ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship Scheme

Overview

The Quad STEM Scholarship Scheme is an ICCR programme that funds undergraduate engineering study in India for students from the Indo-Pacific region. ICCR is an autonomous body under India's Ministry of External Affairs. The "Quad" reference points to the broader Indo-Pacific partnership and its shared interest in building skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with this scheme being India's contribution on the education side.

Unlike most ICCR schemes, this one is focused: it supports a four-year undergraduate engineering degree, so it is aimed at school leavers who want to begin a technical career in India. Students choose from engineering disciplines offered by Indian institutions, and applications are submitted through ICCR's online A2A portal with support from Indian missions in eligible countries.

The scheme runs on ICCR's standard financial scale, covering tuition, a monthly living stipend, housing support, a contingency grant and medical cover for the full duration of the four-year programme. For students drawn to engineering, it offers a fully funded route into a STEM degree at an Indian university.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

You must be a national of an eligible Indo-Pacific country. The exact country list is set in the official call for each cycle, so check it before you apply. The scheme is for foreign nationals, not Indian passport holders.

Academic Requirements

Because this is an undergraduate engineering scheme, you need to have completed secondary school with a strong record in mathematics and science subjects. Engineering programmes in India are competitive, so good grades in the relevant subjects matter. Your qualifications must meet the admission standard set by the host institutions.

Language Requirements

Engineering programmes are taught in English, so you should be able to study, write and present in English. The application usually includes an English essay, and TOEFL or IELTS scores can be added as supporting proof.

Age & Other Requirements

ICCR applies an age ceiling for undergraduate applicants, with the exact limit set in the official call. You also need a valid passport, medical fitness to study abroad and personal medical insurance at the level ICCR requires.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees for the four-year engineering degree
• A monthly living stipend on the ICCR scale (around ₹18,000 for undergraduate students)
• House rent allowance when hostel accommodation is not provided
• An annual contingency grant for books and study materials
• Medical cover throughout the programme
• Coverage that continues across all four years of study, subject to satisfactory progress

How to Apply

1. Register on the A2A portal. Create an account and select the Quad STEM scheme.
2. Choose engineering programmes. List your preferred engineering disciplines and institutions in priority order.
3. Complete the online form. Enter your personal and academic details accurately, with attention to your maths and science marks.
4. Upload documents. Add your school transcripts and certificates, passport, photo, medical fitness certificate and essay, with English translations where needed.
5. Submit before the deadline. Review and submit. The Indian mission in your country verifies and forwards eligible applications.
6. Respond to follow-ups. Reply promptly to any request for an interview or further information.
7. Accept and travel. If selected, confirm your offer, complete visa steps and arrange travel.

Required Documents

• Completed A2A online application
• Secondary school transcripts and leaving certificate, with strong maths and science results
• Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
• Recent passport-size photograph
• English essay or statement of purpose
• English translations of any non-English documents
• Medical fitness certificate
• TOEFL or IELTS scores, where available

Key Dates & Deadlines

The scheme follows the Indian academic year, which usually starts around July or August, so the four-year programme begins with that intake. The application window typically opens in the earlier part of the year and is announced on the A2A portal and by Indian missions in eligible countries. Because the dates and the country list can change each cycle, confirm them on the portal rather than assuming last year's schedule.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Strong, consistent grades in mathematics and science
• An essay that explains why you want to study engineering and what you hope to do with it
• A realistic choice of engineering disciplines and institutions
• Applying early so school documents and translations are ready in time

Common mistakes to avoid

• Weak or incomplete maths and science transcripts
• Documents submitted without English translations
• Choosing only the most competitive institutions with no backup options
• Missing the deadline because school certificates arrived late

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship Scheme?

School leavers from eligible Indo-Pacific countries who want to study a four-year undergraduate engineering degree in India and meet the academic and age requirements.

What does the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship cover?

It covers full tuition for the four-year engineering degree plus a monthly stipend, house rent allowance, an annual contingency grant and medical cover on the ICCR scale.

What is the deadline for the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship?

There is an annual window on the A2A portal and through Indian missions. The exact dates change each cycle, so confirm them on the portal.

Which degree level does the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship support?

It supports a single level: a four-year undergraduate engineering degree. It is not a postgraduate or PhD scheme.

What subjects can I study under the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship?

Engineering disciplines within the STEM field, as offered by the participating Indian institutions.

Which countries are eligible for the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship?

Nationals of eligible Indo-Pacific (Quad-region) countries. The exact list is published in the official call for each cycle.

How do I apply for the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship?

Register on the A2A portal, select the Quad STEM scheme, complete the form, upload your school documents and essay, and submit before the deadline.

Is there an age limit for the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship?

Yes, an undergraduate age ceiling applies. The exact limit is set in the official call for the cycle.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship?

It is not always mandatory, but you must be able to study in English. A TOEFL or IELTS score strengthens your application.

Does the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship cover all four years?

Yes. The scheme is designed for the full four-year engineering programme, with continued support subject to satisfactory academic progress.