ICCR Scholarships 2025: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR ) runs a variety of scholarship programs each year, awarding more than 3000 scholarships under 21 different schemes to international students from around 180 countries. Among these schemes, six are funded by ICCR from its grants, while the others are managed on behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Ayush.
The courses available for study include Under-graduation, Post-graduation, and Ph.D. levels. Each academic year, ICCR has over 6000 foreign scholars studying at various Central and State Universities, Institutes, NITs, and Agricultural Institutions, etc.
How to Apply for ICCR Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
All applications must be submitted online exclusively via the A2A ICCR Scholarship Portal. After a student secures admission on the A2A portal and the Mission/Post has chosen to grant a scholarship to that student, he/she may be instructed to register on the SII portal to obtain a Unique ID and proceed with further steps, including visa acquisition and registration with the FRRO (both visa processing and FRRO registration are to be handled on the Study in India (SII) portal).
Minimum/Maximum Age limit for students to apply for ICCR Scholarships under various courses is as under:-
PhD – 50 Years maximum
UG/PG – 18- 40 Years (18 years as on date 01.07.2025)
There is no upper age limit for courses in Hindi/Sanskrit/Indian performing arts such as Kathak, Bharatnatyam etc. To download Policy Document: Click Here
Benefits of the ICCR Scholarship Program for Foreign Students
| Financial Terms and Conditions for Scholarships Handled by ICCR | |
|---|---|
| Stipend (per month) – From the date of joining the Institute (on pro-rata basis) | |
| Undergraduate | 18,000 |
| Postgraduate | 20,000 |
| M. Phil / Ph.D | 22,000 |
| House Rent Allowance (per month along with monthly stipend) | |
| In Grade 1 cities | 6,500 |
| In other cities | 5,500 |
| Contingent Grant (per annum) | |
| Undergraduate | 5,000 |
| Postgraduate (admitted in A.Y 2023-24 & onwards) | 7,000 |
| Ph.D | 12,500 |
| Thesis and Dissertation Expenses (Once in entire duration of course) | |
| Ph.D Scholar | 10,000 |
| For other courses requiring project report submission | 7,000 |
| Medical Benefits | |
| Medical Insurance Policy must be procured by students with a minimum sum assured of 5,00,000 per annum. This is a mandatory requirement for availing ICCR Scholarships. For more details, please visit the A2A Scholarship Portal. | |
| Note: Stipend and HRA are payable from the date of joining the institution. To download eligibility: Click Here | |
Also Read: USA Scholarships for Indian Students – A Complete Details
ICCR Scholarship Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
The application will be scrutinized by the respective Universities/Institutes for eligibility of admission of applicant in the applied course and stream.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Courses | ||
| BAMS | 5½ years (incl. 1-year internship) | 12 years of schooling with Physics, Chemistry & Biology |
| BSMS | 5½ years (incl. 1-year internship) | 12 years of schooling with Physics, Chemistry & Biology |
| BUMS | 5½ years (incl. 1-year internship) | 12 years of schooling with Physics, Chemistry & Biology |
| BHMS | 5½ years (incl. 1-year internship) | 12 years of schooling with Physics, Chemistry & Biology |
| B.Sc in Yoga | 3 years | 12 years of schooling |
| BA (Yoga Shastra) | 3 years | 12 years of schooling |
| Postgraduate Courses | ||
| MD Ayurveda | 3 years | BAMS degree recognized by CCIM |
| MD Siddha | 3 years | BSMS degree recognized by CCIM |
| MD Unani | 3 years | BUMS degree recognized by CCIM |
| MD Homeopathy | 3 years | BHMS degree recognized by CCH |
| M.Sc (Yoga) | 2 years | Any graduation degree |
| Ph.D. Courses | ||
| Ph.D in Ayurveda | 3 years | MD (Ayurveda) degree recognized by CCIM |
| Ph.D in Unani | 3 years | MD (Unani) degree recognized by CCIM |
| Note: Candidates should visit the official website of the respective institute/university for detailed information. | ||
Top Indian Universities Participating in the ICCR Scholarship Scheme
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) teams up with top Indian universities to offer scholarships to international students through its prestigious A2A program.
The participating institutions include central universities, state universities, and respected colleges across India that provide world-class education in areas like science, arts, medicine, engineering, and traditional Indian studies. These universities are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other regulatory bodies in India.
For a complete list of participating universities and courses, applicants are encouraged to check the A2A ICCR Portal or Click Here.
Here is a Shortened List With Only the Names of the Scholarship Schemes
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme
- Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme for Sri Lankan Nationals (ICCR)
- Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Cultural Exchange Scholarship Scheme
- Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme
- Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme for Nepal Nationals
- AYUSH Scholarship Scheme for BIMSTEC Countries
- Aid to Maldives Scholarship Scheme
- Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Scholarship Scheme
- India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme
- Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Scholarship Scheme for Mongolia Nationals
- Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme (MEA)
- Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme
- Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Scholarship Scheme for Bhutan Nationals
- AYUSH Scholarship Scheme for Non-BIMSTEC Countries
- AYUSH Scholarship Scheme for Malaysia Nationals
- AYUSH Scholarship Scheme for SEAR Countries
- Suborno Jayanti Scholarship Scheme
- Quad STEM Scholarship Scheme
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – ICCR Scholarships
Who can apply for ICCR Scholarships?
International students from over 180 countries meeting eligibility criteria.
How to apply for an ICCR Scholarship?
Apply online via the A2A ICCR Portal.
What courses are covered under ICCR Scholarships?
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Ph.D. courses in various disciplines.
Is there an age limit to apply?
Yes, UG/PG: 18–40 years; Ph.D.: up to 50 years; no upper limit for arts.
Are medical expenses covered?
Yes, through mandatory medical insurance with Rs. 5,00,000 coverage.
Conclusion
The ICCR Scholarship Scheme offers international students a golden opportunity to study in India, with financial support, cultural exchange, and academic excellence across top Indian universities. Apply today through the A2A Portal and begin your educational journey in India!
