Indian high school students who dream of studying abroad can take advantage of several government programs and policies. These opportunities help build strong profiles, offer international exposure, and even provide financial support. Here’s a curated list of initiatives that align with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its push for global learning:
1. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – Internationalization Drive
Website: Ministry of Education
Dates: Ongoing
Cost: Free
Eligibility: All Indian students
Deadline: N/A
The NEP encourages Indian students to take free online courses from top global universities like MIT and Stanford through platforms such as SWAYAM. Credits from these courses can count toward foreign university degrees. It also promotes partnerships for dual-degree programs and introduces global learning topics like climate change. By 2026, international universities may even open campuses in India, giving students direct access to foreign curriculums.
2. Vocational Education Mobility Program
Website: Ministry of Skill Development
Location: Nationwide
Dates: Ongoing
Cost: Free
Eligibility: All Indian students (Classes 9–12)
Deadline: N/A (Rolling intake)
This program offers courses in areas like AI, robotics, and sustainability that follow global standards. Students can earn credits, take part in events like WorldSkills Asia, and even intern with multinational companies. These experiences help build a strong STEM profile for college applications.Participants also receive hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and exposure to real-world problem-solving. The program encourages innovation and entrepreneurship through hackathons, bootcamps, and mentorship from industry experts. With its rolling intake and nationwide access, it's a great opportunity for students to explore career paths early and gain a competitive edge.
3. ICCR Scholarships for Cultural Exchange
Website: Indian Council for Cultural Relations
Location: Partner countries (e.g., USA, Japan)
Dates: Annual
Cost: Fully funded
Eligibility: High school graduates
Deadline: Varies by country
The ICCR offers fully funded scholarships for pre-university study in 68 countries. Students learn new languages, experience local cultures, and take part in workshops related to arts and heritage. These experiences can really enhance college applications. Note: Medical courses aren’t included.
4. Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN)
Website: MHRD
Dates: Year-round
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Classes 11–12
Deadline: Check portal Through the MHRD GIAN portal
Classes 11–12 students can audit advanced courses taught by Nobel laureates and global faculty in STEM and humanities. Certificates earned from these courses are recognized by institutions like ETH Zurich and MIT for credit transfers. The program also hosts collaborative research projects addressing India-specific challenges such as clean energy and rural healthcare. Partner institutions like Aligarh Muslim University offer hands-on workshops, with deadlines updated regularly on the portal.
5. CBSE International Curriculum Initiative
Website: CBSE Academics
Dates: Ongoing
Cost: Free
Eligibility: CBSE students
CBSE students can participate in this free ongoing program through CBSE Academics, which offers collaborative projects with schools in 28 countries on themes like robotics and climate action. Electives mirroring IB/A-Level curricula, such as computational thinking and data science, prepare students for universities like UCL and NUS.The CBSE-i curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and global perspectives through skill-based assessments, aligning with Ivy League application requirements.
6. National Overseas Scholarship for SC/ST Students
Website: Ministry of Social Justice
Dates: February 15 to March 31
Cost: Covers tuition + living expenses
Eligibility: SC/ST students, 75%+ in Class 12
Managed by the Ministry of Social Justice, this annual scholarship covers full tuition and provides a ₹1.5 lakh/month stipend for SC/ST students with 75%+ in Class 12 to pursue UG programs at Times Top 200 universities. It includes SAT/ACT prep support through nodal centers and mentorship for application essays.Eligibility requires a family income below ₹8 lakh/year and a commitment to return to India post-study. While medical courses are excluded, it supports engineering, humanities, and management disciplines, with applications due in March.
7. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) – Global Hackathons
Website: AIM
Dates: Annual
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Classes 9–12
Managed by NITI Aayog, AIM engages Indian high school students (Classes 9–12) in solving global challenges through innovation hubs called Atal Tinkering Labs. Annual hackathons like the ATL Marathon focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals, with themes ranging from clean energy to healthcare access. Selected participants receive 3-month mentorship from industry experts to refine prototypes and pitch strategies. The program partners with global institutions like MIT for exposure to international tech ecosystems. Top projects earn prototyping grants (up to ₹20 lakh) and patent support, strengthening profiles for STEM-focused universities.
8. MyGov Youth Policy Challenges
Website: MyGov
Dates: Ongoing
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 14+
Students can share their ideas to solve real problems in the country, like cutting down pollution or improving cities. The best ideas are included in government reports and sent to important ministries. Students might also get the chance to join youth events and debates, which helps show their leadership skills in college applications..
9. Student Exchange Programs (SEP)
Website: Ministry of Education
Dates: 3–12 months
Cost: Partially funded
This program allows students to live abroad with host families and study in local schools. They also take part in community service, which is recognized by college application platforms like the Common App. Language skills (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) may be required.
10. NITI Aayog’s Young Innovators Program
Website: NITI Aayog
Dates: Annual
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Classes 9–12
This program encourages students to create tech-based solutions for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Projects might include AI tools for farming or clean water systems. Selected teams receive mentorship, grants (up to ₹20 lakh), and get to present their ideas at global events. Top students may even earn year-long fellowships in social innovation.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Global Education offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Global’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!