Fellowship and internship opportunities meant for PG and UG students are more than just a scholarship support that not only provides financial assistance but also throws open different pathways for gaining valuable insight into professional development, and mentorship while providing unique hands-on experiences. Fellowship and internship programmes are designed to elevate knowledge and skill sets, network with successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and provide real-life experience potentially transforming academic knowledge into effective outcomes. Opportunities for research, learning and honing specialised skills, gaining experience of real-life work scenarios, getting involved in community projects, all of these can be a potential game changer in transforming the future of PG and UG students in remarkable ways.
Fellowship and internship programmes provide opportunities to connect and network with peers, professionals, and thought leaders. This leads to collaborations, more awareness on hidden career paths, and thus further increasing access to more and diverse job opportunities. International or intercultural fellowships and internships programmes provide an exposure to diverse perspectives helping the cause of PG and UG students becoming more competent and globally adaptable.
This article explores some of the most prominent fellowship and internship programs available for undergraduate and postgraduate students that not only provide financial support but an opportunity for research, mentorship, learning unique skill sets otherwise unavailable in common work parlance.
Fellowship and Internship Opportunities for UG and PG
Let us take a closer look at the following opportunities for fellowships and internships programmes:
- AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF)
- AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF)
- AICTE-MITACS Globalink Research Internship (GRI) Scheme
- Khorana Programme for Scholars
- Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
- Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS) Summer Research Fellowship
- Google Summer of Code (GSoC) Internship
- LAMP Fellowship
- TATA Trusts Research Fellowship
- Ashoka University Young India Fellowship (YIF)
- Global Undergraduate Exchange Programme (Global UGRAD)
- Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
- Teach for India Fellowship
- Acumen Fellowship
- Ankur Capital Fellowship
AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship
The AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme encourages 200 scholars who have completed their PhD to pursue a regular career in research and development in the following broad disciplines of study within the domain of AICTE. They are as under.
- Engineering
- Management
- Design
- Hotel Management & Catering Technology
- Applied Sciences
- Planning
- Computer application
- Applied Arts Crafts & Design
- Inter Disciplinary Area
Number and Duration of Fellowships
As many as 200 scholars shall be selected for fellowships per year. The tenure of the fellowship is initially for one year and upon satisfactory assessment of the research work by the expert’s committee, the tenure will be extended for a further period of one year and therefore, the total period of fellowship is two years.
Who Can Apply?
- Only the unemployed candidates who have been awarded the PhD degree in the relevant subject/discipline as mentioned above.
- The candidates from General categories having secured a minimum 55% marks or an equivalent percentage converted from CGPA score either at PG/ UG level are eligible to apply. A relaxation of 5% marks is permissible for students from the reserved categories. They are as follows:
- SC/ST/OBC
- Women
- PwD (Persons with Disabilities)
Age Criteria
- Candidates should be below 35 years of age as on the date/last date of application. Age relaxation of 5 years would be applicable to candidates from the following categories:
- SC/ST/Women
- Physically Challenged
- Age relaxation of 3 years would be applicable to students from OBC category.
- In case, a candidate falls in more than one category, the maximum age relaxation would be 5 years only.
- AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship can be availed only once by a candidate in his/her career.
Nature of Assistance and Emoluments
- Fellowship ₹65,000 per month and the PDF students shall also be entitled for a Contingency Grant limited to ₹50,000 per year to meet the miscellaneous expenditures related to research work.
AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF)
AICTE Doctoral Fellowship scheme intends to seed, grow and facilitate research for transforming the quality and quantity of research in AICTE-approved institutions/affiliated universities. The fellowship programme aims to nurture a strong culture of research and knowledge creation and promote collaborative and outstanding peer reviewed research between technical institutions and industries leading to start-ups. Some of the broad areas identified but not limited to only these for the research are as follows:
- Engineering and Technology
- Management
- Design
- Hotel Management and Catering Technology
Who Can Apply?
