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Top Universities for Studying PhD Abroad for Indian Students
Indian students who pursue a PhD overseas have an exceptional opportunity to develop their academic and research careers. Exposure to a broad community of scholars, cutting-edge facilities, and famous teachers makes it a rewarding experience for individuals looking to push the boundaries of knowledge.
List of Top 10 Universities for PhD Abroad for Indian Students
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | The United States of America
MIT is a renowned university where students worldwide, including India, are invited to pursue a PhD. The university's top-notch research facilities, illustrious professors, and multicultural student body are advantages for Indian students interested in earning a PhD there.
Eligibility Criteria:
A Master's degree or equivalent from a recognised institution..
Prior research experience, such as a master's thesis or independent research projects.
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Standardised tests like the GRE, TOEFL or IELTS
Programmes:
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Physics
Chemical Engineering
Computer Science
Biology
Chemistry
Economics
Mathematics
Materials Science and Engineering
Top Scholarships
|
Name of the Scholarship |
Scholarship Coverage |
|
Tata Scholarship |
Covers tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of the program |
|
Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) Scholarships |
USD 10,000 to USD 75,000 |
|
MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) Scholarships |
Maximum amount of USD 30,000 |
|
MIT Presidential Fellowships |
Fully Funded |
2. Stanford University | The United States of America
The highly regarded Stanford University accepts students from India and other countries who wish to pursue a PhD there. The university's renowned staff, top-notch research facilities, and diversified student body are all advantages for Indian students.
Eligibility Criteria:
A bachelor's and/or master's degree from a recognised institution.
Stanford looks for candidates with the potential for impactful research and a clear research focus or area of interest.
Standardised tests such as the GRE.
Statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation
English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
Programmes:
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Economics
Psychology
Biology
Physics
Mathematics
Education
Sociology
Political Science
English
History
Top Scholarships
|
Name of the Scholarship |
Scholarship Coverage |
|
Stanford Graduate Fellowships |
Covers tuition, stipends, and health insurance |
|
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program |
Covers funding for PhD studies, including tuition, stipend, and other expenses |
3. University of Cambridge | The United Kingdom
The University of Cambridge is a highly regarded university where students from all over the world, including India, are invited to enrol in a PhD programme. The university's diversified academic community, top-notch research infrastructure, and esteemed faculty are all advantages for Indian students.
Eligibility criteria:
A master's degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
Evidence of proficiency in English.
Research proposal
Letter of recommendation
PhD applicants are responsible for securing funding to cover tuition fees and living expenses for their studies.
Programme:
Arts and Humanities
Sciences
Social Sciences
Engineering
Medicine and Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
Technology and Innovation
Top Scholarships
|
Name of the Scholarship |
Scholarship Coverage |
|
Gates Cambridge Scholarships |
Fully Funded |
|
Cambridge Trust Scholarships |
Full or Partially Funded |
|
Commonwealth Scholarships |
Cover tuition fees, a living allowance, and other necessary expenses |
|
Charles Wallace Trust Scholarships |
Provide support for travel, living expenses, and research costs |
|
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships |
Cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs related to the course |
4. Harvard University | The United Kingdom
Harvard University is a highly regarded university for pursuing a PhD programme that accepts students from all over the world, including India. Indian students can gain from the university's broad academic community, top-notch research infrastructure, and esteemed staff.
Eligibility Criteria:
A Master's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
Research experience and potential in the chosen field of study are often important.
English languages test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Standardised tests like GRE, GRE Subject Test or GMAT.
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of purpose
Programmes:
Biological Sciences in Public Health
Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Computer Science
Economics
Education
Engineering and Applied Sciences
English
Government
History
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Public Policy
Sociology
Business Administration (Doctoral Program)
Top Scholarships
|
Name of the Scholarship |
Scholarship Coverage |
|
Harvard Fellowships |
Covers stipend and tuition assistance. |
|
Harvard South Asia Institute (SAI) Scholarships |
Covers research and study at Harvard University and cover a range of disciplines |
|
Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute Scholarships |
INR 1,00,000 |
|
Harvard Club of India Scholarships |
Depends on merit and financial need |
|
Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Scholarships |
Covers Tuition |
5. ETH Zurich | Switzerland
ETH Zurich offers PhD opportunities for Indian students in various fields. With a globally recognised reputation for research and innovation, ETH Zurich provides a stimulating academic environment, cutting-edge facilities, and potential funding options, making it an attractive destination for Indian PhD students.
Eligibility Criteria:
A Master's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university.
A research proposal
Proof of English language proficiency through standardised tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Letters of recommendation
Entrance Examination
Programmes:
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Engineering Sciences
Architecture and Planning
Life Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Social Sciences
Health Sciences and Technology
Top Scholarships
|
Name of the Scholarship |
Scholarship Coverage |
|
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
Covers living expenses, tuition fees, health insurance, and airfare. |
|
Swiss-Indian Scholarship Program |
Covers living expenses, tuition fees, health insurance, and travel costs |
|
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships |
Depends on the choice of study programme |
6. The University of Oxford | The United Kingdom
Indian students can pursue a PhD at the prestigious Oxford University, renowned for its academic excellence and research reputation. With a wide range of disciplines and world-class faculty, Oxford offers a vibrant scholarly environment that nurtures intellectual growth and opens doors to global academic opportunities.
Eligibility criteria:
A master's degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
English languages test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English.
