India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027 offer a prestigious opportunity for students from African countries to study in India, fully supported by the Government of India. Launched under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), this initiative aims to strengthen educational ties and cultural exchange between India and Africa, allowing students to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and higher studies in top Indian universities.
Since its announcement at the India–Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in 2008, the India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027 have become a cornerstone for international academic collaboration. By increasing the number of scholarships and covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, this program ensures that talented students from across Africa can access world-class education in India without financial barriers.
Benefits of India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027
- Living allowance (Stipend) (Per Month)
- Undergraduate -5,500 , Postgraduate-6,000 M.Phil / Ph.D 7,000
- Accommodation in a university hostel
- House Rent Allowance (Per Month)
- In Grade 1 cities-5,000 and In other cities-4,500
- Contingent Grant (per annum)
- Undergraduate-5,000, Postgraduate-7,000, M/Phil / Ph.D Tuition Fee/Other Compulsory Fee-As per actual (excluding refundable amount) –Thesis and dissertation Expenses (Once in entire duration of course)
- Medical & insurance coverage
- Airfare (in some cases, from the home country to India)
Eligibility Criteria for India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027
- Students applying for doctoral/ post doctoral courses should include a synopsis of the proposed area of research.
- Students wishing to study performing arts should, if possible, enclose video/ audio cassettes of their recorded performances.
- Candidates must have adequate knowledge of English.
- ICCR will not entertain applications which are sent to ICCR directly by the students or which are sent by local Embassies/High Commissions in New Delhi.
- Priority will be given to students who have never studied in India before.
- No application will be accepted for admission to courses in MBBS/MD or Dentistry/Nursing.
- Candidates may note that Indian universities/educational institution are autonomous and independent and hence have their own eligibility criteria which have to be fulfilled. Please also note that acceptance of application by the University is also not a guarantee of admission. A scholarship is awarded only when admission is confirmed by ICCR.
- Student must carry a proper visa. Students should ensure that they get the correct visa from the Indian Embassy/High Commission. Government of India guideline stipulate that if a scholar arrives without proper visa and his/her actual admission at the University/Institute does not materialize, he/she will be deported to his/her country.
- Before departing for India the scholars should seek a full briefing from the Indian Diplomatic Mission in their country about living conditions in India/the details of scholarship/the type and duration of the course to which he/she is admitted. Scholars should inform the Indian Embassy/High Commission of their travel schedule well in advance so that ICCR can make reception and other arrangements for them.
- Scholars are advised to bring some money with them to meet incidental expenditures on arrival in India.
- The scholars who are awarded scholarships should bring with them all documents relating to their qualification in original for verification by the respective college/university at the time of admission
Eligible Countries for India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Cape Verde, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Comoros, Congo (Republic of), Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea (concurrent from Nairobi), Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan (Republic of), Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sao Tame & Principe, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
How to Apply for India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027?
- Visit the official A2A Scholarships portal at https://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in/ to start your application.
- Create a new account by registering with a valid email address and phone number. Make sure your details are accurate and easy to verify.
- Log in to your account and complete the online application form. Fill in personal information, academic history, and contact details carefully.
- Upload all required documents, including academic transcripts, passport copy, recommendation letters, and any other certificates listed in the instructions. Ensure each file meets the size and format requirements.
- Double-check your application for completeness. Verify that all fields are filled and documents are correctly uploaded. Errors can delay processing.
- Submit the application before the deadline. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep this for your records.
- Track your application status through the portal. Updates about shortlisting, interviews, or final selection will be posted there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026‑27 are fully funded opportunities for African students to pursue UG, PG, or PhD studies in India, offering tuition, stipends, housing, and airfare support. Applicants must apply online, meet age limits, show English proficiency, and select preferred universities.
What are India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026‑2027?
India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027 are fully funded awards for African students to study undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD programs in Indian Universities. They promote education and cultural ties while supporting academic excellence across Africa.
Who can apply for these India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027?
Eligible applicants for India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027 are African nationals who meet age and academic criteria. For UG and PG, applicants should be 18‑40 years old, and for PhD programs up to 50 years. All candidates must register and apply online through the official scholarship portal.
What academic programs are covered?
The India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027 covers full undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral studies in Indian universities and institutes. Students can pursue degrees in arts, science, engineering, social sciences, and related fields as part of their selected course choices.
What benefits does the India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027 offer?
Awardees receive full tuition fee coverage, living allowances, hostel accommodation support, and return economy class airfare to India. These benefits ensure students can focus on academic success without financial barriers throughout their study period.
How do I apply for the India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027?
Applicants must register and submit their complete applications online via the A2A Scholarship Portal during the application window. Only submissions through this digital portal are accepted; hard copies or emails won’t be considered.
What is the application timeline?
For the 2026‑27 cycle, the scholarship portal opened in late February, with the deadline for student applications typically in mid‑April. Universities then review applications and missions assign scholarships before final offer letters are issued.
Is English proficiency required for the India‑Africa Maitri Scholarships 2026-2027?
Yes, since programs are taught in English, applicants must demonstrate English language ability. Students can submit TOEFL, IELTS, or complete a required essay in English as part of the application to prove proficiency.
Can I choose my preferred Indian universities?
Yes, applicants can list up to five Indian universities or institutes in order of preference while applying. Admissions are subject to availability and eligibility, so choices may affect placement.
Are there age limits for the programs?
Yes, for undergraduate and postgraduate courses applicants must be between 18 and 40 years old. For PhD applicants, the upper age limit is generally 50. Age criteria ensure candidates are in the requisite academic stage.
Can I apply if my documents aren’t in English?
No, all academic certificates and transcripts must be translated into English before uploading. Original documents not in English require certified translation to be accepted during the online application process.
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