India is one of the most affordable countries in the world for international higher education, and the availability of government-funded and university-funded scholarships makes it even more accessible for students from Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Whether you are from Nepal, Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Afghanistan, or any of the 160+ countries covered under India’s scholarship programs, this country-wise guide explains exactly what scholarships are available for your nationality, how much they pay, and how to apply in 2026.
Overview: How Many Scholarships Does India Offer To International Students?
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), offers thousands of scholarship seats every year to students from over 160 countries. In addition, state governments, individual universities, and bilateral agreements between India and specific countries add thousands more seats annually. Here is the overall picture:
| Scholarship Program | Administered By | Annual Seats | Countries Covered | Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICCR General Cultural Scholarship (GCSS) | MEA / ICCR | 3,500+ | 160+ countries | UG, PG, PhD — all subjects |
| SAARC Scholarship Scheme | MEA / ICCR | 1,500+ | 8 SAARC nations | UG, PG, PhD |
| India-Africa Forum Summit Scholarship | MEA | 50,000 (over 5 years) | 54 African Union states | MBBS, Engineering, Agriculture |
| Commonwealth Scholarship (India share) | MEA / ICCR | 500+ | Commonwealth nations | PG and PhD only |
| University Merit Scholarships | Individual universities | 10,000+ | All nationalities | All subjects |
| State Government Scholarships | State govts (Kerala, Karnataka etc.) | Varies | Selected countries | Technical and medical |
Scholarships For Students From Nepal
Nepali students form the single largest international student community in India, with over 28,000–32,000 studying across Indian universities. Nepal and India share an open border and a special relationship that gives Nepali students access to Indian institutions almost on par with Indian nationals.
| Scholarship | Seats Per Year | Coverage | Courses | Monthly Stipend (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICCR SAARC Scholarship (Nepal) | 1,000+ | Full tuition + hostel | MBBS, Engineering, Management, Arts | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Indian Embassy Nepal Scholarship | 500+ | Tuition + stipend | IIT, NIT, central universities | ₹10,000 |
| University Merit Awards (LPU, Amity) | Open | 25% – 100% tuition waiver | All programs | None (fee waiver only) |
| Nepal-India Bilateral Scholarship | 200+ | Full tuition | Agriculture, Science, Technology | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
Nepali students also benefit from the fact that the Nepali rupee is pegged to the Indian rupee at a fixed rate of 1 INR = 1.6 NPR, making money transfers between Nepal and India extremely cheap and fast compared to any other international corridor.
Scholarships For Students From Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of India’s most important bilateral partners and Bangladeshi students have access to dedicated ICCR seats as well as university-level concessions. Medicine, engineering, and law are the most popular choices for Bangladeshi students in India.
| Scholarship | Seats Per Year | Coverage | Top Universities | Monthly Stipend (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICCR SAARC Scholarship (Bangladesh) | 500 – 800 | Full tuition + hostel | Manipal, Amity, JNU, BHU | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Bangladesh-India Bilateral Seats | 200 – 400 | Tuition waiver | Central universities, NITs | ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Private University Scholarships | Open | 20% – 75% tuition waiver | SRM, Lovely Professional, Amity | None |
Scholarships For Students From Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka and India share deep cultural and historical ties, and Sri Lankan students benefit from among the most generous SAARC scholarship allocations. Tamil-medium instruction is available at several South Indian universities, making India particularly attractive for Sri Lankan Tamil students.
| Scholarship | Seats Per Year | Coverage | Top Universities | Monthly Stipend (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICCR SAARC Scholarship (Sri Lanka) | 300 – 500 | Full tuition + hostel | University of Madras, Pondicherry, BHU | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Sri Lanka-India Bilateral Scholarship | 100 – 200 | Full tuition | IITs, NITs, central universities | ₹10,000 |
| Tamil Nadu State Scholarship | Limited | Partial fee concession | Tamil Nadu universities | None |
Scholarships For Students From Afghanistan
Despite political challenges, Afghanistan has historically been one of the largest recipients of Indian government scholarships. Indian universities host thousands of Afghan students, primarily in medicine and engineering, under ICCR and bilateral agreements.
