If you are an Afghan student looking to pursue higher education in India, the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals 2025-2026 is one of the most important opportunities you should explore. India has been offering scholarships to Afghan nationals for more than a decade through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
This scheme is specifically designed to support Afghan students who come from challenging backgrounds and want to continue their studies at undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral levels in India.
The objective is simple: to make quality education accessible, strengthen educational ties between India and Afghanistan, and empower Afghan youth for future leadership roles.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- A quick summary table of the scholarship.
- Eligibility rules explained clearly.
- Scholarship benefits and renewal rules.
- Application steps with required documents.
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Scholarships Quick Table
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount | Application Deadline | Official Link |
| Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals 2025-2026 | Afghan nationals, undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD students in India; academic merit required | Covers tuition, hostel, living allowance (Exact figures TBA) | September 1 to September 6, 2025 | ICCR Scholarship Portal |
Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals 2025-2026- ObjectivesÂ
The main objectives of the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals are:
- Access to Higher Education: Enable Afghan students to pursue quality education at Indian institutions.
- Skill Development: Equip Afghan youth with academic and professional skills.
- Promote Bilateral Relations: Strengthen the friendship between India and Afghanistan through educational cooperation.
- Support Vulnerable Students: Provide financial support to underprivileged Afghan students.
- Capacity Building: Help Afghanistan in nation-building by supporting its human resource development.
Eligibility Details
- Nationality: You must be an Afghan national.
- Academic Level: Open to undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and PhD students.
- Age Criteria:
- UG: Below 25 years
- PG: Below 35 years
- PhD: Below 45 years
- Academic Background: You need to have completed the required qualifications (e.g., 12th grade for UG, bachelor’s degree for PG).
- Language Requirement: Good knowledge of English (medium of instruction in most Indian universities).
- Health: A valid medical fitness certificate is often required.
- Residency: Applicants should currently hold a valid Afghan passport.
Amount and Renewal Rules
The Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals 2025-2026 is expected to cover:
- Full Tuition Fee (any university under ICCR).
- Hostel Accommodation Charges.
- Stipend/Living Allowance: Approx. INR 12,000–15,000 per month (as per previous ICCR guidelines).
- Thesis/Dissertation allowance for PhD students.
- Medical benefits (basic outpatient treatment).
Renewal Rules:
- Scholarship is renewed yearly based on satisfactory academic performance.
- Minimum 60% marks required in examinations for continuation (varies slightly by university).
- Students with failing grades or disciplinary issues may lose the scholarship.
How to Apply For India Scholarship for Afghanistan 2025
- Visit the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal:
- Register as a New Candidate.
- Fill in your email, contact number, and create a login.
- Application Form:
- Provide personal, educational, and passport details.
- Choose Universities and Courses:
- You can select up to 5 universities/courses under ICCR rules.
- Upload Documents (PDF/Scanned).
- Submit Application Before Deadline.
- Applications are expected to open by April 2025 and close by June 2025.
- Screening and Shortlisting:
- The Indian Embassy will verify eligible candidates.
- Offer and Confirmation:
- Selected students receive a Provisional Admission Letter (PAL) and scholarship award notification.
Special Conditions
- You cannot apply for medical (MBBS), paramedical, or BDS courses under this scheme.
- Change of course after final admission is generally not allowed.
- Married students cannot bring dependents on scholarship funding.
- Attendance (minimum 75%) is compulsory for continued support.
Required Documents Checklist
Before applying, keep these ready:
- Valid Afghan passport (first & last page scanned).
- Academic transcripts: 10th, 12th, bachelor’s, master’s certificates (depending on level).
- Passport-size photograph (with white background).
- English language proficiency certificate (if available).
- Birth certificate or National ID.
- Medical fitness certificate (not older than 6 months).
- Recommendation letter (for PG/PhD applicants).
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FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals 2025-2026?
Any Afghan citizen who meets the age and educational qualifications for UG, PG, or PhD studies in India.
2. What costs are covered under the scholarship?
It covers tuition fees, hostel expenses, living allowance, and limited medical support.
3. When will the application open?
The application window is open from September 1 to September 6, 2025, and you can submit your form through the dedicated Afghan i-Learn portal
4. Can I apply for MBBS or BDS courses?
No, medical courses are not included under this scheme.
5. Do I need to take an English test?
No formal test is mandatory, but you should have good English skills for academic courses.