Phnom Penh — The Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh held a special ceremony on July 16 to celebrate the awarding of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships to 41 Cambodian students. These recipients will soon begin their undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies at leading Indian universities under fully funded scholarship schemes offered by the Government of India.
The embassy hailed the initiative as a key pillar of India’s cultural diplomacy and a major step in deepening educational collaboration between India and Cambodia.
Indian Ambassador H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung congratulated the scholars and urged them to make the most of the opportunity. “Study hard, contribute to society, and help further the close ties between our two nations,” he said.
Each year, the ICCR extends scholarships to Cambodian nationals seeking higher education in India, covering tuition, accommodation, and living costs. These scholarships fall under several schemes including Quad STEM, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme — all of which aim to foster regional cooperation and capacity building.
For the academic year 2025–26, the 41 selected students will attend prestigious Indian institutions such as the University of Delhi and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. There, they will join an international student body and gain exposure to India’s diverse academic environment.
Also read, Cambodia and India Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
H.E. Som Ratana, Undersecretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, also attended the event and congratulated the recipients.
“These scholarships are perfectly aligned with our Education Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and the Pentagonal Strategy of the seventh-mandate government,” he said. “They emphasize quality education, digital transformation, and building centres of excellence.”
He encouraged the students to approach their studies with discipline and commitment. “You are future leaders. Your success abroad will not only elevate your personal journey but also contribute to Cambodia’s transformation.”
Highlighting the broader impact of this collaboration, he added: “This partnership strengthens the enduring Cambodia–India friendship through shared growth, educational excellence, and meaningful people-to-people connections.”
The ICCR scholarship programme has played a crucial role in creating generations of Cambodian professionals educated in India, contributing to national development and enhancing diplomatic goodwill between the two countries.
As Cambodia continues to invest in global academic partnerships, India remains a vital partner in nurturing talent and fostering mutual progress.
Also read, India’s Minister of State Highlights Human Capital Partnership with Cambodia at Alumni Interaction
ICCR Scholarship Schemes for Cambodian Students
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, offers fully funded scholarships to Cambodian students for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs at prestigious Indian universities. These scholarships aim to promote educational and cultural exchange between India and Cambodia.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, return airfare, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, and a book allowance. Applicants can select up to five preferred universities or institutes and are required to demonstrate English proficiency through a 500-word essay. Standardized English test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS may also be submitted, and universities may conduct online interviews during the selection process.
While a wide range of academic disciplines is supported, courses in medical, paramedical, fashion, law, and integrated long-duration programs are not eligible. Scholarship recipients are advised to stay in campus hostels where available, although private accommodation is permitted if the institution allows it. Students are also required to purchase medical insurance with a minimum coverage of approximately $6,000 per year, the cost of which is to be borne by the student.
The ICCR Scholarship Schemes are a vital part of India’s cultural diplomacy and represent a strong commitment to fostering academic excellence and long-term people-to-people ties between India and Cambodia.
