The ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program is a prestigious initiative by the Government of India to promote international cooperation and capacity building in developing countries. The program offers scholarships to international students from eligible countries to pursue higher education in India, fostering academic excellence, cultural exchange, and global understanding.
ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program History and Objectives
History:
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was launched on September 15, 1964, as a bilateral programme of assistance by the Government of India. This initiative was a significant milestone in India’s journey as a newly independent nation, aiming to strengthen its global relationships and contribute to the development of other countries.
The ITEC Programme was formally launched under the premiership of Lal Bahadur Shastri, based on the vision of Jawahar Lal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. Nehru believed that economic and technical cooperation were essential pillars of an integrated foreign policy. He envisioned India’s development as closely linked to the progress of other nations, particularly in the developing world.
Over the years, the ITEC Programme has evolved to address the changing needs of developing countries. In 2000, the Special Commonwealth Assistance for Africa Programme (SCAAP) was added to extend support to African countries. Today, the ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, promoting international cooperation, capacity building, and academic excellence.
Objectives:
The ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program aims to:
- Promote international cooperation and friendship: Foster stronger relationships between India and other countries through academic exchange and collaboration.
- Strengthen economic and technological ties: Enhance trade, investment, and technology transfer between India and partner countries.
- Enhance capacity building in developing countries: Support human resource development, institution building, and skills transfer in developing countries.
- Foster academic excellence and research: Encourage academic collaboration, research, and innovation in various fields.
- Address the needs of developing countries: Provide assistance in areas such as poverty alleviation, health, education, and sustainable development.
- Promote South-South cooperation: Foster cooperation and knowledge sharing among developing countries.
By achieving these objectives, the ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program has established itself as a vital instrument of India’s foreign policy, promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and development among nations.
Eligibility and Criteria for the ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program
Eligible Countries
The ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program is open to citizens of countries with which India has diplomatic relations. The eligible countries are categorized into three groups:
- Asia and the Pacific: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam
- Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela
Academic Eligibility
Candidates must meet the academic qualifications and requirements for the chosen course:
- Undergraduate courses: 12th standard or equivalent with a minimum aggregate score of 60%
- Postgraduate courses: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum aggregate score of 60%
- Ph.D. courses: Master’s degree or equivalent with a minimum aggregate score of 60%
Language Proficiency
Candidates must demonstrate English language proficiency through a recognized test like IELTS or TOEFL, or through a certificate from their previous institution.
Age Limit
Candidates must be below 45 years of age for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and below 50 years of age for Ph.D. courses.
Other Criteria
Candidates must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Meet the specific requirements of the chosen institution and course
- Not be holding any other scholarship or grant
- Be in good health and provide a medical fitness certificate
- Provide a valid passport and visa
Selection Criteria
Candidates will be selected based on:
- Academic merit (50%)
- Language proficiency (20%)
- Personal interview (30%)
The ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program is a competitive initiative, and candidates must meet all the eligibility criteria to be considered for the scholarship.
Benefits and Coverage
The ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program offers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend for living expenses (Rs. 25,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and Rs. 30,000 for Ph.D. students)
- Accommodation and boarding facilities
- Medical insurance
- Airfare and travel assistance (economy class return air ticket)
- Access to India’s premier educational institutions
- Opportunity to participate in cultural and extracurricular activities
Courses and Institutions
Scholarships are offered in various fields, including:
- Engineering (B.E./B.Tech., M.E./M.Tech., Ph.D.)
- Management (BBA, MBA, PGDM, Ph.D.)
- Science (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Technology (B.Tech., M.Tech., Ph.D.)
- Arts (B.A., M.A., Ph.D.)
- Humanities (B.A., M.A., Ph.D.)
at top Indian universities and institutions, such as:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
- University of Delhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
- Application and Selection Process
Candidates must:
Apply through the Indian Embassy or High Commission in their home country
Submit required documents and certificates (academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, passport, and visa)
Appear for an interview (if shortlisted)
Selection is based on:
Academic merit (50%)
Language proficiency (20%)
Personal interview (30%)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the duration of the scholarship?
A: The scholarship is awarded for the entire duration of the course.
Q: Can I apply for a scholarship in a field not listed in the brochure?
A: No, only applications in the specified fields will be considered.
Q: Do I need to take an English language proficiency test?
A: Yes, candidates must demonstrate English language proficiency through a recognized test like IELTS or TOEFL.
Q: Can I apply for a scholarship if I am already studying in India?
A: No, only new students can apply for the scholarship.
Q: How do I apply for the scholarship?
A: Apply through the Indian Embassy or High Commission in your home country.
Q: When is the application deadline?
A: The application deadline varies by country, please check with the Indian Embassy or High Commission in your home country.
Q: Can I get a part-time job while studying in India?
A: Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) with permission from the university and the local authorities.
Conclusion
The ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program is a remarkable initiative by the Government of India to promote international cooperation and academic excellence. It offers a unique opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in India, fostering global understanding and friendship. If you’re an international student seeking a world-class education, apply for the ITEC/SCAAP Scholarship Program and embark on a life-changing journey in India!