1. The candidate must be admitted to PhD in any of the following departments approved by the AICTE to postgraduate level:
- Engineering and Technology
- Management
- Design
- Planning
- Applied Arts, Crafts and Design
- Computer Application
2. The candidate must have successfully completed the undergraduate or postgraduate degree or 5 year Integrated/Dual Degree leading to postgraduate degree in the departments just mentioned above.
3. Applied Science postgraduate candidates willing to pursue/admitted in PhD in AICTE approved Institution are also eligible.
4. The candidate should have qualified during the last 5 years in the following examinations:
| Programmes | Qualified Examination(s) |
| Engineering & Technology | GATE/SRF |
| Management | GMAT, CAT & CMAT |
| Design | CEED/NET |
| Planning | NET/GATE |
| Applied Arts, Crafts and Design | NET/CEED |
| Applied Science | GATE/ JRF/SRF |
| Hotel Management and Catering Technology | There is no national exam at PG level. Evaluation Committee of AICTE will evaluate the research proposal of the candidate. |
Age Criteria
- Candidates should be below 30 years of age at the time of registration/submission of application as applicable in ADF scheme. Age relaxation of 5 years would be applicable to candidates from the following categories:
- SC/ST/Women
- Physically Challenged
- Age relaxation of 3 years would be applicable to students from OBC category.
- In case, a candidate falls in more than one category, the maximum age relaxation would be 5 years only.
- The candidate should not have availed the benefit of AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF)/NET JRF before in any institution.
Nature of Assistance and Emoluments
- The amount of fellowship would be ₹37,000 per month for JRF and ₹42,000 per month for SRF to meet the miscellaneous expenditures related to research work.
- The tenure of fellowship is initially for two years under the JRF scheme. Upon expiry of this period, the work of the Fellow will be evaluated by experts and if the research work is found satisfactory, his/her tenure will be extended for a further period of three years under the enhanced emoluments of the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF).
AICTE-MITACS Globalink Research Internship (GRI) Scheme
The AICTE MITACS Globalink Research Internship (GRI) Scheme is a collaboration between AICTE and Mitacs, Canada, offering research internships to undergraduate students from India. This program provides students with an opportunity to work on research projects at Canadian universities during the summer internship programmes.
Who Can Apply?
- Open to students from AICTE-approved institutions.
- Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program.
- They should have a minimum 7.5 CGPA score.
The benefits include round-trip airfare to Canada, health insurance, a stipend for living expenses, and support from a Canadian faculty supervisor.
Khorana Programme for Scholars
The Khorana Programme for Scholars, named after Nobel laureate Dr. Har Gobind Khorana, is a prestigious fellowship aimed at fostering scientific research and collaboration between India and the United States. It provides Indian students a significant opportunity to undertake research at renowned US institutions.
Who Can Apply?
- Open to students pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in biotechnology and life sciences.
- Applicants must have a minimum 8.0 CGPA score.
- They must display strong academic and research potential.
The benefits include a monthly stipend, return airfare, premium health insurance, and most importantly, opportunities to work at leading US universities and research institutions.
Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship is a 12-week summer research program designed to connect international undergraduate students with Canadian faculty members in various universities for research-based projects. This initiative is very competitive and targets all international undergraduate students pursuing their studies in diverse universities from countries like India.
Who Can Apply?
- Full-time undergraduate students from participating countries.
- Students should have completed at least two semesters of their degree course.
- A minimum CGPA score of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent is required.
Benefits of this internship program include round-trip airfare, health insurance, a stipend for living expenses, and mentorship from Canadian faculty members for the duration of the program.
Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS) Summer Research Fellowship
The IAS Summer Research Fellowship aims to nurture young scientific talent by providing them with hands-on research experience during the summer. It is offered by the Indian Academy of Sciences in collaboration with the Indian National Science Academy and the National Academy of Sciences, India.
Who Can Apply?
- This is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students in science and engineering.
- They must have an excellent academic record.
Selected Fellows will receive a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and first-hand experience of working with the best scientists in India.
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) Internship
The Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a global program that Google has developed to encourage open-source software development among students. This is an online program where students are provided with the opportunity to donate their time to work on open-source projects mentored by organisational leaders.
