India Offers Scholarships For Diaspora Children

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- The Indian government today announced a special scholarship programme for the children of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to pursue undergraduate, professional and general courses in India for the 2012-2013 academic year. The Indian High Commission, here, in a statement Monday said the scholarship programme offered 75 per cent of the institutional economic cost, which included tuition fee, hostel fee and other institutional charges or US$4,000 (RM12,489) per annum, whichever is less. It is open for various disciplines of undergraduate courses such as engineering, architecture, technology, commerce, business administration, business management, computer applications, sciences, law and ayurvedam except medical-related courses. The applicants should be aged 17 to 21, as on Oct 1, this year and with the family's total income not exceeding US$2,250 (RM7,052) per month. Selection will be based on marks obtained by the candidates in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia - STPM (Malaysian Higher School Certificate) or 'A' Levels or equivalent examination. Applicants must score 60 per cent aggregate marks or equivalent grades at higher secondary level as recognised by the Association of Indian Universities, and must study the prescribed essential subjects at the qualifying examination level to pursue a particular course of study. The application forms are available from the Indian High Commission, Education Wing, Level 28, Menara 1 Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur or can be downloaded from www.indianhighcommission.com.my/spdc.php, and further information can be accessed from www.edcilindia.co.in. Applicants may send their forms to The Project Manager (SPDC), Placement and Secondment Division, Educational Consultants India Limited (Ed. CIL), Ed. CIL House, No. 18A, Sector-16A, NOIDA-201 301, Uttar Pradesh, India not later than June 10. -- BERNAMA