SDEF Scholarship Program
2026-27

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Applications for the SDEF Scholarship Programs are now open.

SDEF supports deserving students pursuing higher education through its Empower Scholarship Program in the USA and India Scholarship Program.

While the programs have different eligibility and selection criteria, both are built around the same goal: helping students pursue their education despite financial barriers and supporting them as they work toward their future.

We look beyond grades and test scores to understand each student's achievements, circumstances, aspirations, and potential.

Ashutosh Garg’s journey to success began with the National Scholarship, a life-changing opportunity that allowed him to overcome financial barriers and pursue his dreams. This experience sparked a deep desire in him to help others facing similar struggles, and he vowed to make sure that no talented student was held back due to a lack of resources.

In 2015, Ashutosh, along with a group of passionate trustees, founded the Swami Dayanand Education Foundation (SDEF). The foundation’s mission is simple yet powerful: provide Merit-cum-Means Scholarships to brilliant students who cannot afford education. Through SDEF, we are giving young adults a shot at a better life and creating a ripple effect of hope and inspiration. Each scholarship awarded is a step closer to building a future where talent determines success.

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About Us

With SDEF, the foundation is empowering students to dream big, break barriers, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

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SDEF Scholarship Program

Swami Dayanand Education Foundation provides Merit-cum-Means Scholarships to students pursuing professional courses in India. The Scholarship program aims to support deserving students who have secured admission to premier colleges in India based on merit. Thirty percent of our total scholarships are reserved for women. The Scholarship is offered to students pursuing Engineering, MBBS, Pharmacy, IT, and Architecture courses in Government or private Institutes in India.

USA Scholarships

SDEF provides scholarships up to $5000 per year to high-school seniors to pursue a college education at any university within the United States. The Scholarship is available for students who are residents of Texas USA.

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India Scholarships

The Foundation provides Merit-cum-Means Scholarships up to ₹50,000 for exceptionally talented but underprivileged students in India pursuing professional courses. We help them pursue the best education in India.

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