If you are an African student dreaming of a degree in India, the ICCR scholarship is one of the best opportunities available. It is offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), part of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, under the India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme. Here is what it covers, who can apply and how the process works.
What does the ICCR scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded. According to Indian missions in Africa, it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- A monthly living allowance
- A housing allowance
- A return economy-class air ticket
Students usually need to buy their own medical insurance, and science students may have to pay for some laboratory costs.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to nationals of many African countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and others. Each country receives its own number of scholarship slots, which can range from one to more than a hundred. You can apply for Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. programmes in subjects such as engineering, IT, business (BBA and MBA) and the arts. Note that B.Tech courses at the IITs are not open to foreign students under this scheme.
You will generally need a valid passport (some missions ask for at least two years’ validity), your academic certificates and transcripts, and proof of English ability where the university requires it.
How to apply
- Register on the official ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal: a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in.
- Research the universities and courses on the portal. Check each university’s admission criteria carefully.
- Choose your preferred courses and upload all required documents.
- Universities review applications and confirm provisional admission.
- The Indian Embassy or High Commission in your country allocates scholarships and issues offer letters.
When is the deadline?
For the 2026-27 academic year, the portal opened on 27 February 2026 and most countries’ deadline was 15 April 2026. The cycle normally runs early in the year, so start preparing your documents now for the next intake and watch your local Indian Embassy or High Commission website for the official announcement.
Tips to improve your chances
- Apply early. Don’t wait for the last week.
- Pick courses that match your previous studies and grades.
- Make sure every document is clear, complete and certified where required.
- Have a backup plan: many Indian universities also offer their own merit scholarships to international students.
Need help with your application?
NatMas helps students from across Africa choose the right courses, prepare documents and apply for scholarships and admission in India. Start your application here or chat with us on WhatsApp.
Leave a Reply