The number of South African students, who came to India under a scholarship scheme to study diverse degree courses in different universities of the country last year, has doubled in 2009.

"This is due to the additional 25 slots offered under the 'African Scholarship Scheme' announced by the Prime Minister of India following the India-Africa Summit in New Delhi in 2008," Indian Consul General in Durban, Harsh Varshan Shringla told in an interview.

Thirty six students were selected this year and they are in India to study graduate and under-graduate degree courses at various Indian universities, including Delhi and Varanasi.

"The candidates selected are mostly from under-privileged families who have appreciated the opportunity provided to them for free education in India," Shringla said.

Twenty seven of them will study subjects like Biotechnology, Marine Biology, Genetics, Computer Sciences, Computer Applications, Journalism, Kathak dance and Carnatic Music.
"All the scholars are determined to secure their degrees from the Universities in India with distinction and contribute to the development of South Africa," he said.

Shringla said for the first time three students have been given international air passages to and from India in addition to free tuition, board, stipend and other allowances.

The special dispensation is under Commonwealth Scholarship; Yusuf Dadoo and Monty Naicker Scholarship; and Africa Day Scholarship.