Overview
Organization: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) — Central government scholarship body for international students and special bilateral programmes.
Note: Exact number of scholarships and benefits depend on the specific ICCR scheme (India-Africa Maitri, General ICCR, Ayush, etc.) and the list of participating universities. Always follow the A2A portal and Mission guidance.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic: Admission-based: applicants must secure admission/offer from a listed Indian university or course on A2A portal.
- Qualification: UG: High school equivalent; PG: Bachelor's degree; PhD: Master's degree or equivalent — as per host university rules.
- Nationality: Foreign nationals eligible as per the specific bilateral or general ICCR scholarship scheme.
- Documents: Passport, transcripts, degree certificates, medical & police clearance (as required by Mission/host university).
Scholarship Categories & (Indicative) Notes
| Category | Notes / Who it's for |
|---|---|
| India-Africa Maitri Scholarship | Special slots for African countries; number allocated per bilateral arrangement. |
| General ICCR Scholarship (UG/PG/PhD) | Open to eligible foreign students; campus/course preferences via A2A portal. |
| Ayush Scholarship | For courses in Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy. |
| Diploma / Certificate (Languages & Performing Arts) | Short-term cultural and language programmes; specific eligibility applies. |
| Allocation & Offers | Universities and Missions allocate final scholarship offer letters after portal processing. |
Selection Process
- Step 1 — A2A Registration: Register & apply on ICCR A2A portal (select course(s) & university preferences).
- Step 2 — University Decision: Universities review applicants and notify decisions to ICCR Missions/Posts.
- Step 3 — Scholarship Allocation: Missions allocate scholarship slots and issue Offer Letters for successful applicants.
- Step 4 — Acceptance & Visa: Candidate accepts/declines Offer; follow SII/FRRO/Visa processes as required.
Important Dates (Academic Year 2025-26)
- Portal Opened: 20 February 2025.
- Last date for student applications: 30 April 2025.
- Last date for universities to inform decisions: 31 May 2025.
- Last date for allocating scholarships / offer letters: 15 June 2025.
- Last date for students to accept offers: 22 June 2025.
These dates are based on ICCR's published timeline for AY 2025-26; always verify the timeline on the official A2A portal and your local Indian Mission page.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who can apply for ICCR Scholarships?
Applicants who meet the eligibility for the chosen course and obtain admission preference on the A2A portal. Nationality eligibility depends on the specific scheme.
Q2: How do I apply?
Register on a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in, complete profile, choose course/university preferences and submit required documents.
Q3: Are there intake limits or quotas?
Yes — slots are scheme- and country-specific. Missions/Posts allocate slots based on ICCR guidelines and university approvals.
Q4: What support is provided by the scholarship?
Commonly: tuition waiver, monthly stipend, hostel/housing allowance and return economy airfare (scheme-dependent). Medical insurance usually mandatory.
Q5: Where do I get help if I face portal issues?
Contact support details on the A2A portal (technical contacts and Mission/Embassy contacts are provided on the portal).