Ever dreamed of pursuing a PhD at a top international university but worried about the costs? What if we told you that fully funded PhD scholarships can cover your tuition, living expenses, and research costs? From government-funded programs to merit-based fellowships, countless opportunities exist for ambitious scholars studying in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Whether aiming for advanced research, global exposure, or career advancement, securing the exemplary scholarship can make all the difference.
In this guide, we will break down the best PhD scholarships for Indian students to study abroad 2025-26, their eligibility criteria, the top universities offering them, and how you can successfully apply. Let’s get started!
Types Of Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria, including academic merit, financial need, government initiatives, institutional support, and field-specific research.
Understanding the types of scholarships for PhD students can help you identify the best opportunities suited to your academic and career goals. Below is a breakdown of the key scholarship categories and examples to guide your scholarship search.
| Scholarship Type | Description | Examples |
| Merit-Based PhD Scholarships | Awarded based on academic excellence and research potential. | Stanford University PhD Fellowship, Harvard University Full Financial Support. |
| Need-Based PhD Scholarships | Designed for students with financial need; often requires proof of income. | Varies by institution and country-specific funding programs. |
| Government PhD Scholarships | Offered by governments to support doctoral research. | ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowships, Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research in India. |
| Institutional PhD Scholarships | Provided directly by universities to support PhD students. | University of Melbourne PhD Scholarships, CalTech PhD Stipend. |
| Discipline-Specific PhD Scholarships | Targeted at students pursuing specific fields of study. | Google PhD Fellowship India (Computer Science), DBT-JRF Fellowship (Biotechnology). |
With a comprehensive overview of scholarship types, aspiring doctoral students can now explore the most promising opportunities tailored explicitly for Indian students seeking international education.
Best 5 Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but financial constraints can be challenging. Fortunately, several scholarships provide full or partial funding, covering tuition, living expenses, and research costs.
Below, we have highlighted some of the best scholarships in the world for international students detailing their eligibility, benefits, and application process to help students secure funding for their studies abroad.
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship
The Fulbright-Nehru fellowships for PhD are prestigious scholarships offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) to Indian students who wish to pursue a PhD degree in the United States.
- Duration: The fellowship is offered for one year or two years, depending on the duration of the selected Master’s degree program.
- Eligibility Requirements: Completed a U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalent from a recognised Indian university with at least 55% marks. This can include:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree.
- A completed master’s degree.
- A full-time postgraduate diploma if the undergraduate degree is of less than four years’ duration.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required. Applicants may need to take the TOEFL exam.
Benefits
- Financial Support: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Health Insurance: Provides accident and sickness coverage as per U.S. Government guidelines.
- Visa Support: Offers J-1 visa support.
- Cultural Exchange: Opportunities for cultural immersion and networking.
Yale University Scholarships
Yale University, one of the Ivy League institutions in the United States, offers fully funded PhD scholarships to both domestic and international students. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs throughout the doctoral program.
- Duration: The duration of Yale University PhD degree scholarships typically extends for a minimum of five years, unless the doctoral program is shorter, such as those in Investigative Medicine, Law, Nursing, and Public Health.
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Relevant Coursework, Must align with the chosen field of study.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required. An IELTS score of 7 or more is necessary.
Benefits
- Financial Support: Covers tuition and offers a stipend for living expenses.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance, including hospitalisation coverage and specialty care for themselves and their dependents.
- Visa Support: Offers support for obtaining a J-1 visa.
- Cultural Exchange: Yale offers a diverse academic environment that fosters cultural exchange through research collaborations, student organisations, and campus events.
Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a prestigious award funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to support talented doctoral students from Commonwealth countries. The scholarship aims to enhance research capacity and contribute to sustainable development in these nations.
- Duration: These scholarships support students for the full duration of their PhD studies, typically three years.
Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree
- A minimum of 60% in Humanities/Social Sciences or 65% in Engineering/Science is required.
- Language Proficiency: English language proficiency is required, typically demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL scores, as per the requirements of the UK university.
Benefits
- Tuition Fees: Covered by the scholarship.
- Living Allowance: Approximately £1,236 per month outside London or £1,516 in London.
- Travel Costs: Airfare to and from the UK is covered.
- Research Grants: Available for research-related expenses.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for outstanding international students, including Indian applicants, to pursue a full-time PhD (or other postgraduate degrees) at the University of Cambridge.
- Duration: Up to four years, with extensions considered on a case-by-case basis for intermission or illness.
Educational Qualifications
- Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential through their transcripts and educational background.
- PhD applicants must submit a research proposal as part of their application.
- Language Proficiency: Required for all applicants, though specific test score requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
Benefits
- Full Tuition Coverage: Covers the University Composition Fee
- Travel Costs: One economy single airfare at the beginning and end of the course.
- Visa and Health Surcharge: This covers inbound visa costs and the UK’s Immigration Health Surcharge
Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
The Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (RTPS) supports domestic and international students pursuing higher degree research (HDR) programs, including PhDs. The scholarship is funded by the Australian Commonwealth Government to enhance research capacity in universities.
