Maitri Scholarships

The Maitri Scholarships Program supports India’s top students to study at Australia’s world class universities. The scholarships prioritise students undertaking 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.

The Maitri Scholarships aim to deepen educational links to support greater economic ties between Australia and India.

Young people in graduation gowns and hats hugging outside building — © Getty Images. All rights reserved. Used under licence by the Centre for Australia-India Relations.

India’s best
and brightest

Australia’s world
class universities

2025-26 Maitri Scholarships

The Centre for Australia-India Relations (the Centre) 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:

Clean Energy
Agribusiness
Technology and IT
Resources and METS
Defence Industries
Space
Health

ELIGIBILITY

Applications can only be submitted by Australian Universities with an active registration who meet the following criteria:

a higher education provider registered with the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA), and
a tertiary provider registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Universities will nominate potential scholars for consideration by the Centre. To be eligible the scholar must:

be an Indian citizen
not be a current citizen or permanent resident of Australia
be a new Australian university enrolment
have completed an eligible Higher Degree by Research (HDR) application through the nominating Australian university
ensure they are proposing to study an approved course with suitably qualified academic and industry panel oversight at the nominated campus.
commit to participate in events and functions organised by the Centre, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or their Australian university
hold a valid Student (subclass 500) visa for the duration of the scholarship
adhere to the Maitri Scholarships Program Agreement and associated documents including the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

Please note the Centre is unable to support or provide advice on the visa process, including fast tracking visa applications or providing letters of support.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The below dates are indicative only and subject to change.

16 September 2025: Applications open
14 January 2026: Deadline for submission of applications at 5:00pm AEDT.
January/February 2026: Successful proposals are selected and proceed to due diligence and contracting.
May 2026: Implementation begins