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CUSAT Scholarships 2026: Schemes, Eligibility & Fee Waivers
location
Kochi, Kerala
Updated on 5 June 2026

These schemes aim to ensure access to higher education for eligible candidates.

Scheme NameAdministering BodyEligibility Criteria (2025)Key BenefitRenewable?
Merit-Cum-Means ScholarshipDepartment of Youth WelfareGood conduct, extraordinary academic record, weaker socio-economic background; not recipient of other scholarships.Partial Fee Waiver / Financial AidYes, subject to performance
Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme (TFWS)University AdmissionsSpecific eligibility criteria as per scheme guidelines; often includes academic merit and income limits.Full/Partial Tuition Fee WaiverYes, subject to academic progress
Students' Aid FundDepartment of Youth WelfareBonafide students with good conduct, academic record, and socio-economic need.Financial assistance for educational expensesCase-by-case
KPCR ConcessionsUniversity AdministrationSpecific criteria; recipients cannot avail University merit scholarships.Fee ConcessionYes, subject to ongoing eligibility

CUSAT students are eligible for various scholarships offered by central and state government departments, particularly those aimed at promoting higher education among specific social categories. These programs provide significant financial support.

Scheme NameCategoryAdministering AuthorityKey Benefit (2025)Application Portal
Merit Scholarship for College and Professional InstitutionsSC, ST, OBC, MinoritiesDepartment for Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/MinoritiesFinancial aid to continue college studies.Government Scholarship Portal
Fee Waiver Scheme for SC/ST StudentsSC, STDepartment for Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/MinoritiesFull tuition fee waiver for higher education.Government Scholarship Portal
Toppers/Meritorious AwardSC, ST, OBCDepartment for Welfare of SC/ST/OBCRs. 25,000/- for toppers in final year exams.State/Central Scholarship Portal
e-Grant ScholarshipsAll Eligible CategoriesState Government Welfare DepartmentsVaries based on scheme and category.State Government Portal (e-Grant)

Specific scholarship schemes are tailored to support students from various social categories, ensuring equitable access to education and reducing financial barriers. These benefits range from fee waivers to direct financial assistance.

Student CategoryApplicable Scholarship Schemes (2025)Maximum Benefit Noted
Scheduled Castes (SC)Merit Scholarship for College and Professional Institutions, Fee Waiver Scheme for SC/ST, Toppers/Meritorious Award, e-Grant.Full tuition fee waiver + Rs. 25,000 (if topper)
Scheduled Tribes (ST)Merit Scholarship for College and Professional Institutions, Fee Waiver Scheme for SC/ST, Toppers/Meritorious Award, e-Grant.Full tuition fee waiver + Rs. 25,000 (if topper)
Other Backward Classes (OBC)Merit Scholarship for College and Professional Institutions, Toppers/Meritorious Award, e-Grant, Merit-Cum-Means.Financial aid + Rs. 25,000 (if topper)
MinoritiesMerit Scholarship for College and Professional Institutions, e-Grant.Financial aid to continue studies.
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)Merit-Cum-Means, TFWS, e-Grant (if applicable).Partial/Full Fee Waiver.

CUSAT and affiliated government bodies provide fee waiver mechanisms to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Eligibility for these waivers is primarily based on family income and specific category status.

Waiver TypeCategory/Income Basis (2025)Waiver PercentageKey Eligibility Criteria
Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme (TFWS)As per scheme guidelinesFull or PartialAcademic merit, specific income slab (as defined by AICTE/UGC), bonafide student status.
SC/ST Fee WaiverScheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST)100% Tuition FeeValid Caste Certificate, pursuing higher education.
Merit-Cum-Means WaiverWeaker socio-economic backgroundPartialGood academic record, not receiving other scholarships, income certificate.
KPCR ConcessionsSpecific criteriaPartial Fee ConcessionBonafide student, not availing University merit scholarships.

FAQs

Which government scholarships does CUSAT accept?

CUSAT accepts various government scholarships, including the Merit Scholarship for College and Professional Institutions for SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, the Fee Waiver Scheme for SC/ST, and the Toppers/Meritorious Award. Students can also apply for e-Grant scholarships.

What are the eligibility criteria for CUSAT merit scholarships?

Eligibility for CUSAT merit scholarships generally requires a good academic record, good conduct, and often a weaker socio-economic background. Recipients must usually not be availing other scholarships concurrently.

Does CUSAT offer full fee waivers?

Yes, CUSAT offers full fee waivers through schemes like the Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme (TFWS) and specific Fee Waiver Schemes for SC/ST students. Eligibility depends on academic merit, income, and category.

How many students receive scholarships at CUSAT?

In 2025, approximately half of the CUSAT student batch received some form of scholarship or financial aid, combining university-specific programs and various central sector schemes.

Are scholarships at CUSAT renewable?

Many scholarships at CUSAT, including merit-cum-means and fee waiver schemes, are renewable. Renewal is typically subject to the student maintaining satisfactory academic progress and continuing to meet eligibility criteria.