| Scholarship | Seats Per Year | Coverage | Courses | Monthly Stipend (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICCR Afghanistan Scholarship | 500 – 1,000 | Full tuition + hostel | MBBS, Engineering, Management | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Afghanistan-India Bilateral Seats | 200 – 400 | Full tuition | Central universities, medical colleges | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
Scholarships For Students From Bhutan And Maldives
| Country | Scholarship | Annual Seats | Coverage | Top Courses | Stipend (INR/month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhutan | ICCR SAARC + Bilateral | 200 – 400 | Full tuition + hostel | Engineering, IT, Management | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Maldives | ICCR SAARC + Bilateral | 100 – 200 | Full tuition + hostel | Medicine, Management, Law | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
Scholarships For Students From Nigeria
Nigeria sends one of the largest African student populations to India, primarily for MBBS degrees. Indian medical colleges charge a fraction of what UK, USA, or even Caribbean medical schools charge, and the NMC-recognized degrees are accepted for licensing in Nigeria after completing the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) screening exam.
| Scholarship | Seats Per Year | Coverage | Top Universities | Monthly Stipend (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICCR Africa Scholarship (Nigeria) | 200 – 300 | Full tuition + hostel | Manipal, SRM, Saveetha, JSS | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) | Part of 50,000 pan-Africa | Full tuition | Various central universities | ₹10,000 |
| University Merit Scholarships | Open | 20% – 50% tuition waiver | Amity, LPU, Symbiosis | None |
Scholarships For Students From Kenya
Kenyan students in India primarily pursue MBBS, law, and engineering. Kenya and India have strong bilateral relations, and the ICCR allocates dedicated seats for Kenyan students every year through the Indian High Commission in Nairobi.
| Scholarship | Seats Per Year | Coverage | Top Universities | Monthly Stipend (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICCR Africa Scholarship (Kenya) | 150 – 250 | Full tuition + hostel | Manipal, SRM, Amity, Karnataka colleges | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| IAFS Scholarship (Kenya) | Part of pan-Africa pool | Full tuition | Agriculture, Science, Medical | ₹10,000 |
| University Concessions | Open | 25% – 50% tuition waiver | Saveetha, Vinayaka, KLE | None |
Scholarships For Students From Tanzania, Uganda And Ethiopia
| Country | ICCR Seats/Year | Coverage | Popular Courses | Key Universities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | 100 – 180 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | MBBS, Agriculture | Manipal, SRM, Karnataka colleges |
| Uganda | 100 – 150 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | MBBS, Engineering | Manipal, Amity, JSS |
| Ethiopia | 100 – 150 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Agriculture, Medicine | Tamil Nadu colleges, UP universities |
| Ghana | 80 – 120 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Management, Engineering | Amity, LPU, Symbiosis |
| Zambia | 60 – 100 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | MBBS, Agriculture | Karnataka and Tamil Nadu colleges |
| Sudan | 150 – 200 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | MBBS, Medical | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka colleges |
| Zimbabwe | 50 – 80 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | MBBS, Engineering | Manipal, SRM, Amity |
| Cameroon | 40 – 70 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Management, IT | Amity, LPU |
Scholarships For Students From The Philippines, Indonesia And Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian students increasingly choose India for Ayurveda, yoga, IT, and management degrees. The ICCR covers most Southeast Asian nations under its General Cultural Scholarship Scheme.
