Contents
Introduction
The India Africa Fellowship Programme is a significant initiative by the Government of India, aimed at strengthening educational ties between India and African nations. Launched during the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2010-11, this programme offers African students the opportunity to pursue higher education in agriculture and allied sciences at esteemed Indian institutions.
About the India Africa Fellowship Programme
The India Africa Fellowship Programme provides 75 annual fellowships—50 for Master’s (M.Sc.) and 25 for Doctoral (Ph.D.) studies. These fellowships are available to African nationals who wish to study at renowned Indian agricultural universities affiliated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The programme aims to foster agricultural expertise and collaboration between India and Africa.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The fellowship offers comprehensive support to selected candidates:
- Monthly Stipend:
- M.Sc. students receive ₹12,000 per month for two years.
- Ph.D. students receive ₹15,000 per month for three years.
- Travel Expenses:
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) covers air tickets, travel, and visa costs for joining the programme through the Indian Mission in the respective African country.
- Annual Bench Fee:
- An annual bench fee of US$ 4,000 per candidate is covered under the India-Africa Fund.
- Additional Expenses:
- Students are responsible for expenses related to tuition fees, hostel accommodation, mess charges, medical expenses, contingency, and domestic travel within India, utilizing the fellowship amount provided.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the India Africa Fellowship Programme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Language Proficiency:
- A good command of the English language is essential.
- For M.Sc. Programme:
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree in the respective or related subject.
- For M.V.Sc. programme, candidates must have completed B.Sc. & AH. with an internship before the date of registration in the university.
- An Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) of 6.00/10 or equivalent for general category candidates, and 5.50/10 or equivalent for SC/ST/PH category candidates at the Bachelor’s degree level.
- For Ph.D. Programme:
- A Master’s degree in the respective or related subject.
- A GPA of 6.5/10 or equivalent for general category candidates, and 6.00/10 or equivalent for SC/ST/PH category candidates at the Master’s degree level.
Application Process
The application process for the India Africa Fellowship Programme involves several steps:
- Application to Home Government:
- Interested African candidates must apply to their respective governments for sponsorship.
- Nomination by African Union Commission:
- The applications are forwarded by the African governments to the African Union Commission for nomination.
- Forwarding to MEA, India:
- The African Union Commission sends the nominated applications to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.
- Submission to DARE:
- MEA forwards the applications to the Director, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India, in New Delhi.
- Eligibility and Recommendation by ICAR:
- DARE forwards the applications to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for eligibility checks and recommendations.
Importance of the Programme
The India Africa Fellowship Programme is instrumental in building a bridge between India and African nations through education. By providing African students with access to quality education in agriculture and allied sciences, the programme contributes to the development of skilled professionals who can drive agricultural innovation and sustainability in their home countries.
Conclusion
The India Africa Fellowship Programme is a remarkable opportunity for African students to enhance their knowledge and skills in agriculture and allied sciences. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply and take full advantage of the benefits offered by this programme. By doing so, they not only advance their personal and professional growth but also contribute to the agricultural development of their nations.
The India Africa Fellowship Programme is more than just a scholarship—it’s a gateway for aspiring African scholars to gain world-class agricultural education in India and contribute meaningfully to their home countries. With generous financial support, access to top-tier universities, and a strong focus on capacity building, this fellowship opens doors to academic excellence and cross-continental collaboration. Every eligible student should seize this golden opportunity, apply through their home government, and make the most of the benefits this programme offers—not only to uplift their careers but also to empower their communities through knowledge and innovation.
For more information and to apply, please visit the official myScheme portal.
