Thinking of pursuing your PhD studies abroad? Want to know about the top PhD Scholarships For Indian Students? After a master’s degree, doctorate courses and research fellowship is an organic steps to improving knowledge in a specific field. It allows students to have deep knowledge of the practical implications of theoretical subjects. Apart from the cultural richness, you can also experience infrastructure excellence offered by many countries. You can pursue PhD programs in different fields like healthcare, automobile, manufacturing, computer science, social science, etc. Countries like the United States, UK, Germany, France, Australia, and others provide PhD programs for different research fields. However, the biggest factor which impacts a PhD program decision is the cost of living.
An ideal PhD program takes about 3-5 years to complete, and the cost of living for such a long time can be heavy on your pocket. According to research, the average cost of studying abroad for Indian students is about $36,000 per year. So, if you are planning to pursue a PhD, this cost goes 3-5X. This is where a PhD in foreign countries with scholarships can help. Read this blog to know everything about PhD Scholarships For Indian Students across different countries and continents with the application process.
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PhD Scholarships For Indian Students: Europe
From the DAAD scholarship in Germany to Pasteur-Roux-Cantarini International Postdoctoral Fellowship in France, Europe has several options for Indian students. There is a network of 48 countries in Europe that offer the best options for PhD abroad with scholarships. All of the 48 countries are members of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). EHEA members follow the Bologna process signed back in 1999. According to this pact, there are three academic cycles,
- Bachelor’s degree- first cycle degrees
- Master’s degree- second cycle degree
- Doctorates or PhD- third cycle degrees
Some member countries don’t charge PhD students. However, some universities exempt European union students from fees, and a candidate from countries like India or other non-EU countries is charged for a PhD. Some of the top scholarships in Europe are:
DAAD Scholarship in Germany
Every year German Academic Exchange Service or Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) supports more than 100,000 German and international students with financial aid. It is aimed at graduates, PhD students, and postdocs. If you are an applicant for doctorate studies, DAAD provides grants for the full doctoral program. Average costs of studying in Germany can go up to 30,000 euros which involves tuition fees, accommodation costs, transportation costs, and others. With a DAAD scholarship, you can get up to 1200 euros per month for PhD students and a flat rate travel allowance to reduce transport costs.
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Pasteur-Roux-Cantarini International Postdoctoral Fellowship in France
Pasteur-Roux-Cantarini fellowships are aimed at postdoctoral candidates looking for financial support. It provides research fellowships that are of a minimum two-year duration. The funding amount is paid as a salary for the candidates and also covers health insurance. However, there is one restriction with this fellowship program; candidates need to pursue research in one of the institutes under Institut Pasteur in Paris.
Italian Government Scholarship Program
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) provides a scholarship program for foreign nationals and Italian citizens. The scholarship for doctoral studies is provided for the duration of six and nine months. Further, you can apply for scholarships from the Italian Government’s scholarship program for,
- Eligible Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo)
- Courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM)
- PhD programs
- Research under academic supervision
- Italian Language and Culture Courses
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Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme
Launched in 2013 by the Hungarian Government under bilateral agreements with different countries. There is no specific limit to the tuition fee waiver for doctoral students. All doctoral candidates are eligible for a monthly stipend under this scholarship program. For example, a candidate can get a stipend of HUF 140,000 or 390 Euros per month for the first phase and HUF 180,000 or 500 Euros per month for the second phase (2nd semester onwards). The scholarship also includes medical insurance and accommodation contributions for candidates. Apart from these, there are many other scholarships also that you can apply for provided by different governments and external organisations in Europe. One of the key aspects of studying doctoral studies in Europe is the rich PhD academic culture in the U.K.
PhD Scholarships For Indian Students: United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is home to many universities providing doctorate and junior research fellowships (JRF). The average cost of living for students in the U.K. is within the range of 700-1200 Euros per month. So, you can understand the need for scholarships in the United Kingdom for PhD programs.
British Chevening Scholarships for International Scholarships
British Chevening Scholarships for International Scholarships provides complete support for students for postgraduate and doctorate programs for one-year programs. It covers more than 12,000 courses within 150 universities. The scholarship provides financial support of £18,000, which covers tuition fees, living costs, transport expenses, and visa costs. The application period begins in the August month of every year and closes by September or November. An applicant needs to have two years’ mandatory experience in the relevant field along with a bachelor’s degree and high English proficiency scores.
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
CWIT is another major PhD scholarship for Indian students in the UK. It includes funding for JRF, visiting fellowships, and research at the Scottish Universities Summer School. The application deadline for this scholarship is at the end of December month every year. There is an age limit for this scholarship of 25-38 years. It is provided by the British council and offered for PhD in the field of visual arts and heritage conservation.
Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan
Commonwealth scholarships are one of the most reputed scholarship programs in the United Kingdom. It provides scholarships for doctoral students across 53 Commonwealth Nations. The eligibility criteria for Commonwealth scholarship include residency proof of Indian nationals, age up to 40 years, and a personal interview at the local office in Delhi. Apart from the UK and Europe, the United States is also a region where you can find some of the best PhD scholarships.
PhD Scholarships For Indian Students: United States
The USA is one of the major regions in North America for doctorate studies. The region is home to major tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and more. At the same time, you can also research in fields like nanotechnology, gene engineering, and others. However, the cost of studying in the USA is within the range of $28,000 to $55,000 per year. So, there is no denying that a scholarship can help you pursue PhD in the USA.
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
It is a scholarship offered under the United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF) agreement signed by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and U.S. Ambassador Loy Henderson. To this day, the scholarship program mutually signed between the U.S. and the Government of India has provided financial aid to more than 20,000 postgraduate students from India and USA. The Fulbright-Nehru doctoral research fellowships provide funding opportunities to Indians and U.S. for a postgraduate degree. The fellowship covers visa support, airfare, tuition fee, living costs, and accident and sickness coverage.
American Association of University Women International Scholarships
AAUW scholarships are awarded to non-US women from countries like Japan, India, Russia, and others. It provides financial assistance for meritorious students, which includes educational costs, living expenses, and 10% travelling expenses. For PhD students, the financial assistance is $20,000, and postdoc students can get $30,000 per year. A panel assigned for the scholarship program reviews applications every year for the selection of applications. This year the panel has started accepting the applications on April 15 and will provide funding for the academic year from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.
Conclusion
When it comes to PhD Scholarships For Indian Students, every country has its criteria for accepting applications. While some of these scholarship programs provide complete financial assistance, others also provide contributions to specific costs. So finding the right scholarship program, being eligible, and even passing the interview with the panel can be challenging. Fortunately, LeapScholar can help you through all this hassle. So, book a consultation and take a step ahead towards your doctorate studies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of studying for a PhD abroad with a scholarship?
Studying PhD abroad with a scholarship can be a fantastic way to broaden your horizons and experience different cultures. Not only will you be able to learn about different topics and cultures, but you’ll also be able to build new skills that you can use in your career. For example, the USA is home to several tech companies like Google and Tesla, which can help you research at their facilities.
Is it worth getting a PhD in a foreign country?
A PhD in a foreign country can be a valuable asset if you want to work in a field that is not currently available in your home country. Many people who obtain PhDs overseas find that their skills are more marketable when they return home than if they had obtained their degrees domestically.
How can I get a scholarship for a PhD abroad?
The best way to get a scholarship for PhD abroad will vary depending on your qualifications, country of study, and other factors. However, some tips that may be helpful include writing effective letters of recommendation and demonstrating strong research skills. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to find out about scholarship funding opportunities that are specific to your field of study.
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