New Delhi: Eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) students are being offered scholarships for pursuing higher studies abroad under 'National Overseas Scholarship for SC etc. Candidates' scheme, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, D. Napoleon said today.

The scholarship includes annual maintenance allowance, contingency allowance, actual fee payable to university or institute, VISA fees, medical insurance premium, equipment allowance, incidental journey expenses, etc. Air passage from India and back is also provided.

The number of students offered scholarships during the selection years 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 was 15, 28 and 29 respectively. During the years 2006-07 and 2007-08, 11 students have actually gone abroad for studies under the scheme.

Selection for the year 2008-09 has been finalized recently, and as per the scheme, the selected candidates are required to obtain admission in the accredited university or institution abroad, within three years from the date of communication of their selection.