academic merit and, in some cases, financial need or special category status. Common benchmarks include a minimum 55% score or equivalent in the qualifying examination for postgraduate courses. For MBA programs, an official GMAT score may be required for international students. Some international schemes expect English proficiency via tests like IELTS or TOEFL. For need-based waivers, submission of family income proof may be necessary. Sports, domicile, and special category parameters may apply where specified by the scheme.
Nalanda University Required Documents
To apply for scholarships, students should prepare and submit essential documents to verify their eligibility. The following are typically required:
Recent academic transcripts/degree certificates
Valid identification (passport for international students, Aadhaar/ID for Indian nationals)
Proof of English proficiency (for non-native speakers)
Family income certificate (for need-based/EWS)
Category/status certification (if applying under special categories, including country-specific, sports, or reserved quotas)
Nalanda University Application Process
Scholarship applications at Nalanda University are typically submitted alongside or shortly after the main admission application through the university’s official portal. Some international schemes (e.g., ICCR, ASEAN, BIMSTEC) require application via respective governmental or embassy portals. Shortlisting is usually based on document screening and, in many cases, an online interview. Applicants must strictly adhere to deadlines and ensure all supporting documents are accurate and complete to prevent disqualification.
Nalanda University Scholarship Details
The following table summarizes the key scholarships available at Nalanda University, their basic eligibility, and benefits. Awards may be subject to verification and are often limited to a specific number of seats per category/year.
Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Benefit | Notes (if any) |
Nalanda University Scholarship Scheme (for Bhutanese students) | Bhutanese nationality; Academic merit; Selection through university and Indian Embassy screening; Must secure admission at Nalanda | Full tuition fee waiver; stipends and accommodation support | Up to 30 slots annually for Bhutanese PG & PhD students (2025 cycle) |
Nalanda University International Meritorious Students Scholarship | Citizens of developing countries; Demonstrated academic merit; Online application and interview | Tuition fee waiver | For Master’s and PhD students; limited slots each year |
ICCR Scholarship | International students from 140 ICCR-eligible countries; Satisfy academic/English criteria | Admission fees, tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend | Application via ICCR portal; selection by Nalanda University |
ASEAN-India Scholarship | Citizens of ASEAN countries; Minimum 55% in Bachelor’s; English proficiency | Application, tuition, accommodation, air travel, monthly stipend | 20 Master’s scholarships each year for ASEAN students |
BIMSTEC Scholarship | Citizens of BIMSTEC countries; Satisfy academic norms and selection criteria | NA | Slot availability as per intergovernmental agreement |
Study in India (SII) Scholarship | International students admitted via SII program; Merit criteria | Tuition, admission fee, accommodation, and boarding | Annual application; limited slots per cohort |
Nalanda University Additional Notes
Scholarship renewals at Nalanda University typically require maintenance of a specified minimum CGPA (good standing), full-time enrollment, and satisfactory attendance and conduct. Most schemes prohibit combining multiple major scholarships, except certain need- and merit-based internal combinations where approved by the university. Annual quotas and seat caps apply for specific regions or categories. Students are advised to carefully review official notifications for updates or changes in criteria before each cycle.
