Pursuing a PhD abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the cost can be daunting. It ranges from INR 23.4L to INR 46L ($28K to $55K) annually, especially in countries like the US. These expenses, spread over five or more years, can feel overwhelming.
However, there’s a way to make this dream more achievable. PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad offer a lifeline, significantly reducing the financial burden. These scholarships can make higher education on a global stage more accessible.
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If you want to study overseas, these scholarships could be your key to success. In this article, you will learn about some significant PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad. Dive in!
Key Highlights
Here is everything that you will learn in greater detail in this blog on PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad.
| Particulars | Description |
| Types of PhD Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad | Government Scholarships University Specific Scholarships |
| Top PhD Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad | Commonwealth Scholarship DAAD Scholarship Germany Stanford University Scholarships |
| Top Government Funded Scholarships | Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships DAAD Scholarship Germany |
| Top University-Specific Scholarships | Yale University Scholarships Gates Cambridge Scholarship |
Types of PhD Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
Did you know that over 1.5 million Indian students are studying abroad, many pursuing PhDs? If you’re considering this path, there are two main types of PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad: government and university scholarships.
These cover fields like science, law, and humanities. To choose the right one, review the terms, duration, and grants offered.
Here’s a look at some of the best PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad.
1. Government Scholarships
Securing a government scholarship can significantly ease the financial burden of pursuing your PhD abroad. One of the most notable options is the Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship.
This scholarship is designed to cover your living and travel expenses, offering crucial support as you work towards your doctorate. If you’re exploring PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, this fellowship is worth considering.
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2. University Specific Scholarships
Many top universities offer PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, specifically designed for international students. Institutions like Yale University provide scholarships that can cover part or all of your tuition, with some even offering additional funds for living expenses.
These university scholarships allow you to focus on research and academic growth without worrying about financial constraints.
Top 8 PhD Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
With Indian students making up 25% of the one million international students in the US, it’s clear that pursuing education abroad is a popular choice. If you’re an Indian student pursuing a doctoral degree, finding the proper funding is essential.
PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad offer the financial aid, research support, and international exposure you need to excel in your academic journey. These scholarships ensure you have the resources to succeed globally.
Here is a quick overview of the top 8 PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad.
| Scholarship Name | Offered By |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | British Government |
| Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship | Indian Government |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Canadian Government |
| DAAD Scholarship Germany | DAAD |
| Australian Govt Research Training Program International Scholarship (AGRTPS) | Australian Government |
| Yale University Scholarships | Yale University |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Cambridge University |
| Stanford University Scholarships | Stanford University |
1. Commonwealth Scholarship
Commonwealth Scholarships offer you a unique opportunity to pursue higher education in the UK, especially if you’re from a low or middle-income Commonwealth country. These scholarships cover a range of programs, including Master’s and PhD studies.
If you’re looking for international PhD scholarships for Indian students, Commonwealth Scholarships could be the perfect fit for your educational journey.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Commonwealth scholarships are mentioned below.
| Criteria | Description |
| Citizenship | Must be a permanent citizen of a Commonwealth country |
| Age Limit | 40 years |
| Academic Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degrees with at least 60% (Humanities/Social Sciences) or 65% (Engineering/Science) |
| Additional Requirement | An acceptance letter from a university supervisor is required. |
Benefits
The benefits of Commonwealth scholarships are mentioned below.
| Benefit | Description |
| Tuition Fees | Covered |
| Accommodation | Covered |
| Monthly Stipend | £1.3K (INR 1.44L) per month |
| Airfare | Economy class round-trip airfare |
| Family Allowances | £290 (INR 32.1K) per month for spouse |
| Additional Grants | Fieldwork and thesis grants available |
| Other Expenses | It covers medical expenses, visa fees, and personal expenses. |
2. Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship
The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships are prestigious opportunities offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF).
