SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25

The SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25 stands as a beacon of hope for Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education at premier international universities. Funded by the SBI Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the State Bank of India, this program aims to break down financial barriers and empower meritorious students from low-income families, specifically those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), to achieve their academic dreams on a global platform.

Recognizing the financial constraints faced by many talented students, particularly those from marginalized communities, the program offers substantial financial assistance to pursue master’s or postgraduate degrees at top-tier universities abroad. This initiative is a part of the SBI Foundation’s Integrated Learning Mission (ILM), focusing on education as a catalyst for social change.

This comprehensive guide delves into the specifics of the SBIF Asha Scholarship, outlining its eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and selection procedure, empowering prospective applicants with the information they need to navigate the application process successfully.

SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25 – Highlights

Particulars	Details
Name of the Scholarship	SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25
Provider Name	SBI Foundation under its education vertical – Integrated Learning Mission (ILM)
Scholarship Type	Merit-cum-means based
Eligibility	Open to SC/ST students pursuing a master’s or above course (any year) at a premier university/college outside India.
Award	Up to INR 20,00,000 or 50% of course-related expenses (whichever is less)
Last Date to Apply	30th April 2025
Application Mode	Online

About the SBI Foundation: A Legacy of Service

The SBI Foundation embodies the spirit of “service beyond banking,” a philosophy deeply ingrained in the ethos of the State Bank of India. Operating across 28 states and union territories in India, the Foundation channels its resources into diverse areas crucial for socio-economic development. These include Rural Development, Healthcare, Education, Livelihood & Entrepreneurship, Youth Empowerment, and Promotion of Sports. With a commitment to ethical interventions, the SBI Foundation strives to create a positive societal impact, fostering growth and equality for underprivileged communities.

SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25 – Who Can Apply?

The scholarship program has specific eligibility requirements to ensure that the benefits reach the most deserving candidates. Aspiring applicants must meet the following criteria:

Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
Category: The scholarship is exclusively for students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.
Course of Study: Applicants must be pursuing a master’s or postgraduate degree (any year) at a recognized premier university or college outside India. The definition of “premier” is crucial; these institutions are typically those that rank highly in globally recognized university rankings like the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Academic Performance: A strong academic record is essential. Applicants must have secured 75% or above in their most recent academic year.
Family Income: The scholarship is designed to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The gross annual family income of the applicant must be no more than INR 6,00,000. Preference is given to students with a family income of up to INR 3,00,000 per annum.
Reservation: 100% of the overseas education slots are reserved for SC/ST scholars, underscoring the program’s commitment to social inclusion.

SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25 – Award

The SBIF Asha Scholarship provides significant financial aid to selected students, easing the burden of international education expenses. The scholarship covers up to INR 20,00,000 per year, or 50% of the total course-related expenses, whichever is less. This substantial support allows students to focus on their studies without the constant worry of financial constraints.

SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25 – Navigating the Application Process

The application process for the SBIF Asha Scholarship is entirely online and facilitated through the Buddy4Study platform. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:

Visit the Website: Begin by visiting the official scholarship website: https://www.sbifashascholarship.org/
Apply Now: Click on the “Apply Now” button.
Buddy4Study Login/Registration: You will be directed to the Buddy4Study platform. If you already have an account, log in using your registered ID. If you are a new user, you will need to register on Buddy4Study using your email, mobile number, or Google account.
Application Form: Once logged in, you will be redirected to the SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25 application form page.
Start Application: Click on the “Start Application” button to begin filling out the online application form. Provide accurate and complete information.

Required Documents: A Critical Component

Uploading the correct and complete set of documents is a crucial part of the SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education application process. Ensure you have the following documents ready and scanned in a clear and legible format:

Passport Size Photograph
Aadhaar Card (Both Sides)
Passport
10th Marksheet
12th Marksheet
Graduation Final Marksheet
Graduation Degree
Master’s¹ 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 Certificate² (If Applicable)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
GRE/GMAT Certificate (If Applicable)
Education Loan Sanction Letter/Other Scholarship Acceptance Letter (If Applicable)
Death Certificate/Divorce Decree/Any Affidavit³ (If Applicable)
Orphan Certificate/Letter from Orphanage (If Applicable)

Terms and Conditions: Carefully read the terms and conditions, and if you agree, accept them.
Preview and Submit: Preview your application to ensure all the information is correct. Once you are satisfied, click the “Submit” button to finalize your application.

