Sadhana Forest Scholarship

Sadhana Forest Scholarship

off-grid, solar-powered, low-waste campuses

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

formal and informal learning

• 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:

Applications close:

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

More info:

Application Link: