ICCR Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 (Revised Dates)
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
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ICCR Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme 2026-27 (Revised Dates)
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
Quick facts
About the role
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations has updated the application window for the Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme for the academic year 2026-27. Administered through the Ministry of External Affairs alongside Indian diplomatic missions across Africa, this flagship initiative covers around 900 fully funded seats in central universities, state institutions, and premier research academies across India. The scheme welcomes applications from citizens of African partner nations wishing to pursue regular, full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs across engineering, sciences, commerce, humanities, and social sciences. Medical and paramedical disciplines remain excluded under this funding line. Beneficiaries receive a full tuition waiver, regular monthly living stipends, hostel allowances, medical emergency cover, and economy airfare. Candidates must hold qualifying marks in their previous school or university examinations, submit an English proficiency essay, and upload certified credential translations where original papers are in French, Arabic, or Portuguese. Registrations run through the central A2A portal.
Highlights
- Full funding covering tuition fees, hostel lodging, and monthly living allowances across accredited Indian campuses
- Economy class round-trip flight tickets between home nation and the allocated Indian institution
- Covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees excluding medicine and dentistry
- Around 900 scholarship seats distributed across participating African partner nations
Selection process
- 1Initial screening of academic records and submitted certificates on the A2A scholarship portal
- 2500-word English language essay assessment
- 3Academic eligibility evaluation and provisional admission offer by the opted Indian university
- 4Document verification and final scholarship approval by the respective Embassy of India
How to apply
- 1Open the official ICCR A2A portal at a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in and register an applicant account
- 2Select up to five participating Indian universities and academic disciplines matching your qualifications
- 3Upload educational mark sheets, valid passport copies, medical fitness declaration, and photograph
- 4Type and submit the mandatory English language essay in the assigned section of the portal
- 5Review all uploaded credentials, submit the completed dossier, and retain a printed copy for Embassy verification
Important dates
- Revised Portal Reopening05 Oct 2026
- Extended Last Date to Apply15 Dec 2026
- University Assessment Window16 Dec 2026 to 15 Jan 2027
- Embassy Verification and Offer Letters20 Jan 2027 onwards
Official source & verification
Application status tracker
- Last date to apply15 Dec 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can Indian citizens apply for this scholarship scheme?
No, this scheme is strictly restricted to passport holders of African countries. Indian citizens, Non-Resident Indians, and Overseas Citizens of India cannot apply through the Africa Maitri quota. Indian domestic candidates should explore central or state scholarship schemes operated by national ministries.
Are MBBS or nursing courses funded through Africa Maitri?
No, medical, BDS, nursing, pharmacy, and paramedical degree courses are excluded from this scholarship framework. Eligible applicants can choose from regular degree courses in engineering, basic sciences, computer applications, commerce, management, arts, humanities, and law at participating public universities.
What financial allowances do selected scholars receive?
Selected scholars receive fully paid tuition fees, a monthly living allowance between ₹18,000 and ₹25,000 depending on the study level, a fixed annual contingency allowance, hostel accommodation assistance, basic medical insurance cover, and return economy airfare between their country and India.
Is English language proficiency mandatory for consideration?
Yes, all courses in host Indian institutions are taught in English. Applicants must submit a 500-word written essay within the portal to demonstrate English comprehension and composition skills. Some universities may also hold a short virtual interview before confirming acceptance.
What should applicants do if their original certificates are in French or Arabic?
Certificates issued in French, Arabic, Portuguese, or other non-English languages must be translated into English by an authorized translator. Both the original language mark sheets and their certified English translations must be uploaded together on the portal before the closing deadline.