Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships 2026 (Indian students)

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships stand as one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship opportunities available to Indian students seeking postgraduate education abroad. Unlike many scholarship programs that offer partial support, the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation provides comprehensive funding packages reaching up to USD $100,000 that enable exceptional students to pursue their academic dreams in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States without financial constraints. As a result, the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships has become a symbol of academic excellence and visionary potential, offering talented Indian graduates access to world-class education at the most renowned global institutions. check: Coca Cola Scholarship 2027

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships is not merely a funding opportunity; it is a life changing experience that shapes global leaders, fosters international understanding, and builds bridges between India and the international academic community. With the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, students can immerse themselves in foreign academic cultures while receiving exceptional education and full financial support. The program plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing individuals who demonstrate not only academic brilliance but also the character and motivation to become vehicles of positive change in their home country. check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026

Beyond financial assistance, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships opens doors to an extraordinary educational and cultural journey. It welcomes academically outstanding and highly motivated students to become part of a prestigious international network, engage with diverse perspectives, and study at institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, Sciences Po, and Imperial College London. Moreover, the Inlaks Foundation supports studies across a specific range of academic disciplines, with a strong emphasis on Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Fine Arts, and Environmental Sciences. Through these opportunities, the program prepares students to become global citizens who contribute meaningfully to the world while building lasting connections with the international community.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, established in 1976 by Count Indoo Shivdasani, has long been a leading benefactor for Indian talent. Over the decades, it has supported hundreds of scholars who have gone on to lead distinguished careers in academia, the arts, and public service. Today, the foundation continues this legacy by offering cutting edge support for research and professional preparation. The various scholarship programs under the foundation represent an investment in the next generation of thinkers who are prepared to create a profound impact on society.

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Types of Inlaks Scholarships

What financial benefits and types of awards does the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships offer? The foundation provides several specialized tiers of support to ensure that Indian talent is nurtured across various creative and academic fields:

1. The Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship (University Courses): The flagship award for overseas postgraduate study. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, and a health allowance up to a maximum of USD $100,000.
2. Joint Partnership Scholarships: The foundation has partnered with elite institutions like the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and Sciences Po (Paris). These partnerships often allow for funding beyond the standard cap or provide specific tuition waivers.
3. Inlaks Research and Travel Grant (IRTG): Designed for PhD students registered at Indian universities who need to travel abroad for short-term research (up to 3 months). It provides up to USD $1,000 for travel and USD $2,000 per month for living costs.
4. Inlaks Fellowship for Social Engagement: A two-year fellowship for Indian graduates to work on action-oriented projects in India. Stipends range from ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 per month depending on the project location.
5. Inlaks Fine Arts & Theatre Awards: Specialized grants for young artists and theatre practitioners to enhance their skills through residency programs or specialized training, often providing a monthly allowance of ₹15,000 for a year.
6. Ravi Sankaran Fellowship: Specialized funding for practitioners in the fields of ecology and conservation to pursue a Master’s degree abroad or an internship.

Eligibility Criteria

What are the criteria for the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships? Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Citizenship & Residency: Applicants must be Indian passport holders and must be resident in India at the time of application.
• Age Limit: For the 2026 cycle, applicants must be born on or after January 1, 1996 (typically under 30 years old).
• Academic Excellence:
  • Social Sciences/Humanities/Arts: Minimum 65%, CGPA 6.8/10, or GPA 2.6/4.
  • Mathematics/Sciences/Environment: Minimum 70%, CGPA 7.2/10, or GPA 3/4.
• Admission Status: You must hold a confirmed admission offer from a top-rated university in the UK, USA, or Europe before applying to the foundation.
• Prior Foreign Degree: Applicants who already hold a postgraduate degree from a university outside of India are not eligible.
• Language Proficiency: Any English language conditions (IELTS/TOEFL) in the university offer letter must be cleared before submitting the scholarship application.
• Excluded Subjects: The scholarship does not fund Business/Finance (MBA), Computer Science, Engineering (except at Imperial College), Fashion Design, Clinical Medicine, or Music (except Western Classical Singing).

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents as part of their application package:

• Official Admission Letter
• Academic Transcripts
• Detailed CV/Resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Recommendation Letters.
• Portfolio/Writing Sample
• Evidence of Additional Funding

Deadline

• Application Opening: February 15, 2026.
• Application Closing: March 31, 2026 (12:00 PM IST).
• Shortlisting Notifications: May 2026.

Step by step Application Process

• Step 1: Secure an unconditional admission offer from a top-rated institution in the US, UK, or Europe.
• Step 2: Visit the official Inlaks Foundation portal and register for the 2026 cycle. here
• Step 3: Complete the online application form, carefully selecting your field of study and host university.
• Step 4: Upload all required academic documents, the offer letter, and your Statement of Purpose.
• Step 5: Ensure your referees upload their letters of recommendation before the deadline.
• Step 6: If shortlisted, you will be invited for a preliminary online interview in early May 2026.
• Step 7: Candidates successful in the first round will attend a final in-person interview in Mumbai during the last week of May 2026
• Step 8: Final decisions are usually announced within 24 hours of the final interview.
• Step 9: Once awarded, coordinate with the foundation for fund disbursement and pre-departure formalities.