Quick Summary
Are you feeling concerned about how to fund your college education? In 2025, scholarships for college students are as plentiful and varied as ever, encouraging every talented and worthy student to pursue any dream without worrying about the costs associated with the education. Some are merit-based scholarships for students who excel in academics. In contrast, others involve extra-curricular organization leadership qualifications, and there are scholarships for students in need due to financial difficulties, too. While scholarship opportunities may feel overwhelming, the correct information will open your access to many opportunities!
In this student-friendly guide, you can browse scholarships for college students and the top scholarship options for college students in India, including government, private, and merit-based scholarships. You will find eligibility, application deadlines, expert advice, and lots more to help you get to where you want to be. Whether you’re a high school senior, college applicant, or current college student, this guide will show you the best way to confidently cooperate with the next phase of your potential academic career.
Scholarship for college students are a type of financial aid provided to support the student in their undergraduate (UG) education. Scholarships for UG students are offered in various types by various sectors, such as the government and the private sector, which are discussed in detail as follows:
Government scholarship for college students makes up a substantial part of the financial support for undergraduate students. National or state governments fund these scholarships and aim to support students based on different criteria.
Regarding national or central government scholarships for UG students, programs like NSP (National Scholarship Portal) or SSP(state scholarship portal) financially assist undergraduate students from economically weaker sections. Like the central government, many states, such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra, also offer scholarships based on merit and need.
Private organisations also offer many scholarships for UG students to help them fund their education. Private companies like HDFC and Infosys provide scholarships for undergraduate students based on specific fields of study. Some scholarships are:
Many NGOs (non-government organisations) sponsor UG students financially, targeting underprivileged communities and ensuring that education reaches every corner of society.
Some scholarships are given to students, while others cater to specific groups of students who may face challenges. Scholarships like the Single Girl Child Scholarship help girls in their higher education. Another scholarship, the Central Sector Umbrella Scheme Scholarship, is given to a person with a disability for their higher education.
The National Scholarships Portal (NSP) is a one-stop solution that allows students to apply for, receive, process, sanction, and disburse many scholarships. It is designated a Mission-Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). These scholarships range from 15,000 per month for 10 months in a year to 20,000 per month.
Eligibility: The scholarships available at NSP are for students in the UG degree program. Students who already have a UG degree are not eligible for this. Once you have entered all of your information on the NSP, you can view a list of all the scholarship for college students for which you are eligible.
Application Process: Below are some steps for the NSP application process.
The Oasis scholarship is specially made for SC/ST/OBC students in West Bengal. This scholarship for college students gives financial aid to eligible candidates pursuing UG courses. The Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal, manages all of the work, and this webpage offers state merit scholarship for UG students 2025. You can find all finance-related details in the table given below-
| Scholarship | Amount |
| Post-matric scholarship (SC/ST Medical/Engg/BSC/MPhil/PhD) | 550 INR monthly |
| Post-Matric (SC/ST B.Pharm/LLB/PG/Hotel Management) | 530 INR monthly |
| Post-Matric (OBC and Medical/Engg/BSC/MPhil/PhD) | 350 INR monthly |
| Post-Matric (OBC B.Pharm/LLB/PG/Hotel Management) | 335 INR monthly |
HDFC Bank Parivartan’s Educational Crisis Scholarship Support (ECSS) Programme is an HDFC Bank program that assists meritorious and needy students from impoverished backgrounds.
Eligibility: The eligibility of this scheme is as follows:
Benefits: General undergraduate courses cost INR 30,000, whereas professional undergraduate courses cost INR 50,000.
Application Process:
The Single Girl Child Scholarship for UG students is a UGC scholarship initiative that offers financial assistance to single female children in their education. Girls who are the sole offspring of their parents, which means they do not have any brothers or sisters, are eligible to apply for a single female child scholarship.
After checking the qualifying conditions, a student may apply for the scholarship by following the processes outlined below:
The best way to avoid missing out on this scholarship for college students is to check the deadlines regularly. For example, the UP scholarship’s last date for UG students given by the UP government typically falls in November. Missing these deadlines can result in losing financial aid.
To apply for these applications, you must consider the following points:
To fill out and check the application status of your scholarship, choose platforms like NSP or state-specific scholarship portals. These are very useful in streamlining the application process and providing updates on the deadline.
Scholarships assist students with their tuition, textbooks, and other college-related expenditures. Scholarships, however, provide benefits that extend far beyond financial help. Let’s see some of the benefits of getting a scholarship for college students.
Scholarships enable students to attend their chosen colleges, providing access to top-tier institutions and programs. With substantial grants, they empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers that attract top talent.
Scholarships recognize student achievements and provide significant financial support. Often merit-based, they reward academic excellence or exceptional extracurricular success.
Scholarships connect students with like-minded peers, industry leaders, and potential mentors. Many private organizations award scholarships to nurture the next generation of talent.
With a challenging screening procedure and many candidates each year, you’re surely aware of how stiff the competition is for a university scholarship.
However, just because you may encounter some difficulties along the route does not make it an impossible task. You may obtain the scholarship you hoped for with the appropriate technique and helpful hints.
Although essential, these tried-and-true strategies can help you secure your scholarship with ease and confidence.
Scholarship for college students is not just monetary aid; it allows students to lift the load off their parents’ shoulders and pursue higher education. As we can see, the expense of education is rising, so getting a scholarship allows students to pursue their academic dreams.