This is one of the top international PhD scholarships for Indian students, providing a valuable chance to gain experience and knowledge abroad while advancing your doctoral studies.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships are mentioned below.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Degree | Master’s Degree |
| Citizenship | Indian citizens only |
| Academic Performance | Demonstrate excellent academic performance |
| Health | Have a good and stable health condition |
| Visa | Not reside in the US and not hold a green card |
| Dependents | No financial support is provided for dependents |
Benefits
The benefits of the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships are mentioned below.
| Benefit | Details |
| Visa Support | J-1 visa support |
| Stipend | Monthly stipend of variable amount |
| Travel | Round-trip economy class air travel from home city to host institution in the US. |
| Health Coverage | Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines. |
| Research | Conduct research and gain practical work experience in suitable settings in the US. |
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are among Canada’s most prestigious awards. These scholarships are designed to attract top doctoral students and enhance the country’s research excellence.
As one of the leading PhD scholarships for Indian students abroad, the Vanier CGS offers a unique opportunity to pursue an outstanding academic career in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Vanier CGS are mentioned below.
| Criteria | Details |
| Program Acceptance | Must be accepted into a full-time doctoral program at an eligible Canadian university. |
| Academic Excellence | Outstanding academic records |
| Research Potential | Demonstrated through academic achievements, publications, and presentations. |
| Nomination Requirement | Must be nominated by the Canadian university where the doctoral studies will be pursued. |
Benefits
The benefits of Vanier CGS are mentioned below.
| Benefit | Description |
| Financial Support | C$50K (INR 30.8L) per year |
| Tuition Fees | Covered |
| Research Opportunities | Access to funding for research-related activities and materials. |
| International Recognition | Enhances the recipient’s profile in the global academic community. |
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4. DAAD Scholarship Germany
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers scholarships allowing you to study German doctoral programs. This scholarship promotes educational exchange and supports students from developing countries.
If you’re exploring PhD scholarships for Indian students abroad, DAAD scholarships are a fantastic option.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the DAAD scholarship are mentioned below.
| Criteria | Details |
| Academic Qualification | Master’s degree |
| Work Experience | Min. 2 years |
| Language Proficiency | IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL: 80 |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
Benefits
The benefits of the DAAD scholarship are mentioned below.
| Benefit | Details |
| Monthly Allowance | €1.3K (INR 1.12L) |
| Travel Expenses | Coverage for all outbound and return travel costs. |
| Family Benefits | Allowance for accompanying spouse/child |
| Health Insurance | Include health insurance for recipients. |
| Language Course | 4 to 6 weeks of German language course at the host university (if applicable). |
5. Australian Govt Research Training Program International Scholarship (AGRTPS)
If you’re looking for a foreign fellowship for Indian PhD students, the Australian Government Research Training Program International Scholarship (AGRTPS) is an excellent choice.
This program offers a solid foundation to advance your research in one of the world’s leading academic environments, making it an ideal opportunity for pursuing your PhD in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following criteria in the table below to qualify for AGRTPS.
| Criteria | Details |
| Citizenship | Must be a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand. |
| Previous Enrollment | Must be commencing a higher degree by research in Australia for the first time. |
| Research Area | Must intend to enrol in an area of research concentration. |
| Academic Qualifications | Excellent academic record |
Benefits
The benefits of AGRTPS are mentioned below.
| Benefit | Details |
| Tuition Fees | Covered for four years |
| Living Stipend | AUD 34K (INR 19.2L) per annum |
| Relocation Grant | AUD 1.5K (INR 84.3K) |
| Health Insurance | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is included for international students. |
| Additional Allowances | Possible thesis allowance and dependent child allowance. |
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6. Yale University Scholarships
Yale University offers fully funded scholarships for PhD students that cover tuition, provide a generous stipend for living expenses, and include paid health coverage.
Each student receives over $500K (INR 4.3Cr) in funding on average throughout their enrollment. If you’re searching for a foreign fellowship for Indian PhD students, Yale’s program is an exceptional opportunity to pursue your academic goals with comprehensive support.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Yale University Scholarships are mentioned below.
