ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship
Funded research training fellowship in ASEAN countries for Indian researchers · DST-funded
The ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AI-RTF) is a 2–6 month research fellowship for young scientists and researchers from ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Lao PDR) to work at Indian R&D or academic institutions. Fellows receive ₹60,000 per month, round-trip airfare, and a ₹40,000 research contingency grant. Apply online at aistic.gov.in; nominations accepted through FICCI.
About This Scheme
The ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AI-RTF) is a 2–6 month research fellowship for young scientists and researchers from ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Lao PDR) to work at Indian R&D or academic institutions. Fellows receive ₹60,000 per month, round-trip airfare, and a ₹40,000 research contingency grant. Apply online at aistic.gov.in; nominations accepted through FICCI.
Full official description
The “ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AI-RTF)” is a fellowship scheme initiated by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. The scheme is launched as an initiative under the ASEAN-India Science & Technology Development Fund (AISTDF) to support young talented researchers/scientists of ASEAN member countries (namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) to carry out research at any of the Indian research/academic Institution.
Objectives:
The AI-RTF scheme is a fellowship scheme with the following objectives:
- To promote the mobility of scientists and researchers from the ASEAN-Member Countries to India and provide them the opportunity to work at Indian R&D/ academic institutions to upgrade their research skills and expertise.
- To facilitate the exchange of information and contacts between the scientists and researchers of India and ASEAN Countries and create a network for building research collaborations.
As a spin-off, the Fellowship awardees may also have the opportunity to get co-supervisors from India for their research projects for Ph.D. or Master’s degrees on their return to their home countries.
Number of fellowships:
Fifty (50) fellowships per year shall be awarded to young scientists and researchers from ASEAN-Member States to get affiliated with Indian academic and R&D institutions.
Duration of fellowships:
The duration of the Fellowship will be for a period of two to six months. No request for extension \ reduction in the duration period shall be entertained after the award of the fellowship.
Management & execution:
ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AI-RTF) program shall be managed and coordinated by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), New Delhi.
Areas in which fellowships are available-
The area/topic of research for availing AI-RTF must be ASEAN-centric and must be aligned with the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology, and Innovation (APASTI). The fellowship is offered for working on research topics under any of the following broad disciplines:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biological and Medical Sciences
- Chemical Sciences & Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Physical Sciences and Mathematics
- Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Materials, Minerals and Metallurgy
- Science Policy/IPR Management/Technology Transfer & Commercialization
- Other multi-disciplinary areas of Science, Technology and Innovation in alignment with APASTI. Note: The fellowship is available in all fields of natural & engineering sciences, including mathematics & statistics, except humanities and behavioral sciences.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship of ₹60,000 per month for the full duration (2–6 months)
- Round-trip international airfare (economy class) from your home country to the host institution in India
- One-time contingency grant of ₹40,000 for research expenses, domestic travel, and field trips
- Institutional overhead of ₹2,500 per month paid to the Indian host institution
- Visa fees and overseas medical insurance covered
- Up to 50 fellowships awarded per year
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Deep-tech founders building India-ASEAN market bridges — especially in agriculture, health, or climate tech — can leverage alumni networks from this fellowship. It's also a signal that government is actively funding India-ASEAN research ties.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a national of an ASEAN member country (not an Indian national)
- Must hold at least a Master's degree in Natural Sciences, Technology, Engineering, or Medicine
- Must be currently working or studying at a recognized R&D or academic institution in your home country
- Must be aged 45 years or below at the time of application
- Must be fluent in English
- Must not have availed any fellowship from the Government of India in the last 3 years
- Application must be endorsed by the head of your home institution
- Proposed research must be ASEAN-centric and align with the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology & Innovation (APASTI)
How to Apply
- Visit the DST/ASEAN-India Science & Technology Development Fund website for the annual call.
- Submit your fellowship application with a research proposal and host institution acceptance.
- DST reviews proposals; shortlisted candidates may be interviewed.
- Approved fellows receive travel, accommodation, and a monthly fellowship amount.
- Submit a post-fellowship report to DST upon completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship” scheme?
The scheme is launched as an initiative under the ASEAN-India Science & Technology Development Fund (AISTDF) to support young talented researchers/scientists of ASEAN member countries (namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) to carry out research at any of the Indian research/academic Institution.
What is the objective of scheme?
The AI-RTF scheme is a fellowship scheme with the following objectives:
- To promote the mobility of scientists and researchers from the ASEAN-Member Countries to India and provide them the opportunity to work at Indian R&D/ academic institutions to upgrade their research skills and expertise.
- To facilitate the exchange of information and contacts between the scientists and researchers of India and ASEAN Countries and create a network for building research collaborations.
Which is the implementing agency of this scheme?
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), New Delhi
What are the eligibility criteria for applying/availing the Fellowship?
- Applicant must be holding the nationality of any of the ASEAN Member Countries.
- Applicant should possess at least a Master's Degree in any Natural Sciences or an equivalent degree in Technology/Engineering/Medicine / allied disciplines.
- Applicant should be working/studying and/or affiliated with any national R&D or academic institution in his/her home ASEAN Member Country.
- The upper age limit for the applicant is 45 years as of the date of submission of the application.
Are Indian nationals eligible for the Fellowship?
No, Indian nationals are not eligible for the Fellowship.
What are the areas covered under this Fellowship?
The fellowship is available in all fields of natural & engineering sciences, including mathematics & statistics, except humanities and behavioral sciences- Agricultural Sciences
- Biological and Medical Sciences
- Chemical Sciences & Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Physical Sciences and Mathematics
- Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Materials, Minerals and Metallurgy
- Science Policy/IPR Management/Technology Transfer & Commercialization
- Other multi-disciplinary areas of Science, Technology and Innovation in alignment with APASTI
What is the nature of support for the Fellow?
Full financial assistance will be provided to the selected Fellows which includes the following:-
- Round trip international airfare by lowest economy class and by the shortest route from the international airport in the home country of the applicant to the international airport nearest to the host institution in India; visa fees, overseas medical insurance, etc.
- A consolidated Fellowship amount of Indian Rupees (INR) 60,000/- per month.
- One-time grant of INR 40,000/- as research contingency expenses, airport transfers, domestic travel for attending scientific /events, and field trips within India.
- Institutional overhead charges @ INR 2,500/- per month.
How many fellowships are awarded per year under the scheme?
Fifty (50) fellowships per year shall be awarded to young scientists and researchers from ASEAN-Member States to get affiliated with Indian academic and R&D institutions.
What is the duration of fellowship?
The duration of the Fellowship will be for a period of two to six months. No request for extension \ reduction in the duration period shall be entertained after the award of the fellowship.
How to apply for the fellowship?
The applications are to be submitted only ONLINE at (https://aistic.gov.in/ASEAN/aistdfFellowship). The hard copies of the application are not required. The applications submitted through any other form or channel shall not be considered.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Research proposal
- Acceptance letter from the ASEAN host institution
- CV with list of publications
- Recommendation letter from Indian institution
- Passport