The Selection Process: A Multi-Stage Evaluation

The selection process for the SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education is rigorous, ensuring that the most deserving candidates receive the support. It involves a multi-stage evaluation:

Initial Shortlisting: Applications are initially screened based on academic merit and financial background. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
Telephonic Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for telephonic interviews to assess their suitability for the program.
Document Verification: Following the interviews, the documents submitted by the candidates will be verified for authenticity and completeness.
Final Selection: The final selection is based on a comprehensive evaluation of academic performance, financial need, interview performance, and document verification.
Scholarship Disbursement: Selected students will receive the scholarship amount directly into their bank accounts.

SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25 – Tracking Your Application Status

After submitting your application, you can track its progress by logging into your Buddy4Study account.

Go to the Login section and click on the “Applied Scholarships” option.

You can track the status of your SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education application.

Key Takeaways for Prospective Applicants

Start Early: Begin your application process well in advance of the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
Gather Documents: Compile all the required documents beforehand to ensure a smooth application process.
Craft a Strong SOP: The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your opportunity to showcase your aspirations and why you deserve the scholarship. Invest time in writing a compelling and personalized SOP.
Check Regularly: Monitor your Buddy4Study account for updates on your application status.

SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25 – Contact Details

In case one has any queries related to this scholarship program, its eligibility, the application process, award details, or the selection process, one is requested to connect through the email ID given below –

Contact Number: 011-430-92248 (Ext: 303) (Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM (IST))

Email ID: sbiashascholarship@buddy4study.com

SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25 – FAQs

Is this scholarship only for students going for a full degree program, or does it also cover exchange programs?

The scholarship primarily focuses on supporting students pursuing full master's or postgraduate degree programs abroad. Exchange programs are generally not covered.

How are 'premier universities/colleges' defined?

Premier universities are generally considered those that rank highly in globally recognized rankings like QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

I have already started my master's program abroad. Can I still apply for the scholarship?

Yes, you can apply even if you are currently pursuing your master's degree abroad, as long as you meet all other eligibility criteria.

What does ‘any year’ of a master's or postgraduate course mean in the eligibility criteria?

This means that students in any year of their master's or postgraduate program (first year, second year, etc.) are eligible to apply, provided they meet all other criteria.

Are there any specific fields of study that are prioritized for this scholarship?

The scholarship is open to students pursuing master's or postgraduate degrees in any field of study. There are no specific fields prioritized.

Does the scholarship cover all my expenses, including travel, accommodation, and living costs?

While the scholarship provides substantial financial support, it may not cover all expenses. It covers up to INR 20,00,000 or 50% of the course-related expenses (whichever is less).

How is the scholarship amount disbursed?

The scholarship amount is typically disbursed directly to the selected student's bank account.

Can I submit my application if I am waiting for my English proficiency test results?

It is best to have your English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) before applying, as they are a required document. Submitting an application without them might negatively affect your chances.

What should I include in my Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

Your SOP should be a compelling and personalized essay outlining your academic background, your reasons for pursuing your chosen master's program abroad, your career goals, and why you believe you are a deserving candidate for the scholarship. It's your chance to showcase your passion and potential.

If I am not selected, will I receive any feedback on my application?

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications, personalized feedback is usually not provided to the applicants.

Is an SBI bank account mandatory to apply for the SBIF scholarship?

No, having an SBI bank account is not mandatory to apply for the SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25. However, if selected, you may be required to open an SBI bank account to receive the scholarship funds. You can provide details of any valid bank account while filling out the application form.

Are diploma students eligible to apply for this scholarship?

No, diploma students are not eligible for the SBIF Asha Scholarship Program for Overseas Education 2024-25. This scholarship is open to Indian students belonging to SC and ST categories pursuing a master’s or postgraduate course (any year) at a premier university or college outside India.

I am an orphan and don't have an earning member in my family. What document should I provide under the income certificate section?

In such cases, you can submit a certificate from the local government authority or any recognized institution confirming your status as an orphan, along with a no-income affidavit or a letter stating your current financial situation.

Whom should I contact if I have further questions that are not answered in the FAQs?

For any further queries, you should contact Buddy4Study support via email at sbiashascholarship@buddy4study.com or call at 011-430-92248 (Ext: 303) from Monday to Friday - 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM (IST).