AI SummaryOverseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship is a research program that helps Indian PhD students spend up to 12 months at top foreign universities and build global R&D links in science and technology. Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which now works under Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), manages this scheme, and fresh applications are accepted only when a call is released by partner universities.
Indian PhD scholars registered for full-time doctoral research in any recognised Indian institution in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine, pharma or agriculture can apply through this fellowship. Selected students receive a monthly fellowship of US $ 2000, a one-time contingency allowance of ₹60,000, plus economy class airfare for the shortest route, so that they can focus fully on research training abroad.
Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship - Introduction
Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship works as a strategic scheme to help Indian PhD students sharpen their research skills in frontier areas of science and engineering. By connecting bright research minds with prestigious global universities, this scheme encourages a new generation of scientists who can bring world-class expertise back to India.
The main aim involves building national capacity through global exposure. Students gain access to modern research facilities and collaborate with top-tier international scientists. Additionally, this fellowship creates long-term research linkages that prove beneficial for future careers and Indian national programs.
The standard duration for research training is up to 12 months. In exceptional cases, an extension for up to 6 additional months may be requested, which remains subject to a performance review.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Implementing Agency | Science and Engineering Research Board |
Benefits
When selected for Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship, candidates receive substantial financial support to focus entirely on research.
| Item | Benefit/Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | US $ 2000 |
| Contingency Allowance | ₹60,000 |
| Airfare (Student) | Economy class, shortest route |
| Supervisor Airfare | Up to ₹1.5 Lakhs per round trip |
| Contingency (Supervisor) | US $ 250 per visit |
Per-diem support for supervisor travel is paid as per the following rates:
| Travel Type | Duration | Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Supervisor to Overseas | Up to 14 days | US $ 150 per day (Accommodation) |
| Indian Supervisor to Overseas | 15 to 30 days | US $ 100 per day (Accommodation) |
| Overseas Host to India | Up to 14 days | ₹4500 per day (Accommodation) |
| Overseas Host to India | 15 to 30 days | ₹3000 per day (Accommodation) |
If the applicant is in regular employment, existing organizational rules for salary and benefits remain in force, as this scheme does not take on those liabilities.
Eligibility
To apply for this fellowship, the following criteria should be met:
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- The applicant should hold a registration for a full-time PhD degree at a recognised Indian institution in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine, pharma, agriculture or related S&T areas.
- Part-time or sponsored students are not eligible.
- The applicant must not have submitted the PhD thesis yet.
A regular Indian research fellowship cannot be drawn while receiving this overseas support. The Indian institution must also provide the required administrative and infrastructure support for the exchange.
Application Process
Applications are invited only when a call for applications is made, and students should apply directly to the partner universities that have an active Agreement or MoU with SERB. Currently these partner universities are Purdue University in USA and University of Alberta in Canada.
STEP 1 - Identify the research interest area and choose between Purdue University or University of Alberta.
STEP 2 - Check for the official call for applications from these universities on the SERB portal.
STEP 3 - Contact the coordinators at the partner university to start the application, and secure an offer letter from the host institution.
- Purdue University, USA: Reach out to Ms. Heidi Arola at harola@purdue.edu. Visit Purdue India Portal.
- University of Alberta, Canada: Contact Ms. Nicole Dewart at uaissp@ualberta.ca. Visit the University of Alberta SERB page.
Selection depends on the offer letter secured from these international institutions. The SERB website should be monitored regularly for new calls and application deadlines.
Documents
Applicants should keep the following documents ready for the application:
- Valid government-issued identity proof
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Original passport
- Transcripts and certificates of educational qualifications
- Records of any research awards or previous fellowships
- Active bank account details
- Any additional documents requested by the host university
References
Official SERB Online Portal for OVDF
General SERB Research Networking Guidelines
FAQ's
What are the objectives of the fellowship?
The core objective is to build national scientific capacity by training Indian PhD students at elite international universities, thereby creating global research collaborations.
Which organization implements this scheme?
Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which now operates under Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, is the implementing agency.
Who qualifies to apply for this program?
Full-time Indian PhD students in STEM, medicine, pharma, agriculture and related S&T areas who have not submitted their final thesis yet qualify to apply.
What support does the fellowship offer?
The fellowship offers a monthly stipend of US $ 2000, a one-time contingency allowance of ₹60,000, and economy class airfare.
Can a regular PhD fellowship be claimed while abroad?
No, the regular Indian research fellowship should not be drawn during the period the overseas fellowship is received.
When is the application window open?
Applications are processed based on the calls issued specifically by Purdue University or University of Alberta.