Being one of the popular degrees chosen, there are a number of PhD scholarships that Indian students to study abroad. As is popularly understood, drafting a thesis and conducting research takes significant financial support to complete. One way scholars can find funding for their research is by applying for scholarships, fellowships and grants.
Organisations, both government-run and private, including numerous trusts, offer financial support for the advancement of different fields, subject areas and industries. However, finding such popular PhD scholarships for Indian students planning to study abroad can be tasking. Moreover, finding relevant and up-to-date information may even be more tasking.
Therefore, to ease the process, we have compiled a list of some of the top PhD scholarships for Indian students abroad that can be used across a number of universities and colleges and even degree programmes. You will also find important details about each individual scholarship that will help you shortlist the best ones for your PhD abroad.
List of PhD Scholarships for Indian Students Abroad
Check out the table below to find the list of scholarships for PhD courses, specifically for Indian students travelling abroad:
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Gates Cambridge Scholarships |
Australian Government Research Training Programme (AGRTP) International Scholarships at Flinders University |
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship for Research Excellence at the University of Nottingham |
AAUW International Fellowships for Women | PhD Scholarships for International Candidates, Swansea University 2019 |
President's PhD Scholarships, Imperial College London 2020-2021 | Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships 2023-2024 |
Need help finding the best universities, courses and scholarships abroad? Register with us and connect with our team of experts who are dedicated to helping you find the best options.
Want to Pursue PhD Abroad?
Let's check out the details of the listed scholarships for PhD in abroad for Indian Students, along with their eligibility, scholarship value, duration, and the steps on how to apply for PhD scholarship abroad.
Related Reads:
What is a Scholarship? Check Top Scholarships, Eligibility, Types and Tips to Apply |
|
Top Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad After 12th |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Through Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, doctoral students from different parts of the globe can pursue their doctoral studies in the country. With a total of 166 scholarship awards available for distribution, international PhD aspirants have immense opportunities to avail of the scholarship.
Deadline |
November |
Eligibility |
Be nominated by a Canadian University with a Vanier CGS quota. Candidates must be pursuing a PhD or a Joint undergraduate/graduate research programme. Candidates must not have completed more than 20 months of doctoral studies at the institution. Candidates under joint undergraduate or graduate research studies must not have completed more than 32 months of study. |
Scholarship Value |
USD 50,000 per year |
Duration |
3 years |
Application Process |
Candidates nominated by a Canadian College with a Vanier CGS quota are considered for the scholarships. Aspirants are not required to apply directly for the scholarship. Candidates can inform the faculty in charge of the graduate studies at the institution and be selected for the scholarship; or Eligible candidates are nominated by the academic institution. |
Note: The eligibility criteria, application and selection process and other details about the scholarship are subject to change at the discretion of the organisation offering the award.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Offered by the University of Cambridge, the Gates-Cambridge Scholarship is among the top scholarships available for postgraduate students. The scholarship is awarded to outstanding students from outside the UK who wish to pursue a PhD or other postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Every year, eligible students compete for one of the 80 Gates-Cambridge Scholarships.
Deadline |
December or January, depending on the courses |
Eligibility |
Candidates must be a citizen of any country outside of the UK Candidates must be pursuing a full-time residential programme at the University of Cambridge, i.e. PhD, MSc or MLitt |
Scholarship Value |
Covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, which includes tuition fees, travel costs, visas, and other expenses. Additional funding such as academic funding, fieldwork, family allowances, etc. is offered at discretion. |
Duration |
Specific to different components of the scholarship |
Application Process |
Research Candidates are required to submit an application form along with a research proposal to be considered for the Gates-Cambridge Scholarship. The application must be submitted on the university's Graduate Application Portal. |
Note: Before applying for the scholarship, it is advisable to go through the scholarship brochure to be up-to-date with any latest changes that the university may implement since the university holds the sole discretion to update or change the requirements.
Australian Government Research Training Programme (AGRTP) International Scholarships at Flinders University
Offering financial assistance to all overseas students, Flinders University offers an Australian Government Research Training Programme International Scholarships at Flinders University. The AGRTP International Scholarships at Flinders University aims to offer assistance to all overseas students, except those from New Zealand, who wish to pursue a higher degree by research at the university.
Deadline |
August |
Eligibility |
All Candidates must meet the academic requirements for the Master's by Research or Doctorate by Research degree at the university Candidates need to meet the English Proficiency levels accepted by Flinders University. Candidates must not possess an equivalent master's or higher degree with research qualifications. Candidates with Australian or New Zealand citizenship are not eligible. |
Scholarship Value |
AUD 28,092 with an establishment allowance of AUD 1,485. |
Application Process |
Candidates need to apply for a Higher Degree by Research programme followed by an application for the International RHD Scholarship. |
Coverage |
International Tuition fee offset, living stipend (AUD 28,092) and Overseas Health Care cover. |
Note: Note down all the requirements for the scholarship before sending in your application form in order to avoid making any mistakes at the time of application. It is advisable to check the official website thoroughly for any last-minute updates pertaining to the scholarship.
