While over 1.5 million Indian students are studying abroad, securing a PhD scholarship remains highly competitive. For instance, the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship awards around 80 scholarships annually, with two-thirds allocated to PhD scholars. This highlights the importance of early planning, and we are here to help you with that.
List of PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad
| Scholarship Name | Country/Region |
|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships | USA |
| AAUW International Fellowships | USA |
| Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars | USA |
| Yale University Fellowships | USA |
| Commonwealth PhD Scholarships | UK |
| Rhodes Scholarships | UK |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarships | UK |
| Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) | Europe |
| DAAD Research Grants | Germany |
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships | Switzerland |
| Research Training Program (RTP) | Australia |
| University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships | Australia |
You can use Leap’s Scholarship Finder to track your desired scholarship and get detailed information. Until then, let’s take a closer look at all PhD scholarships individually.
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships support Indian PhD scholars registered in Indian institutions to conduct part of their research in the U.S. for 6–9 months. It aims to foster academic exchange and promote mutual understanding between India and the United States.
- Provided by: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
- Targeted for: Indian PhD students registered at Indian institutions
- Benefits: J-1 visa support, monthly stipend, accident and sickness coverage, round-trip airfare, and applicable tuition fees
- What They Look For: Academic excellence, quality of research proposal, leadership qualities, and a strong rationale for conducting research in the U.S.
- Deadline to Apply: July of each year
- Eligibility: Indian citizens enrolled in a PhD program at an Indian institution; must have conducted adequate research in the relevant field, especially in the identification of resources in India and the US
- Popular in: Public Health, Environmental Science, Energy Studies, Neuroscience, Economics, and Education.
AAUW International Fellowships
Offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), these fellowships support women from outside the US pursuing doctoral (PhD) degrees in the US The program champions global female leadership and academic development.
- Provided by: American Association of University Women (AAUW)
- Targeted for: Women pursuing pursuing doctoral (PhD) degrees in the US who are not US citizens or permanent residents
- Benefits: $20,000–$25,000 (INR 17 – 21L), depending on the level of study
- What They Look For: Academic achievement, commitment to the advancement of women and girls, and a plan to return to home country to become a leader in the field
- Deadline to Apply: Applications open August 1 annually
- Eligibility: Women who are not US citizens or permanent residents; hold an academic degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree; intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career
- Popular in: Gender Studies, Public Policy, Education, Sociology, and STEM disciplines for women.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
This prestigious program funds high-achieving students from around the world to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford University, including PhDs. It combines full financial support with a comprehensive leadership development experience.
- Provided by: Stanford University
- Targeted for: All nationalities applying for any full-time graduate degree at Stanford, including PhD programs
- Benefits: Full funding for tuition and associated fees, a stipend for living and academic expenses, and a travel stipend
- What They Look For: Independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset
- Deadline to Apply: Typically in October each year
- Eligibility: Applicants must apply to and be accepted by a full-time Stanford graduate program; must have earned a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent within the last six years
- Popular in: Computer Science, Business, Law, Education, and Biomedical Sciences.
Yale University Fellowships
Yale offers generous fellowships to all admitted PhD students, typically covering full tuition, a competitive stipend, and health insurance for a minimum of five years. The goal is to ensure that financial constraints never hinder academic excellence.
- Provided by: Yale University
- Targeted for: All admitted PhD students
- Benefits: Full tuition coverage, annual stipend for living expenses, and health insurance
- What They Look For: Academic excellence and research potential
- Deadline to Apply: Varies by department; typically between December and January
- Eligibility: Admission to a Yale PhD program
- Popular in: Political Science, History, Psychology, Public Health, and Engineering.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Commonwealth scholarships are aimed at students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including India, who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK. They are fully funded and aligned with key development-focused research areas.
- Provided by: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Targeted for: Students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries
- Benefits: Airfare, tuition fees, and a living allowance
- What They Look For: Academic merit, quality of study plan, and potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country
- Deadline to Apply: Usually in December each year
- Eligibility: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries; must be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
- Popular in: Agriculture, Engineering, Education, Sustainable Development, and Public Policy.
Rhodes Scholarships (India)
One of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs, the Rhodes Scholarship enables outstanding students from around the world to pursue postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service.
