What is the Indian Government ICCR Scholarship? How can you study in India for free as an international student? What are the full admission requirements and conditions?
In one of the most progressive countries in the world, you can get the best fully-funded government scholarships in India for international students. With India's higher education system ranked second in the world, the opportunity to study in India with its government scholarships for international students is one of the largest and best. Free scholarships That you shouldn't miss!
The fully-funded ICCR Government Scholarship for International Students, offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), is one of the most prestigious scholarships in India, covering many of the basic expenses of students who are accepted.
This Indian government scholarship is a golden opportunity for international students wishing to study abroad. Therefore, Universities platform Below is a comprehensive guide covering the details of the scholarship to learn more about it, how to apply, and much more related information.
About the Indian Government Scholarship ICCR
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship is a fully-funded academic scholarship program offered by the Government of India to outstanding international students who cannot study at an Indian university without financial assistance.
It is considered one of the best study opportunities in India, as it provides international students with the opportunity to study at government universities and institutes in various courses and fields, fully funded 100% by the Government of India.
International students can pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees under the scholarship. Thousands of students are accepted annually to benefit from the Indian government's ICCR scholarship.
What are the details of the Indian Government ICCR Scholarship 2025?
| Scholarship name | ICCR India Scholarships 2025 |
| Scholarship provider | Indian Council for Government Cultural Relations (ICCR) |
| Target group | International students |
| Academic majors | Most majors |
| Type of financing | Fully funded |
| Application deadline | June 30 - July 15 |
Benefits of Indian Government Scholarships 2025
As mentioned, the Indian government scholarship is a fully funded scholarship, meaning it covers tuition fees for all accepted students. The scholarship varies depending on the educational level and academic qualification, as follows:
- For undergraduate students: A monthly stipend of Rs. 18,000 is paid. Additionally, they receive an emergency grant of approximately Rs. 5,000 per year during their studies.
- For postgraduate students: A monthly stipend of up to INR 20,000, plus an emergency grant of INR 7,000.
- For the M.Phil and PhD program, the scholarship covers approximately INR 22,000. A one-time disbursement of INR 7,000 is available for thesis expenses.
- The stipend for a postdoctoral fellow is 25,000 Indian rupees per month. Additionally, an emergency grant of 15,500 Indian rupees is provided. For thesis research, students are provided with a stipend of 10,000 Indian rupees.
- All accepted students receive the same housing allowance for the duration of their scholarship stay, regardless of their educational level or academic major.
- The program covers the accommodation and living expenses of those accepted.
- The program includes health insurance coverage.
- The program pays for the flight ticket (to and from).
See: Guide to Obtaining Scholarships Without Language Requirements 2025
Admission Requirements for the Indian Government Scholarship 2025
Applicants must ensure that they meet the criteria set by the Indian government before applying for a scholarship, which include:
- The applicant must have good academic performance.
- All undergraduate and graduate applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- All applicants for a PhD must be under 45 years of age.
- The applicant must be a foreign citizen.
- The applicant must pass his twelfth exam with a score of 60% or more.
- Papers and transcripts must be written in English.
- If required by universities, an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) must be obtained.
Documents required for application
Depending on the universities listed for the Indian government scholarship, applicants must submit the required documents. However, you must have these basic documents to apply for an ICCR scholarship.
- Certificates, transcripts, and high school transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation.
- National ID Card (in English).
- Passport size photo with white background.
- A written article of 500 words.
- IELTS or any other English language certificate.
- Research proposals for courses and research-related fields, i.e. Master's or PhD.
- Certificates from other relevant technical courses.
- Students must upload copies of these required documents.
Scholarship areas ICCR
The Indian scholarship covers a wide range of academic fields, including:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Engineering courses
- IT fields
- Postdoctoral courses
- UG courses
- PG courses
- M Phil courses
- Yoga, music, dance, arts and Indian theatre courses.
- PhD courses
- Bachelor's courses
- Postgraduate courses
- Note: ICCR Indian Scholar Programme does not offer admission to courses like Fashion, Medical, Paramedical, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Anesthesia.