Have too many questions about studying abroad? Worry not! Get all the answers to your study-abroad questions, even about the PhD scholarships abroad, cleared with the help of our team of experts!
Get Expert Help Applying to PhD Scholarship Abroad!
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship for Research Excellence at the University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham offers a unique scholarship for international students aspiring to pursue a PhD or an M.Phil for their higher degree by research programme. The scholarship is applicable to all students in any discipline except engineering, for which the university offers a different scholarship.
Deadline |
April |
Eligibility |
All candidates who are classed as overseas students for fee purposes can apply for the scholarship. Candidates must possess a valid offer for a full-time PhD or M.Phil in any discipline (except engineering) at the University of Nottingham for the current academic year. |
Application Process |
Applications to this scholarship shall be made through MyNottingham after the admission offer has been received by the candidates. |
Scholarship Value |
The scholarship covers the entire tuition fee with a monthly stipend allowance of GBP 1,015. |
Duration |
Awarded each year subject to satisfactory progress. |
Note: The University of Nottingham holds the discretion to update and change requirements for the scholarship, therefore, check for any last-minute updates that the university may have implemented.
AAUW International Fellowships for Women
Intending to empower women in academia, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers International Fellowships to women who wish to pursue full-time study or research in the US. These scholarships are aimed at women who are not classed as US citizens or residents. All accredited universities in the US accept the scholarship.
Deadline |
November |
Eligibility |
All women candidates who are not classed as US citizens or residents are eligible for the fellowship. Women displaying a prior commitment to the advancement of women through civic, community or professional work, are given preference. |
Application Process |
All applications for the scholarship are done online via the official website of AAUW. Candidates are required to log in to the website and complete the application processes as per the guidelines. |
Scholarship Value |
USD 20,000 |
Note: Applicants are advised to check for any updates that may have been introduced by the organisation for the scholarship. AAUW holds the authority to implement any changes to the scholarship as it sees fit.
PhD - Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship Programme
To support students to undertake research training during a doctoral research programme in overseas universities, the Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship Programme provides scholarship opportunities. The scheme is available for Indian STEM graduates who want to undertake research at Purdue University, USA and the University of Alberta, Canada.
Application Start Date |
Mid-September |
Deadline |
Mid-November |
Eligibility |
Must be Indian nationals Must register for a full-time PhD programme in any one of the recognised universities in STEM disciplines Part-time students and those who have submitted their PhD thesis are not eligible for the programme |
Scholarship Value |
Monthly fellowship of USD 2,000 One time contingency allowance of INR 60,000 Travel allowance of INR 1.5lakh for a round trip Subsistence allowance for Indian Supervisors is USD 75 per day |
Duration |
12 months + 6 months extension |
Application Process |
Students have to visit the website of Purdue University and the University of Alberta to apply directly for the scholarship |
Note: Since changes and updates to the scholarships can happen even before the application deadline for the scholarship, all aspirants are advised to keep themselves updated with the latest information by either reaching out to their study abroad consultants or their respective universities.
PhD Scholarships for International Candidates, Swansea University
Swansea University provides PhD Scholarships to overseas students interested in pursuing doctoral studies at Swansea University's Department of Physics, College of Science. Scholarship awardees are eligible for tuition fee reductions of up to GBP 8,650. Scholarships are offered for the following study areas:
-
Materials and Applied Physics
-
Physics at the atomic, molecular, and quantum levels
-
Theoretical Particle Physics and Cosmology
The details of this scholarship are discussed below:
Deadline |
Always Open |
Eligibility |
Be an international candidate (non-UK/EU). Have a First, Upper Second Class Honours or a Masters degree with Merit, or equivalent, in a related subject Fulfil the English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 bands with 6.0 bands in each component or equivalent) Be interested in obtaining a PhD at the Department of Physics at Swansea University's College of Science. |
Scholarship Value |
GBP 8,650 |
Duration |
3 years |
Application Process |
Fill out the application form. Fill out the application form with your personal information, educational information, employment information, and references. Send the filled application form along with all the documentation by mail to the university. |
Note: Swansea University may update or implement changes to the scholarship if required, therefore, consult with the university or your professors before applying for the scholarship of such changes.
President's PhD Scholarships, Imperial College London
The Imperial College London welcomes applications for President's PhD Scholarships from high-achieving undergraduate or Master's students interested in pursuing a PhD. This fellowship is awarded to up to 50 research students. Qualifying students receive a tuition remission as well as a sizable annual stipend.