Who Can Apply?
- This is open to students aged 18 years and beyond.
- Students must be enrolled in an accredited institution.
- They must display strong programming skills and interest in open-source development.
The interns will receive a stipend based on their country of residence, valuable exposure to open-source software development projects, and mentorship from experienced developers.
LAMP Fellowship
The Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament (LAMP) Fellowship is a unique opportunity for young Indians to understand legislative processes and contribute to policy-making. The selected Fellows are expected to assist members of the Parliament with research and legislative work.
Who Can Apply?
- This is available to Indian citizens below 25 years of age.
- They must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Applicants must display strong research and communication skills.
In the form of benefits, Fellows will get a monthly stipend, exposure to policy-making and legislative processes, and networking opportunities with policymakers and experts.
TATA Trusts Research Fellowship
The TATA Trusts Research Fellowship supports young researchers in the field of science, technology, and innovation. It aims to promote high-quality research that can contribute to societal development.
Who Can Apply?
- This is open to Indian citizens with a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
- Applicants must have a strong research proposal aligned with the focus areas of the fellowship programme.
Benefits include a monthly stipend, a research grant, and access to the TATA Trust network and resources.
Ashoka University Young India Fellowship (YIF)
The Young India Fellowship (YIF) at Ashoka University is a one-year multidisciplinary postgraduate program. It aims to develop socially conscious leaders through a mix of academic, leadership, and experiential learning.
Who Can Apply?
- This is open to graduates from any discipline.
- Graduates must display a strong academic record and leadership potential.
- Applicants should have a commitment to social change as a strong requirement.
The selected Fellows will receive a full or partial tuition waiver, a stipend for living expenses, and access to Ashoka University’s network and resources.
Global Undergraduate Exchange Programme (Global UGRAD)
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Programme (Global UGRAD) provides one-semester scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students from around the world to study in the United States. This programme is sponsored by the US Department of State.
Who Can Apply?
- This is open to undergraduate students from participating countries.
- Applicants must be in their second or third year of study.
- They should have a strong academic record and leadership potential.
Students under this programme will receive tuition and other fees, room and board, round-trip airfare, and premium health insurance.
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)
The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) is aimed at attracting the best talent into research in India. It offers direct admission to PhD programs at premier institutions like IITs, NITs, IISERs and IISc.
Who Can Apply?
- This is open to B.Tech. and M.Tech. graduates from IISc./IITs/NITs/IISERs/IIITs.
- A minimum CGPA score of 8.0 or equivalent is required.
- Strong research proposals and recommendation letters are required.
Available benefits are in the form of monthly stipend starting at ₹70,000, an annual research grant of ₹2 lakh, and the opportunity to work with leading researchers.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship provides opportunities for talented young Indian students to undertake postgraduate studies at top institutions overseas. It encompasses different fields that consist of engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences.
Who Can Apply?
- This is open to Indian citizens below 30 years of age.
- Applicants must have a first-class degree.
- They should have secured admission into a top international university.
The scholarship provides its scholars with tuition fees/fee waivers, living expenses, one-way airfares, and more benefits depending on the particular kind of scholarship.
Teach for India Fellowship
The Teach for India Fellowship is a two-year program where Fellows work as full-time teachers in under-resourced schools. It aims to address educational inequity by building a movement of leaders.
Who Can Apply
- This is open to Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree.
- They should display strong leadership and commitment to social change.
The full-time Fellows get the benefits of a monthly stipend, training and support, and personal and professional leadership development.
Acumen Fellowship
The Acumen Fellowship is a leadership development program for individuals committed to tackling social issues. Selected Fellows engage in a year-long program that includes training, mentorship, and engaging with the community of like-minded leaders.
Who Can Apply?
- Applicants should be a mid-level career person from any field with a satisfactory record showing leadership potential.
- They should have a commitment to bringing social change with a demonstration of leadership potential.
