MEA-FRI Scholarship 2026 for BIMSTEC Countries: M.Sc. at FRI Dehradun

Quick Glance

Scholarship MEA-FRI Scholarship 2026-28 · Seats 10 (total, across all programmes) · Eligible Nations Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand · Programmes M.Sc. Forestry / Wood Science & Technology / Environment Management / Cellulose & Paper Technology · Application Deadline 25 May 2026 · Selection Intimation By 20 June 2026 · Scholarship Value USD 4,230 for full programme · Conducting University FRI Deemed to be University, Dehradun

Overview

• Awarding Authority - Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India
• Host Institution - Forest Research Institute Deemed to be University, Dehradun-248195, Uttarakhand, India (established under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956, vide Notification No. F.9-25/89-U.3 dated 6-12-1991)
• Scheme Name - MEA-FRI Scholarship for BIMSTEC Member States
• Academic Session - 2026-2028 (two-year M.Sc. programme)
• Total Scholarships - 10 seats per year for all BIMSTEC nations combined
• Eligible Countries - Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
• Programmes Offered - M.Sc. Forestry (Code 01-A), M.Sc. Wood Science & Technology (Code 01-B), M.Sc. Environment Management (Code 01-C), M.Sc. Cellulose & Paper Technology (Code 01-D)
• Duration - 2 years (programme ends by June 2028)
• Scholarship Amount - USD 4,230 for the full programme (covers tuition, sports and magazine fee, library/teaching aid, hostel and degree fees)
• Mess Charges - Paid by the students themselves
• Caution Money - USD 50 (refundable after programme completion)
• Application Routing - Through the concerned Indian mission abroad to BIMSTEC & SAARC Division, MEA, New Delhi; onward to the Registrar, FRI Deemed to be University
• Application Form Source - www.fridu.edu.in
• Credit System - Choice Based Credit System (implemented from 2016-17)
• Accommodation - Fully residential; hostels provided
• Application Deadline - 25 May 2026
• Selection Intimation - By 20 June 2026

Important Links

• Admission Announcement (Official PDF): https://www.cgibirgunj.gov.in/docs/1777005626admission%20announcement%20MEA-FRI%20Scholarship..pdf
• Application Form (Official PDF): https://www.cgibirgunj.gov.in/docs/1777005620application-form-for-bimstec-member-states.pdf
• Scholarships and Forms Page (CGI Birgunj): https://www.cgibirgunj.gov.in/page/scholarships-and-forms/
• News Detail Page (CGI Birgunj): https://www.cgibirgunj.gov.in/detail?type=news&id=240
• FRI Deemed University Official Website: https://www.fridu.edu.in

Important Dates

• Application Deadline - 25 May 2026 (applications must reach FRI Dehradun by this date)
• Selection Intimation to Candidates - By 20 June 2026
• Programme Joining (Expected) - First week of July 2026
• Programme End - June 2028

Programmes Offered and Eligibility

All four programmes are two-year M.Sc. degrees under the Choice Based Credit System. Candidates from BIMSTEC countries are exempted from the FRI M.Sc. Entrance Examination provided they satisfy the academic eligibility below and the four additional conditions listed further below.

M.Sc. Forestry (Code No. 01-A)

B.Sc. degree in science with at least one of the subjects, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology, or a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or Forestry. Minimum 50% marks or above.

M.Sc. Wood Science & Technology (Code No. 01-B)

B.Sc. degree with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) or B.Sc. degree in Forestry. Minimum 50% marks or above.

M.Sc. Environment Management (Code No. 01-C)

B.Sc. degree in any branch of basic or applied sciences, or a Bachelor's degree in Forestry or Agriculture, or BE in Environment Science. Minimum 50% marks or above.

M.Sc. Cellulose & Paper Technology (Code No. 01-D)

B.Sc. degree with minimum 50% marks in aggregate in science with Chemistry as one of the subjects, or BE / B.Tech. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering (minimum 50% aggregate).

Additional Conditions for BIMSTEC Applicants

Beyond programme-specific academic eligibility, all BIMSTEC applicants must satisfy the following four conditions to be considered for the entrance-examination exemption:

1. A valid residential permit in India granted for studies / student visa for the prescribed duration of the concerned programme.
2. Antecedents verified by the local Government / Government of India and found in order.
3. Degree or certificate approved by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) or equivalent to the corresponding degrees / certificates of the AIU.
4. Adequate knowledge of English at (10+2) level, the medium of instruction at FRI is English.

Scholarship Value and Coverage

The MEA scholarship amount is USD 4,230 for the entire two-year programme. This covers:

• Tuition fees
• Sports and magazine fee
• Library / teaching aid charges
• Hostel fees
• Degree fees

Not covered by scholarship: Mess charges (paid by students themselves).

Caution money: USD 50 is also to be paid by candidates; this is refunded after successful completion of the programme.

Student Facilities at FRI Dehradun

• Fully residential course; hostel accommodation is provided to all selected students.
• Basic medical facilities provided by the institute.
• Facilities for indoor games and a common room for hostellers.
• Institute library facility available to students.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from www.fridu.edu.in or from the CGI Birgunj official links provided in Important Links above.
2. Fill in the form completely in BLOCK letters. A separate application form is required for each programme if applying to more than one.
3. Attach a recent passport-size photograph (to be pasted and signed by the candidate on the form).
4. Provide your Study in India (SII) ID in the designated field.
5. Include a mobile number with country code and a valid email address.
6. Attach documentary evidence (mark-sheets, certificates, degree certificates) for all qualifying examinations entered on the form.
7. Provide an English Proficiency Certificate from your last education institution / university / college.
8. Ensure the forwarding official (from the concerned government / forwarding agency / ministry) completes and signs the Certificate section of the application form, with official seal, name, and designation.
9. Submit the completed application through the concerned Indian mission abroad (e.g., Indian Embassy / High Commission / Consulate in your country). The mission will route it to BIMSTEC & SAARC Division, MEA, New Delhi, for onward submission to the Registrar, FRI Deemed to be University, Post Office I.P.E., Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun (India).
10. Applications must reach FRI Dehradun by 25 May 2026.

Note: Applications of scholarship-holding students of BIMSTEC countries under MEA-FRI Scholarship are also routed through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India, or MoEF&CC, Government of India. Original mark-sheets, certificates, and degrees must be presented at the time of admission.

Contact and Correspondence

Registrar Forest Research Institute Deemed to be University P.O. I.P.E., Kaulagarh Road Dehradun, 248 195, Uttarakhand, India

Phone: 0135-2224439 / 2224495 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fridu.edu.in