STEM & Research
Science, technology, engineering, math, and PhD research grants from NSF, Wellcome Trust, and DAAD Research.
All STEM & Research
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
National Science Foundation
The oldest and most prestigious fellowship for STEM graduate students in the US. Founded in 1952, has funded 60,000+ scholars including 42 Nobel Laureates. Funds PhD candidates in NSF-supported STEM fields with 3 years of guaranteed funding.
Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
Fannie and John Hertz Foundation
The most prestigious and generous private fellowship for applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences. Founded in 1957 by Fannie and John Hertz. Only 15-18 fellows selected annually from 800+ applicants. Alumni include Nobel Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and founders of major tech companies.
Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
Australian Government via Universities
Australian government's primary funding mechanism for research training via universities. Provides tuition and stipend for Higher Degree by Research (Master's by Research or PhD) at Australian universities. Universities have full discretion over allocation to international students.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Government of Canada (Tri-Agency)
Canada's premier postdoctoral fellowship supporting top-tier PhD graduates with international recruitment potential. Selects 70 fellows annually across health, natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Highly competitive research-only funding.
Mitacs Globalink Research Award
Mitacs (Canadian non-profit)
Mitacs Globalink Research Internships bring top international students to Canadian universities for research projects lasting 12-24 weeks. Partnership between Mitacs and 30+ eligible countries. Also serves as pipeline for Canadian graduate school admissions.
INSPIRE Scholarship (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)
Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
Government of India's flagship scholarship for top 1% of Class 12 science students. Encourages talented students to pursue basic sciences (BSc + MSc integrated 5-year program) at Indian universities. Awards 10,000 scholarships annually. Alumni pipeline to Indian scientific research.
KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana)
Department of Science and Technology + IISc Bangalore
IISc-managed prestigious scholarship encouraging students to take up research careers in basic sciences. Selects top science students at Class 11, Class 12, and 1st year BSc levels via national exam. Awards ~2,000 fellowships annually. Alumni include leading Indian scientists and IIS professors. NOTE: KVPY was discontinued in 2022; consolidated into INSPIRE.
Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Ministry of Education, Government of India
Government of India's premier PhD scholarship attracting top talent to Indian research institutions. Fully-funded 5-year PhD at IITs, IISc, IISERs, or NITs. Direct admission channel bypassing GATE. Awards 3,000 PMRFs since inception (2018). Highly competitive with strict academic requirements.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics Scholarships
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore
IIA Bangalore's premier PhD scholarship for astrophysics and astronomy research. India's oldest astronomical research institute (founded 1971). PhD placement at IIA with access to Kodaikanal, Hanle, Kavalur, Devasthal observatories. Prepares researchers for global astronomical missions.
Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART)
U.S. Department of Defense
A scholarship-for-service program fully funding students pursuing STEM degrees. For every year of degree funding, the scholar commits to working one year as a civilian employee with the Department of Defense.
National GEM Consortium Fellowship
National GEM Consortium
Designed to increase the participation of underrepresented groups (African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans) at the master's and doctoral levels in engineering and science.
The Quad Fellowship
Institute of International Education (IIE)
A first-of-its-kind scholarship designed to build ties among the next generation of scientists and technologists. Sponsors 100 exceptional master's and doctoral students from Quad and ASEAN countries to study in the US.
National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
Highly competitive PhD fellowship awarded by the DoD to US citizens pursuing doctoral degrees in science and engineering disciplines of military importance. Awards ~150 fellowships annually. Unlike the SMART scholarship, NDSEG has ZERO post-graduation service commitment.