Kerala Overseas Scholarship 2025 – Apply Online for SC/ST Students

The Government of Kerala has always been at the forefront of empowering students through education. One of its most impactful initiatives is the Kerala Overseas Scholarship for SC/ST Students 2025 under the Unnathi scheme. This program provides financial assistance to deserving students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities who aspire to pursue higher education abroad.

With the support of the SC/ST Development Department and the Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Consultants (ODEPC), the scholarship ensures that students can study in prestigious international universities without worrying about tuition fees, living expenses, or the hassles of documentation. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Kerala Overseas Scholarship 2025, its benefits, objectives, eligibility, application process, and frequently asked questions.

What is the Kerala Overseas Scholarship Under Unnathi?

The Unnathi Overseas Scholarship is a government-backed program designed exclusively for SC/ST students in Kerala who want to study abroad for postgraduate or research programs. Unlike earlier times when students had to manage everything on their own, from finding universities to arranging visas and tickets, now the ODEPC takes care of all major responsibilities. Essentially, the scholarship is a one-stop solution that allows students to focus on their studies rather than financial or logistical worries.

Financial Assistance Under the Kerala Overseas Scholarship 2025

One of the biggest highlights of the scheme is the generous financial support provided to selected students.

• ST Students:
  
  
  • ₹25 lakh for the entire duration of their course.
    
    
  • An additional ₹10 lakh for living expenses.
    
    
• SC Students with annual family income up to ₹12 lakh:
  
  
  • ₹25 lakh for the course.
    
    
  • ₹10 lakh reserved for living expenses.
    
    
• SC Students with annual family income between ₹12–20 lakh:
  
  
  • ₹20 lakh for education.
    
    
• SC Students with annual family income above ₹20 lakh:
  
  
  • ₹15 lakh for education.
    
    

This structured support ensures that students from diverse income groups within the SC/ST category can also benefit.

Also read: UP Scholarship 2025-26: Eligibility, Documents, Status & Benefits

Features of the Kerala Overseas Scholarship 2025

Here are the key highlights of the scheme:

• Managed entirely by ODEPC, a government agency registered under the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Covers tuition fees, living expenses, visa charges, and travel arrangements.
• Living allowance transferred directly into the candidate’s foreign bank account.
• Priority given to vulnerable groups such as girls, differently-abled candidates, and children of single parents.
• Ensures transparency and security in the overseas admission process.

Kerala Overseas Scholarship: Selection Process

The selection of candidates is done through a transparent and merit-based process. Steps include:

1. Screening of applications to verify eligibility.
2. Document verification.
3. Preparation of a merit list based on academic performance.
4. Final selection and scholarship disbursement through ODEPC.

Kerala Overseas Scholarship: Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
  
• Must belong to the SC or ST community.
  
• Should have secured admission (or be in the process of applying) to a recognized foreign university for postgraduate or research programs.
  
• Must fulfill the income criteria applicable to their community category.
  

How to Apply for the Kerala Overseas Scholarship 2025?

The application process is simple and online through the official ODEPC portal.

Step-by-step process:

1. Visit the official website of ODEPC.
   
2. On the homepage, click on the option related to Overseas Scholarship.
   
3. Fill in your details such as:
   
   
   1. Name
      
      Date of Birth
      
      Email and Mobile Number
      
      Country of Interest
      
   1. Course Type and Study Plan
      
      
4. Upload the required documents.
   
5. Submit the application form.
   
   
6. Wait for confirmation or further communication from ODEPC.

Once selected, students will receive guidance and updates directly from the department.

FAQs

Q1. What is the aim of the Kerala Overseas Scholarship under Unnathi?

The main aim is to provide financial and logistical support to SC/ST students from Kerala who want to pursue postgraduate or research studies abroad, while protecting them from fraudulent agencies.

Q2. Who is eligible for the scholarship?

Any SC/ST student who is a permanent resident of Kerala and has secured admission to a recognized foreign university can apply, subject to income criteria.

Q3. How much financial support will students receive?

ST students receive up to ₹25 lakh plus ₹10 lakh for living expenses. SC students receive between ₹15–25 lakh depending on their family income, with additional support for living costs.

Q4. What is ODEPC?
ODEPC stands for Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Consultants. It is a government recruitment agency under the Ministry of External Affairs that manages the scholarship.

Q5. How can students apply?

Applications must be submitted online through the official ODEPC website by filling out the form and uploading required documents.

Also read: RBSE Supplementary Result 2025: Check Class 10th, 12th Compartment Result

Conclusion

The Kerala Overseas Scholarship for SC/ST Students 2025 under Unnathi is a groundbreaking initiative that opens doors for marginalized communities to pursue global education opportunities. By covering tuition, living costs, and ensuring safe admissions, the program empowers students to dream big and achieve success abroad. For SC/ST students in Kerala, this is not just financial assistance, it is a gateway to knowledge, global exposure, and a brighter future.