Ratan Tata, the visionary industrialist who passed away at the age of 86 on October 9, 2024, firmly believed that education was key to unlocking human potential and driving societal progress. This conviction guided his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education. Today, we will explore various scholarships and aids provided by the Tata Trusts to students in India for higher education both domestically and abroad.
What are Tata Trusts?
Tata Trusts provide grants and partner with organizations that engage in innovative, sustainable initiatives capable of making a visible difference.The Trusts offer grants for endowments, small grants programs, and individual grants for education and medical relief.
Founded in 1892 by Jamsetji Tata, the founder of Tata Group, Tata Trusts began with the JN Tata Endowment for higher education of Indians. Today, under the Tata Trusts’ umbrella, multiple trusts exist, such as the ‘Tata Education and Development Trust’ (founded in 2008) and the Sri Ratan Tata Trust (founded in 1919).
Scholarships Offered by Tata Trusts:
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
This merit-based loan scholarship supports full-time postgraduate, PhD, and postdoctoral studies abroad across all disciplines. In recent years, loan amounts have ranged from INR 1 lakh to INR 10 lakhs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Indian citizens under 45 years of age as of June 30, 2024.
- Graduates from recognized Indian universities with at least 60% marks in their undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
- Candidates must pursue recognized graduate programs abroad (postgraduate in Indian terms).
- Applicants awaiting admission offers can apply but must update their status once admitted.
Ladt Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship is for Indian women pursuing Master’s programs overseas in fields like social work, child welfare, and education for children with special needs. Up to 10 women benefit annually.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Indian women graduate with a consistent academic record.
- Applicants must have applied to or preferably secured admission at reputed universities in the US, UK, or Europe for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Minimum of two years of relevant work experience is desired.
- Shortlisted candidates must attend an interview with the board of trustees.
Selected candidates receive a gift scholarship ranging from INR 3 lakhs to INR 6 lakhs toward tuition fees.
Civil Aviation and Professional Enhancement Grants
- The Civil Aviation Grant is for students pursuing a Commercial Pilot’s License or type rating in India or abroad, subject to their performance in interviews.
- The Professional Enhancement Grant is for working professionals seeking to enhance their skills through training, workshops, or observership programs abroad.
Lady Tata Memorial Trust
Founded in 1932, this trust supports institutional scientific research and offers programs like the Young Researcher Award and Teachers’ Training Programs. In 2021-22, 15 students were awarded Junior Research Fellowships, with a focus on leukemia and cancer research. Scholarships totaling GBP 185,000 (~INR 1.84 crore) were awarded for five international research projects.
Tata Scholarship for Indian Students at Cornell University
Established in 2008, this scholarship provides financial support for undergraduate students from India attending Cornell University. Funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust with a $25 million endowment, the scholarship covers tuition and other annual expenses. Each year, 20 students are selected.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of India and have attended secondary school in India.
- Must have received an offer of admission to Cornell University as an undergraduate.
- Must be eligible for need-based financial aid.
Click here to read more about this scholarship.
These scholarships demonstrate the Tata Trusts’ deep commitment to empowering students through education, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented individuals from achieving their academic goals.
For more information, students can visit the official website of Tata Trusts or can click here.
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