10 Top Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for Indian Students

Did you know that 75,000+ Indian students apply for a PhD program abroad every year, and most of them give up because they can’t afford the tuition fees, cost of living (in INR), and the absence of research funding? Many talented researchers give up their aspirations of becoming academic researchers simply because they never get funded.

The good news is that there are fully-funded PhD scholarships out there for Indian students with stipends for living expenses, research training, and full fee waivers. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best PhD scholarships you can apply for.

Types of Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Students

Pursuing a doctoral programme in 2025–2026 is no longer out of reach for deserving PhD students. With the right scholarship schemes, you can receive full financial support, a monthly stipend, and even research grants to carry out projects in science and technology or humanities. 

Let’s break down the major types of fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students and other international scholars.

1. Government-Funded Scholarships

Many countries, including the Government of India, UK, Germany, and Australia, offer government scholarships to support international PhD studies. These scholarships are awarded to ensure academic excellence and global research collaborations. They usually cover full tuition fees and provide stipends for living expenses.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Top institutions like Imperial College London, MIT, and University of Oxford run their own scholarship programs for selected candidates. A president’s PhD scholarship or similar graduate scholarship provides complete PhD funding, encouraging postgraduate researchers to pursue innovative research projects.

3. Organization & NGO-Sponsored Scholarships

Several international scholarships are funded by NGOs and private organizations to support early career researchers. These programs allow PhD scholars to gain quality education and research training abroad. The scholarship is offered across multiple disciplines, often with a focus on solving national and global challenges.

Countries that Fully Fund PhD Scholarships for Indian Students

When it comes to education abroad, many nations now provide fully funded scholarships for Indian students to ease the burden of tuition and living expenses.

These PhD scholarships allow talented researchers to focus entirely on their international research projects without financial worries.

1. United Kingdom

The UK remains one of the most popular destinations to apply for PhD. Programs like the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships and Gates Cambridge Scholarship cover tuition and let students receive a monthly stipend. These scholarships for PhD are open to students who show strong academic merit and leadership potential.

2. United States

In the US, scholarship offers such as the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship provide types of funding that include tuition, research grants, and health insurance. PhD applications are highly competitive, but selected students must demonstrate commitment to academic excellence and impactful research.

3. Germany

Known for German universities excelling in science and technology, Germany offers international research fellowships like DAAD Promos Scholarships and International Max Planck Research Scholarships. These fully-funded scholarships are available for international and Indian candidates, helping them carry out researchers who wish to carry advanced projects.

4. Canada

Canada provides scholarship schemes like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, which support master’s and PhD students to pursue long-term research. Selected candidates receive a monthly stipend along with coverage of tuition fees, ensuring strong support for education and research.

5. Australia

The Australian Government Research Training Program is among the best options for Indian government–backed PhD studies abroad. These scholarships are available to both master’s and PhD scholars, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel support for up to the next three years.

10 Top Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for Indian Students

Here are some of the top PhD scholarships that Indian & international students can aim for.

These scholarships are awarded based on strong academic records, research potential, and meet strict criteria for selection.

Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship

This programme provides fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students (especially women) from developing and emerging economies who want to pursue STEM doctoral studies abroad. Students must be admitted (or have applied) to a host university overseas; the scholarship offers tuition, living expenses, travel, visa charges, and research support.

2. Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships (USA)

Aimed at international students to study or research in the U.S., with strong proposals. This scholarship is offered to Indian PhD scholars to work on their research project in the U.S., covering tuition, living expenses, travel.

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

One of the top PhD scholarship programs globally, to study in UK (Cambridge). It is fully funded, supporting all necessary costs, and is awarded to graduate students with outstanding achievement.

4. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (UK)

These are international scholarships offered by the UK Government for students from Commonwealth countries (including India). They allow PhD scholars to pursue doctoral studies at UK universities with most costs covered.

5. DAAD Research Grants (Germany)

Germany’s DAAD Research Grants offers a variety of fellowships & research grants. These scholarships are available for Indian candidates who want to conduct international research or complete their PhD in German universities.

6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)

Vanier is one of Canada’s premier funding programs for PhD students. It’s very competitive, but offers excellent financial support.

7. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)

Australia’s RTP provides types of funding to PhD candidates including international students, covering tuition fees, stipend, & research training.

8. Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford, UK)

Though often known for its postgraduate master’s programs, Rhodes also supports doctoral degree candidates. Selected persons can pursue Ph.D at Oxford with full financial support.

9. International Max Planck Research Schools (Germany)

These are specialized doctoral programmes combining German research institutes & universities. They offer fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students wanting to pursue rigorous research training abroad.

10. European Research Council (ERC) Grants / Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (EU)

The EU runs major scholarship programs for international PhD scholars including Indian students via MSCA. They provide excellent research training, exposure, and full financial backing.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD abroad with Scholarship for Indian Students

Every year, applications are accepted from thousands of talented graduates across India, but only a few meet the strict requirements set by universities, funding bodies, and the Indian Government.

To secure fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students, applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability, research potential, and commitment to advancing knowledge in India and abroad.

Application Process for Studying Abroad with Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for Indian Students

Securing fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students requires careful planning, timely preparation, and a clear understanding of each step in the admission and funding journey.

Here’s a simplified process to help you navigate it smoothly:

• Step 1: Research Opportunities – Identify universities and programs that offer fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students in your field of interest.
• Step 2: Prepare Documents – Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a strong research proposal tailored to the scholarship requirements.
• Step 3: Meet Deadlines – Track deadlines closely, as most fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students follow strict application timelines.
• Step 4: Apply Online – Submit applications through university portals or scholarship websites, ensuring all forms and attachments are complete.
• Step 5: Attend Interviews – Be ready for academic or scholarship interviews where you may be asked to present your research ideas.
• Step 6: Receive Results – If selected, you’ll be notified and guided through the next steps, including visa processes and joining instructions.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded Doctoral Fellowship Programme

Competition for fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students is intense, but with the right approach, you can stand out from thousands of applicants. Success comes from preparation, strategy, and presenting your academic journey with clarity and confidence.

• Build a Strong Academic Profile – Maintain consistent grades and highlight research experiences that show your readiness for doctoral study.
• Craft a Clear Research Proposal – Write a focused, innovative proposal that demonstrates your vision and contribution to your field.
• Secure Strong Recommendations – Choose referees who know your work well and can vouch for your research potential.
• Showcase Extracurricular Depth – Highlight teaching, volunteering, or leadership experiences that reflect your all-round capabilities.
• Apply Early and Widely – Don’t wait for the last moment; submit applications to multiple programs to improve your odds.
• Prepare for Interviews – Practice presenting your research ideas confidently and answering academic questions with precision.

Conclusion 

Honestly, going after fully funded PhD scholarships for Indian students can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve got the passion and potential, the right guidance can take you all the way.

That’s where Ambitio comes in. Think of them as a friend who knows the ins and outs of profile building and scholarships. They’ll help you avoid the usual mistakes and put your best self forward. Ready to give your PhD dream the push it deserves? Team up with Ambitio, you’ll thank yourself later.

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