In an era where global healthcare is shifting toward holistic and preventive medicine, India’s ancient wisdom is taking center stage. The AYUSH Scholarship Scheme, managed by the Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), serves as a golden bridge for international students to master traditional Indian medical systems.
Whether you are interested in the herbal precision of Ayurveda or the meditative depths of Yoga, this scholarship offers a fully-funded pathway to world-class education in India. Below is a detailed exploration of the scheme, designed to help you navigate the application process and understand the immense value of an AYUSH degree.
What is the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme?
The AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) Scholarship Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Government of India. It aims to promote Indian traditional medicine globally by providing financial assistance to meritorious foreign nationals.
Every year, the Ministry announces over 100 dedicated slots for students across the globe. These scholarships cover undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and Ph.D. programs at premier national institutes and universities across India.
Why Choose AYUSH Systems?
Studying AYUSH in India offers a unique blend of ancient clinical practices and modern scientific validation.
- Ayurveda: Focuses on balancing the body’s “Doshas” through diet, lifestyle, and herbal medicine.
- Yoga: A globally recognized system for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
- Unani & Siddha: Traditional systems rooted in the balance of humors and elemental energies.
- Homoeopathy: A system based on the principle of “like cures like,” widely practiced in India.
Available Courses Under the Scholarship
The scheme supports a diverse range of academic pursuits:
- Undergraduate (UG) Level: * BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) – 5.5 Years
- BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery) – 5.5 Years
- BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery) – 5.5 Years
- BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery) – 5.5 Years
- B.Sc in Yoga – 3 Years
- Postgraduate (PG) Level: * MD/MS in Ayurveda, Unani, Homoeopathy, and Siddha – 3 Years
- M.Sc in Yoga – 2 Years
- Ph.D. Level: * Doctoral research in any of the AYUSH streams – 3 to 5 Years
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Financial Coverage and Stipends
The AYUSH Scholarship is highly sought after because it is a fully-funded program. The government covers almost every aspect of the student’s journey.
| Category | Monthly Stipend (Approx.) | Annual Contingency Grant |
| Undergraduate (UG) | ₹18,000 | ₹4,500 |
| Postgraduate (PG) | ₹35,000 – ₹38,000 | ₹12,000 |
| Ph.D. Scholars | ₹43,500 | ₹12,000 |
Additional Benefits:
- Tuition Fees: Fully waived or paid directly to the university.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided if hostel accommodation is unavailable.
- Airfare: Return economy class airfare from the home country to India.
- Medical Benefits: Basic medical coverage as per institutional norms.
Important Dates
| Event / Milestone | Critical Date |
| Opening of A2A Portal for Applications | February 27, 2026 |
| Last Date for Student Application Submission | May 15, 2026 |
| University Scrutiny & Provisional Admissions | February 27 – May 15, 2026 |
| Allocation by Indian Missions (1st Round) | May 15 – May 31, 2026 |
| Second Round Selection (Vacant Slots) | June 1 – June 10, 2026 |
| Issuance of Offer Letters & Visa Process | June – July 2026 |
| Indicative Joining Date for Students | June – August 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To maintain high academic standards, the Ministry of AYUSH has set specific eligibility requirements:
- Nationality: Applicants must be non-Indian citizens. Priority is often given to countries with which India has a Cultural Exchange Program.
- Age Limit: * For UG courses: 18 to 30 years.
- For PG/Ph.D.: Up to 35-45 years (varies by specific program).
- Academic Background:
- UG: Completion of 12 years of schooling (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- PG: A recognized graduation degree in the respective AYUSH system (e.g., a BAMS degree for an MD in Ayurveda).
- Ph.D.: A Master’s degree in the relevant field.
- Language Proficiency: Since the medium of instruction is English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Some courses may require a basic understanding of Sanskrit (for Ayurveda) or Urdu/Arabic (for Unani).
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process is centralized through the A2A (Applicant to Alumnus) Portal managed by the ICCR.
- Step 1: Registration: Visit the official ICCR A2A portal and create a profile.
- Step 2: Course Selection: Choose “AYUSH Scholarship Scheme” and select your preferred courses and universities. You can typically list up to five preferences.
- Step 3: Document Upload: You will need scanned copies of your high school transcripts, birth certificate, passport, and a physical fitness certificate.
- Step 4: Essay/SOP: Write a compelling Statement of Purpose explaining why you want to study traditional medicine in India.
- Step 5: Submission: Submit the application before the annual deadline (usually between April and July).
Selection and Placement
Once submitted, applications are screened by the Indian Missions (Embassies/High Commissions) in the respective countries. Shortlisted candidates may undergo an interview or an English proficiency test. Successful candidates are then allotted seats in prestigious institutions such as:
- National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur
- All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi
- National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH), Kolkata
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
Life as an AYUSH Scholar in India
Studying in India is a culturally enriching experience. Students are not just confined to classrooms; they participate in herbal garden excursions, clinical rotations in specialized hospitals, and international yoga festivals. India’s diverse landscape provides the perfect backdrop for learning about the natural elements that form the basis of AYUSH treatments.
AYUSH Scholarship Helpline
| Department / Office | Purpose | Contact Number | Email Address |
| ICCR Headquarters (Delhi) | General Scholarship & A2A Portal Queries | +91-11-23379309 / 10 | grievance@iccr.gov.in |
| ICCR Technical Support | Issues with Online Application (A2A Portal) | — | iccr@vocman.in |
| Programme Officer (IT) | Web Information & Technical Management | +91-11-23379638 | po-egit@iccr.gov.in |
| Ministry of AYUSH (General) | General Policy & Scheme Queries | 011-24651942 | support-moayush@nic.in |
| Ministry of AYUSH (Education) | Academic & Admission Policy (AEP) | 011-24651950 | secy-ayush@nic.in |
| Ministry of AYUSH (Website) | Content & Technical Website Support | 011-24648354 | webmanager-ayush@gov.in |
Official Resource & Reference Links
| Resource Name | Purpose | Official Link / URL |
| A2A Scholarship Portal | Primary Application Portal (Create profile, upload documents, and track status) | https://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in/ |
| Ministry of AYUSH | Official Ministry website for system-specific information (Ayurveda, Yoga, etc.) | https://ayush.gov.in/ |
| ICCR Official Website | Guidelines, rules for foreign students, and cultural exchange details | https://iccr.gov.in/ |
| Study In India (SII) | Portal for obtaining Unique ID and processing Visa/FRRO registration | https://www.studyinindia.gov.in/ |
| 2026-27 Policy Guidelines | PDF download for detailed scholarship rules and eligibility | Download Guidelines (PDF) |