AICTE-QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (FOREIGN UNIVERSITY) PROGRAMME
The AICTE Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University) funds permanent faculty at AICTE-approved degree colleges to pursue a PhD at one of the top 500 ranked universities in the world (QS, Times, or Shanghai rankings). The monthly scholarship of ₹25,000 helps cover living costs while faculty study abroad. Apply by sending a completed form by post to AICTE's office in New Delhi.
About This Scheme
The AICTE Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University) funds permanent faculty at AICTE-approved degree colleges to pursue a PhD at one of the top 500 ranked universities in the world (QS, Times, or Shanghai rankings). The monthly scholarship of ₹25,000 helps cover living costs while faculty study abroad. Apply by sending a completed form by post to AICTE's office in New Delhi.
Full official description
The All India Council for Technical Education in its 55th Meeting of the Council held on 14th August 2018 approved the Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University) (QIP-FU). The QIP(FU) is an extension of the QIP program launched by the Government of India in the year 1970. Under QIP (FU), the AICTE shall provide scholarships to the faculty who fulfils eligibility criteria and obtains admission in the Doctoral Degree programme leading to award of PhD degree in any of the enlisted top 500 universities/institutes (based on the QS ranking, the Times ranking and the Shanghai ranking) in the world. Objectives: The objectives of QIP(FU) programme are as follows:
- To open an opera of avenues for faculty pursuing Doctoral programme leading to award of Ph.D degree from a foreign university / institution,
- To fill the large gap among the faculty having PG degrees in AICTE approved institutes to obtain Ph.D degree,
- To reduce local competition,
- To make the Indian faculty as competitive as that of International faculty and known globally,
- Besides strengthening of present research scenario in the Country, the horizons may be expanded to other developed countries –
- who have highly qualified faculty who can help or guide PhD scholars,
- More number of funding agencies,
- Universities have best of facilities like laboratories, libraries, publications etc. for conduct of research work,
- Opportunities for employment are more and beyond teaching.
Benefits
- Monthly scholarship of ₹25,000 for the duration of the PhD program
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a full-time, permanent faculty member at an AICTE-recognized degree-level college
- Must have at least 3 years of teaching experience at the graduate level
- Must hold a Master's degree in the relevant branch
- Must have a valid PhD admission offer from a foreign university ranked in the top 500 (received within the last 5 years)
How to Apply
Step 01: The faculty who fulfils the eligibility criteria as laid down in the Scheme document, shall apply directly for admission in the Doctoral degree programme in any of the top 500 foreign universities / institutions ranked by the QS ranking, THE ranking and Shanghai ranking.
Step 02: Having obtained admission in the particular University / college etc., the applicant faculty must also seek to obtain Visa, travel grant if any, fellowships/assistantship / scholarship and/ or any other grants etc.
Step 03: Candidates need to fill the application form along with other required documents and submit to AICTE to the below address:
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
Nelson Mandela Marg,
Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070
Phone: 011-26131576-78,80
Frequently Asked Questions
When the Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme was approved by AICTE?
Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme was approved in the 55th Meeting of the Council of AICTE held on 14th August 2018.
What is the short form of Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme?
The short form of the Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme is QIP (FU).
What are the subjects available for the faculty to pursue his / her Ph.D?
The subjects chosen by the faculty should be from among the list of core subjects/courses approved by the AICTE during 2017 or later added or modified as the case may be.
Whether the eligibility criteria for pursuing PhD in foreign university/institution can be relaxed?
No. The faculty aspiring for admissions in doctoral degree in foreign university / institution should fulfill the criteria mentioned in the Scheme document on the cut-off date mentioned by the foreign university / institution.
Whether the faculty who has already got PhD is eligible to again pursue PhD from foreign university / institution by taking advantage of QIP (FU)?
No. The faculty who has already obtained PhD shall not be eligible for undertaking PhD under QIP(FU).
Whether the faculty who is pursuing PhD by availing scholarship under QIP progamme can be considered under QIP(FU)?
The faculty who has obtained admission for PhD degree in Indian University and is pursuing and obtained scholarship from AICTE under its QIP programme or from any other schemes of Government of India / funding agencies in India shall not be considered for QIP (FU).
What financial support shall AICTE provide to faculty who pursue Ph.D from foreign university / institution under QIP (FU)?
On production application in format supported with valid documents conveying that the faculty has obtained admission in doctoral programme leading to award of PhD degree in the top ranking 500 foreign university /college and authenticated by its parent University / college in India alongwith filled-up Mandate form, the faculty shall be provided scholarship for first year of the programme only.
Why scholarship under QIP (FU) is provided for 1st year i.e. first 12 months only?
AICTE shall provide scholarship to each faculty who has obtained admission and started pursuing Ph.D degree in the foreign university / institution for 1st year i.e. for 12 months. It is well conceived that there is dearth of funds available in the form of scholarships / fellowships / student assistantships and also other grants etc. which are provided to the students etc. by the foreign universities and other international agencies, which the faculty pursuing PhD may easily procure.
Who are eligible for the scheme?
A full time regular/permanent faculty members of AICTE recognized Degree Level Colleges are eligible to apply.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Application form duly filled along with photograph.
- Documents issued by the foreign university conveying admission and the duration with start and end dates.
- Copy of passport and valid visa, with date of onward journey.
- Attested copy of the Mandate Form duly filled and signed by the Head of the College / Institute.
- Copy of the 'Undertaking' furnished to parent Institute in India.
- Date for onward journey.
- Authentication / Recommendations of the Parent Institute that the applicant faculty fulfils the eligibility criteria and his / her relieving.