Which PhD scholarships in Europe could I apply for as an Indian student, and what do they offer?
10 Nov 2026 · Answered by Shairal Pathak · 2 min read
Quick Answer
verified
Indian students can look at MSCA, DAAD PhD Research Grants, France Excellence Eiffel, Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowships and salaried PhD positions. They typically offer monthly stipends or salaries, insurance and travel support. Eligibility and amounts vary, so check each official page before applying.
Doctoral funding in Europe usually comes as monthly stipends, insurance, travel help and research support. You can choose between scholarships and salaried PhD positions, and the right path depends on your degree, age and field.
PhD Funding Options in Europe
| Scholarship or pathway | Typical eligibility | Typical coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) | You must not hold a PhD and must meet the 12 months in 3 years mobility rule | Living and mobility allowances, family allowance, and 100% coverage of research, training and networking costs |
| DAAD PhD Research Grants | Master's degree, usually completed within 6 years, and no more than 15 months lived in Germany | EUR 1,400 (approx INR 1.49 L) a month, plus insurance support, a round-trip travel allowance, a research allowance and possible rent or family support |
| France Excellence Eiffel (PhD) | Non-French citizens under 35 nominated by a French institution; supports joint or co-tutelle PhDs | EUR 2,100 (approx INR 2.24 L) a month, plus round-trip airfare, national train travel, healthcare, cultural support and a possible housing allowance |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowships | Indian citizens under 30 with a first-class degree; selected humanities, social sciences and fine arts PhD fields | Up to USD 100,000 (approx INR 95.10 L) for tuition, living expenses and travel |
| Salaried PhD positions | Master's degree in a relevant field, strong references and a research proposal; common in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden | EUR 2,500 to 4,500+ (approx INR 2.67 to 4.80 L+) gross per month, plus paid leave, pension benefits and parental leave |
What to Compare
- Age limits and degree timing, since some awards cap age or years since your Master's.
- Whether a host institution must nominate you first.
- Whether the award is a stipend or a salary, and what insurance and travel it includes.
- Mobility or residence rules, such as those for MSCA and DAAD.
My Advice
Treat these amounts as indicative and confirm them on the official page for the 2027 or 2028 intake. Shortlist the awards you clearly qualify for on age and degree, then build a strong research proposal and contact supervisors early.
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