Inlaks Scholarships for PhD Students

Inlaks Scholarships are a great chance for Indian students who want to pursue a PhD at some of the best universities around the world. These scholarships cover various fields of study and can provide up to USD $100,000 in financial support.

Wondering what the Inlaks Scholarships offer? They not only help with tuition fees but also provide funding for living expenses, travel, and other costs related to studying abroad. This makes it easier for students to focus on their research and studies without worrying too much about finances. To be eligible, applicants typically need to be 30 years or younger and able to demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and a strong commitment to their field of study.

In this guide, I’ll be sharing details of the Inlaks Scholarships, including the application process, eligibility criteria, and tips for a successful application. I’ve also covered the other kind of research grant that the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation provides to Indian PhD students.

What is the Inlaks Scholarship?

The Inlaks Scholarship, offered by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, supports Indian students pursuing PhDs (and Masters) abroad. You could receive up to USD $100,000 (INR 87 Lakhs) to cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs at universities in the USA, UK, and Europe.

The Foundation has a close relationship with the following universities which enables them to offer more than USD $100,000 through joint scholarship arrangements:

• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• Royal College of Art, London
• Sciences Po, Paris

Inlaks Scholarships are offered in most subjects, but the following areas aren’t eligible for funding:

• Business and Finance
• Computer Science
• Engineering (unless you’re planning to complete a PhD at Imperial College)
• Fashion Design
• Film and Film Animation (with the exception of Documentary Filmmaking)
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Indian Studies (unless it has contemporary significance)
• Management Studies
• Medicine, Dentistry, and related therapies
• Music (with the exception of Western Classical singing)
• Public Health

Bear in mind that your PhD can’t involve a field trip to India during the period covered by the scholarship.

Inlaks Research and Travel Grant (IRTG)

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation also offers financial support for PhD students in India through the Inlaks Research and Travel Grant (IRTG). This grant is designed for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences who wish to start short-term study abroad at foreign universities.

The IRTG provides:

• Up to USD $1,000 for travel expenses
• Up to USD $2,000 per month for living costs
• Extra support for research materials and healthcare

To apply, you’ll need to submit:

• A writing sample (3,000-5,000 words)
• A statement from your supervisor
• Two reference letters
• Proof of communication with your intended university abroad

Applications usually open in mid-July, with a deadline at the beginning of September.

Eligibility for the Inlaks PhD Scholarship

To apply for an Inlaks Scholarship, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Be an Indian national living in India at the time of application
• Hold a good Bachelors degree from an Indian university. If your degree is from a foreign university, you must have lived in India for at least two years since graduation.
• Start your PhD within nine months of receiving the scholarship.
• Be 30 years old or younger on the application date (born on or after January 1, 1995, for 2025 Scholarships).

If you have already completed a Masters or PhD abroad, or started a PhD outside India, you are not eligible to apply.

Minimum academic requirements:

• Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – 65%, CGPA 6.8, or GPA 2.6
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – 70%, CGPA 7.2, or GPA 2.8

You’ll also need to meet the English language requirements of your prospective university and provide proof to the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation.

How to apply for an Inlaks Scholarship

To apply for an Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, you need to have a PhD offer from a university in the USA, UK, or Europe first. Here’s a quick guide on the application process:

1. Apply online: The application portal usually opens in January or February each year.

2. Documents needed:

• Two reference letters (one must be from an academic)
• Proof of acceptance onto a PhD programme
• A copy of your passport
• Information about your tuition fees and health insurance
• Your portfolio (if it's relevant to your PhD proposal)

3. Funding gap: If your PhD costs more than $100,000 provided by the scholarship, you need to show that you can cover the extra amount.

4. Application deadline: Usually end of March or start of April.

The selection process includes shortlisting candidates, an initial interview, and a final interview for those who advance.

Tips from the author

I know applying for the Inlaks Scholarship can feel like a big task, but here are a few tips to make the process a bit easier:

• Be clear about your research: Take time to explain what you want to study and why it matters. Make sure your passion for the topic comes through.
• Pick the right referees: Choose mentors who know your work and can write a strong, detailed recommendation. It really helps to have someone who believes in your potential
• Don’t rush: While the deadline might feel close, give yourself time to perfect your application. Double-check everything and make sure it’s all polished.
• Prepare for interviews: If you make it to the interview stage, it’s your chance to explain your research clearly and confidently. Practice talking about it so you feel ready.
• Have a backup plan: It’s always good to apply for other funding sources as well, just in case

Stay organised, stay confident, and if all else fails, just remember: You’re probably not the only one Googling “how to ace a scholarship interview” at midnight! Best of luck!

Frequently asked questions

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