In a significant development, twenty Zimbabwean students have been chosen to pursue higher education in India under the expanded Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship Programme.
The send — off ceremony for these students was held at the Indian Embassy in Harare, where Ambassador Bramha Kumar highlighted the program’s role in fostering educational ties between India and Zimbabwe. Established in 1950, the ICCR Scholarship Programme has been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship since Zimbabwe’s entry in 2010. Historically, India has provided 10 fully funded scholarships annually to Zimbabwe.
However, recognizing the high demand for advanced qualifications, the Indian government has doubled the allocation for the 2026 to 2027 session, now offering 20 fully funded slots.
The expanded Maitri Scholarship Scheme includes a dedicated seat under the ICCR Quad STEM Scholarship Scheme for advanced technological research and unlimited institutional capacity under the AYUSH Scholarship Scheme for traditional medical systems.
The Maitri Scholarship ensures that financial constraints do not hinder academic performance, covering tuition, living stipends, accommodation, international travel, and comprehensive medical insurance. Ambassador Kumar emphasized that the students were selected based on merit, dedication, and hard work. They will be studying in faculties at the forefront of global development, including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Pharmacy, Macroeconomics, and Environmental Sciences.
The Zimbabwean delegation at the ceremony was led by Professor Fanuel Tagwira, the Permanent Secretary of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. He expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its generosity and highlighted the strategic alignment of the disciplines offered with Zimbabwe’s national transformation goals.
The selected students are set to become part of India’s vibrant academic and cultural landscape, with the hope that they will contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s development upon their return.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Panafricanvisions
Source: Pan African Visions