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Degree Level | PhD |
| Citizenship | International students of all nationalities |
| Language Proficiency | IELTS: 7 or higher |
| Financial Eligibility | Annual household income within USDA Nutrition and Food Service guidelines. |
| Special Circumstances | Consideration is given to candidates from low-income families, people experiencing homelessness or orphans. |
Benefits
The benefits of the Yale University Scholarships are mentioned below.
| Benefit | Details |
| Tuition Fees | Covered |
| Stipend | $50K (INR 42L) per annum |
| Health Insurance | Covered |
| Additional Support | Opportunities for researchtraining, and professional development. |
7. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious, fully-funded award offered by the University of Cambridge, designed for exceptional students from outside the UK.
For those seeking PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship stands out as a remarkable opportunity.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship are mentioned below.
| Criteria | Details |
| Citizenship | You must be a citizen of a country outside the UK. |
| Degree Program | You must be pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. |
| Academic Excellence | You must have excellent academic records and show potential to succeed. |
| Leadership Potential | Demonstrate your leadership skills and potential for future impact. |
Benefits
The benefits of the Gates Cambridge Scholarship are mentioned below.
| Benefit | Details |
| Tuition Fees | Covered |
| Maintenance Allowance | £20K (INR 22L) per annum |
| Airfare | Allowance for flights to and from Cambridge |
| Visa Costs | Allowance for visa and health insurance |
| Academic Development Funding | £2K (INR 2.2L) for conferences and courses |
| Dependent Children Allowance | Up to £16K (INR 17.6L) is available for two or more children. |
| Fieldwork Funding | You may get funding for fieldwork |
8. Stanford University Scholarships
Stanford offers a comprehensive funding package for all admitted PhD students, covering tuition, providing stipends, and offering assistantship salaries.
If you’re looking for PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, Stanford’s funding package is a great option. It ensures you can focus on your research and studies without financial worries.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Standford University Scholarships are mentioned below.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Program | Must be enrolled in a full-time graduate degree program at Stanford. |
| Financial Need | Scholarships are primarily awarded based on financial need determined by the CSS Profile. |
| International Students | Open to all international students, including those applying for specific scholarships like Knight-Hennessy. |
| Academic Progress | Excellent academic records |
Benefits
The benefits of the Standford University Scholarships are mentioned below.
| Benefit | Details |
| Tuition Fees | Covered |
| Stipend | $55K (INR 46L) per annum |
| Assistantship Opportunities | Opportunities to work as a teaching or research assistant, gaining valuable experience and mentorship. |
| Additional Funding Programs | Access to various fellowships and financial aid programs. |
| Health Insurance Subsidy | Automatic subsidy for health insurance through the Cardinal Care program. |
Application Process of PhD Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
With doctoral degree earners expected to rise to around 141,000 by 2032.
Here’s a concise guide to securing PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad.
- Plan Early: Start your research at least a year in advance. Identify universities and professors whose research aligns with your interests and explore scholarship options.
- Create a Strong Application: Prepare a compelling research proposal, secure recommendation letters, and write a strong statement of purpose. Gather all necessary documents in the required formats ahead of time.
- Prepare for Exams: If your chosen university requires exams like the GRE, GMAT, or English proficiency tests, start preparing early to achieve competitive scores.
- Submit Timely: Ensure your application is complete and submitted on time, with all required documents attached.
- Apply for Scholarships: Keep track of scholarship deadlines and apply when the application window opens.
Why Study Your PhD Abroad?
India and China are the top two countries sending students abroad for education, accounting for nearly 40% of global international higher education spending. Pursuing a PhD abroad can offer numerous benefits for personal and professional growth. Here’s why you should consider it.
- Cultural and Global Exposure: Studying in a different country lets you experience diverse cultures and traditions, broadening your perspective and enriching your education.
- Building a Global Network: You’ll have the opportunity to connect with international experts and peers who can support your research and career, even after you return home.
- Diverse Learning Experiences: Exposure to different education systems introduces you to new teaching methods and specialisations, enhancing your research skills.
- Access to Advanced Resources: Many global universities offer cutting-edge infrastructure and technology, which can significantly improve the quality of your research.
- Career Opportunities: A PhD from a reputable international university can open doors to academic and professional opportunities worldwide.
- Financial Support: As an international student, you may qualify for PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad, reducing tuition costs and offering additional benefits like healthcare discounts.
