Government schemes
ICCR administers the largest scheme for foreign nationals, covering tuition, a living stipend and accommodation allowance. It is nomination-based: you apply through the Indian mission or the designated agency in your country, not directly to a university.
The Study in India programme offers fee waivers at participating institutions on a merit basis, with a common application portal and its own annual window.
Regional and institutional awards
SAARC applicants often access reserved seats at a reduced international fee band. Many private universities and all foreign campuses fund their own merit awards, typically 10–50% of tuition, decided at the point of admission.
Institutional money is the most winnable because the pool is smaller and the decision sits with the admissions committee reading your file.
- ICCR: tuition, stipend, accommodation — nomination through the mission
- Study in India: fee waivers at participating institutions
- SAARC quota: reduced fee band for eligible nationalities
- Institutional merit awards: decided with your offer
Apply in parallel, never in sequence
Government windows close early and results arrive late. Applicants who hold a self-funded offer while a nomination is pending keep the intake safe; those who wait for the scholarship decision often lose a year.