Deadline |
Always Open |
Eligibility |
Be a bright applicant from Imperial College London, the United Kingdom, or any other place in the globe. Be among the top students in the undergraduate cohort Receive of or due to obtaining a first-class UK degree or equivalent Have earned a distinction (for applicants with a solo Master's degree) Have received scores/grades that are comparable to the applicable qualifying requirement (for overseas students) I've already spoken with a supervisor at Imperial College London, who has agreed to oversee the research study. |
Scholarship Value |
Full Funding of Tuition Fee GBP 21,400 (Living Costs) GBP 2,000 ( consumables fund for first 3 years) |
Duration |
3 - 3.5 years |
Application Process |
Visit the application site online. Choose the appropriate programme. Log in or sign up for a new account. After you have verified your email address, you may access the application. Fill out the application form with the necessary information. Please upload the necessary documentation. Submit your application. |
Note: Similar to the other scholarships that the university offers, candidates are advised to check for any updates or changes introduced by the university to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships are a United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) initiative for Indian academics enrolled in a PhD programme at an Indian university. These fellowships for PhD in the USA for Indian students with scholarships are for a period of six to nine months.
Agricultural Sciences, Anthropology, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Economics, Education Policy, and Planning, Energy Studies, Geography, History, Language and Literature, International Law, International Security and Strategic Studies, Materials Science (with an emphasis on environmental applications), Mathematical Sciences, Neurosciences, Performing Arts, Physics, Physical Sciences, Public Health are all encouraged to apply.
This fellowship allows the best students, academics, and professionals from India and the United States to study, research, and teach in the host nation. Shortlisted scholars receive a variety of honours.
Deadline |
Mid-July |
Eligibility |
Have conducted appropriate research on the relevant topic, particularly in identifying resources in India Be enrolled in a PhD programme in an Indian university by November 1. (For US applicants) |
Scholarship Value |
Variable |
Duration |
6-9 months |
Application Process |
Visit the online application site, click the Apply Now button, and carefully read all details. Fill out your personal information and then click Continue. To finish the procedure, enter the pin you received through email to activate the account and establish a password. Log in using proper credentials after successfully establishing the account. Fill in the relevant information step-by-step and upload the required documents as specified by the scholarship facilitator. Fill out the grant application and extra information, then submit the form. |
Note: These grants are for research at the pre-doctoral level. Applicants having PhD degrees or in the final stages of submitting their PhD thesis are not accepted.
While these are some of the popular scholarships that you can apply for, there are many PhD scholarships for Indian students across different countries and universities that all international students can apply to. A few PhD scholarships for Indian students can be offered through the country's government, while others are available to students through the university itself.
Even though there are different types of scholarships on offer at universities, it is important to understand the types of PhD scholarships for Indian students that have been offered. Understanding the types of scholarships will give you a clearer understanding of the scholarships available and the ones that are perfect for your PhD courses abroad.
Or, get in touch with our study abroad experts and get detailed information about PhD scholarships for Indian students.
Related Reads:
Indian Government Study Abroad Scholarships for SC, ST & Minority Students |
|
Know All About Fulbright Nehru Master’s Scholarships for USA |
Types of PhD Scholarships Abroad for Indian Students
There are different types of PhD scholarships for Indian students abroad that they can apply to across top universities in the world. Prominently, there are two different types of research scholarships that are available, i.e. Full or Partial Scholarships.
Fully Funded Scholarships
In this scholarship for PhD in abroad, the trust fund covers all expenses including the entire tuition fee, accommodation, and food expenses, among other expenses as well.
Partial Scholarships
This type of scholarship for PhD in abroad offers partial financial support to students in the form of covering either their tuition fees or accommodation expenses or any other expenses outlined by the trust fund.
Note: The amount, duration, and other specific information of the PhD scholarships for Indian students are completely defined by the organisation, university, or government offering the support.
For instance, certain scholarships may also be specific criteria that students may need to satisfy such as academic background, financial standing, and domicile requirement, among others, without which, students may fail to receive the scholarships.
And thus, through this list of the best PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, we hope to have helped aspirants find relevant scholarships. However, before applying to any university and degree programme, be sure to check the scholarship opportunities available apart from the ones that have been mentioned here.
Many universities offer a number of different scholarships and other types of financial aid to international students, therefore, conduct a thorough research of the different financial assistance on offer, before applying to any scholarships you come across.
Looking to pursue a PhD abroad under scholarships for Indian students? Register and connect with highly experienced study abroad consultants to find and apply for the best PhD scholarships abroad.
Apply for the Ideal PhD Scholarship With Expert Advice!