Sadhana Forest Scholarship

The Sadhana Forest Scholarship is a four-year, full-time residential opportunity followed by a one-year mentored incubation period to design and implement your own ecological or social impact project. The scholarship includes immersive service, sustainable living, and self-directed education.

During the first four years, all participants live full-time in off-grid, solar-powered, low-waste campuses, following a lifestyle grounded in compassion, sustainability, and Seva (selfless service). This includes a 100% vegan diet and complete abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and all intoxicants for the entire duration of the five-year programme. Commitment to these core principles is essential; any violation will result in immediate removal.

This is a life-changing opportunity for those who want to dedicate themselves to meaningful service, community life, and long-term ecological impact.

During the programme, participants will:

• Live and serve at Sadhana Forest Auroville (Tamil Nadu), field centers in Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu, and/or international sites in Haiti, Kenya, and Namibia
• Contribute full-time to reforestation, water conservation, biodiversity restoration, and community living
• Have the option to pursue distance or online education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Diploma, or Certificate) with mentorship and allocated study time
• Train local communities in reforestation and water conservation to build long-term climate resilience

Daily responsibilities during the first four years include both ecological restoration and the upkeep of the Sadhana Forest campuses - digging, planting, carrying materials, maintaining compost toilets, food composting, cooking, cleaning, and other essential community tasks.

Fifth Year – Incubation Phase

The fifth year is a flexible incubation period. Participants are not required to stay on campus. They may:

• Design and implement their own ecological or social initiative
• Pursue further specialization and/or higher education
• Explore a meaningful path approved by their Sadhana Forest mentor

With guidance and mentorship, this year supports a strong transition into long-term service and leadership.

Eligibility

• Indian citizens or residents aged 18 years or above
• Commitment to long-term service and community living
• Commitment to learning, no prior experience needed.

Learning Opportunities

Participants may combine formal and informal learning, including:

• Skill-based learning (ecology, natural building, facilitation, communication, project management, creative arts, etc.)
• Distance/online Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programmes
• Diploma or Certificate courses
• Self-directed, experiential learning through daily Seva

The Scholarship supports all learning paths, formal or informal, structured or exploratory, helping participants develop clarity, purpose, and practical skills.

Perks and Benefits

• Live in a sustainable, off-grid, vegan, community
• A supportive co-learning spac
• Study while you serve
• International exposure opportunities
• Leadership and management experience
• Mentorship for independent projects
• Cross-cultural collaboration with global volunteers
• Deep immersion in reforestation, water conservation, and ecosystem restoration

In-Program Support:

• Vegan meals and accommodation on-site
• Mentorship and guidance from Sadhana Forest team members
• Support for dissertation, research or independent project work
• 30 study leave days each year

Apply Now!

Applicants must complete the official Scholarship application form and undergo the structured selection process.

Applications open: 15 November 2025

Applications close: At 200 applications, or 15 December 2025, whichever comes first.

There are limited seats. Applications are reviewed in the order received. Early applicants get priority for interviews.

More info: https://sadhanaforest.org/scholarship

Application Link: https://forms.gle/Mh2FdKZCvn2iRBVd9

Job Types: Full-time, Internship, Contractual / Temporary, Volunteer
Contract length: 60 months

Pay: ₹5,000.00 - ₹15,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Cell phone reimbursement
• Food provided
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person