Have India in your mind as a study abroad destination? You do not want to miss ICCR scholarship then. Read on...

From Taj Mahal to Technological Marvels: ICCR Scholarship Paves the Way to Study in India!

Hello, dear Chai buddies! Hope you're all doing splendidly.

Are you considering studying abroad in India? While millions of Indian students venture overseas for education, there's a growing influx of international students choosing India for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant atmosphere, and affordable living. And with recent strides in the Indian economy, this trend is only gaining momentum. If you're eager to experience India's kaleidoscope of cultures, delectable cuisine, stunning arts, and more, all within a student budget, then the ICCR scholarship is your ticket to an unforgettable academic journey. Here's why.

Photo by Darshak Pandya

The ICCR Scholarship, funded by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, is designed to support international students pursuing higher education in India. This comprehensive scholarship covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, medical insurance, and accommodation, ensuring a smooth academic experience for scholars.

If you're an international student from one of approximately 190 eligible countries worldwide, interested in a diverse range of courses offered by Indian universities, and aged between 18 and 30 years (45 years for PhD), with a strong academic background and proficiency in English, then the ICCR Scholarship is tailor-made for you. With this scholarship, you can pursue various courses ranging from management and engineering to dance, arts, history, languages, ayurveda, yoga and more, all while receiving a decent stipend. With careful budgeting, you'll find India's living expenses remarkably affordable, allowing you to make the most of your study abroad experience while saving some funds. Plus, with 21 different schemes available, there's a good chance of securing a scholarship, provided you have a commendable academic and extracurricular record, along with the required test results for your chosen course.

Applying for the ICCR scholarship is a straight forward process. 

• All applications are accepted only through admission to alumni online portal i.e. A2A ICCR SCHOLARSHIP portal. No applications will be accepted locally within India or through foreign Indian missions abroad.
• Make sure to submit a complete application with all details furnished. Before application, make sure that all your documents are either originally in English or translated into English language.
• You may need English language test scores. So, keep your IELTS / Toefl test scores ready. For pursuing MBA, GMAT is mandatory.
• For pursuing doctorate, your research synopsis must be a part of your scholarship application.
• For performing arts courses, it is required to submit your performance videos and YouTube channel can be used as your portfolio. So, what are your waiting for? Open your channel already.
• You can select up to 5 universities and courses from the list of ICCR-empanelled institutions, ranking them based on your preferences. Note here that private universities aren't a part of ICCR scholarship.
• The chance of getting a scholarship is higher if one opts for subjects they pursued in their past course. Example, if one has studied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry as their subjects in high school, chances are high for them to get a scholarship if they opt to pursue engineering in their undergraduate level, given other criteria are sufficiently met. Similarly, if one has studied dance in their UG level and wishes to pursue Masters in Bharatanatyam or Kathak or folk dance in India and applies for a scholarship and has other criteria met as per their choice of course, their chance of getting a scholarship is higher.
• Submit your application and await confirmation from ICCR. 
• Upon confirmation of selection as a scholarship recipient, accept the offer and prepare for visa processing, travel arrangements, and your academic journey in India. 

Ensure you have the following documents ready for a seamless application process:

• Passport-size photograph
• Academic transcripts
• Certificate of physical fitness (as required)
• Recommendations/character certificates
• Valid passport
• English language proficiency test scores
• Work experience (if applicable)
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Updated resume or CV
• Synopsis of proposed research (for PhD courses)
• Proof of not receiving ICCR scholarship before (if applicable)
• Student ID proof

This year, the portal for application has already opened on 20th February, 2024 (sorry for the delay in information, - but hey, it is not first come first serve, so do not worry). The application deadline is on 30 April 2024. So, you still have plenty of time to prepare and apply.

What are you waiting for? Grab your cup of Chai and ek scholarship application ho jae!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to embark on an enriching academic journey in India with the ICCR Scholarship. Apply now and unlock a world of possibilities, where cultural immersion meets academic excellence, shaping your future in ways beyond imagination!

More details can be found here: https://www.iccr.gov.in/iccr-scholarship/indian-council-cultural-relations-scholarship

And while you are working at your scholarship, it would be incredible to know that you support my efforts of bringing out such information to you by getting either getting me an Amazon gift card to be sent to email address of aamiprabhasini@gmail.com or getting me some of the items on my wish list. Your support means the world to me, and it would be fantastic to have your love join me in this journey.

I will see you in my next. Till then Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!