Scholarships & Financial Aid for Ayurveda Students in Kerala

Ayurveda, the ancient drug science, is still flourishing in Kerala, which is considered among the big players in traditional medicine in India. Aspiring students who are willing to take up the career of holistic healing often face financial constraints. However, there is indeed a plethora of scholarships and financial aid mechanisms instituted to help enhance a worthy candidate's career by lessening her or his financial responsibilities.

If you are looking to apply at any government or private Ayurveda College in Kerala, it would help if you were aware of the financial aid options available. This blog carries an expansive manual regarding scholarships, grants, and financial aids, including those sponsored by government bodies and private funding agencies for Ayurveda students in Kerala.

 

Why Financial Aid Is Important in Ayurveda Education

BAMS or postgraduation in Ayurveda is a course of many years of intense hard work and dedication. The expenses constitute tuition fees, hostel fees, books, clinical equipments, and so forth. For students hailing from economically weaker backgrounds, especially from rural Kerala, these expenses do prove difficult to bear.

Scholarships and financial aid help students in this regard and can be merit-based as well as need-based. They provide financial assistance, enabling students to concentrate on their studies, thereby widening the scope of Ayurvedic education on the grounds of excellence and inclusivity.

 

Government Scholarships & Grants

1. Central Government Schemes

 

AYUSH Scholarship Scheme

Administered by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, this scheme offers financial aid to students pursuing courses in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. While it's more prominent for international students, selected Indian students may benefit through tie-ups with educational exchange programs or foreign embassies.

 

National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

The NSP is a centralized platform for applying to various scholarships offered by the central government. Ayurveda students can apply for:

• Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
• Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for SC/ST/OBC students
• Scholarships for Minority students

Eligibility is typically based on academic performance, income criteria, and category reservations.

 

2. Kerala State Government Scholarships

 

E-Grantz Scholarship

The E-Grantz portal by the Government of Kerala is a major financial aid platform for students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and economically backward communities. Ayurveda students enrolled in recognized institutions can apply for:

• Tuition fee reimbursement
• Monthly stipend for food and accommodation
   

The application is made online through the E-Grantz portal, and students must register with Aadhaar-linked credentials.

 

Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities

This scholarship targets students from minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi) with low family income. Funded jointly by the state and central governments, it covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other academic expenses.

 

Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) Scholarships

Though not exclusively for Ayurveda, KSHEC offers scholarships for meritorious students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including those in the field of Ayurveda.

 

Institutional Scholarships

Many government and private Ayurveda colleges in Kerala offer internal scholarships based on merit, financial need, or special categories (such as scholarships for differently-abled students).

 

Examples of Institutions Offering Aid:

• Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram – Provides financial aid and endowment scholarships funded by alumni and charitable organizations.
• VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal – May offer fee concessions and scholarships based on merit and economic status.
• Pankajakasthuri Ayurveda Medical College – Offers merit scholarships to top performers and assistance for economically backward students.

Students are advised to inquire directly with the administrative offices of their respective colleges for application procedures, deadlines, and required documents.

 

Private Institution

The School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma, based in Kannur, Kerala, is a distinguished institution with over 25 years of experience in Ayurvedic education and treatments. It offers a diverse range of courses, including Ayurvedic Massage and Panchakarma Therapy, Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy, and a Diploma in Ayurveda and Panchakarma . 

Recognizing the need for flexible learning, the school provides online courses that allow students worldwide to access quality education from the comfort of their homes. These online programs are designed to maintain the integrity and depth of traditional Ayurvedic teachings while utilizing modern technology for effective learning

 

Educational Loans & Repayment Support

In addition to scholarships, students can also apply for educational loans from banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). Most nationalized and cooperative banks in Kerala offer loans with special interest rates for professional courses, including Ayurveda.

 

Key Features:

• Loan coverage up to ₹7.5 lakh without collateral (above which collateral is usually needed)
• Moratorium period during the course, plus 6-12 months
• Interest subsidies for students from economically weaker sections (as per the Government’s Vidya Lakshmi Scheme)
  
  Some students also qualify for loan repayment assistance or interest waivers under state-sponsored financial support schemes.

 

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for scholarships and financial aid requires planning and attention to detail. Here’s a general process:

1. Research: Identify scholarships you are eligible for through portals like NSP and E-Grantz.
    
2. Prepare Documents:
   • Income certificate
   • Caste/Community certificate (if applicable)
   • Academic transcripts
   • Aadhaar and bank details
   • Passport-sized photo
      
3. Register & Apply:
   • Create profiles on portals like NSP and E-Grantz.
   • Fill in accurate academic and personal details.
   • Upload the required documents.
      
4. Track Application: Regularly monitor the portal for updates and payment status.
    
5. Follow-Up: Contact your institution’s financial aid office or nodal officer if your application is delayed.
   
    

Final Tips for Applicants

• Apply Early: Deadlines are crucial. Start collecting documents as soon as the academic year begins.

• Read Guidelines Carefully: Ensure your application meets eligibility criteria.

• Reach Out for Help: Don’t hesitate to contact scholarship cell officers or college administration for guidance.

• Keep Copies: Always keep a copy of your submitted application and documents.

Ayurveda education in Kerala holds immense promise for students passionate about natural healing and holistic medicine. With a wealth of scholarships and financial aid options available, no student should feel that financial limitations can hold them back. Whether supported by the government, institutions, or private trusts, these resources ensure that talent and dedication find the support they deserve.

If you are someone who dreams of becoming an Ayurvedic healer, explore these financial pathways and take confident steps toward your future. To know more about the Ayurveda course online, contact the School of Ayurveda & Panchakarma.