So you are thinking about studying in India. That is a fantastic choice. India has some of the oldest and most respected universities in the world, and the cost of living and tuition is far lower than in Western countries. But here is the question everyone asks first. How do I pay for it?
Let me walk you through the main scholarship programs available for international students who want to study in India. I will keep it simple and honest so you know exactly what to expect.
The Two Main Paths to a Scholarship
Before we get into details, you need to understand one important thing. There are two completely different scholarship programs run by the Indian government. They are not the same thing. Mixing them up could cause confusion when you apply.
The first is the ICCR Scholarship. This is run by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. It is aimed at promoting cultural exchange and has been around for many years. Thousands of students from around the world have come to India through this program.
The second is the Study in India Program. This was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Education. It is newer and works differently. Instead of the government giving you money directly, partner universities offer tuition fee waivers to qualified students.
Both are legitimate. Both can get you to India. But they have different application processes, different deadlines, and different benefits. Let me break down each one so you can decide which fits your situation better.
ICCR Scholarship Program
This is the older and more established program. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations awards over three thousand scholarships every year to students from about one hundred eighty different countries-6. That is a lot of opportunities.
What does it cover? The ICCR scholarship is fully funded. That means your tuition fees are paid in full. You receive a monthly living allowance to cover your day to day expenses. You get housing either in a hostel or as an allowance. Your return airfare is covered. Medical insurance is provided. There is even a yearly grant for books and study materials.
What can you study? The scholarship covers diploma courses, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees, and PhD programs. You can study at central universities, state universities, IITs, NITs, and other recognized institutes across India.
Who is eligible? You need to be a citizen of an eligible country. For undergraduate courses, you must have completed twelve years of schooling. For postgraduate courses, you need a relevant bachelor’s degree. For PhD programs, you need a relevant master’s degree. Your age should be between eighteen and forty for most courses, though PhD applicants can go up to fifty.
There is one catch you need to know about. ICCR does not offer scholarships for medical courses, paramedical courses like nursing or physiotherapy, fashion design, law, or integrated courses like a combined bachelor’s and law degree. If your dream is to study medicine in India, you will need to look at other options.
When should you apply? The application portal typically opens in February each year. For the 2026-27 academic year, the portal opened on February 27, 2026. The deadline for students to submit their applications is usually around April 15. Do not miss this window. If you do, you will have to wait an entire year.
How do you apply? Everything is done online through the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal at a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in. You register on the portal, fill out the application form, upload your academic documents, and select up to five universities in order of your preference. Your application is then submitted through the Indian Embassy in your country.
Study in India Program
Now let me tell you about the newer option. The Study in India program was launched in 2018 as a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education. Its goal is to attract international students to Indian universities and promote India as a global education destination.
This program works differently from ICCR. Instead of the government giving you a scholarship directly, the Study in India program connects you with partner institutions that offer tuition fee waivers. More than thirty thousand fee waivers are given to deserving students every year.
How much can you get? The fee waivers come in three ranges. One hundred percent of your tuition fees covered. Fifty percent covered. Or twenty five percent covered. The exact amount depends on your academic performance and the specific institute you apply to.
What expenses are covered? The Study in India scholarship specifically covers admission fees, tuition fees, accommodation costs, and food costs. Anything outside of these categories is your responsibility.
How are students selected? There are two ways to qualify. Some scholarships are awarded based on a merit list created through document verification. Others require you to take the Ind-SAT examination, which is a ninety minute online test. The best part is that more than two hundred reputed institutions participate in this program, including IITs, NITs, central universities, state universities, and top private universities.
You must register on the official Study in India portal at studyinindia.gov.in. You will receive a unique SII ID, which you need to quote in your student visa application.
Which One Should You Choose?
This depends on your situation. If you want a fully funded package that covers everything including airfare and living expenses, the ICCR scholarship is probably your best option. But the competition is fierce because thousands of students apply every year.
If you already have some financial support or only need help with tuition, the Study in India program might be more realistic. The fee waivers are generous, and the application process is straightforward.
Here is a practical tip. Apply for both. There is no rule saying you cannot. The application cycles are similar, and having multiple options only increases your chances of getting some form of financial support.
What About Other Scholarships?
Beyond these two major programs, individual universities offer their own scholarships. For example, SRM University offers merit based scholarships with tuition fee waivers ranging from twenty to eighty five percent. They also have diversity scholarships for students from countries not yet represented on campus-8. Many other universities have similar programs. Once you have a shortlist of universities you want to apply to, check their international admissions pages for scholarship information.
The Application Process Step by Step
Let me give you a clear timeline so you know what to expect.
First, figure out which program fits your profile and your academic goals. Check the list of eligible courses and make sure your desired program is covered.
Second, gather your documents. You will need your academic transcripts, passport copy, birth certificate, character certificate, and proof of English proficiency. All documents should be in English or translated by a notary.
Third, wait for the application window to open. This usually happens in February. Do not wait until the last week. The online portals can get slow with heavy traffic.
Fourth, submit your application through the ICCR A2A portal or the Study in India portal. For ICCR, your application will be routed through the Indian Embassy in your country. For Study in India, you apply directly through the portal.
Fifth, if you are selected, you will receive an admission offer from a university. You then apply for your student visa at the Indian Embassy in your home country.
Sixth, book your flight and prepare for your move to India. You will need to register with the Foreign Regional Registration Office within two weeks of arriving.
Final Thoughts
Studying in India on a scholarship is absolutely possible. Thousands of international students do it every year. The key is starting early, applying to the right programs, and submitting a complete and accurate application.
The ICCR portal and the Study in India portal are your best friends. Spend time exploring them. Look at the list of empaneled universities. See what courses are offered. And when the application window opens in February, be ready to apply.
India is waiting for you. The food, the culture, the education, the people. It will change your life. All you have to do is take the first step and submit that application.
Common Questions Students Ask
Can I work while studying on a scholarship? No. ICCR scholarship recipients are not allowed to work during their studies. The scholarship is meant to cover your needs so you can focus entirely on your education.
What kind of visa do I need? Undergraduate and postgraduate students need a Student Visa. PhD students need a Research Visa. Make sure you get the correct category, or you could be sent back home to reapply.
Can I stay in India after my course ends? No. You must leave India after receiving your provisional certificates and before your residential permit expires.
Is my degree recognized back home? Indian degrees are recognized worldwide, but you should check with the qualifications assessment department in your country to confirm equivalence.
What if I face difficulties after arriving in India? You can contact your college authorities, the International Students Advisor, or the ICCR Zonal Office. In an emergency, you can also contact the local police.