Conclusion
Securing the right scholarship can be the key to unlocking your academic potential abroad. Options like the Commonwealth Scholarship, offering £1K (INR 1.1L) per month, or the Fulbright Nehru Fellowship, which provides comprehensive support, make your journey easier.
Are you confused about which scholarship to apply for? LeapScholar is here to guide you! With a team of over 1,500 experts, we can help you find the right scholarships and navigate your path to studying at top universities worldwide.
Book a free call with LeapScholar today to explore your options for securing PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad and make your academic dreams a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What are the best PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad?
Ans. There are many scholarships available for PhD. These scholarships are designed to cover tuition, living expenses, and additional costs, making them highly sought after by Indian students. Some top PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad include the following.
Commonwealth Scholarship
Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship -
Q. How much financial support can I expect from the Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship?
Ans. The Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship is one of the most generous scholarships available. It covers your living expenses and travel costs and provides health insurance. At the same time, you pursue your PhD in the U.S. This fellowship ensures that you can focus on your research without worrying about financial constraints, making it a valuable opportunity for Indian students.
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Q. Are there any specific scholarships for PhD students in Germany?
Ans. Yes, the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship is a prime option for Indian students pursuing a PhD in Germany. This scholarship covers tuition, provides a monthly allowance of €1.3K (INR 1.12L), and includes health insurance. Additionally, it offers travel expenses and even a German language course, ensuring that you have the support needed to excel in your studies.
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Q. Can I apply for multiple PhD scholarships simultaneously?
Ans. Absolutely! Applying for multiple scholarships is a strategic way to increase your chances of securing funding. Each scholarship has its criteria and deadlines, so managing your applications carefully is essential. By applying to several scholarships, you can compare offers and choose the one that best suits your needs.
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Q. What are the eligibility criteria for the Commonwealth Scholarship?
Ans. To qualify for the Commonwealth Scholarship, you must be a permanent citizen of a Commonwealth country, which includes India. You should have a solid academic record with a bachelor’s and master’s degree, meeting the specific grade requirements. Additionally, you need an acceptance letter from a supervisor at a UK university. The scholarship is particularly competitive, so demonstrating your academic and leadership potential is crucial.
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Q. How much is the stipend for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?
Ans. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship offers a substantial stipend of C$50K (INR 30.8L) per year. This amount is designed to cover your living expenses, tuition fees, and other research-related costs while you pursue your PhD in Canada. The scholarship is awarded for up to three years, making it one of the most financially supportive options for doctoral students.
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Q. Is there an age limit for applying to these PhD scholarships?
Ans. Most scholarships, like the Commonwealth Scholarship, have an age limit, typically around 40 years. However, some scholarships, such as the DAAD in Germany, do not impose any age restrictions, making them accessible to a broader range of applicants. It’s essential to check the specific criteria for each scholarship to determine your eligibility.
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Q. How early should I start preparing for my PhD scholarship applications?
Ans. It’s advisable to start preparing at least a year in advance. Begin by researching potential universities, identifying professors whose research aligns with your interests, and understanding the specific requirements of each scholarship. Early preparation allows you to gather all necessary documents, write a compelling research proposal, and secure strong recommendation letters, increasing your chances of success.
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Q. Do I need to take any exams to qualify for these scholarships?
Ans. Many scholarships require standardised tests as part of the application process. For instance, you may need to take the GRE, GMAT, or English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the university and country you are applying to. Preparing for these exams early will give you enough time to achieve competitive scores, which can significantly boost your application.
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Q. Can international students apply for these scholarships?
Ans. Most of these scholarships are open to international and Indian students. Scholarships like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, and those offered by Yale and Stanford Universities are explicitly designed to attract top talent worldwide. This international focus allows you to compete for funding alongside students from various countries, expanding your academic horizons.
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Q. How to do PhD in mathematics abroad with scholarship for Indian students?
Ans. If you want to do PhD in Mathematics abroad with scholarship for Indian students. Then, there are ideal options like the DAAD Scholarship, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, and the Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTPS). These scholarships cover tuition, provide a stipend, and offer additional benefits like health insurance.