Healthcare Scholarships – Pursuing a healthcare career is a noble and rewarding endeavour, as it allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. However, the journey towards becoming a healthcare professional comes with challenges, including the cost of education and training.
Several esteemed institutions and organisations in India offer a wide array of scholarships to support aspiring students in their quest to make a difference in the healthcare and medical field. These opportunities alleviate the financial burden and foster talent and passion in this crucial sector.
This article presents an insightful guide to some of the top healthcare scholarships available in India. We aim to provide prospective students with a comprehensive overview of eligibility criteria, benefits, the application process, and other essential details, empowering them to pursue their dreams and serve society with dedication and compassion.
The scholarships mentioned in the article represent just a fraction of the available opportunities.
Healthcare Scholarships: List of Scholarships
Here is a compilation of prestigious scholarships that medical students can apply for:
GSK Scholars Programme
GSK Scholars Programme is dedicated to offering financial support to talented and economically disadvantaged students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine.
Provider: GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Students must be pursuing the first year of the MBBS programme from government colleges.
- Applicants must have obtained at least 65% marks in Class 12 board examinations.
- The annual family income of the candidates must be below INR 6 lakh from all sources.
Note – Children of employees of GSK, GiveIndia and Buddy4Study are not eligible.
Benefits: Under this programme, the candidates will receive up to INR 1 lakh annually for MBBS students, totalling up to INR 4.5 lakh over four and a half years.
| Note: Scholarship funds can be utilised only for academic expenses, which include tuition fees, exam fees, books, hostel fees, food and seminars. If funds remain, they will be used for stationery, online learning, and payment of internet/data pack bills. |
Application Process: The applicants can apply for GSK Scholars Programme through the official website of Buddy4Study.
L’Oréal India Scholarship
This scholarship promotes and supports higher education in medicine, providing financial assistance to female students with exceptional academic performance.
Provider: L’Oréal India
Eligibility Criteria:
- Only female candidates are eligible for this scholarship.
- The applicant must not be more than 19 years of age.
- The applicant must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with at least 85% marks in PCB.
- The applicant must have been admitted to the graduate programme in the current academic year.
- The annual family income must not be more than INR 4 lakh.
- The applicant must be willing to pursue studies in Medical/ Engineering/ Science/ Biotechnology or any other scientific field.
Benefits: The selected candidates will receive INR 2,50,000 for the duration of their graduation.
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply online through the official website of Buddy4Study.
Nationwide Education and Scholarship Test (NEST Senior)
It is a scholarship opportunity for medical and science students, offering financial aid for pursuing courses like MBBS, BAMS, BHMS, and BDS.
Provider: SEMCI India and Students’ Unity Foundation of India
Eligibility Criteria:
- 1st and 2nd-year students of MBBS/BAMS/BHMS/BDS/Engineering or other courses and Class 12 (Science stream) can apply under the category ‘Senior I’.
- 3rd and 4th-year students can also apply under the ‘Senior II’ category.
Note: Only bona fide degree students registered at colleges/universities and appearing in the final exams of the current academic year can apply.
Award: Tuition fee with a maximum ceiling of INR 50,000
Application Process: Apply online for NEST Senior through the online application page of NEST.
Vahani Scholarship
Vahani, a non-profit organisation, provides this scholarship to support economically disadvantaged medical students, covering tuition fees and accommodation costs.
Provider: Vahani
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicants must be Class 12 students.
- Eligibility requires students to have experienced extenuating circumstances.
- The candidates must have bright potential.
Award: The selected students will receive a full tuition fee for an undergraduate course.
Application Process: Apply offline after downloading the application form from the website of Vahani.
All India Pre-medical Scholarship Test
This prestigious scholarship assists economically weaker section students appearing for national-level medical entrance exams.
Provider: Brainztorm Technical Excellence Pvt. Ltd
Eligibility Criteria:
- The candidates must have passed the final examination of 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 60% score.
- The applicants must be appearing for Class 12 exams.
- The students must be at most 26 years of age while applying for this test.