| Country | ICCR Seats/Year | Coverage | Popular Courses | Key Universities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | 50 – 100 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Medicine, IT, Management | Manipal, Amity, Delhi University |
| Indonesia | 50 – 100 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | IT, Management, Ayurveda | Amity, LPU, BHU |
| Vietnam | 30 – 60 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Engineering, IT | IITs (via ICCR), NITs |
| Myanmar | 30 – 60 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Medicine, Engineering | Various central universities |
| Thailand | 30 – 50 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Management, Yoga, Ayurveda | BHU, Rishikesh yoga institutions |
| Malaysia | 20 – 40 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Management, IT, Ayurveda | Amity, Symbiosis, BHU |
Scholarships For Students From Middle East And Central Asia
| Country | ICCR Seats/Year | Coverage | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yemen | 100 – 150 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Medicine, Engineering |
| Iran | 50 – 100 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Engineering, IT, Sciences |
| Uzbekistan | 30 – 60 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Engineering, Management |
| Kazakhstan | 30 – 60 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | IT, Engineering, Science |
| Tajikistan | 20 – 40 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Medicine, Engineering |
| Kyrgyzstan | 20 – 40 | Full tuition + hostel + stipend | Medicine, Management |
What The ICCR Scholarship Covers — Full Breakdown
Understanding exactly what the scholarship pays for is critical for planning your finances as an international student in India:
| Benefit | UG Students (INR) | PG Students (INR) | PhD Students (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees | 100% covered | 100% covered | 100% covered |
| University hostel accommodation | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Monthly stipend | ₹10,000/month | ₹12,000/month | ₹15,000/month |
| One-time book grant | ₹5,000/year | ₹7,500/year | ₹10,000/year |
| Medical / health coverage | University health centre | University health centre | University health centre |
| Flight ticket | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered (student pays) |
Cost Of Studying In India Without A Scholarship
For students who do not receive a full scholarship, India is still significantly cheaper than Western alternatives. Here is a cost comparison by course:
| Course | India (INR Total) | India (USD Total) | UK (USD Total) | USA (USD Total) | Australia (USD Total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS (5.5 years) | ₹30 – ₹70 lakh | $36,000 – $84,000 | $300,000+ | $400,000+ | $250,000+ |
| B.Tech Engineering (4 years) | ₹8 – ₹20 lakh | $9,600 – $24,000 | $80,000+ | $120,000+ | $90,000+ |
| MBA (2 years) | ₹5 – ₹25 lakh | $6,000 – $30,000 | $60,000+ | $100,000+ | $70,000+ |
| BDS Dentistry (5 years) | ₹20 – ₹50 lakh | $24,000 – $60,000 | $200,000+ | $350,000+ | $180,000+ |
| B.Sc Agriculture (4 years) | ₹4 – ₹10 lakh | $4,800 – $12,000 | $60,000+ | $80,000+ | $70,000+ |
Education Loan Options For International Students Studying In India
Students who receive a partial scholarship or no scholarship can fund their education through loans from Indian banks or their home country banks. Here is a comparison of Indian bank education loans available to international students:
| Bank | Loan Product | Max Amount | Interest Rate (p.a.) | Repayment | Moratorium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Bank of India | SBI Global Ed-Vantage | ₹1.5 crore | 10.15% – 11.15% | Up to 15 years | Course + 12 months |
| Bank of Baroda | Baroda Scholar | ₹80 lakh | 9.70% – 11.50% | Up to 15 years | Course + 12 months |
| Punjab National Bank | PNB Saraswati | ₹40 lakh | 9.25% – 11.00% | Up to 15 years | Course + 6 months |
| Axis Bank | Axis Education Loan | ₹75 lakh | 13.70% – 15.20% | Up to 15 years | Course + 12 months |
| HDFC Credila | Education Loan | No upper limit | 10.50% – 13.75% | Up to 15 years | Course + 6 months |
Health Insurance For International Students In India
All Indian universities require international students to have valid health insurance. University group plans are available but individual plans often offer better coverage. Here are the top options:
| Provider | Plan | Annual Premium (INR) | Sum Insured | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Health Insurance | Student Care | ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 | ₹3 – ₹5 lakh | Hospitalization, accident, study interruption |
| HDFC ERGO | My:health Suraksha | ₹4,000 – ₹7,500 | ₹3 – ₹10 lakh | Inpatient, outpatient, emergency |
| Niva Bupa | ReAssure Student | ₹4,500 – ₹8,000 | ₹5 – ₹10 lakh | Hospitalization, day care, ambulance |
