Recent scholarship announcements in January 2026 highlight a surge in opportunities for Indian students and global talent, focusing on financial aid for undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialized studies. From government-backed schemes to international awards, these programs aim to reduce educational barriers amid rising costs.
Domestic scholarships like the Azim Premji Scholarship target girl students pursuing UG or diploma courses, with applications closing on January 31, 2026. The JSW Udaan Scholarship supports diploma and degree students until February 8, while the Arvind Foundation Scholarship aids Class 11 to PG levels by January 30. These initiatives emphasize document accuracy, such as unedited marksheets, to ensure eligibility.​
The SC ST OBC Scholarship 2026, now open via the National Scholarship Portal, provides aid from school to university for reserved category students, covering tuition and other expenses to boost retention rates. Applications are fully online, underscoring India’s push for inclusive education, though exact deadlines remain pending announcement.
Internationally, the University of Glasgow’s India Achievers Award offers £15,000 for Indian Master’s students, with Round 1 ending February 23, 2026; a 70% undergraduate score boosts competitiveness. Heriot-Watt University’s new program, funded by €1.5 million from the Orchard Foundation, supports 30 women from Sub-Saharan Africa in postgraduate studies starting September 2026.
Today’s Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026, backed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, enables young entrepreneurs to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town. This fully funded opportunity targets innovative leaders, reflecting a trend toward scholarships blending education with global leadership development.​
The National Scholarship Portal also handles renewals for schemes like the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for ex-servicemen’s wards and the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship for 2025-26. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds stand to gain most, as these programs address economic hurdles in skill development and higher education.
These updates signal a vibrant scholarship landscape in early 2026, urging prompt applications to seize deadlines amid competitive selections.
