20 fully-funded India scholarships open for Fijian students

Fijians dreaming of studying overseas have until April 15 to apply for a fully-funded scholarship to study in India, and there is no bond, no fees, and no strings attached.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship, under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme, will open its online portal on Friday, February 27.

The portal can be accessed through https://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in/

There are 20 slots available for Fijian students, covering everything from engineering and pharmacy to forensic science and Hindi — courses not always available locally.

"No fee is taken from any student, no bond is signed," said Nishi Bala, director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre at the High Commission of India in Suva.

"All the expenditure from airfare, economy class airfare and free-of-cost visa is provided to them."

Students also receive a monthly stipend: 18,000 Indian rupees (about $470 FJD) for undergraduates, 20,000 rupees (about $523 FJD) for postgraduates, and 22,000 rupees (about $575 FJD) for PhD students — plus housing allowance and annual book allowances.

University tuition fees are fully covered by the Indian Government.

The scholarship is open to students aged 18 to 40 for undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and up to 50 years for PhD. Applicants need to have completed Year 12 and hold a valid passport.

Courses like aeronautical engineering, forensic science and psychology unavailable in Fiji are among the options.

Students can apply to up to five universities of their choice, from institutions in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and beyond.

All universities listed are either central or state government institutions.

Ms Bala encouraged all eligible students to apply.

"It is a good opportunity for them, for capacity building, for their future."

All details including university listings, available courses, eligibility guidelines, and the full application process are available on the portal.

Applications close April 15. Apply via portal: https://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in/

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