ICCR Scholarship Schemes

Overview

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations, under India's Ministry of External Affairs, runs a portfolio of scholarship schemes for international students to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral studies at Indian universities. Benefits typically include tuition waivers and a monthly stipend, with allocations and eligibility varying by the applicant's home country under bilateral cultural exchange agreements.

Funding

Full tuition, a monthly stipend of approximately INR 18,000-25,000 (varies by course level), return airfare, and medical insurance

Eligibility

• Nationality of a country with an ICCR bilateral scholarship allocation
• Available at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and PhD levels
• Minimum academic marks in prior qualification (varies by scheme)
• Age limits apply depending on the specific scheme
• Apply online through the ICCR A2A scholarship portal, often with home-country nomination

Application Deadline

The General Scholarship Scheme (Atal Bihari Vajpayee GSS) typically closes around 30 April each year; other schemes (e.g. AYUSH) close later, around 31 May - deadlines vary by scheme. Always confirm exact dates on the official site before planning your application, since deadlines shift year to year.

How to Apply

1. Register on the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal (a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in)
2. Select the applicable scheme and browse participating universities/institutes and courses
3. Complete the online application form and upload required documents (transcripts, passport, photo, medical certificate)
4. Submit before the scheme-specific deadline and track status on the portal
5. If shortlisted, complete visa (student visa/FRRO) formalities and confirm admission with the allotted institute