List of ICCR Scholarship Universities
There are many universities you can apply to; these universities include all public and central universities according to this list. pdf.
Read also: Top Fully Funded Government Scholarships for International Students 2025
Countries Eligible for Indian Government Scholarship ICCR
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers nearly 6,500 scholarships to international students. These scholarships are available to all countries worldwide, including the following:
- Afghanistan
- Canada
- France
- Brazil
- China
- Japan
- Italy
- Spain
- Holland
- Algeria
- Australia
- Armenia
- Colombia
- Japan
- Argentina
- Bangladesh
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Bhutan
- Bulgaria
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Cuba
- Cambodia
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Czech Republic
- Croatia
- Gambia
- Fiji
- Ghana
- Greece
- Germany
- Georgia
- Hungary
- Iran
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Latvia
- Kyrgyzstan
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Lithuania
- Maldives
- Mexico
- Mozambique
- Mauritius
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Namibia
- Myanmar
- Nicaragua
- Peru
- Palestine
- The Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Rwanda
- The State of Qatar
- Russia
- Romania
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Singapore
- Serbia
- Suriname
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Syria
- United Arab Emirates
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Trinidad
- Tobago
- Thailand
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How to apply for a scholarship ICCR
To apply for the best fully-funded government scholarships in India, there are a number of very simple steps. Simply follow these steps to successfully apply for fully-funded scholarships in India.
- Open the application portal (A2A Gate).
- Create an account on this portal.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Click “Apply Now” to begin the application process.
- Fill out the form.
- Enter the required documents.
- After entering all the information, double-check the completed application form.
- Finally, submit the application form.
Note: Please provide an active phone number on the application form. Otherwise, you may miss updates to your application process. Likewise, provide an active email address as well, as all communications, inquiries, and updates will be made via email.
Important dates
| January 25 to April 30, 2025 | ICCR Scholarship Portal Opens |
| June 30, 2025 | Deadline for submitting and creating a scholarship offer letter. |
| July 15, 2025 | Last date for accepting the scholarship. |
| In June and July | ICCR Scholarship Results for 2025-2026 Announced |
Scholarship selection process
- Students are selected and shortlisted.
- In the next step, the nominated students are contacted for an interview.
- The interview is conducted in two stages: a written interview and a spoken interview.
- The written interview is similar to a spelling test.
- In the oral interview, general questions are asked about general background, interests, hobbies, etc.
- If there is a shortage of seats, you may be allocated to another preferential university.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top Fully Funded Government Scholarships in India
1- How can I apply for this scholarship?
You must first create an account on this portal and follow the steps described above.
2- Is it a grant? ICCR Fully funded?
Yes, the ICCR scholarship is fully funded, but it does not cover meals and accommodation in a residential residence if you choose to stay in an accommodation not recommended by the ICCR scholarship administration.
3- Who funds the grants? ICCR؟
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations funds any scholarships in India, provided they are sponsored by the Government of India.
4- Is English proficiency required to study at Indian universities?
Yes, as it is a means of studying in Indian universities in English.
5- Is the degree awarded by the Indian university/institution recognized?
Yes, the university awards degrees. Therefore, before applying to a particular university, it is advisable to check with the qualifications assessment department in your country to determine the equivalence of the degree awarded in India compared to your country.
More questions related to Indian scholarship registration
1- Can I study more than one course during my stay in India?
Under the ICCR scholarship programme, you can only pursue one course for which you have been admitted.
2- Can I come 2/3 months before my studies?
Students who wish to come can come to India two to three months in advance at their own expense, as ICCR starts bearing the expenses of students only when they join the university.
3- Can I work in India while studying?
No, you are not allowed to work in India while studying under an ICCR scholarship.
4- Can I stay in India after the course ends?
No, you must leave India after receiving your temporary record/certificates before your residence permit expires.
5- What if I fail the scholarship exams?
Your scholarship will be suspended, and you will have to study as a self-funded student. The scholarship can also be renewed if you clear all your exam papers in a timely manner.
ICCR also reserves the right to cancel the scholarship if any student is found indulging in any misconduct/anti-social practices/criminal activities within or outside the campus.
