Fully funded ICCR Scholarships 2024-25

Key Takeaways

• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) runs the India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme (formerly Africa Scholarship Scheme) offering fully-funded studies in India (UG/PG/PhD) for African nationals, including Zimbabwe.
• Zimbabwean nationals eligible for the scheme must apply via the A2A portal: http://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in/.
• Timeline for Academic Year 2024-25: Portal opens ~04 April 2024; student application deadline ~31 May 2024; university decisions by ~30 June 2024; student acceptance by ~15 July 2024; further rounds up to ~20 August 2024.
• Courses covered: Bachelor, Master, PhD across many disciplines (Engineering, IT, BBA/MBA, Arts). Some exclusions apply (medical/paramedical, integrated 5-year courses, etc).
• Eligibility specifics: age limits, subject prerequisites for engineering (PCM), English proficiency, admission via approved Indian universities.
• Crucial to check each Indian University’s own eligibility and course list before registering.

1. What is the Scholarship Scheme?

The India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme is a bilateral educational initiative by India, implemented through ICCR, aiming to strengthen India-Africa academic and cultural ties. Zimbabwe is listed among eligible African countries. 
Under this scheme, students from select African countries may pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies in Indian universities, with tuition fees, stipend, accommodation and (often) return airfare covered. 

2. Who Can Apply? — Eligibility for Zimbabwe Nationals

Nationality: Must be a citizen of Zimbabwe (Zimbabwean national).
Age: For AY 2024-25 typical guidelines are 18-40 years for UG/PG; up to 50 for PhD. (Example: Kenya notice) 
Previous ICCR Scholarship: Priority often goes to first-time applicants.
Disciplines: Engineering, IT, BBA/MBA, Arts and others are included — provided the Indian university offers the specific course and student meets its prerequisites.
Engineering prerequisite: For BE/B.Tech, the applicant must have had Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) at school leaving level.
English proficiency: Since instruction is in English, student must demonstrate reading/writing/speaking competency. A 500-word essay may be required; IELTS/TOEFL may also be acceptable. 
Course exclusions: Some scheme notices exclude medical/paramedical (nursing/physio), certain integrated courses (e.g., BA+LLB 5-year) or fashion/law programmes.

3. Application Process & Timeline (AY 2024-25)

Step-by-step:

1. Visit the A2A portal: http://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in/ and register an account. 
2. Review the list of approved Indian universities/institutes and available courses via the portal in your region (Zimbabwe) and select up to 5 preferred choices.
3. Upload required documents (academic transcripts, proof of age, nationality, English proficiency, research synopsis for PhD, etc).
4. Submit the application before the deadline (~31 May 2024).
5. Await decision by Indian university by ~30 June 2024. If admitted, offer letter will be issued and the Mission (Indian Embassy/High Commission) will issue the award letter.
6. Student must accept/reject the scholarship offer by ~15 July 2024 (first round). If seats remain, second round allocations occur and acceptance by ~20 August 2024. 
7. After acceptance, student completes visa, insurance and other travel formalities and departs for India for the academic year start.

Important timeline summary:

• Opening of portal: early April 2024 (for AY 2024-25)
• Student application deadline: ~31 May 2024
• University decision: ~30 June 2024
• Student acceptance first round: ~15 July 2024
• Second round offer & acceptance: through ~20 August 2024

4. What Does the Scholarship Cover?

• Tuition fees for the selected course at the Indian institution.
• Monthly stipend/living allowance (varies by level of study and institution).
• On-campus accommodation (hostel) or housing allowance.
• One return economy‐class airfare to the nearest Indian airport (subject to conditions).
• Student must arrange mandatory personal medical insurance valid in India (minimum sum assured often ~INR 5 lakh per annum) before travel.

5. Tips for Zimbabwean Applicants

• Verify that the Indian university you prefer is in the approved list and that the course you want is offered under the scheme for AY 2024-25.
• Ensure you meet the subject prerequisites (e.g., PCM for engineering) and the age criteria.
• Prepare a strong 500-word English essay (if required) and gather evidence of English proficiency.
• Keep scanned copies of all academic certificates, transcripts, passport/ID, and translation into English (if original in another language).
• Keep deadlines firmly in view and submit slightly ahead of time to accommodate technical issues.
• After admission, apply for Indian visa promptly and secure the required medical insurance before departure.

FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can students from Zimbabwe apply under the India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme?
Yes. Zimbabwe is listed among the 54 African countries eligible under the scheme.

Q2. What levels of study are covered (Bachelor, Master, PhD)?
The scheme covers Undergraduate (Bachelor), Post-graduate (Master) and Doctoral (PhD) programmes in eligible disciplines. 

Q3. Are engineering and IT courses eligible?
Yes—but for engineering (BE/B.Tech) you must have studied Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics at school leaving level. Ensure the chosen Indian university offers the engineering programme under this scheme. 

Q4. What is the last date to submit applications for AY 2024-25?
Applications must typically be submitted by 31 May 2024.

Q5. Does the scholarship cover medical/paramedical or law/fashion courses?
Many scheme notices exclude medical/paramedical courses (nursing, physiotherapy, anesthesia), fashion, law or integrated 5-year courses (e.g., BA+LLB). Applicants must check specific Indian university eligibility. 

Q6. How many universities can I apply to?
You may list up to five (5) Indian universities/institutes in order of preference.

Q7. Does the scheme cover airfare and accommodation?
Yes. The scholarship typically covers return economy airfare and accommodation (hostel/housing) in India.