The ICCR Scholarship Scheme 2026-2027 opens doors for African students to study in India with full funding. This program from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations helps build ties between India and Africa through education. It covers undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and cultural studies at 131 top universities.
Overview of the ICCR Scholarship Scheme 2026-2027
The ICCR Scholarship Scheme 2026-2027 supports students from many countries, with a focus on Africa. It includes two main tracks to match different goals. One builds academic links with Africa, and the other promotes Indian arts and culture.
India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme
This track targets African students to improve relations between India and Africa. For example, Ghana has 70 slots available. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in STEM fields like science, technology, engineering, and math, plus non-STEM areas.
Medical, paramedical courses, law, and integrated degrees are not included. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects at top Indian schools.
Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme
This scheme honors Indian culture with 100 global slots. It has 75 spots for dance, music, theatre, sculpture, Indian languages, and cuisine at undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD levels. Another 25 slots go to a one-year yoga diploma at key institutes.
Yoga programs are at places like Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya in Uttarakhand, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in Maharashtra, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in New Delhi, and Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana in Bangalore. Slots fill on a first-come, first-served basis, with limits per country.
Financial Coverage and Benefits
The scholarship pays for everything key to studies. This includes return economy class airfare, full tuition, a monthly stipend for living costs, campus housing, and allowances for contingencies or thesis work. House rent help applies where needed.
Students can focus on learning without money worries.
Costs Not Covered by the Scholarship
Some fees fall on students. These cover hostel or private housing in certain cases, food, security deposits, registration, certification, and immigration costs. Plan ahead for these extras.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants need to be from eligible countries like Ghana or other African nations. Hold a passport valid for at least two years from July 1, 2026. Age limits are 18 minimum, up to 35 for undergraduate, postgraduate, or diplomas, and 40 for PhDs.
Prove English skills with an essay, TOEFL, or IELTS. Meet school subject needs for the course, like science background for STEM.
Important Academic Restrictions
Skip applications for B.Tech at IITs. No funding for medical, paramedical like nursing, integrated degrees like BALLB, or courses in Ayurveda, Yoga, or Unani under this scheme. Those have separate AYUSH options.
Medical Fitness Requirements
Be in good health, body and mind. Submit a medical fitness report. Expect checks when arriving in India. Issues may cancel the scholarship, with return costs on you.
Important Dates
The portal opens February 27, 2026, and closes April 15, 2026. Universities decide admissions by April 30, 2026. Scholarship spots end May 15, 2026, same for acceptances.
Why You Should Apply
This scholarship gives world-class education, cultural experiences, and networks. Study in a fast-growing economy and boost your career. It’s a chance to grow skills and connect globally. Apply at the official portal to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICCR Scholarship Scheme 2026-2027?
It is a fully funded program by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations for African students to study undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, or cultural courses at 131 top Indian universities.
Who can apply for the India-Africa Maitri Scholarship?
African students from countries like Ghana, aged 18-35 for most programs or up to 40 for PhDs, with a valid passport and English proficiency.
What costs does the scholarship cover?
It includes return airfare, tuition, monthly stipend, housing, and allowances, but students pay for food, some housing deposits, and visa fees.
When does the application portal close?
The portal opens on February 27, 2026, and closes on April 15, 2026.
Conversation
0 Comments