Every kid who excels academically or is a gifted athlete will be awarded a scholarship to help them flourish. For college students with a UG degree, many scholarships are available in 2025 that cater to their needs and background. From government initiatives to private scholarships for UG students, a student has a brighter future ahead.
Feeling motivated? Please do not wait any longer; check the eligibility of scholarships related to you and fill out their application form now.
Read More: How to get scholarship
Obtaining a scholarship for college students can profoundly impact your educational experience by relieving your financial pressure so you can focus on your education and overall development. There are so many scholarship options for you in 2025, so it is critical to diligently research, stay on top of deadlines, and submit comprehensive, thoughtful applications. Remember that scholarships are not strictly based on grades—your accomplishments, demonstrations of leadership, and passion will be leveraged.
It is proactive for you to apply to multiple scholarships, seek help with applications from mentors if you have them or from a college counselor, and not be totally discouraged by obstacles. If you remain determined and implement an effective strategy, you, too, can tap into a valuable resource and make the most out of your college experience. Using your scholarships as opportunities opens up new experiences, especially toward your success in your field of study.
The best scholarship concerns your situation: your grades, financial need, and interests.
One great example of a scholarship is the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. A full-ride scholarship for high-achieving students with financial need covers tuition, books, and more, along with leadership training and support.
Tip: The most important thing when applying for a scholarship is to tell your story. Scholarship committees want to know about you, not just your accomplishments! Be authentic and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals!
Some top colleges offering full scholarships based on merit or need are:
IIT Kharagpur (for top 100 JEE Advanced rankers)
VIT Chennai (top VITEEE rankers)
SRM University (top entrance exam rankers)
BITS Pilani (merit and need-based)
Tip: Score high in entrance exams and keep your academic record strong to increase your chances!
The NSP (National Scholarship Portal) provides multiple scholarships for undergraduate (UG) students in India to help with tuition and other education costs. These scholarships are available to students from various categories, such as SC/ST/OBC, minorities, and economically weaker sections.
Sample of a scholarship student:
Suppose a student is pursuing their bachelor’s degree in a government college and meets the requirements, including the income limit and previous academic performance. In that case, they will be eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Suggestion
Register on the NSP portal early, gather all documents, and submit the application before the deadline.
The OASIS Scholarship varies with course and category. For SC/ST students, it is ₹300 to ₹1,200 monthly, depending on your course and residence in a hostel. For OBC students, it is a fixed amount for the academic year: ₹13,000 for professional courses and ₹8,000 for general classes.
For example:
A SC student enrolled in a B.Tech program living in the hostel can receive ₹1,200 monthly during the academic year.
Tip:
Please determine your eligibility for your category and course and apply on the OASIS portal before the deadline.
To apply online, go to the HDFC ECSS or Buddy4Study website, upload your mark sheets and proof of income, and submit your application before the last submission date.
Example: A BSc student with 60% marks and a low family income online applies to get the available ₹30,000/year.
Tip: Apply as early as possible when applying online, and keep all documents ready.
The last date for registration for UP scholarships varies based on the scholarship type:
Pre-Matric (Classes 9 & 10): Registration ends on 31st October 2024.
Post-Matric (Classes 11 & 12): Registration ends on 31st December 2024.
Dashmottar (Undergraduate and above): Registration ends on 31st December 2024.
Tip: To avoid issues, complete your registration and form submission before the deadlines.
Indeed, numerous private scholarships are designed for college students and provided by companies, foundations, and NGOs. These scholarships often target specific areas of study, talents, or backgrounds and can provide substantial support.
For example, the Tata Trusts and Inlaks Foundation offer private scholarships for Indian students studying other vocational subjects or pursuing higher studies.
Tip: Regularly check scholarship websites you trust for scholarships that fit your profile. Apply early, as there are often many deadlines for private scholarships.
Go to your state’s official scholarship site. Create an account with your information. Complete the scholarship application pertinent to your classification and your course of study. Once completed, submit the required documents before the deadline.
For example, Students from Odisha can easily apply for state scholarships through the SAMS portal by uploading their mark sheets and income certificates.
Tips: Prepare all documents beforehand by keeping them in digital format and applying as early as possible to avoid any issues at the last minute.
To apply for the Digital Gujarat Scholarship online, visit the official portal at digitalgujarat.gov.in.
Example:
A student pursuing a B.Tech course in Gujarat can apply in this scenario by registering on the portal with an Aadhaar card, uploading the income certificate, caste certificate, and last mark sheets through the portal, and ensuring to apply before the given deadline.
Tip:
Please ensure that all uploaded documents are scanned clearly and included in the required size, dimensions, and format; otherwise, the application will be rejected.
Visit your state’s official scholarship site (for example, the DCE portal in Kerala), register, fill out your details, upload your mark sheets and income certificate, and submit your application before the closing date.
For instance, a student from Kerala studying BSc and whose family income is below ₹1 lakh can apply online at the DCE portal.
Advice: Keep your documents handy and apply sooner rather than later to prevent hassle at the last minute.
Authored by, Gagandeep Khokhar
Career Guidance Expert
Gagandeep is a content writer and strategist focused on creating high-performing, SEO-driven content that bridges the gap between learners and institutions. He crafts compelling narratives across blogs, landing pages, and email campaigns to drive engagement and build trust.
Editor's Recommendations
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
