IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- PhD Industrial Exposure Fellowship
€1,500/month + return airfare · PhD students for 3–6 months in Germany · IGSTC fellowship
The IGSTC PhD Industrial Exposure Fellowship sends Indian PhD students in science or engineering to work at German industrial R&D organisations for 3–6 months, building hands-on applied research skills. You receive €1,500/month plus return airfare (up to €1,000) and health insurance, all disbursed to your Indian bank account in rupees. Apply once a year through the IGSTC online portal (igstc.org) — you must independently arrange your own German host organisation before applying.
About This Scheme
The IGSTC PhD Industrial Exposure Fellowship sends Indian PhD students in science or engineering to work at German industrial R&D organisations for 3–6 months, building hands-on applied research skills. You receive €1,500/month plus return airfare (up to €1,000) and health insurance, all disbursed to your Indian bank account in rupees. Apply once a year through the IGSTC online portal (igstc.org) — you must independently arrange your own German host organisation before applying.
Full official description
The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) Industrial Fellowship Programme was launched by the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India on the occasion of IGSTC’s 11th Foundation Day on 14th June 2021 to support young Indian researchers for industrial exposure at German industries and industrial R&D institutions. Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), established by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany invites applications for availing Industrial Fellowships to encourage young researchers towards applied research. This programme is aimed at encouraging PhD students/researchers in S&T with an appreciable track record and having aptitude for applied research and technology development.
The proposed programme aims to:
- Motivate young Indian researchers towards applied research and build capacity to foster innovation and technology development through exposure at advanced German industrial ecosystems.
- Encourage and enable Indo-German collaboration between industry-academia and industry-industry linkages through outstanding researchers.
- Expose researchers to industry and industrial R&D enhancing interest towards applied research.
- Create avenues for capacity building through doctoral and early career researchers in applied research through networking with industry.
Duration of Fellowship:
- The duration of the Fellowship is 3-6 months.
- Extension in duration of Fellowship shall not be entertained.
Benefits
- €1,500/month fellowship disbursed in INR to your Indian bank account
- Up to €1,000 for round-trip economy airfare, visa fees, and travel insurance
- Up to €100/month for health insurance (actuals)
- Duration: 3 to 6 months (no extensions permitted)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If your deep-tech startup has a PhD co-founder or technical lead still in the research phase, this fellowship funds 3–6 months of applied R&D at a German industrial partner — building real-world validation and EU market connections.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Indian citizen, maximum age 30 years
- Currently enrolled as a PhD student in science or engineering at an Indian university or research institution
- Must have completed at least 1 year of the PhD programme
- Must have secured a German industrial or industrial R&D host organisation that has issued a consent/endorsement letter
- NOC from the head of your parent institution required
- Recommendation letter from your PhD supervisor required
- Must submit a detailed activity plan with objectives, strategy, and expected outcomes
How to Apply
- Watch for the annual call on igstc.org.
- Secure an endorsement/consent letter from your target German host industry or industrial R&D organisation (this is your responsibility).
- Submit your NOC from the Head of your Institution.
- Apply online at the IGSTC application portal (link on igstc.org) with all required attachments within the deadline.
- Applications are evaluated by a Scientific Committee — the decision is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IGSTC Industrial Fellowship?
IGSTC Industrial Fellowship is for young researchers at PhD level to gain industrial experience in Germany.
Who is eligible?
PhD student enrolled in any research institutions/universities in India and completed at least one year of their PhD curriculum (Science/Engineering).
What are the topics/research areas eligible for these Fellowships?
Any fields/areas under STEM with industrial relevance are eligible.
What is the age limit for applying?
The upper age limit is 30 years.
Is an applicant pursuing/holding a PhD degree from a foreign university/institute eligible for applying under PIEF?
No.
What is the nature of support under this scheme?
PhD Industrial Exposure Fellowship: EUR 1500 per month; Single round trip economy class airfare including visa fees and travel insurance: up to EUR 1000. Health Insurance: As per actuals with a maximum limit of EUR 100/month.
How to find out host industry / industrial research organization in Germany?
Applicants need to find out the German host industry / industrial research organization by their own. Selection and receiving endorsement from the industry/industrial research organization is the responsibility of the applicant. Although the applicant can also visit ongoing and completed 2+2 project pages to get an idea about the industries associated with IGSTC on similar research interest.
What do you mean by parent organisation and mentor at parent organisation?
The parent organisation is the one where the applicant is pursuing PhD degree. Mentor would be the PhD supervisor(s).
Can the Fellowship be extended?
No, the tenure of the individual Fellowship cannot be extended beyond its awarded duration.
How to apply?
Applicants need to submit the application online through the designated portal on IGSTC website www.igstc.org
How many times one can apply for the Fellowship?
An applicant can apply as many times as he/she wants. However, one applicant can avail the Fellowship only once.
What is the eligibility date?
Eligibility criteria will be considered as on the deadline of the Fellowship call.
Can anyone apply for this Fellowship while holding another?
Applicants receiving any national/international level recognized doctoral Fellowships are eligible to apply provided the other Fellowship doesn't have any restrictions.
Can an applicant apply without an endorsement letter from host or permission letter from parent organization?
No, the eligible application must contain the endorsement letter from the host organisation in Germany and the permission/NOC from the parent organisation in India as attachments.
What is the selection procedure?
Applications will be evaluated by a Scientific Committee.
How much time does the evaluation take?
IGSTC will complete the evaluation process within 8-12 weeks tentatively after the submission deadline.
When can awardee start the Fellowship?
The fellow should initiate his/her visit normally within 3 months of the result intimation.
What if the fellow leaves the position before completing the tenure?
IGSTC will terminate the fellowship upon intimation and the fellow must submit a completion report to close the Fellowship.
What is the follow-up activity of the fellowship?
On completion of the tenure, the fellow should submit a report to IGSTC in the specific format. The fellow must acknowledge IGSTC for any future online/print documents, communication, reports, publication, PhD thesis or anywhere while using the results/outcomes obtained during the fellowship tenure.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Consent letter from the host institution (German industry/R&D org)
- NOC from Head of Institution (if institutionally affiliated)
- Recommendation letter from mentor at parent organisation
- Proof of date of birth (Aadhaar or passport)
- Education qualification proofs
- Proof of employment