Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
AYUSH Scholarship Scheme (Ministry of Ayush, via ICCR)
Edit ScholarshipThe AYUSH Scholarship Scheme is a government of India award via ICCR, for foreign nationals studying traditional medicine at bachelor's, master's and PhD levels. It covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation/HRA, contingency and medical cover; the A2A portal typically closes in May.
Overview
The AYUSH Scholarship Scheme is a Government of India programme, backed by the Ministry of Ayush and administered by ICCR, for foreign nationals who want to study traditional medicine in India. AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, the recognised systems of traditional and alternative medicine in India. ICCR is an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs, and it runs the application process on its online A2A portal.
The scheme supports study at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels in AYUSH disciplines. It is aimed at students who want to learn these systems at their source, taught in dedicated Indian institutions. It is organised into sub-schemes covering different groups of countries, including BIMSTEC and South-East Asia Region (SEAR) nations, Malaysia and a wide range of other countries, so the eligible list depends on the sub-scheme you fall under.
Funding follows the standard ICCR scale, covering tuition, a monthly living stipend, housing support, a contingency grant and medical cover. For the 2026-27 cycle, the AYUSH application window ran with a last date of 31 May 2026, which gives a sense of the typical timing even though the exact dates shift each year.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, administered by ICCR |
| Host Country | India |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor's, Master's and PhD in AYUSH disciplines |
| Value | Full tuition plus monthly stipend, house rent allowance, contingency grant and medical cover on the standard ICCR scale |
| Deadline | Annual window on the A2A portal; the 2026-27 cycle closed on 31 May 2026 |
| Eligible Nationalities | Foreign nationals from eligible countries (BIMSTEC, SEAR, Malaysia and many non-BIMSTEC nations, by sub-scheme) |
| Official Website | a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality Requirements
You must be a foreign national from a country covered by one of the AYUSH sub-schemes. These span BIMSTEC and SEAR member states, Malaysia and a large group of other nations. Check the current call to see which sub-scheme applies to your country, as it affects slots and conditions.
Academic Requirements
You need the qualification that comes before your target level: school completion for an undergraduate AYUSH course, a relevant Bachelor's for a Master's, and a relevant Master's for a PhD. For clinical AYUSH systems, a science background at school level is usually important, and host institutions set the precise entry standards.
Language Requirements
Programmes are taught in English, and some AYUSH courses also involve study of classical texts. You should be able to study and write in English, and an English essay is typically part of the application. TOEFL or IELTS scores can be added as supporting proof.
Age & Other Requirements
ICCR applies age ceilings that vary by level, with a higher limit for doctoral applicants. The exact ages are set in the official call. You also need a valid passport, medical fitness to study abroad and personal medical insurance at the level ICCR requires.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition fees for your AYUSH programme
- A monthly living stipend on the ICCR scale (around ₹18,000 UG, ₹20,000 PG, ₹22,000 PhD)
- House rent allowance when hostel accommodation is not provided
- An annual contingency grant for books and study materials
- A one-time thesis or dissertation grant for PhD scholars
- Medical cover during your studies
How to Apply
- Register on the A2A portal. Create an account and select the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme and the sub-scheme that fits your country.
- Choose AYUSH programmes. List your preferred systems (such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha or Homoeopathy) and institutions in priority order.
- Complete the online form. Enter your personal and academic details accurately and consistently.
- Upload documents. Add transcripts, certificates, passport, photo, medical fitness certificate and your essay, with English translations where needed.
- Submit before the deadline. Review and submit before the closing date for the cycle.
- Respond to follow-ups. Reply promptly to any request for an interview or further documents.
- Accept and travel. If selected, confirm your offer, complete visa steps and arrange travel.
Required Documents
- Completed A2A online application
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Recent passport-size photograph
- English essay or statement of purpose
- English translations of any non-English documents
- Medical fitness certificate
- TOEFL or IELTS scores, where available
- For PhD applicants, a research proposal
Key Dates & Deadlines
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Earlier part of the year, announced on the A2A portal |
| 2026-27 deadline | 31 May 2026 (confirmed for that cycle) |
| Course start | With the Indian academic year, usually around July or August |
The 31 May 2026 closing date applied to the 2026-27 cycle. Dates move each year, so confirm the current window on the A2A portal before you apply.
Tips for a Strong Application
What helps
- A clear interest in the specific AYUSH system you want to study, shown in your essay
- A science background where the course expects one
- Applying early, well before the closing date
- Consistent, legible documents with translations ready
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying to a clinical AYUSH course without the expected science background
- Documents submitted without English translations
- Missing the deadline, which has been firm in recent cycles
- Choosing the wrong sub-scheme for your country
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme?
Foreign nationals from eligible countries, grouped into sub-schemes covering BIMSTEC, SEAR, Malaysia and many other nations, who want to study traditional medicine in India.
What does the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme cover?
It covers full tuition plus a monthly stipend, house rent allowance, an annual contingency grant, a PhD thesis grant and medical cover on the ICCR scale.
What is the deadline for the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme?
It runs on an annual window via the A2A portal. The 2026-27 cycle closed on 31 May 2026, and dates change each year, so check the portal for the current deadline.
What does AYUSH stand for in the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme?
Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, the recognised systems of traditional and alternative medicine in India.
Which degree levels does the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme support?
Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral study in AYUSH disciplines.
Who funds and administers the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme?
It is funded by the Government of India through the Ministry of Ayush and administered by ICCR, which runs the A2A application portal.
How do I apply for the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme?
Register on the A2A portal, select the AYUSH scheme and your sub-scheme, complete the form, upload your documents and submit before the deadline.
Is there an age limit for the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme?
Yes, ICCR applies age ceilings that vary by level, with a higher limit for PhD applicants. The exact figures are in the official call.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme?
It is not always mandatory, but you must be able to study in English. A TOEFL or IELTS score strengthens your application.
Can I study Ayurveda or Yoga under the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme?
Yes. The scheme covers Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy at the available study levels.
Does the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme include airfare?
ICCR schemes generally provide return economy airfare. Confirm the airfare terms in the current official call.