TWAS-DBT scholarships has been announced. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of the Ministry of Science and Technology in India, and UNESCO-TWAS established a scholarship program for international scholars from developing countries. These students can pursue research for PhD in biotechnology. The students study various fields in biotechnology.

The main aim of the scholarship is to promote progress and development in the field of biotechnology by top notch PhD researches.

Types of scholarship:

The TWAS-DBT scholarships covers two basic types of scholarships:

  • FULL-TIME Fellowships: These are available for the students who are not previously registered for the PhD program in their home country.
  • SANDWICH Fellowships: These are available for the students who are already registered for the PhD program in their home country.

Benefits of the TWAS- DBT Scholarships:

  • Monthly stipend: DBT will provide a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000/- + HRA for the first two years and Rs. 42,000 + HRA from 3rd year onwards and
  • Health insurance: the scholarships also provide the health insurance of Rs. 600/- per month.  It includes all the medical facilities of the student.
  • Contingency amount: The fellowship holder will receive a contingency amount of Rs. 50,000/- per annum. This will cover the basic expenses. 
  • Accommodation: The scholarship holder will receive House Rent Allowance according to the Government of India HRA rules.

Note: The fellowship will not be convertible into foreign currency.

  • Travel: TWAS scholarships will provide travel arrangements to and from the home country.
  • Visa fees: The scholarships will reimburse initial visa fees.

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Duration of the scholarship:

The duration of the TWAS- DBT Scholarships for PhD degree is up to 5 years.

  • The duration of full scholarship is up to 3 years but can be extended for two more years.
  • The duration of sandwich scholarship range from 12 months to 24 months.

Field of study:

TWAS- DBT Scholarships may undertake Full-time and Sandwich Post Graduate DBT-TWAS Fellowship program. It carries a diversity disciplines of biotechnology to study for the international students.

  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Biological Systems and Organisms
  • Medical and Health Sciences including Neurosciences
  • Chemical Sciences

Number of scholarships:

A total of 15 scholarships are awarded in regards of TWAS- DBT Scholarships.

What is the eligibility criteria of the scholarships?

The students enrolling for the scholarships must meet the following criteria:

  • Age limit: The candidates must be a maximum age of 35 years within the year of application till 31 December.
  • Nationality: The candidates must be nationals of any developing country. They must not be nationals of India.
  • Visa requirements: The candidate must not be visa holder for any sort of temporary or permanent residency in India or any developed country.
  • Qualification: The applicant must hold a Master’s or equivalent degree in science or engineering.
  • Research proposal: The scholarship aspirant must provide a research proposal outline. It must be according to the sample format given on the website.
  • English proficiency requirement: the candidate have to be proficient in English language. He must provide proof of proficiency in English, if medium of education was not English.
  • Return to country: The candidate must provide an evidence certificate that he will return to the home country once the scholarship approach to completion.
  • Family responsibilities: The candidate must be financially responsible for any accompanying family members. Family expenses are not included in the scholarship.

For SANDWICH Fellowship:

  • The candidate must be registered PhD students in their home country.
  • He must provide the “Registration and No Objection Certificate” from the HOME university (sample is included in the application form); OR

For FULL-TIME Fellowships:

  • The candidate must be ready to register at a university in India.
  • He must have gain admission at a biotechnology institution in India. The candidate must ask for the acceptance letter to chosen host institution.

How to apply for the scholarship?

To apply for the scholarship, follow the following steps:

  • First ensure the eligibility criteria for the scholarship.
  • Check the deadline of the scholarships as late applications will not be entertained.
  • Open the official website and land on the APPLY NOW button.
  • Open the application portal and fill in the required information.
  • Upload the necessary documents for the scholarship as mentioned there.
  • You can check the tutorial of filling the application form here.
  • Submit the application after careful review.

Required documentation:

 Deadline:

The deadline for receipt of applications varies from program to program. For 2025 session, admissions are open.

Official website:

Visit the official website of the TWAS- DBT Scholarships to get more information.