ICCR Scholarship 2026-2027 for African Students: Fully Funded Guide

Are you an African student dreaming of studying in India without financial worries? The ICCR Scholarship Scheme 2026-2027 offers fully funded spots in top universities. This program from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations helps students from Africa and other places pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and cultural studies.

Overview of the ICCR Scholarship Scheme 2026-2027

The ICCR Scholarship Scheme 2026-2027 opens doors to 131 top Indian universities and institutes. It builds ties between India and other countries through education. African students can choose from many fields to match their goals.

Two main tracks stand out for this year. The India-Africa Maitri Scholarship targets African nations. The Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship focuses on arts and yoga.

India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme

This track strengthens bonds between India and Africa. For example, Ghana has 70 slots available. It covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs.

Students can study STEM fields like science, technology, engineering, and math. Non-STEM subjects are open too. Medical, paramedical, law, and integrated degrees are not allowed.

Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme

This scholarship promotes Indian culture worldwide with 100 slots. Seventy-five go to dance, music, theatre, sculpture, Indian languages, and cuisine. Twenty-five are for a one-year yoga diploma.

Yoga programs happen at places like Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya in Uttarakhand and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in New Delhi. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD in cultural fields, and the yoga diploma. Slots fill on a first-come, first-served basis with limits per country.

Financial Coverage and Benefits

The scholarship pays for almost everything. It includes return economy class airfare to and from India. Full tuition fees are covered along with a monthly stipend for living costs.

Students get campus hostel or other housing. There are allowances for contingencies and thesis work. House rent help applies where needed. This lets scholars focus on studies.

Costs Not Covered by the Scholarship

Some expenses fall on students. These include hostel or private housing fees in certain cases. Food and mess charges are extra.

Security deposits, caution money, registration fees, and penalties are not paid by the scholarship. Certification, documentation, and immigration costs are also student responsibilities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be from eligible countries like those in Africa. A valid passport is needed with at least two years left as of July 1, 2026. Age limits are 18 minimum, up to 35 for undergraduate, postgraduate, or diploma, and 40 for PhD.

English skills are required through an essay or tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Academic background must fit the course, such as science subjects for science programs.

Important Academic Restrictions

Certain programs are off-limits. No B.Tech at IITs. Medical, paramedical like nursing, and integrated degrees like BALLB are excluded.

Ayurveda, yoga, Unani, and similar courses have separate scholarships through AYUSH.

Medical Fitness Requirements

Candidates need good physical and mental health. A certified medical report is required. Extra checks happen after arrival in India.

If standards are not met, the scholarship may end, and students pay to return home.

Important Dates

The application portal opens on February 27, 2026. The deadline is April 15, 2026. Universities decide admissions by April 30, 2026.

Scholarship spots are set by May 15, 2026. Students must accept by that date too.

Why You Should Apply

This scholarship gives world-class education and cultural experiences. It builds networks and career skills in a growing economy. For African students, it means global chances and a taste of India’s heritage. Apply soon to join this program.

Frequently Asked Questions