ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme

Overview

The India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme is the Indian Council for Cultural Relations' fully funded programme for students from across Africa. ICCR is an autonomous body under India's Ministry of External Affairs, and "Maitri" means friendship, which captures the purpose of the scheme: deepening educational and people-to-people ties between India and African nations. It is the successor to the earlier Africa Scholarship Scheme and now operates under the Maitri banner.

The scheme is open at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, so it suits students at several stages of their education. Nationals of more than fifty African countries are eligible, from Algeria and Nigeria to Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and beyond. Slots are allocated to each participating country every academic year, and applications are submitted through ICCR's online A2A portal, usually with support from the Indian mission in your country.

Because the Maitri scheme is one of ICCR's broader programmes, it tends to publish clearer figures than the smaller country-specific schemes. It generally covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, housing support, a contingency grant, medical cover and return economy airfare, with lab or incidental charges covered for science courses. That combination makes a full degree in India affordable for students who could not otherwise self-fund.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

You must be a citizen of an eligible African country. The list spans North, West, East, Central and Southern Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mauritius and many more. People of Indian origin holding an Indian passport are not eligible.

Academic Requirements

You need the qualification that precedes your target level: secondary school completion for undergraduate study, a Bachelor's for a Master's, and a Master's for a PhD. Your prior marks must meet the admission standard set by the Indian institutions you apply to.

Language Requirements

Teaching is in English, so you must be able to speak, read and write English. The application asks for a 500-word essay in English, and you can also upload a valid TOEFL or IELTS score as supplemental proof of proficiency.

Age & Other Requirements

Age ceilings apply and are higher for doctoral applicants than for undergraduate, diploma and postgraduate applicants. The exact ages are set in the official call for each cycle, so confirm them before applying. Your passport must be valid for at least two years beyond the application cut-off, and you will need a medical fitness certificate, a police clearance certificate and personal medical insurance with the minimum cover stated in the call.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees for your programme
• A monthly living stipend on the ICCR scale, around ₹18,000 for UG, ₹20,000 for PG and ₹22,000 for PhD students
• Housing or house rent allowance when hostel accommodation is unavailable
• An annual contingency grant for books and study materials
• Lab or incidental charges for science and laboratory-based courses
• Return economy-class airfare
• Medical cover during your stay, with a personal health insurance policy required at the level stated in the call

How to Apply

1. Register on the A2A portal. Create an account and select the India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme for your country.
2. Select courses and universities. List your preferred programmes and institutions in priority order, matching them to your background.
3. Complete the online form. Enter your personal and academic details accurately and consistently.
4. Write your English essay. Prepare the 500-word essay that shows your language ability and your study motivation.
5. Upload documents. Add transcripts, certificates, passport, photo, medical fitness certificate, police clearance and any language scores, with English translations where needed.
6. Submit before the deadline. Review and submit. The Indian mission in your country helps verify and forward eligible applications.
7. Confirm placement and travel. If selected, accept your offer, complete visa formalities and arrange travel using the airfare provision.

Required Documents

• Completed A2A online application
• Academic transcripts and certificates for all previous study
• Valid passport with at least two years' remaining validity
• Recent passport-size photograph
• 500-word English essay
• Medical fitness certificate
• Police clearance certificate
• Proof of personal medical insurance at the required cover level
• English translations of any non-English documents
• TOEFL or IELTS scores, if available
• For PhD applicants, a research proposal

Key Dates & Deadlines

The Maitri scheme follows the Indian academic year, which usually begins around July or August. Applications generally open in the first part of the year, and ICCR confirms per-country slot allocations for each cycle. Because the closing date and the number of slots vary by country and year, rely on the A2A portal and your local Indian mission for the current dates instead of last year's schedule.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Start early and keep your passport validity well ahead of the two-year requirement
• Use the 500-word essay to show clear, specific reasons for your chosen field and country
• Apply to a realistic mix of institutions, not only the most sought-after ones
• Gather the police clearance and medical certificates ahead of time, since they can take weeks

Common mistakes to avoid

• A passport that does not meet the two-year validity rule
• Submitting documents without English translations
• Treating the essay as a formality instead of a real chance to stand out
• Missing the police clearance or medical insurance requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme?

Nationals of eligible African countries who want to study an undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD programme in India and meet the academic, age and language requirements.

What does the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship cover?

It covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, housing allowance, a contingency grant, medical cover and return economy airfare, plus lab charges for science courses.

What is the deadline for the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship?

There is an annual application window on the A2A portal, with per-country slots announced each year. Confirm the exact closing date on the portal and with your Indian mission.

How much is the monthly stipend under the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship?

On the ICCR scale it is around ₹18,000 for undergraduate, ₹20,000 for postgraduate and ₹22,000 for PhD students, subject to revision in the official call.

Is there an age limit for the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship?

Yes. Age ceilings apply and are higher for PhD applicants than for UG, diploma and PG applicants. The official call lists the exact limits for the cycle.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship?

A score is not always mandatory because the application includes a 500-word English essay, but a valid TOEFL or IELTS result can be uploaded as supplemental proof and strengthens your case.

Does the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship pay for flights?

Yes, the scheme generally includes return economy-class airfare. Confirm the airfare terms in the current call.

Which countries are eligible for the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship?

More than fifty African countries take part, spanning North, West, East, Central and Southern Africa. Check the current call for your country's slot allocation.

How do I apply for the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship?

Register on the A2A portal, select the Maitri scheme for your country, complete the form, write the essay, upload your documents and submit before the deadline.

What documents do I need for the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship?

Transcripts, certificates, a valid passport, a photo, the English essay, a medical fitness certificate, a police clearance certificate, proof of medical insurance and English translations where needed.

Can undergraduates apply for the ICCR India-Africa Maitri Scholarship?

Yes. The scheme supports Bachelor's, Master's and PhD study, so school leavers can apply for undergraduate programmes.