The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) of the Government of India announces the opening of applications for its annual scholarship program for 2026. This is one of the largest fully funded Asian scholarships, targeting outstanding international students wishing to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD) at top Indian government universities.
Scholarship Details
- Host Country: India
- Funding Agency: Government of India (ICCR Foundation)
- Academic Level: Bachelor’s – Master’s – PhD
- Eligible Nationalities: All countries (for international students)
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Funding and Benefits
The Indian government provides generous funding that covers all student needs throughout their studies:
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Round-trip airfare.
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Free accommodation in university dormitories.
- Book allowance paid at the end of each academic year.
- Thesis or graduation project costs covered.
Available Fields of Study and Colleges
The scholarship allows application to thousands of study programs at Indian public universities, covering the following fields (in their various branches):
- Engineering and Technology: (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics must have been studied in high school).
- Basic and Applied Sciences.
- Business and Management.
- Agriculture.
- Arts and Humanities.
Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements
Age Requirement:
- For Bachelor’s and Master’s programs: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- For PhD programs: Applicants must not be older than 40 years of age.
- Academic Background: Excellent grades in previous studies.
- Engineering Requirement: Applicants for engineering programs must have studied physics, chemistry, and mathematics in secondary school.
- English Language Proficiency: Ability to study in English (assessed through an essay written by the student).
Required Documents for Application
Please prepare the following documents (translated into English) and upload them to the application portal:
- A copy of your valid passport.
- A copy of your national ID card.
- Academic certificates and transcripts for previous degrees.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A recent passport-size photograph.
- A medical certificate (confirming you are free from infectious diseases).
- A certificate of English proficiency (if available – this will support your application).
- An essay: at least 500 words in English (used to assess your language proficiency).
- A research proposal: (mandatory for PhD applicants only).
- Any other supporting documents (volunteer work, courses, etc.).
How to apply?
- Applications are submitted entirely online through the A2A scholarship portal.
- Official application portal link (create an account and fill out the application)