Research proposal
Letter of recommendation
Funding
Programme:
Social Sciences
Humanities
Sciences
Medical Sciences
Business and Management
Interdisciplinary Studies
Top Scholarships
|
Name of the Scholarship |
Scholarship Coverage |
|
Rhodes Scholarship |
Covers all university and college fees, a living stipend, and travel expenses |
|
Clarendon Scholarship |
Covers tuition fees and offers a generous living stipend |
|
Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities |
Covers total tuition fees and provides a living stipend |
|
Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship and Leadership Programme |
Covers tuition fees, living expenses, leadership training, and networking opportunities |
|
Inlaks Scholarship |
Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs |
|
Reach Oxford Scholarship |
Covers tuition fees and provides a grant for living expenses |
7. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | The United States of America
Indian students can pursue a PhD at Caltech, a renowned institution known for its excellence in science, engineering, and research. With world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, Caltech offers a stimulating academic environment for Indian students to pursue advanced research and innovation.
Eligibility Criteria:
A Master's degree or its equivalent from a recognised university.
Standardised tests like GRE, GRE Subject Test or GMAT.
Research experience
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Funding
Programmes:
Physics, Astrophysics, and Astronomy
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Biology and Biological Engineering
Engineering and Applied Science
Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
Geology, Planetary, and Environmental Science
Social Sciences and Humanitie
Top Scholarships
|
Name of the Scholarship |
Scholarship Coverage |
|
Caltech Graduate Fellowships |
Fully Funded |
|
Resnick Sustainability Institute Fellowships |
Provides financial assistance and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation |
|
Rothenberg Innovation Initiative (RI^2) Fellowships |
Offers financial support and resources to develop innovative projects. |
|
Graduate Research and Education in Adaptive Systems (GREASE) Fellowships |
Provides financial support and research opportunities |
8. University of California, Berkeley | The United States of America
Indian students can pursue a PhD at UC Berkeley, a renowned institution known for its academic excellence and vibrant research community. With various disciplines and cutting-edge facilities, UC Berkeley offers a stimulating environment for Indian students to engage in advanced research and scholarly pursuits.
Eligibility Criteria:
A master's degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
Standardised tests like GRE, GRE Subject Test or GMAT.
Research Experience
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Funding
Programmes:
Engineering and Applied Sciences
Physical Sciences
Biological and Health Sciences
Social Sciences and Humanities
Business and Management
Education
Environmental Sciences
Top Scholarships
|
Name of the Scholarship |
Scholarship Coverage |
|
Berkeley International Fellowship |
Covers tuition, fees, and a living stipend |
|
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship |
Covers tuition, fees, living expenses, and other related costs |
|
Chancellor's Fellowship |
Fully Funded |
9. The University of Toronto | Canada
A PhD at the University of Toronto offers Indian students a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment for advanced research. With world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a wide range of disciplines, it provides excellent opportunities for intellectual growth and global academic engagement.
Eligibility Criteria:
A Master's degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
Standardised tests like GRE, GRE Subject Test or GMAT.
Research Experience
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Funding
Programmes:
Engineering and Applied Sciences
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Social Sciences and Humanities
Business and Management
Health Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Top Scholarships
|
Name of the Scholarship |
Scholarship Coverage |
|
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship |
Fully Funded |
|
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) |
USD 15,000 |
|
University of Toronto Fellowship |
Financial support in the form of a stipend and coverage of tuition and fees |
10. Australia National University | Australia
PhD programs at the Australian National University (ANU) provide Indian students with a rich academic experience, global research collaborations, and a supportive environment. With a diverse range of disciplines and world-class faculty, ANU offers excellent opportunities for advanced research and academic growth.
Eligibility Criteria:
A Master's degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Research proposal
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Funding
Programmes:
Sciences
Engineering and Technology
Humanities and Social Sciences
Business and Economics
Health Sciences
Arts and Design
Law and Legal Studies
Top Scholarships
|
Name of the Scholarship |
Scholarship Coverage |
|
ANU HDR Scholarships |
Cover tuition fees and provide a stipend to assist with living expenses |
|
ANU Vice-Chancellor's HDR Scholarship |
Covers tuition fees and provides a living stipend |
|
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships |
Cover tuition fees and provide a living stipend |
|
ANU University Research Scholarships |
USD 34,000 |
Benefits of Studying PhD Abroad for Indian Students
It exposes students to diverse perspectives, broadens their horizons, and enhances intercultural understanding.
Many universities abroad, renowned for their research and academic excellence, offer cutting-edge facilities, resources, and renowned faculty members. Studying at such institutions can provide access to high-quality education and advanced research opportunities.
Students can engage in interdisciplinary research, work with leading experts in their field, and gain exposure to innovative research methodologies and techniques.
Offers Indian students valuable networking opportunities and the chance to collaborate with peers and researchers from various backgrounds.
Demonstrates high expertise, research skills, and global exposure, making graduates competitive in academia, industry, and other professional sectors.
It challenges students to step out of their comfort zones, develop resilience, and cultivate a global mindset, valuable qualities in today's interconnected world.
Many universities abroad offer scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities for international PhD students.
Pursuing a PhD abroad offers Indian students a transformative experience, with global exposure, access to world-class education, expanded research opportunities, and enhanced career prospects. It fosters personal growth and cultural adaptability and provides valuable networking connections, enriching their academic journey and possibilities.