ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship Scheme

Overview

The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Scholarship Scheme is an ICCR programme for students from the five MGC member states in Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. ICCR is an autonomous body under India's Ministry of External Affairs, and the scheme sits within the wider Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework that links India with the Mekong region on culture, education, tourism and connectivity.

The scheme funds undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral study at institutions across India. It is a route for students in the five member countries to earn a recognised Indian degree without carrying the usual cost of international study. Applications go through ICCR's online A2A portal and are supported by the Indian missions in each member state.

Like other ICCR schemes, the MGC scholarship runs on ICCR's standard financial scale, so selected students receive tuition, a monthly stipend, housing support, a contingency grant and medical cover. The scheme reinforces long-standing historical and cultural connections between India and mainland Southeast Asia while giving students access to a wide range of fields.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

You must be a national of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand or Vietnam. The scheme is for foreign nationals only, so Indian passport holders are not eligible.

Academic Requirements

You need the qualification that comes before your target level: school completion for undergraduate entry, a Bachelor's for a Master's, and a Master's for a PhD. Indian institutions set the minimum marks for each programme, and your prior results must meet that standard.

Language Requirements

Programmes are taught in English, so you should be able to study, write and present in English. The application generally includes an English essay, and TOEFL or IELTS scores can be added as supporting proof where you have them.

Age & Other Requirements

ICCR applies age ceilings that differ by study level, with a higher limit for doctoral applicants. The exact ages appear in the official call for the cycle. You also need a valid passport, medical fitness to study abroad and, in line with ICCR rules, personal medical insurance at the level the call specifies.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees for your 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

1. Register on the A2A portal. Create an account and select the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation scheme for your country.
2. Choose programmes and universities. List your preferred courses and institutions in order of preference.
3. Complete the online form. Enter your personal and academic information accurately.
4. Upload documents. Add transcripts, certificates, passport, photo, medical fitness certificate and your essay or study plan, with English translations where needed.
5. Submit before the deadline. Review and submit. The Indian mission in your country verifies and forwards eligible applications.
6. Respond to follow-ups. Reply promptly to any request for clarification, interview or counselling.
7. 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
• Statement of purpose or study/research plan
• 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

The scheme follows the Indian academic year, which usually starts around July or August. The application window normally opens in the earlier part of the year and is announced on the A2A portal and by Indian missions in the five member states. Exact opening and closing dates change each cycle, so confirm them on the portal rather than assuming last year's schedule.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Apply early to allow time for document checks and corrections
• Write a clear study or research plan tied to specific Indian programmes
• Select a balanced list of universities across different ranks
• Keep all names, dates and marks consistent across documents

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping certified English translations for non-English documents
• Leaving the application until the final days of the window
• Applying for courses that do not match your prior qualifications
• Ignoring messages from the Indian mission during selection

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship Scheme?

Nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam who want to study an undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD programme in India and meet ICCR's requirements.

What does the ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship 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 ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship?

There is an annual window on the A2A portal and through Indian missions in the five MGC states. The exact dates change each cycle, so confirm them on the portal.

Which countries are part of the ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship?

Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, the five Mekong-Ganga Cooperation member states.

Which degree levels does the ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship support?

Undergraduate (Bachelor's), postgraduate (Master's) and doctoral (PhD) study.

How do I apply for the ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship?

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

Is there an age limit for the ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship?

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 ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship?

It is not always mandatory, but you must be able to study in English. A TOEFL or IELTS score helps and may be requested by some institutions.

Does the ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship include airfare?

ICCR schemes generally provide return economy airfare. Confirm the airfare terms in the current official call before you travel.

Can I pursue a PhD under the ICCR Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Scholarship?

Yes. PhD study is supported, and PhD scholars also receive a one-time thesis or dissertation grant.