Award: The selected candidates will receive a full tuition fee waiver.
Application Process: Apply online through the application page of AIPMST.
Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Minorities
This scholarship targets students from economically backward minority communities pursuing technical and professional courses in recognised institutions/universities of West Bengal, providing financial assistance based on merit and means.
Provider: Government of West Bengal
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicants must have a domicile of West Bengal and studying in West Bengal to be eligible.
- The candidates must be studying at undergraduate and diploma levels.
- The students must have scored at least 60% marks in the last qualifying exam.
- The annual family income of the applicants must not exceed INR 2.5 lakh.
Award: Candidates will receive financial assistance ranging from INR 1500 to INR 5,000 per month.
Application Process: Apply online through the application page of West Bengal Minorities Development & Finance Corporation.
Combined Counselling Board (CCB) Scholarship
The Welfare Department of the Combined Counselling Board (CCB) collaborates with government-approved educational institutions, NGOs, and trusts to offer financial support and scholarships to students pursuing higher education.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The candidates must have obtained at least 40% to 55% marks in Pharmacy & Nursing, Education/Management, Para/Medical, and UG & PG courses.
- The students must have obtained at least 40% to 50% marks in Diploma/Engineering and Distance Learning courses.
Benefits: The selected candidates will receive up to 100% scholarship on their courses.
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply through the official website of the Combined Counselling Board (CCB).
P & G Health Scholarship
P & G Health Scholarship is an initiative by the P & G Health Scholarship Fund that was set up in 2022 by the Public Health Foundation of India. The P & G Health Scholarship Fund has been established for the eligible candidates selected for Master of Public Health (MPH) programmes being offered across Indian Institutes of Public Health (IIPHs) at Gandhinagar, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Shillong and Bhubaneswar.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The scholarship is open for Indian nationals.
- The applicants must have applied for the on-campus (full-time) Master of Public Health (MPH) being offered by PHFI through the IIPHs.
- The students must be self-sponsored and enrolled for the MPH programme across IIPHs.
- The candidates must have a good academic background, demonstrated need and specific interest in pursuing Public Health as a career.
| Note: Preference will be given to students belonging to socially and economically deprived communities, including SC, ST, OBC and PH/VHC/HI. The ‘P & G Health Scholarship’ shall provide for ‘full’, ‘half’ or ‘part’ scholarships as per demonstrated need of the applicant. |
Benefits: Financial assistance
Application Process: The eligible candidates can apply for the scholarship through the official website of the Public Health Foundation of India.
Healthcare Scholarships in India – FAQs
What are healthcare scholarships in India?
Several esteemed institutions and organisations in India offer a wide array of scholarships to support aspiring students in their quest to make a difference in the healthcare and medical field. These opportunities alleviate the financial burden and foster talent and passion in this crucial sector.
Who is eligible for healthcare scholarships in India?
Eligibility criteria for healthcare scholarships in India vary depending on the specific scholarship. Generally, eligibility is based on academic merit, financial need, particular fields of study (medical, nursing, pharmacy, etc.), and citizenship or domicile requirements (if any).
How can a student apply for the L’Oréal India Scholarship?
A student can apply for the L’Oréal India Scholarship by visiting the official website of Buddy4Study.
Can I apply for multiple healthcare scholarships in India simultaneously?
Yes, students can apply for multiple healthcare scholarships in India simultaneously. However, only one scholarship will be awarded to the students at one time.
Are there any specific healthcare scholarships for undergraduate or postgraduate students in India?
Yes, specific healthcare scholarships in India are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Some scholarships target students pursuing MBBS, BAMS, BDS, BHMS, nursing, pharmacy, and other healthcare-related courses.
Are there any service obligations associated with healthcare scholarships in India?
Some healthcare scholarships in India may have service obligations or bonding requirements. This means recipients may be required to work in designated healthcare facilities or underserved areas for a specified period after completing their studies. Reviewing the scholarship terms and conditions to understand any service obligations associated with the scholarship is essential.