About Organisation
Eklavya is an education-focused organization dedicated to improving access to quality higher education for first-generation students from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities. Over the past eight years, Eklavya has empowered more than 2,000 students to gain admission into over 90 top universities and fellowship programs in India and abroad. Their approach includes mentoring, coaching, and raising awareness to bridge gaps in access to education. The organization supports students from rural areas, tribal regions, and tier-2 or tier-3 towns, where educational opportunities and resources are often limited. Eklavya’s interventions cover areas such as scholarship application processes, academic writing, language proficiency tests, and overall career development. By building a robust network of mentors and academic experts, Eklavya fosters community support, peer learning, and capacity building. Through boot camps, workshops, counseling, and tailored guidance, they ensure that deserving students from diverse backgrounds are prepared to pursue higher education at global institutions. Their focus remains on creating equitable opportunities and empowering students to transform their educational aspirations into reality while addressing social and systemic barriers.
About the Grant
The Eklavya Global Scholars Program (GSP) is a mentorship-driven initiative aimed at supporting first-generation university students from underrepresented communities in applying to top global universities. Designed for students pursuing Master’s and PhD programs, the GSP offers a structured support system to help scholars navigate the complex admission process, with a focus on securing scholarships and funding. Over its last three cohorts, the program has assisted more than 300 scholars, of whom over 50 received fully funded scholarships worth more than USD 4 million, including renowned awards such as the Chevening, Commonwealth, Erasmus Mundus, and GREAT scholarships. The program offers individualized mentorship for academic writing, CV building, SOP drafting, and research proposals, as well as counseling for university shortlisting and scholarship applications. Special attention is given to supporting students from rural, tribal, and non-English medium backgrounds by providing access to English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE. The program fosters community support through workshops, boot camps, and peer mentoring, helping scholars build networks and resilience. Eklavya’s mission is to double the number of scholars receiving financial aid and expand access to quality education opportunities for underprivileged students.
Who can Apply?
The Eklavya Global Scholars Program welcomes applications from first-generation university students who aspire to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees abroad. The program is particularly geared toward students from rural, tribal, non-English medium backgrounds, or those residing in tier-2 and tier-3 towns. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, a passion for education, and a commitment to community development. Priority is given to students who have faced systemic barriers to higher education and require structured mentorship and financial guidance. Those applying for the Master’s program should be planning to study Social Sciences or STEM-related fields, while PhD applicants should exhibit readiness to engage in advanced research. Selection is based on academic merit, personal motivation, and alignment with the program’s mission of increasing educational access. Candidates must participate in workshops, boot camps, and mentoring sessions, and should be available for all program activities. The program encourages diverse applicants and prioritizes inclusion, ensuring that the support reaches those who need it most. A rigorous selection process involving application reviews and interviews ensures that the cohort is composed of individuals who are likely to benefit from and contribute meaningfully to the Eklavya community.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants must submit their applications online before the deadline. The selection process includes an application review and interview. Priority will be given to candidates from underrepresented backgrounds aiming to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees abroad. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their academic documents, including CV, transcripts, and recommendation letters. Early submission is advised as the program operates on a rolling admission basis with only 75 seats available.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Eklavya Global Scholars Program is September 25, 2025. All applications must be submitted before this date to be considered for the program.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
