Big news for anyone dreaming of a career in animation, VFX, gaming, or comics. The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) has partnered with Netflix to offer scholarships to 100 students — covering up to 80% of their programme fees. And the best part? Both fresh students and working professionals from anywhere in India can apply.
Here is everything you need to know about the IICT Netflix Scholarship 2026, the programmes covered, who is eligible, and how to apply.
Important Note: The last date to apply for the IICT Netflix Scholarship 2026 is September 30, 2026
Quick Overview — IICT Netflix Scholarship 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | IICT Netflix Scholarship 2026 |
| Offered By | Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) & Netflix |
| Funded By | Netflix Fund for Creative Equity |
| Part of | Netflix India Storytelling Initiative |
| Total Seats | 100 students |
| Financial Support | Up to 80% fee waiver |
| Number of Programmes | 6 (2 Diplomas + 4 Certificates) |
| Programme Duration | 1 year (Diplomas) / 6 months (Certificates) |
| Who Can Apply | Students and working professionals across India |
| Institute Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Official Website | iict.org |
| Application Email | admissions@iict.org |
Read More: PSMTS Scholarship
What Is the IICT Netflix Scholarship?
The IICT Netflix Scholarship 2026 is part of the Netflix India Storytelling Initiative — a programme launched by Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Netflix’s India visit this month.
The initiative is aimed at building India’s creative talent pipeline in the AVGC-XR sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality) — a sector the government has identified as a key pillar of India’s Orange Economy.
Under this scholarship, Netflix is not just funding fees. The company has also worked directly with IICT to co-design the curriculum for two programmes — the Visual Effects Mastery Diploma and the Media Tech Workflow Certificate — so that what students learn in the classroom actually matches what the industry does on the job.
Scholarships are funded by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, Netflix’s global initiative to support underrepresented storytellers and creative professionals.
Programmes Covered Under the Scholarship
The scholarship covers 6 professional programmes at IICT — 2 one-year diploma programmes and 4 six-month certificate programmes.
Diploma Programmes (1 Year Each)
| # | Programme Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diploma in Interactive Comics & Sequential Arts | 1 Year |
| 2 | Diploma in Visual Effects Mastery | 1 Year |
Certificate Programmes (6 Months Each)
| # | Programme Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certificate in Virtual Art Department Content Creation | 6 Months |
| 2 | Certificate in Media Tech Workflow | 6 Months |
| 3 | Certificate in Art of Character Animation | 6 Months |
| 4 | Certificate in E-Sports & Gaming Management | 6 Months |
Note: Netflix has directly shaped the curriculum for the Visual Effects Mastery Diploma and Media Tech Workflow Certificate to align them with current industry workflows and professional standards.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
The scholarship is open to a broad set of applicants:
- Students currently enrolled in or having completed 10+2 or graduation
- Working professionals looking to upskill in the AVGC-XR sector
- Applicants from anywhere in India — no state restriction
- Those with a passion for animation, VFX, gaming, comics, or media technology
Scholarship eligibility is determined by your performance in IICT’s Creative Quotient Test (the institute’s entrance exam). The better you score, the higher the fee waiver you can receive — up to 80%.
A portfolio of creative work (art, design, game concepts, short films, etc.) is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged for the interview stage.
About IICT — India’s National AVGC-XR Institute
IICT (Indian Institute of Creative Technologies) is not a private coaching centre. It is India’s government-established national centre of excellence for the AVGC-XR sector, set up by the:
- Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India
- Government of Maharashtra
- FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry)
- CII (Confederation of Indian Industry)
The institute is currently located at the NFDC Complex, Pedder Road, Mumbai. A permanent 10-acre campus is being developed at Film City, Goregaon, Mumbai.
IICT was announced at the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in May 2025 and began its first batch of student admissions in August 2025. It has also signed an MoU with the University of York, UK, opening pathways for collaborative research and global certification.
What Leaders Are Saying
Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Chairman, IICT Board:
“India’s creative economy is at an inflection point. As technology transforms the way stories are created, institutions shaping the next generation of talent must evolve with it. Partnerships with global players like Netflix bring industry knowledge into the classroom and help develop India’s talent into the creative workforce of tomorrow.”
Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content, Netflix India:
“India has an incredible depth of creative talent, and the most exciting stories of the future will come from people who are finding their voice today. This partnership with IICT gives the next generation of storytellers real tools to tell the stories only they can tell.”
Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO, IICT:
“This collaboration with Netflix brings industry perspective directly into our academic framework — from curriculum design and professional workflows to the standards students will be expected to meet. We aim to create a stronger pipeline of talent ready to contribute to India’s growing creative economy.”
How to Apply — Step-by-Step
IICT follows a structured admission process. Here is how to go from interested applicant to scholarship recipient:
- Download the Admission Form
Visit iict.org/academics/admissions and download the IICT Enrolment Form (PDF). Fill it out completely. - Email Your Application
Send the completed form to admissions@iict.org. - Academic Counselling Session
An IICT counsellor will connect with you to explain available programmes, teaching methods, and help you identify the course that best matches your interests and career goals. - Pay the Enrolment Fee
Submit a Demand Draft, cheque, or online payment of Rs. 10,000 towards the enrolment fee to confirm your seat in the process. - Appear for the Creative Quotient Test (CQT)
This is IICT’s online entrance exam. It tests general knowledge, objective reasoning, and subject-related creative aptitude. Your CQT score directly determines your scholarship eligibility and fee waiver amount. - Personal Interview & Portfolio Review
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview with IICT faculty. If you have any creative work — drawings, designs, animation clips, game concepts, or other media — bring it. A strong portfolio can significantly strengthen your candidacy.
Why This Scholarship Matters
India’s AVGC-XR industry is growing rapidly. The global animation and VFX market is projected to cross $500 billion by 2030, and Indian studios are increasingly part of that global supply chain — producing content for Netflix, Disney, and other major platforms.
For students from non-metro cities or financially constrained backgrounds, a government-backed institute with an 80% fee waiver and Netflix co-designed curriculum is a genuinely rare combination. You are not just getting a subsidised course — you are getting training that has been validated by one of the world’s largest content companies.
The fact that both freshers and working professionals are eligible also makes this unusually accessible. If you are already in a creative job but want to formalise or upgrade your skills in VFX, character animation, or media tech, this is built for you too.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official IICT Website | iict.org |
| Admissions & Application Process | iict.org/academics/admissions |
| All IICT Programmes | iict.org/academics/programs |
| Download Enrolment Form (PDF) | IICT_Enrolment_Form.pdf |
| Contact IICT | admissions@iict.org |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the IICT Netflix Scholarship?
Both students and working professionals from anywhere in India can apply. There is no state restriction. You need to go through IICT’s admission process — counselling, the Creative Quotient Test, and a personal interview and portfolio review.
Which programmes are covered under the IICT Netflix Scholarship?
Six programmes: Diploma in Interactive Comics & Sequential Arts, Diploma in Visual Effects Mastery, Certificate in Virtual Art Department Content Creation, Certificate in Media Tech Workflow, Certificate in Art of Character Animation, and Certificate in E-Sports & Gaming Management.
How much fee waiver does the IICT Netflix Scholarship give?
Up to 80% of programme fees. The actual amount depends on your performance in the Creative Quotient Test (IICT’s entrance exam).
How do I apply for the IICT Netflix Scholarship 2026?
Download the enrolment form from iict.org, email it to admissions@iict.org, and complete the four-step admission process: counselling → enrolment fee → Creative Quotient Test → personal interview and portfolio review.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Scholarship details, eligibility, and fees are as announced by IICT and Netflix as of August 2026. For the most current information, please visit iict.org or contact admissions@iict.org directly.
Menka Singh is an education researcher and scholarship consultant with over 5 years of experience helping Indian students navigate central, state and private scholarship programmes. Having personally applied for and received scholarships during her own education, she brings firsthand understanding to every guide she writes. She specialises in Bihar, UP, Maharashtra and all India scholarship schemes and has helped thousands of students find verified funding opportunities. Read More: Click Here
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