- Duration: Usually up to 3.5 years for completion.
- Language Proficiency: International students must meet the English language proficiency requirements, typically IELTS (6.5), TOEFL (79), or PTE (62), as specified by the university.
Educational Qualifications
- Academic Excellence: Strong academic record and research potential.
- Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s with Honors (Class 1) or a Master’s for PhD.
- Entry Requirements: Must meet university criteria, including English proficiency (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 79, PTE 62).
- Research Experience: Publications or prior research experience preferred.
Benefits
- Full Tuition Coverage: Up to 4 years (PhD), 2 years (Master’s by research).
- Health Coverage: OSHC for international students on a visa.
- AUD 28,854 per year
While these five scholarships provide exceptional opportunities, it’s crucial to understand the specific eligibility requirements that can make or break a successful scholarship application.
Eligibility Requirements For PhD Scholarships
Research programmes have specific eligibility criteria to ensure candidates are academically and professionally prepared. Key requirements include academic qualifications, research aptitude, language proficiency, and strong references. While criteria vary by university, the essentials remain consistent across most programmes. Have a look at the standard eligibility requirements for PhD programmes.
| Category | Requirement | Details |
| Academic Qualifications | Master’s Degree | Typically, in a relevant field, some programs may accept a bachelor’s degree with honors |
| Minimum Marks | 55% to 60% marks in master’s degree | |
| Entrance Exams | University Exams | Some universities conduct their entrance examinations. |
| Research Aptitude | Research Proposal | Well-defined proposal demonstrating research potential |
| Letters of Recommendation | Strong academic or professional references required | |
| Age Limit | Eligibility | Typically below 35 years (varies by program) |
| Language Proficiency | English Requirement | IELTS or TOEFL scores often required for international programs |
| Research Experience | Additional Consideration | Prior research experience or publications can strengthen application |
With knowledge of eligibility requirements, you can now set your sights on the most prestigious institutions that offer transformative PhD experiences. We have highlighted the top universities in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia that offer great PhD programmes.
Top Universities To Study PhD Abroad
Pursuing a PhD at top-ranked international universities provides access to world-class research facilities, expert faculty, and global networking opportunities. Below is a list of the best universities across different countries, ranked among the top in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Universities In the UK
The UK offers prestigious universities with rich academic traditions. Institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London are globally recognised for their impactful research and distinguished faculty.
| Universities | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| Imperial College London | 2 |
| UCL | 9 |
| University of Edinburgh | 27 |
Universities In USA
The USA is home to some of the world’s leading research institutions, offering advanced facilities and diverse PhD programs. Universities like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard consistently rank among the best for doctoral studies in science, engineering, and the humanities.
| Universities | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 |
| Stanford University | 6 |
| Harvard University | 4 |
| California Institute of Technology | 10 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 |
Universities In Canada
Canada is known for its high-quality education and strong research infrastructure. Universities like McGill, Toronto, and British Columbia provide excellent PhD opportunities with substantial funding support and a welcoming international student environment.
| Universities | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| McGill University | 29 |
| University of Toronto | 25 |
| University of British Columbia | 38 |
| University of Alberta | 96 |
| University of Montreal | 159 |
Universities In Australia
Australia offers world-class PhD programmes with significant research funding and international collaborations. Universities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Queensland provide excellent opportunities for students looking to engage in high-impact research.
| Universities | QS Ranking 2025 |
| University of Melbourne | 13 |
| University of Sydney | 18 |
| University of Queensland | 40 |
| Monash University | 37 |
| University of Western Australia | 77 |
A PhD abroad is a gateway to advanced research, global collaborations, and top career opportunities. With numerous fully funded scholarships, research grants, and government programs, financial constraints shouldn’t hold you back. Top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia offer tuition waivers, living stipends, and research funding, making world-class education accessible.
Need expert guidance? UniScholars helps with university applications, visas, and student housing—making your study abroad experience seamless.
FAQs
Can international students get fully funded PhDs?
Yes, international students can pursue fully funded PhDs. Many universities offer programs covering tuition, living stipends, and additional benefits like health insurance and travel. Scholarships like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and the Australian Government Research Training Program also provide full funding.
Are there PhD scholarships available in the USA for Indian students?
Several PhD scholarships are available in the USA for Indian students, including the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships, Yale University Scholarships, Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program and Cornell University Tata Scholarship, which offer full or partial funding.
Are there any PhD scholarships available in Canada for Indian students?
Yes, several PhD scholarships are available in Canada for Indian students, including the IDRC Research Awards, Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships, and the JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians, which provide financial support for doctoral studies in Canada.
What are the eligibility requirements for pursuing a PhD abroad?
To pursue a PhD abroad, you typically need a master’s degree (or a bachelor’s with honors), 55-60% minimum marks and a strong research proposal. Additional requirements may include entrance exams (GRE/GMAT), language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), letters of recommendation, and prior research experience.
What exams are required to pursue a PhD abroad?
You may need to take an English proficiency test like IELTS Academic, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, or PTE to study abroad. These exams assess your language skills and are required by most universities for admission.
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1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further