Scholarships for International Students in India

The main official scholarship routes

Foreign students looking to study in India have two principal official routes to look at first: scholarship schemes administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), and the Government of India's Study in India programme, which lists participating institutions and any associated support.

These are government channels, so they are the most reliable place to understand what is genuinely available. This page describes how to find and use them. It does not state any amounts, eligibility cut-offs, or deadlines, because those are set officially and change — always verify the current terms on the official sources.

ICCR scholarship schemes

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) administers a number of scholarship schemes for foreign nationals to pursue courses at Indian institutions. Applications and scheme details are handled through ICCR's official channels, including its dedicated scholarships portal.

Eligibility for ICCR schemes is based on secular, official criteria — such as the country/scheme you apply under, the programme and level of study, and academic requirements — as defined by ICCR. Available schemes, who can apply, what is covered, and application windows are all set officially and can change each cycle. Check the current scheme list and terms on the ICCR scholarships portal before applying.

• Administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
• Applied for through ICCR's official scholarships portal
• Eligibility is secular and scheme-specific — set officially
• Schemes, coverage, and deadlines change — verify each cycle

Study in India and institution scholarships

The Government of India's Study in India programme is an official portal where foreign students can discover participating institutions and any scholarship or fee support those institutions or the programme offer. Some participating institutions also run their own merit- or category-based awards for international students.

Because terms vary by institution and by cycle, treat the Study in India portal and each institution's official admissions page as the authoritative source for what is on offer, who qualifies, and how to apply. Do not rely on amounts or eligibility quoted by third parties.

Secular eligibility and avoiding scams

Official scholarship eligibility is based on secular, administrative criteria — such as nationality/scheme, academic record, programme, and the conditions of the specific scheme. Disregard any 'scholarship' framed around faith or that asks you to meet non-official conditions.

No scholarship is guaranteed, and no one can promise you an award. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a scholarship or asks for payment to secure one — legitimate official scholarships are applied for through government or institution channels, not bought. Verify every scheme, amount, and deadline on the official ICCR and Study in India sources before acting.