- Provided by: Rhodes Trust
- Targeted for: Indian citizens for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford
- Benefits: University and college fees, stipend, and one economy class airfare to and from the UK
- What They Look For: , leadership, and commitment to service
- Deadline to Apply: 23 July 2025
- Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 18–23 (or under 27 if they have completed their undergraduate degree later); must have completed an undergraduate degree with academic distinction
- Popular in: Law, International Relations, Philosophy, English Literature, and Development Studies.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. It emphasizes academic brilliance and the potential to improve lives globally.
- Provided by: University of Cambridge
- Targeted for: International students pursuing full-time postgraduate degrees at Cambridge
- Benefits: Full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition, maintenance allowance, airfare, and visa costs
- What They Look For: Outstanding intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others
- Deadline to Apply: Varies; typically in December for U.S. citizens and January for others
- Eligibility: Citizens of any country outside the UK; applying to pursue one of the eligible full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Cambridge
- Popular in: Biosciences, Engineering, Education, Public Health, and Artificial Intelligence.
To know more about Gates Cambridge Scholarships page check out out Scholarship Finder page.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks
The MSCA provides international research fellowships to support mobility, skill development, and collaboration among doctoral researchers in Europe. It is open to researchers of any nationality and promotes cross-border and interdisciplinary research.
- Provided by: European Commission
- Targeted for: Researchers of any nationality pursuing doctoral training in Europe
- Benefits: Monthly living allowance, mobility allowance, and, if applicable, family allowance
- What They Look For: Research potential and alignment with the project’s objectives
- Deadline to Apply: 25 November 2025
- Eligibility: Must not have a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment; should comply with the mobility rule (not have resided or carried out main activity in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment)
- Popular in: Life Sciences, Material Sciences, Physics, Engineering, and Multidisciplinary Research.
DAAD Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes
Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service, these grants support international doctoral candidates for research or a complete PhD program in Germany. They offer full financial coverage including monthly stipends, travel, and health insurance.
- Provided by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Targeted for: International students pursuing PhD research in Germany
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance
- What They Look For: Academic merit and a well-defined research proposal
- Deadline to Apply: November 2025
- Eligibility: Graduates with a Master’s degree; in some cases, Bachelor’s degree holders with exceptional qualifications
- Popular in: Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
These scholarships offer international students the opportunity to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral research in Switzerland at public-funded universities or research institutions. Selection is based on academic merit, research quality, and potential for future impact.
- Provided by: Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS)
- Targeted for: International PhD and postdoctoral researchers
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, exemption from tuition fees, health insurance, airfare, and housing allowance
- What They Look For: Academic excellence and a well-planned research proposal
- Deadline to Apply: Varies by country; typically between September and December
- Eligibility: Master’s degree holders; must have a letter of acceptance from a Swiss university professor
- Popular in: Environmental Engineering, Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, and Humanities.
Research Training Program (RTP) – Australia
The RTP is an Australian Government initiative offering tuition fee offsets and stipends to domestic and international PhD candidates. It is available across participating Australian universities and supports high-quality research training.
- Provided by: Australian Government
- Targeted for: Domestic and international students pursuing research doctorates
- Benefits: Tuition fee offset and a living stipend
- What They Look For: Academic merit and research potential
- Deadline to Apply: Varies by institution
- Eligibility: Enrollment in an accredited HDR course at an Australian university
- Popular in: Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Education, and Environmental Sciences.
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
These highly competitive scholarships are offered to high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking graduate research at the University of Melbourne. Benefits include full tuition, a generous living allowance, and relocation support.
- Provided by: University of Melbourne
- Targeted for: High-achieving domestic and international students undertaking graduate research degrees
- Benefits: Full fee offset, living allowance, relocation grant, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- What They Look For: Academic excellence and research potential
- Deadline to Apply: Applications open 1 July and close 31 October annually
- Eligibility: Applicants must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne
- Popular in: Health Sciences, Law, Data Science, Education, and Engineering.
Reasons to 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
Pursuing a PhD abroad can be a transformative academic and personal journey—but it’s also a significant financial commitment. Fortunately, numerous prestigious scholarships are available exclusively for Indian students, each offering not just financial aid, but also access to top-tier research environments, global networks, and unmatched mentorship opportunities.
Explore your dream PhD program with expert guidance from Leap Scholar.From identifying the right scholarship to perfecting your application and research proposal we’re here to help. Use Leap’s Scholarship Finder to shortlist your scholarships.
A compelling research-focused SOP can make or break your application—explore PhD SOP samples and writing tips designed to help Indian students win fully funded scholarships abroad.
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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.
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