Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Indian passport holders living in India, born in 1996 or later, with a degree from a recognised Indian university (65% in humanities or social sciences, 70% in sciences and maths). You need admission to a top university in the UK, Europe or the USA. Engineering, computer science, business, management and medicine are not funded.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

One of India’s oldest and most prestigious private overseas scholarships, the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation funds exceptional young Indian citizens under age 30 to pursue full-time Master’s degrees across the Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Law, Architecture, and Natural Sciences at leading institutions in the UK, Europe, and North America.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Indian passport holders living in India, born in 1996 or later, with a degree from a recognised Indian university (65% in humanities or social sciences, 70% in sciences and maths). You need admission to a top university in the UK, Europe or the USA. Engineering, computer science, business, management and medicine are not funded.
2. Note the deadline. Jan – Mar (annual; applications for 2026 are closed and the next round is expected to open early in 2027, with interviews in April - May - check the foundation website) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Proof of Admission: Unconditional or conditional admission offer letter for the upcoming Fall intake at a top-ranked foreign university (plus complete breakdown of tuition and fee waivers).; Academic Transcripts: Official Indian Bachelor’s degree transcripts (minimum 65% for Humanities/Law/Arts; 70% for STEM/Environment).; Portfolio & Writing Samples: Creative portfolio (mandatory for Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, and Film applicants) and personal statement.; Letters of Recommendation: 2 confidential reference letters submitted via the online portal..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Application & Admission Offer Review in April → Online Preliminary Interview in May → Final In-Person Panel Interview in Mumbai.

Profile of past winners

Well-rounded Indian graduates with admission to Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Columbia, or top European conservatories/universities who demonstrate originality and social commitment.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship?

Indian passport holders living in India, born in 1996 or later, with a degree from a recognised Indian university (65% in humanities or social sciences, 70% in sciences and maths). You need admission to a top university in the UK, Europe or the USA. Engineering, computer science, business, management and medicine are not funded.

What does Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship cover?

Up to USD 120,000 depending on the course, covering tuition, living costs, one-way travel, visa fees and a health allowance

When is the deadline for Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship?

Jan – Mar (annual; applications for 2026 are closed and the next round is expected to open early in 2027, with interviews in April - May - check the foundation website) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship?

Host countries: United Kingdom, United States.

What documents do I need for Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship?

Proof of Admission: Unconditional or conditional admission offer letter for the upcoming Fall intake at a top-ranked foreign university (plus complete breakdown of tuition and fee waivers).; Academic Transcripts: Official Indian Bachelor’s degree transcripts (minimum 65% for Humanities/Law/Arts; 70% for STEM/Environment).; Portfolio & Writing Samples: Creative portfolio (mandatory for Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, and Film applicants) and personal statement.; Letters of Recommendation: 2 confidential reference letters submitted via the online portal..

How are applicants selected for Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship?

Application & Admission Offer Review in April → Online Preliminary Interview in May → Final In-Person Panel Interview in Mumbai.

How much work is the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship application?

High: Confirmed Overseas Admission Offer + Portfolio/SOP + 2 Reference Letters + 2-Stage Mumbai Interviews