When it comes to funding college education, most students are aware of major schemes like NSP, MahaDBT, or PM Yasasvi. But did you know that many scholarships for college students remain underutilized simply because they’re less advertised?
These hidden scholarships—offered by trusts, foundations, private companies, and state governments—can be life-changing, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds, girls, or those entering STEM or professional fields.
In this blog, we explore less-known scholarships for college students in 2025–26 like FAEA, Premji Girls Scholarship, GRT Jewellers Scholarship, FFE, Buddy4Study, and State Merit Grants — all genuine and rewarding.
🌟 1. FAEA Scholarship (Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access)
- Eligibility:
- Class 12 passed or 1st-year UG student
- SC/ST/OBC/BPL or economically disadvantaged background
- Award Includes:
- Tuition fees
- Hostel/mess allowance
- Book/travel/clothing costs
- Applicable Fields: Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering, Medical, and Professional Courses
- Deadline: 30 June 2025
- Apply At: www.faeaindia.org
🎯 Hidden advantage: No entrance exams or academic performance barriers for selection — ideal for first-gen learners.
👧 2. Azim Premji Foundation – Scholarships for Girls
- Eligibility:
- Female UG students from government schools
- Rural or economically weaker backgrounds
- Enrolled in any degree program at a recognized Indian college
- Award:
- Monthly allowance (₹2,000–₹3,000)
- Mentoring and career support
- Selection: Based on interviews, need, and academic intent
- Application Window: July–September 2025 (tentative)
🌸 Hidden advantage: Focused exclusively on female empowerment and rural development.
📚 3. State Merit Scholarships (Various States)
These are state-specific schemes not widely advertised but available to thousands of college students. Examples include:
- Kerala State Merit Scholarship:
- ₹1,250/month for UG students
- Apply through dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in
- Tamil Nadu State Scholarship for BC/MBC Students:
- Full tuition + exam fee
- Apply via respective college or eservices.tn.gov.in
- Madhya Pradesh Medhavi Chhatra Yojana:
- Full fee reimbursement for meritorious students
- Apply at scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in
✅ Hidden advantage: Often no cap on the number of beneficiaries; merit- and income-based.
💎 4. GRT Jewellers Educational Scholarship
- Eligibility:
- Students pursuing UG/PG in Tamil Nadu
- Preference to children of artisans or jewellers
- Economically weaker sections
- Award: ₹15,000–₹25,000 per year
- Fields: Any recognized UG/PG course
- Apply At: GRT’s official stores or social welfare desk (offline)
💡 Hidden advantage: Offered by a private company but not listed on government portals — a great option for local students.
🧠 5. Foundation For Excellence (FFE Scholarship)
- Eligibility:
- 1st-year UG students in professional programs (Engineering/MBBS)
- Annual family income under ₹3 lakh
- Scored 70%+ in Class 12
- Award: Tuition + exam fees + mentoring + internships
- Apply At: ffe.org
- Deadline: August 2025
⚙️ Hidden advantage: Students receive career mentoring, soft-skills training, and job support — not just money.
🔍 6. Buddy4Study Partner Scholarships (Platform-Based Aid)
- Eligibility: Varies by program — most are open to all Indian UG/PG students
- Top Hidden Scholarships Hosted in 2025:
- HDFC Parivartan ECSS Scholarship
- Kotak Kanya Scholarship (Girls Only)
- SBI Youth for India Fellowship
- Vidyadhan State Scholarships
- Award: ₹10,000–₹1.2 lakh per year
- Apply At: buddy4study.com
📲 Hidden advantage: You can apply to multiple scholarships from one portal — track results easily too.
📄 Common Documents Required
- Aadhaar card and bank passbook
- Income certificate (less than ₹2–3 lakh/year for most schemes)
- Class 10/12/UG mark sheets
- Admission proof or bonafide certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photo
- Statement of Purpose (for private foundations)
✅ Final Thoughts
These less-known scholarships for college students are real, accessible, and transformative. Unlike national schemes that receive lakhs of applications, these hidden gems have lower competition — making your chances of success much higher.
💡 Don’t miss deadlines, and keep checking scholarship websites or apps like Buddy4Study for updates.
With scholarships like FAEA, Premji, FFE, and even GRT Jewellers out there, you don’t need a big name to find big support.
