Scholarship for African Students 2026: The e-VidyaBharati (e-VBAB) Scholarship 2026 is a flagship education initiative of the Government of India that provides fully funded online degree, diploma, and certificate programs to eligible students from African countries. Managed through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the scholarship allows students to study at UGC-approved Indian universities without paying tuition fees.
Through the official iLearn Portal, students can access quality higher education in fields such as Business Administration, Computer Applications, Commerce, Arts, Social Sciences and more. The program strengthens educational cooperation between India and African nations while promoting accessible digital learning opportunities.
Scholarship for African Students 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | e-VidyaBharati (e-VBAB) Scholarship 2026 |
| Launched By | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India |
| Beneficiaries | Students from eligible African countries |
| Study Mode | Fully Online |
| Course Levels | UG, PG, Diploma & Certificate Courses |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Tuition Fees | Covered |
| Examination Fees | Covered |
| Study Material | Covered |
| Official Portal | www.ilearn.gov.in |
| Age Limit | Below 50 Years |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Total Scholarship Seats | 15,000 |
Read More: Scholarship for Afghan Students 2025
Key Features of e-VBAB Scholarship 2026
- 100% funded online education program.
- No tuition fee payable by students.
- Covers examination and re-examination fees.
- Access to study materials and digital content.
- Offered through leading Indian universities.
- Flexible online learning through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Degrees and certificates awarded by recognized Indian universities.
- Admissions are available twice every year (January and July sessions).
Scholarship Benefits
Selected students will receive:
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage
- Registration Fee Coverage
- Examination Fee Coverage
- Re-Examination Fee Coverage
- Digital Learning Materials
- Degree/Certificate Issuance Fee
All educational expenses covered under the scheme are paid directly by the Government of India to the participating universities.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of eligible African partner countries.
Age Limit
Candidates should be below 50 years of age at the beginning of the academic session.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must meet the admission requirements prescribed by the selected Indian university.
Language Requirement
Since all courses are conducted in English, applicants should possess a working knowledge of the English language.
Identity Requirement
Candidates must possess a valid passport or national identity document issued by an eligible African country.
Participating African Countries
Eligible students from the following countries may apply:
Benin, Republic of Guinea, Zambia, Malawi, Ghana, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Sudan,
Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Mali, Eritrea, Gambia, Seychelles,
Somalia, Comoros, Nigeria, Madagascar, and South Sudan.
How to Apply for e-VBAB Scholarship 2026
Step 1: Register on iLearn Portal
Visit the official portal and create an account using:
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Mobile Number
- Nationality
- Country of Residence
Step 2: Select Course and University
Choose an eligible online program offered by participating Indian universities.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Submit scanned copies of:
- Passport or National ID
- Academic Certificates
- Passport Size Photograph
- Additional supporting documents (if required)
Step 4: University Verification
The selected university will verify academic eligibility and uploaded documents.
Step 5: Final Selection
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reviews approved applications and issues final scholarship confirmations.
Participating Indian Universities
- Alagappa University
- Aligarh Muslim University
- Anna University
- Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- Mizoram University
- Kurukshetra University
- Andhra University
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- Mahatma Gandhi University
Courses Available Under e-VBAB
Students can enroll in various programs such as:
- BBA & MBA
- B.Com & M.Com
- BCA & MCA
- BA & MA
- Sociology
- Political Science
- History
- Journalism & Mass Communication
- Rural Development
- Psychology
- Tourism Studies
- Translation Studies
Course availability may vary by university and admission cycle.
Learning & Examination Process
The scholarship uses a modern Learning Management System (LMS) that provides:
- Recorded Video Lectures
- E-Books and Study Notes
- Online Assignments
- Interactive Learning Tools
- Remote-Proctored Online Examinations
Students can access all learning resources from anywhere with an internet connection.
Required Documents
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport/National ID | Mandatory |
| Academic Certificates | Mandatory |
| Passport Size Photograph | Mandatory |
| Supporting Documents | If Required by University |
Important Instructions
- Submit only one application.
- Complete all details in English.
- Incomplete applications may be rejected.
- Providing false information can lead to the cancellation of a scholarship.
- The decision of the Ministry of External Affairs is final.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official iLearn Portal | Visit Here |
| Scholarship Guidelines PDF | Available on the Official Portal |
| Student Registration | Apply Here |
| Support Email | support@ilearn.gov.in |
| Ministry of External Affairs | Visit Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the e-VBAB Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers tuition fees, examination fees, registration charges, study materials, and related academic expenses.
2. Who can apply for the Scholarship for African Students 2026?
Students from eligible African partner countries who meet the university admission requirements can apply.
3. What courses are available under e-VBAB?
UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate courses are available in Business, Commerce, IT, Arts, Social Sciences, and other disciplines.
4. Are classes conducted online?
Yes. All lectures, assignments, and examinations are conducted online through the LMS platform.
5. What is the age limit for e-VBAB Scholarship 2026?
Applicants must be below 50 years of age at the commencement of the academic session.
Conclusion
The e-VidyaBharati (e-VBAB) Scholarship 2026 offers African students an excellent opportunity to pursue internationally recognized Indian higher education through a fully funded online learning model. With 15,000 scholarship seats, zero tuition costs, flexible digital learning, and degrees from reputed Indian universities, the program serves as a valuable pathway for academic and professional advancement. Interested students should apply through the official iLearn Portal before the admission deadlines for the upcoming academic session.
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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