| Care Health | Care Supreme Student | ₹5,000 – ₹9,000 | ₹5 – ₹15 lakh | Full cover, mental health, wellness |
| New India Assurance | Overseas Mediclaim Student | ₹2,800 – ₹5,500 | ₹2 – ₹5 lakh | Hospitalization, accident |
How To Send Money To India As An International Student (Remittances From Family)
Most international students depend on regular transfers from family to cover living expenses beyond their stipend. Here is how the top remittance corridors to India compare:
| Send From | Best Service | Fee | Speed | INR Received on $200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria (NGN → INR) | Remitly / WorldRemit | NGN 500 – 1,000 | Minutes – 1 day | ₹13,500 – ₹14,200 |
| Kenya (KES → INR) | Wise / WorldRemit | KES 150 – 350 | Minutes – 1 day | ₹13,600 – ₹14,300 |
| Philippines (PHP → INR) | Wise / Remitly | PHP 80 – 200 | Minutes – 1 day | ₹13,800 – ₹14,400 |
| Bangladesh (BDT → INR) | bKash / Wise | BDT 80 – 200 | 1 – 2 days | ₹13,200 – ₹13,900 |
| Nepal (NPR → INR) | Direct bank / IME | Very low | Same day | Near fixed 1:1.6 rate |
| UK (GBP → INR) | Wise | £3 – £8 | 1 – 2 days | ₹21,000 – ₹21,800 |
| UAE (AED → INR) | Wise / Al Ansari | AED 5 – 15 | Minutes – 1 day | ₹14,500 – ₹15,000 |
| Qatar (QAR → INR) | Wise / Western Union | QAR 5 – 15 | Minutes – 1 day | ₹14,600 – ₹15,100 |
How To Apply For ICCR Scholarship — Step By Step
| Step | Action | Where | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check your country’s ICCR scholarship opening date | Indian Embassy / High Commission in your country | January – March each year |
| 2 | Register on the ICCR A2A (A2A Scholarship Portal) | a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in | During application window |
| 3 | Fill application form and select course preferences | ICCR portal | During application window |
| 4 | Submit documents to Indian Embassy in your country | Indian Embassy / High Commission | Before country deadline |
| 5 | Attend interview (if required by your country’s embassy) | Indian Embassy | April – May |
| 6 | Receive offer letter from ICCR | Email / ICCR portal | May – June |
| 7 | Apply for Indian Student Visa (X visa) | Indian Embassy / VFS Global | June – July |
| 8 | Travel to India and report to university | Assigned university | July – August |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country gets the most ICCR scholarship seats?
Nepal receives the largest number of ICCR and bilateral scholarship seats annually due to the special India-Nepal relationship. Among African nations, Nigeria, Sudan, and Kenya receive the most seats. Among SAARC nations, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow Nepal closely.
Can I apply for ICCR scholarship without going through my embassy?
No. All ICCR scholarship applications must be routed through the Indian Embassy or High Commission in your home country. You cannot apply directly to ICCR or to Indian universities for ICCR scholarship seats.
Is the ICCR stipend enough to live in India?
The monthly stipend of ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 covers basic living expenses in smaller university cities like Manipal, Pondicherry, Bhubaneswar, or Coimbatore. In metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi, students typically need an additional ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 per month from family remittances.
Do I need to speak Hindi to study in India?
No. All ICCR-supported programs at accredited Indian universities are taught in English. Hindi language is not a requirement, though learning basic conversational Hindi is helpful for daily life outside the campus.
Is an Indian degree accepted in my home country?
For MBBS, degrees from NMC (National Medical Commission) recognized colleges are accepted in most African, South Asian, and Southeast Asian countries after clearing a local licensing exam. For engineering and management, Indian degrees from NAAC-accredited institutions are broadly accepted. Always verify with your home country’s professional regulatory body before enrolling.
Conclusion
India’s scholarship ecosystem for international students is one of the most comprehensive in the developing world. Whether you are from Nepal, Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh, the Philippines, or any of the 160+ countries covered under ICCR programs, there is a fully funded pathway to study medicine, engineering, agriculture, or management in India at little or no cost. The key to success is applying through your country’s Indian Embassy well before the annual deadline — typically between January and March — submitting a complete application with strong academic records, and targeting courses where India has the greatest scholarship availability. For students who do not secure a full scholarship, India’s combination of low tuition fees, affordable education loans, and low living costs still makes it one of the most financially accessible study destinations in the world.
