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Fully funded PhD abroad for Indian students (2027 entry)

Updated 22 October 2026 · For applicants from India · Always confirm details in the official call

The main fully funded PhD routes

A “fully funded” PhD usually means one of two things: a salaried position (common in Germany, the Netherlands and EU doctoral networks), or a scholarship or assistantship that covers fees and living costs. Indian applicants can use both. This guide lists routes whose eligibility we checked on official sites on 22 October 2026.

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (EU): open to researchers of any nationality; see below.
• DAAD doctoral grants (Germany): India appears in the DAAD India scholarship database.
• Advertised PhD posts in Germany, the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, where you apply to a specific project.
• US PhD programmes with funding packages; see our funded PhD in the USA guide.

Marie Curie Doctoral Networks: open to any nationality

According to the official MSCA Doctoral Networks page, recruited researchers can be of any nationality, must not hold a doctoral degree at recruitment, and must generally not have lived or worked in the recruiting organisation’s country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment. The EU funds a living allowance, a mobility allowance and, where applicable, family allowances. Vacancies are advertised on EURAXESS, and you apply to each project directly. More detail in our MSCA Doctoral Networks guide.

DAAD doctoral grants for Germany

The DAAD’s Doctoral Programmes in Germany grant funds a full doctorate for up to four years (awarded for three at first, with a possible fourth). The current call lists €1,400 per month, a €460 annual research allowance, payments towards health, accident and liability insurance, and a travel allowance on application. Funding must begin in 2027. You need a master’s (or, in exceptional cases, a bachelor’s) by the start of funding, and as a rule your latest degree should be no more than six years old at the deadline.

The DAAD India scholarship database listed a 23 October deadline for Doctoral Programmes in Germany and for Cotutelle (bi-nationally supervised doctorates) when we checked on 22 October 2026, with selection around February and funding starting in October. If that date has passed when you read this, plan for the next round: the DAAD says deadlines are usually in the same period each year. See our DAAD for Indian students guide.

Germany also has many salaried PhD posts outside the DAAD: see funded PhD positions in Germany and funded PhD in the Netherlands.

UK: note on Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

India is not on the eligible country list for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for 2027/28 (the list covers least developed countries and vulnerable states). India is eligible for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships. For UK PhDs, look at university- and project-funded studentships; see our funded PhDs in the UK and Europe guide and UK scholarships for Indian students.

How to apply, step by step

1. Pick a route and a deadline. Project posts close on their own dates, often year-round.
2. Contact supervisors early. DAAD individual doctorates need a supervision letter; see how to email a potential PhD supervisor.
3. Prepare a research proposal and motivation letter. See our PhD motivation letter guide.
4. Check mobility and degree-age rules in each call before you apply.

FAQ

Can Indian students get a fully funded PhD abroad?

Yes. Marie Curie Doctoral Networks are open to any nationality, India appears in the DAAD India database for doctoral grants, and many salaried PhD posts in Europe are open to international applicants.

Are Indian students eligible for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships?

Not for 2027/28. India is not on the eligible country list for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, though it is eligible for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

How much does a DAAD doctoral grant pay?

The current Doctoral Programmes in Germany call lists €1,400 per month plus a €460 annual research allowance, insurance payments and a travel allowance on application.

Sources

• European Commission — MSCA Doctoral Networks
• EURAXESS — Job search
• DAAD — Doctoral Programmes in Germany
• DAAD India — Scholarship database
• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth PhD Scholarships