The benefits of this Fellowship include training and mentorship, access to Acumen’s network, and opportunities for professional development.
Ankur Capital Fellowship
The Ankur Capital Fellowship supports aspiring entrepreneurs who aim to create social impact through innovative business solutions. It provides mentorship, funding, and a platform to develop and scale their ideas.
Who Can Apply?
- This is open to Indian citizens.
- Applicants must display a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas for social impact.
Benefits include seed funding, mentorship from industry experts and networking opportunities.
Aforementioned opportunities for fellowship and internship meant for UG and PG students are not all but just a few of those among the abundance of available opportunities! Aspirants should take heart from the fact that in this increasingly competitive academic and professional world, internships and fellowships programmes offer a ray of hope in the form of valuable opportunities to gain practical experience, expand their knowledge, and supercharge their resume profile. Many fellowship programmes include leadership training, community engagement, or project management components. This can be a potential change agent helping students develop critical management skills and ability to drive impact and innovation. They almost always come with financial support, allowing students to focus on their studies or projects without facing undue financial stress and demonstrating resourcefulness in securing competitive financial support.
FAQs for Fellowship and Internship Opportunities for UG and PG
What does the AICTE education programs provide for its students?
The AICTE provides a range of opportunities for Indian students:
- The AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) and AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) program promotes research work by an enabling environment to seed, grow and facilitate research for transforming the quality and quantity of research in AICTE-approved institutions/affiliated universities.
- The AICTE-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) Scheme provides international internship opportunities to meritorious students along with living expenses.
- The Yashasvi Scheme nurtures students with financial aid to pursue their studies further.
- Students must refer to the website of AICTE on the link https://fellowship.aicte-india.org/ to remain updated about the latest programmes and revised guidelines.
What is the AICTE-MITACS Globalink Research Internships (GRI) Program?
AICTE, on 23rd February 2018, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mathematics of Information Technology and Computer Systems (MITACS) Canada for AICTE-MITACS Globalink Research Internships (GRI) Program to foster cross-border partnerships. The internship program is focussed on creating a platform that opens the path for collaborative research between Canada and India to a wider pool of student talent in India.
What is the funding pattern for the AICTE-MITACS Globalink Research Internships (GRI) Program?
The AICTE-MITACS GRI Program will be jointly funded for 300 students by AICTE & MITACS. The details are as under:
- The total cost of the program is $12,000 CAD per student.
- MITACS will contribute $9,000 CAD per student whereas the AICTE will contribute $3,000 CAD per student.
The Google Summer of Code Internship program is meant for whom?
The Google Summer of Code Internship is meant for students who display strong programming skills and interest in open-source development. The program provides the opportunity to receive mentorship from organizational leaders.
Who can be the beneficiary of Ashoka University Fellowship programme?
The Ashoka University Young India Fellowship (YIF) is open to graduates from any discipline who want to develop their leadership skills and are committed to social change.
What does the Inlaks Shivdasani scholarship programme offer?
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers various scholarships with a focus on the exchange of students on an international level. Eligible candidates can apply for study abroad schemes in the USA, UK, and other countries.
What is the objective of the Acumen Fellowship programme? Tell us more about the programme.
The Acumen Fellowship program brings extraordinary individuals working on problems of poverty on a single platform and equips them with the knowledge, skills, and community to strengthen their leadership and the capacity to bring about a meaningful change. The Fellowship is an intensive leadership program for the candidates to remain in their jobs while taking part in a hybrid series of in-person seminars and virtual workshops. The Acumen Fellowship programme is designed to increase the potential of the selected Fellows to lead social change and tackle problems of poverty to create a world based on the principles of dignity and moral leadership.
What should be the field of study for seeking support under the TATA Trusts Research Fellowship programme.
The TATA Trusts Research Fellowship supports young researchers having pursued their studies in the field of science, technology, and innovation.
To whom does the Ankur Capital Fellowship programme offer support?
The Ankur Capital Fellowship offers support to aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to create social impact through innovative business solutions. It provides mentorship, funding, and a platform to develop and scale their ideas.