The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is offering fully funded scholarships for the academic year 2025-2026 to international students from African and Asian countries. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies across various disciplines, excluding medical courses such as MBBS/MD, dentistry, and nursing.
Key Dates:
- Application Portal Opens: February 20, 2025
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Scholarship Benefits:
- Living Allowance (Stipend): Monthly stipends are provided based on the level of study:
- Undergraduate: ₹5,500
- Postgraduate: ₹6,000
- M.Phil/Ph.D.: ₹7,000
- Post-doctoral Fellow: ₹7,500
- House Rent Allowance (Per Month):
- In Grade 1 cities: ₹5,000
- In other cities: ₹4,500
- Contingent Grant (Per Annum): Allocated for academic expenses, varying by study level.
- Tuition and Other Compulsory Fees: Covered as per actuals, excluding refundable deposits.
- Thesis and Dissertation Expenses: One-time grant provided during the course tenure.
- Medical Insurance: Scholars are required to procure a medical insurance policy with a minimum coverage of ₹500,000 per annum. This can be obtained either before traveling to India or immediately upon arrival.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Qualifications: Applicants must meet the specific eligibility criteria of the desired university or institute.
- English Proficiency: Adequate knowledge of English is mandatory.
- Age Requirements: For undergraduate and postgraduate courses, applicants should be between 18-40 years old at the time of application.
- Prior Education in India: Preference is given to candidates who have not previously studied in India.
Application Process:
- Online Application: Submit applications through the ICCR’s A2A Scholarship Portal:
- Documentation: Ensure all academic transcripts, certificates, and other required documents are uploaded. If documents are in a language other than English, certified English translations must be provided.
- Research Proposals: Doctoral and post-doctoral applicants should include a synopsis of their proposed research.
- Performing Arts: Applicants for performing arts courses are encouraged to upload video/audio recordings of their performances.
- University Selection: Applicants can choose up to five universities or institutes in order of preference. It’s advisable to research each institution’s eligibility criteria and course offerings before applying.
Important Considerations:
- Autonomous Institutions: Indian universities and educational institutions are autonomous and have their own eligibility criteria. Acceptance of an application by ICCR does not guarantee admission; final decisions rest with the respective institutions.
- Visa Requirements: Selected candidates must obtain the appropriate visa from the Indian Embassy or High Commission in their home country. Arriving in India without the correct visa may result in deportation.
- Financial Preparation: Scholars are advised to have sufficient funds to cover incidental expenses upon arrival in India.
- Original Documents: Bring all original academic documents for verification during the admission process.
For detailed guidelines and to apply, visit the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal. Ensure all instructions are carefully read and followed to avoid any issues during the application process.
