JN Tata Endowment - JN Tata Endowment

JN Tata Endowment loan scholarship

You will receive a low-interest loan of up to about 22,000 EUR (up to 20 lakhs INR) to fund a full-time Master’s degree, a PhD or a postdoctoral fellowship abroad. This is a loan, not a grant. You will pay 2% simple interest annually and repay the loan in equal instalments between the third and seventh year following disbursement. The trustees may reduce or waive the interest at their discretion. Selected scholarship holders may also receive a travel allowance and a grant through the affiliated Tata foundations. You do not need to provide any security, but you must name a guarantor who will be jointly liable with you. This is usually a parent, a spouse or a close relative. The foundation was established in 1892 by Jamsetji Tata and has already supported more than 5,700 Indian students.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are an Indian citizen.
• Age: On 30 June 2026, you will be no older than 45.
• Prior degree: You have completed your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a recognised Indian university with a grade point average of at least 60%.
• Where you go: You are studying abroad, not in India. The course must be a postgraduate programme for which a bachelor’s degree is required for admission.
• Field of study: Every field of study, from engineering and medicine to design, business and the humanities.
• Type of study: Full-time study only. Exchange programmes, seminars, conferences, workshops, Bachelor’s degree programmes and online or distance-learning programmes are not permitted.
• Timing: You can apply even if you do not yet have a firm place at university. If you are already studying abroad, you must still have at least one full academic year (12 months) remaining at the time the award is made.

How to apply

Online applications must be submitted via jntataendowment.org between 5 January and 29 March 2026. You must submit your academic transcripts, your passport, your identity card, a personal statement (maximum 800 words) and a letter of recommendation. Shortlisted applicants will sit a critical thinking aptitude test in April, followed by an online interview with a subject expert in May or June. The final scholarship recipients will be announced in mid-July 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

Selection is based solely on academic merit and comprises four stages, with the interview carrying the greatest weight; good grades alone are therefore not sufficient. As this is a loan rather than a grant, and repayment and a guarantor are required, fewer people apply than for open scholarships. If you significantly exceed the 60% threshold, can write a convincing personal statement and are prepared to repay the loan, your chances are good – particularly if you apply early.