Deadline: 14-Jan-2026
The Centre for Australia-India Relations is calling for proposals from Australian universities to bring postgraduate Indian students to Australia through Scholarships.
The Maitri Scholarships Program will support high-performing Indian scholars to complete Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in STEM-related fields that align to priorities outlined in A New Roadmap for Australia’s Economic Engagement with India, which include Clean Energy, Agribusiness, Technology and IT, Resources and METS, Defence Industries, Space, and Health. These scholarships are designed to deepen educational links between the two nations and build stronger economic connections.
The minimum grant amount for scholars undertaking a PhD is $220,000 and the maximum is $439,000. It is anticipated that most grants will fall between $115,000 and $380,000, though exceptions may apply. A separate range is also indicated, with the minimum being $40,000 and the maximum $300,000, with most expected to be between $100,000 and $200,000. The Centre does not cover costs such as salaries, capital expenditure, equipment purchases, or expenses related to commercially viable activities or completed projects.
Applications can only be submitted by Australian universities that hold active registration with the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency and the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Universities will nominate potential scholars who meet the eligibility criteria, which include being an Indian citizen, a new enrolment at an Australian university, and holding a valid Student (subclass 500) visa for the scholarship duration. Applicants must also commit to events and activities organised by the Centre, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or their university.
Applications require supporting documents including an indicative budget with a timeline of expenditure, a project management plan, a risk management plan, the resume of the nominated scholar, letters of support from all partner organisations, and evidence of Vice Chancellor support where applicable. The deadline for submission of applications is 14 January 2026 at 5:00pm AEDT.
For more information, visit Centre for Australia-India Relations.