The SPDC scholarship is one of the most impactful education support systems for NRI, and OCI children pursuing undergraduate studies in India. With demand for skilled careers rising globally, scholarship literacy is now part of long-term career strategy. In 2026, Indian diaspora families in Scotland, and across Britain are increasingly exploring education routes back to India, and the SPDC programme sits at the centre of that conversation.

For the latest updates on mobility, or student planning that influences income stability, and education decisions, read our UK immigration changes update for students and families, here.

What is SPDC 2025 26?

The Government of India launched the Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) to support NRI, and OCI children already admitted to undergraduate degrees in India. This scholarship covers 75% of total institutional academic fees, with deductions valued on real cost basis, not replacement cost logic. The yearly cap is £3,200 (converted from USD 4,000), helping students bridge affordability gaps that often shape diaspora education planning.

The scholarship supports engineering, sciences, humanities, management, pharmacy, and digital career degrees. This is grant-based funding. Not loan-based, or repayment dependent.

For step.by.step support on digital immigration proof for students and dependants, explore our UK eVisa Guide for Families 2026.

Who is eligible to apply in 2026?

To qualify for SPDC 2026, applicants must be.
. Children of NRIs, or OCI card holders
. Already admitted to a recognised Indian institution for undergraduate degrees
. Studying a discipline in the SPDC approved institutional list
. Not enrolled in diplomas, or distance learning programmes

For renters balancing budgets before studying, or working in Scotland, and seeking financial literacy crossover, read UK student renting rights 2026, here.

What does 75% institutional fee coverage really mean?

Institutional fees include tuition, lab charges, library access, examination costs, and compulsory academic fees set by the institution. It does not include optional hostel rent, or personal lifestyle costs.

Example.
If a university charges £4,800 annually in total institutional academic fees, 75% becomes £3,600, but the cap applies at £3,200, so the student receives the maximum eligible amount of £3,200.
If institutional fees are £5,000, 75% equals £3,750, but again the cap limits coverage to £3,200.
If institutional fees are £3,900, 75% equals £2,925, which is under the cap, so the student receives £2,925.

How to apply from the UK, and Scotland in 2026

Eligible students who have already secured admission must apply by emailing the High Commission of India in Edinburgh at [email protected] before 30 January 2026.

For official SPDC 2025 26 documents, institutional lists, fee valuation breakdowns, and application forms, access the archive here.

If you are planning travel from Scotland or Britain to India as a student, our Flying from UK Airports in 2026 guide breaks it down clearly.

Common mistakes diaspora applicants must avoid

. Applying without confirmed admission
. Assuming 75% covers hostel rent, or personal fees
. Ignoring the £3,200 cap
. Treating invoices as final without evidence
. Not attaching admission confirmation proof

SPDC 2026 is a career empowerment bridge for diaspora children planning undergraduate careers in India from Scotland, or Britain. It reduces institutional fee pressure, encourages long.term financial stability, and supports career clarity. Stability matters. Evidence matters. And knowing your rights protects peace.