Indian Government ICCR and MEA Scholarships 2026-2027

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026-2027 Indian Government ICCR and MEA Scholarships, marking the opening of one of the most comprehensive scholarship programs for international students wishing to study in India. This program consolidates various types of scholarships offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), designed specifically for foreign students from a select list of countries as specified in each scholarship category. The initiative aims to promote cross-cultural exchange and academic collaboration by providing generous financial support that typically covers tuition fees, living expenses, and accommodation costs for the duration of the study program.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), operating under the Ministry of External Affairs, has the primary mandate to administer the Indian government’s diverse portfolio of scholarship programs for foreign nationals. Working in close coordination with Indian universities and higher education institutions across the country, ICCR processes thousands of applications annually and awards scholarships to deserving candidates from numerous countries worldwide. These scholarships are part of India’s broader diplomatic and cultural engagement strategy, fostering long-lasting educational partnerships and people-to-people connections between India and participating nations while promoting Indian higher education on the global stage.

Successful applicants have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of academic programs at accredited Indian universities and institutes of higher learning, including Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s programs, and PhD degrees across various available fields of study. The scholarships cover disciplines spanning the humanities, sciences, engineering, commerce, and professional studies, allowing students to choose from India’s rich academic offerings while experiencing the country’s cultural diversity. This comprehensive support system ensures that scholars can fully immerse themselves in their academic pursuits and cultural experience throughout their stay in India.

Program Details

• Field of study and Host Institutions: Courses and programs available at universities listed on the Scholarship Portal.
• Number of Awards: Not specified.
• Duration: Candidate’s program duration.
• Target group: Varies per scholarship type.

Indian Government ICCR and MEA Scholarships Benefits

ICCR scholarship is a fully funded program that provides the following Benefits :

• Accommodation;
• Health insurance (to be arranged and paid by the student as a mandatory requirement);
• Tuition fee support;
• Airfare (only if included in the specific scholarship scheme);
• Monthly stipend and house rent allowance;
• Contingent and thesis/dissertation allowance, etc.

Indian Government ICCR and MEA Scholarships Types

A brief list of available scholarship types. These are some main programs. The full list is available on the A2 portal:

1. General Scholarship Scheme – ICCR

The GSS is one of the most important scholarship schemes of ICCR and is open to foreign students belonging to Asian and Latin American Countries.

2. Bangladesh Scholarship Scheme – ICCR

This scholarship is open to citizens of Bangladesh to study in India

3. Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme – ICCR

The program aims to implement the policy of Commonwealth countries to contribute together in providing higher education to each other and is open for students of Commonwealth Countries.

4. AYUSH Scholarship Scheme for BIMSTEC Countries – MEA

This scheme is meant for BIMSTEC countries (Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Myanmar). Under this scheme, scholarships are provided to pursue courses in the Indian traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

5. Aid-to-Maldives Scholarship Scheme – MEA

The scholarship scheme is open for Bhutan, Maldives and Mongolia students.

6. Africa Scholarship Scheme – MEA

Open to citizens of African countries.

7. ICCR Scholarship for Indian Culture

Open to citizens of all countries in the world who wish to study Indian Culture such as dance, music, theatre, performing arts, sculpture, Indian languages, Indian cuisine, etc.

Note: For full scholarship programs, please visit the official page.

Indian Government ICCR and MEA Scholarships Eligibility

In order to be eligible for this Asia scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. be a citizen of an eligible country;
2. have good knowledge of English to the extent of fluently speaking in English and comprehending lessons in English without any difficulty (proof such as TOEFL/IELTS may be submitted if available);
3. have a:
   • high school diploma when applying for a bachelor’s degree;
   • bachelor’s degree when applying for a Master’s degree programs;
   • master’s degree when applying for doctoral degree programs.
4. minimum-maximum age limit for different programs
   • undergraduate/masters : 18 – 35 Years (as on 01.07.2026)
   • PhD : up to 40 Years (as on 01.07.2026)
5. passport must have a minimum validity of two years as on 1 July 2026

How to Apply for the Indian Government ICCR and MEA Scholarships

Interested applicants who wish to apply for this government scholarship must click on the apply button below to access the A2A ICCR Scholarship Portal and follow the given instructions to apply and submit their applications.

Key Things to Know Before Applying for ICCR Scholarships

1. Double-Check Every Detail: The portal is not forgiving. Any mismatch between what you type and what your documents say can quietly kill your application. No warning, just rejection.
2. English Translations Are Non-Negotiable: Upload English-certified copies of documents available in languages other than English.
3. For Doctoral Applicants: A research synopsis is required. Not optional. Keep it focused and aligned with what you actually plan to study.
4. Performing Arts Students, Show Your Talent!: Applying for music, dance, or theater? Include a recent video/audio clip or YouTube link of your performance.
5. Already Studying in India?: You still need to apply again through the A2A portal. Fresh application. No shortcuts.
6. Online-Only Submissions: Applications are accepted only through the portal. Anything sent to embassies or universities directly is ignored.
7. Eligible Institutions: These scholarships apply only to universities empanelled with ICCR. The official list sits on the portal.
8. Pick Your Top 5: You can select up to five universities or institutes in order of preference. Choose carefully. You won’t get to change them later.
9. Stick to Your Background: Most universities expect your chosen course to match what you studied before. Ignore that, and the application tends to stall out.
10. Do Your Homework: Check course details, duration, and eligibility directly on university websites. It saves time. And avoids avoidable mistakes.
11. No Changes Later: Once awarded, you cannot change your course or institution. That decision sticks.
12. One Application Only: Multiple submissions in the same academic year will get all your applications rejected. Even after selection, if discovered.
13. Focus on Studies: Students are not allowed to take part-time or full-time jobs while studying under this scholarship.

Note: Applicants must read the instructions, detailed application guidelines, procedures and norms governing the ICCR Scholarships on the A2A Portal before applying.

The application process for the Indian Government’s ICCR and MEA Scholarships follows a multi-stage timeline. Universities review applications until April 30, 2026, and Indian Missions carry out the selection process until May 15, 2026, with a second round running from May 16 to June 10, 2026 if slots remain. Selected students are expected to join their programs between June and August 2026, depending on the university schedule.

The online application platform (ICCR A2A Portal) is open from February 27, 2026 to April 15, 2026. Applications submitted outside this period are not considered. For more details on the Indian Government ICCR and MEA Scholarships, please visit the official page.