The VIT-AP University has admitted 50 meritorious students who secured top ranks in the Intermediate Public Examination (IPE) from 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh under its STARS (Support the Advancement of Rural Students) scheme. This initiative is part of the university’s efforts to make quality higher education accessible to deserving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.A statement on Tuesday (June 30, 2026) said the selected students have been granted a 100% waiver of tuition and hostel fees, enabling them to pursue higher education without any financial burden. The STARS scheme, conceptualised by VIT Chancellor G. Viswanathan, was launched in 2008 at VIT, Vellore, with the objective of empowering academically talented rural students from economically weaker sections. The scheme was introduced at VIT-AP University campus in 2017.Vice-Chancellor, VIT-AP University P. Arulmozhivarman said, “Education has the power to transform lives and break the cycle of poverty. Many of our STARS students come from families of daily wage earners, small and marginal farmers, domestic workers and other economically vulnerable sections of society, where pursuing higher education often seems beyond reach.”He said through the STARS Scheme, the university nurtured their potential, empowering them with quality education and enabling them to become future leaders and responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to nation-building. “No deserving student should be deprived of quality education due to financial limitation,” he emphasised.Registrar, VIT-AP University, Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti said talent should never be limited due to financial constraints. “The STARS scheme reflects our vision of creating equal opportunities for deserving students and we are proud to welcome these bright young minds into the VIT-AP family.”Among those present on the occasion were Assistant Director–Admissions Manoj Kumar Mishra and others. Published - June 30, 2026 07:46 pm IST