Are you passionate about making a positive difference in your community? The Kanthari Scholarship for Social Change 2025-26 is a fully-funded, 12-month leadership program designed for individuals like you who want to drive impactful social change.
This unique scholarship program empowers you with the skills, mentorship, and confidence needed to start or scale your own NGO, social enterprise, or initiative targeting social or environmental challenges.
The program is hosted in Kerala, India, and combines both online and residential training components. It is perfect if you already have a vision or project and want the practical tools to make it successful.
Unlike traditional academic scholarships, Kanthari focuses on experiential learning and real-world problem-solving. It welcomes applicants from all backgrounds aged 22 or older, especially those who have overcome significant adversity and carry a strong desire to create a better world.
Through this scholarship, you gain access to a global network of changemakers, expert faculty, and mentorship support while covering your training fees and accommodation fully.
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Objectives of the Kanthari Scholarship for Social Change
The Kanthari Scholarship aims to build a new generation of social visionaries equipped with entrepreneurial and leadership skills to create sustainable social impact. Its core objectives include:
- Empowering social entrepreneurs with the practical knowledge to start and run impact-driven NGOs, social enterprises, or community organizations.
- Fostering creative, motivated leaders who have overcome personal or societal adversity and are committed to positive change.
- Providing a holistic, experience-based curriculum that blends leadership, project management, communication, fundraising, and social innovation.
- Enabling participants to build strong networks through alumni connections and mentorship from experts.
- Encouraging mindset shifts in communities worldwide through the ideas and actions of Kanthari alumni.
The program fosters ownership, accountability, creativity, and resilience in participants who are ready to invest a full year to grow as changemakers and contribute meaningfully to societal betterment.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet these verified eligibility criteria:
- Age: You must be 22 years old or above. There is no upper age limit.
- Background: The scholarship is open to individuals who have experienced adversity such as poverty, disability, discrimination, war, or other hardships. Witnesses to social problems who are driven to initiate change are also welcome.
- Language: You need intermediate proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
- Computer Skills: Basic proficiency in using a computer is required.
- Project Vision: You should have a clear idea or existing project aiming to bring about social or environmental change that creates mindset shifts in your community.
- Personal Qualities: The program looks for candidates with high energy, creativity, flexibility, motivation, and a strong sense of ownership.
- Mobility/Disability Support: For visually impaired or wheelchair users, additional independence and mobility skills are required, such as using a white cane or being self-sufficient in daily living. Accompanying attendants may be allowed under special conditions but at their own costs.
The scholarship encourages diversity, welcoming candidates regardless of gender or category, primarily focusing on one’s commitment and potential for social impact.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
If selected, the Kanthari Scholarship provides extensive financial support and resources, including:
- Full coverage of tuition/training fees for the entire 12-month program.
- Accommodation and boarding (shared living with meals) during the on-campus training phase in Kerala.
- Training materials, equipment, and access to experienced faculty in social leadership.
- A hybrid course format: 6 weeks online foundational training starting early April, followed by 7 months of on-campus intensive residential training from late May to mid-December.
- Post-training mentorship for 3 months with kanthari alumni to support your project’s implementation and growth.
- Access to a global network of likeminded change-makers from over 50 countries.
- Opportunity to lead or strengthen your NGO, social venture, or initiative equipped with hands-on knowledge.
- Official kanthari graduate status after completing the course and mentorship successfully.
This full package is designed to help you focus fully on your growth as a social leader without the worry of tuition or living expenses during study.
Application Process & Deadline
Applying for the Kanthari Scholarship for Social Change 2025-26 involves multiple steps to ensure alignment of your passion and vision with the program’s goals:
- Online Application Submission:
- Fill out the detailed online application form on the official kanthari website using a laptop or PC (mobile devices are not supported) by clicking on APPLY HERE
- Provide personal information, a description of your social change project or initiative, and other details.
- Upload required documents (ID proof, project proposal, educational and computer skills certificates, etc.).
- The application form must be completed in English.
- Initial Interview:
- An intake team interviews you via Zoom to assess your passion, clarity of project, and motivation.
- You can also ask questions about the program and process.
- Essay Submission:
- Write a personal essay explaining your background, challenges, vision for social change, and a small budget related to your project or venture.
- Expert Interview:
- An independent expert interviews you online to evaluate your suitability for this intense leadership course.
- Catalyst Interview:
- Conducted by a group focusing on the feasibility and impact potential of your project.
- Practical Exercise (PEP Program):
- Assignment-based task to test your attention to detail, communication, creativity, and commitment.
- Pre-arrival Assignments:
- Upon selection, you will receive additional preparatory assignments to complete before coming to Kerala.
Helpline Number
Dial: +91 471 2395677
Required Documents
You will be required to upload these verified documents as part of your application:
- Valid photo identification proof (passport, national ID, etc.).
- A detailed project report or proposal outlining your social change initiative.
- Educational certificates or proof of educational background.
- Computer literacy certificate or proof of competency.
- Valid email address and mobile number for communication purposes.
- Any supporting documents that demonstrate your personal journey and motivation for social change.
Ensure documents are in the specified format and within the maximum size limits as instructed on the application portal. Late or incomplete submissions may lead to rejection.
Course Details
The Kanthari scholarship offers a rigorous and comprehensive 12-month course structured to maximize your practical learning and leadership development:
- Online Foundation (6 weeks): Starts early April with modules that lay the groundwork for leadership, social innovation, and mindset change.
- On-campus Intensive Training (7 months): Located in Trivandrum, Kerala, this residential part covers project management, fundraising, communication, leadership, social media, public speaking, accounting, and more.
- Post-course Mentorship (3 months): After returning home, you receive ongoing guidance from an experienced kanthari mentor who helps you implement and grow your social venture.
- The course prepares you to run a successful NGO or social enterprise addressing critical social or environmental problems with sustainable impact.
Participants interact with a diverse international cohort, gaining exposure to different perspectives and networking opportunities.
How to Prepare Your Application
To maximize your chances of selection:
- Develop a clear and focused social change project or venture plan that explains the problem, your approach, and expected impact.
- Demonstrate strong personal motivation and resilience in your application and interviews.
- Be prepared to showcase your English language and computer skills.
- Write your personal essay honestly, reflecting your challenges and vision.
- Practice for interviews to convey your passion and clarity about your project.
- Submit a complete and error-free online application well before the deadline.
Remember, Kanthari looks for individuals who are ready to commit fully, bring creativity, and have a genuine dedication to making social impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there an upper age limit?
No, Kanthari has no upper age limit. Applicants must be at least 22 years old.
Q: Are international applicants eligible?
Yes, applicants from all countries are welcome if they can commit to the program and meet eligibility criteria.
Q: What if I have a disability?
You are eligible if you have the independence and mobility required. Disability accommodations are considered, but attendants’ costs are separate.
Q: How long is the program?
The program lasts 12 months: 6 weeks online + 7 months residential + 3 months mentorship..
Q: What expenses does the scholarship cover?
It covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, training materials, and faculty-led sessions.