India has become an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking affordable and quality higher education. The country offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, diploma and certificate courses in fields such as engineering, management, science, agriculture, law, humanities, Indian languages, yoga and performing arts.

To make education more accessible, the Government of India and participating universities provide several scholarships and tuition fee waivers for foreign students. These scholarships can reduce tuition costs and, in some cases, help students cover accommodation and daily living expenses.

Why Study in India?

India has a large network of government universities, Institutes of National Importance and other recognized educational institutions. International students can choose from thousands of courses taught in English.

Compared with many popular study destinations, tuition fees and living expenses in India are generally more affordable. Students also get an opportunity to experience the country’s diverse culture, languages, food and traditions.

The official Study in India programme currently features more than 2,600 courses in areas including engineering, agriculture, law, arts, humanities, allied health sciences, yoga and Buddhist studies. English is the medium of instruction at its partner institutions. Students should, however, check the requirements of their selected university before applying.

Major Scholarships for International Students in India

1. ICCR Scholarship

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations, commonly known as ICCR, manages one of India’s largest scholarship programmes for international students.

ICCR administers more than 3,000 scholarships under 21 schemes for students from approximately 180 countries. Scholarships are offered for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes. Some schemes are available worldwide, while others are limited to students from particular countries or regions. ICCR Scholarship Portal

Important ICCR schemes include:

• Cultural and Educational Exchange Programme scholarships
• Lata Mangeshkar Dance and Music Scholarship Scheme
• Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme for Nepalese students
• AYUSH Scholarship Scheme for eligible countries
• Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship Scheme
• Scholarships for students from African and Asian countries
• Country-specific schemes funded by the Ministry of External Affairs

Applicants must select a scholarship scheme available for their nationality. The number of seats and eligible courses varies from one scheme to another.

ICCR Scholarship Benefits

According to the ICCR policy guidelines for the 2026–27 academic year, eligible scholars may receive tuition support, a monthly stipend, house rent allowance and an annual contingent allowance.

The listed monthly stipend is:

• ₹18,000 for undergraduate students
• ₹20,000 for postgraduate students
• ₹22,000 for PhD students

The amount of house rent and other allowances depends on the course level and the city in which the student studies. Selected students must purchase medical insurance with minimum coverage of ₹5 lakh at their own expense. Scholarship rules and financial terms may be changed by ICCR, so applicants should always read the latest official guidelines. ICCR Policy Guidelines

ICCR Eligibility Requirements

The general age requirements for the 2026–27 session are:

• Minimum age of 18 years for all courses
• Maximum age of 35 years for undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate courses
• Maximum age of 40 years for PhD programmes

Some Indian language and performing arts courses may not have an upper age limit unless the institution sets one.

Students must also meet the academic requirements of their selected course and university. Applicants for undergraduate admission normally need to have completed Grade 12 or its equivalent. Postgraduate applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree, while PhD applicants generally require a postgraduate qualification.

Applicants should note that admission to a university does not automatically guarantee an ICCR scholarship. The concerned Indian Mission makes the final scholarship selection according to available seats.

2. Study in India Scholarships and Fee Waivers

Study in India is a programme of the Ministry of Education that helps international students apply to participating Indian institutions through a single platform.

Partner institutions may provide merit-based tuition fee waivers ranging from 10% to 100%. The percentage normally depends on the student’s previous academic performance and the individual institution’s scholarship policy.

Students can register on the portal, explore available courses, select institutions and submit their applications online. Scholarship or fee-waiver details are generally displayed in the student’s allotment result.

Non-Resident Indians can apply for admission through the Study in India programme, but they are not eligible for the SII Scholarship. Study in India Eligibility Criteria

3. University-Specific Scholarships

Many Indian universities independently offer scholarships or tuition discounts to international students. These awards may be based on:

• Academic merit
• Performance in an entrance examination
• Financial need
• Sports achievements
• Research experience
• Nationality or regional cooperation agreements

The benefits vary considerably. Some universities provide a partial tuition discount, while others may offer full tuition support or assistance with accommodation.

Students should visit the international admissions section of their preferred university’s official website. They can also contact the university’s international student office to confirm eligibility, deadlines and required documents.

Documents Required for Scholarship Applications

Although requirements vary, international students commonly need the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Academic certificates and mark sheets
• Birth certificate
• Proof of nationality
• English proficiency certificate, if required
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Medical fitness certificate
• Research proposal or synopsis for PhD admission
• Certified English translations of documents issued in another language

Applicants should ensure that the information entered in the application matches their passport and academic documents. Incorrect or false information can result in rejection.

How to Apply for a Scholarship in India

Step 1: Select a Course

Choose the qualification and subject you want to study. Confirm that your previous education meets the course requirements.

Step 2: Check Scholarship Availability

Visit the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal, the Study in India website or the university’s official admissions page. Check whether your nationality and selected course are eligible.

Step 3: Register Online

Create an account on the relevant portal and provide accurate personal, passport and academic information.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload clear and complete copies of all required documents. Documents in another language may need certified English translations.

Step 5: Select Institutions

Choose universities and courses in order of preference. Read each institution’s admission requirements carefully before submitting the application.

Step 6: Track the Application

Regularly check the applicant dashboard, registered email address and announcements from the Indian Embassy or High Commission in your country.

Step 7: Complete Visa Formalities

After receiving a confirmed admission or scholarship offer, apply for the correct Indian student or research visa. Registration on an education portal does not guarantee visa approval.

Important Application Tips

Apply as early as possible because scholarships have limited seats. Never pay an unofficial agent who claims to guarantee admission or a government scholarship.

Before accepting an offer, check what the scholarship covers. Students may still need to pay for food, insurance, visa charges, travel, security deposits or other personal expenses.

For the 2026–27 academic session, registration on the ICCR portal is currently closed. Future applicants should monitor the portal for the next application announcement and updated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students receive a full scholarship in India?

Yes. Some government and university scholarships may cover full tuition and provide living allowances. However, coverage depends on the particular scheme, country, course and institution.

Is IELTS compulsory for studying in India?

Not always. English-language requirements vary between institutions. Some universities accept IELTS or TOEFL, while others consider previous English-medium education or conduct their own English assessment.

Can ICCR scholarship students work while studying in India?

No. ICCR guidelines do not allow scholarship recipients to undertake part-time or full-time employment while studying in India.

Can international students apply for medical courses through ICCR?

ICCR generally does not offer scholarships for medicine-stream courses. Students interested in medical education should check the separate admission and scholarship policies of the relevant university and regulatory authorities.

Where can students submit an application?

Government scholarship applications should be submitted through the official ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal or the Study in India Portal. University-specific scholarship applications should be submitted only through the institution’s official website.