Maitri Scholarships

The Maitri Scholarships Program supports India’s top students to study at Australia’s world class universities. The scholarships prioritise students undertaking postgraduate studies in STEM-related disciplines.

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



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India’s best
and brightest

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Australia’s world
class universities


2024-25 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 postgraduate Higher Degree by Research (HDR) – Masters (by research) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in STEM-related fields such as: 

  • advanced manufacturing 

  • critical technology (incl. batteries) 

  • life sciences  

  • medical technology  

  • critical minerals, and 

  • clean energy solutions. 



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.  

APPLICATION PROCESS

The below dates are indicative only and subject to change. 

  • 25 September 2024: Applications open

  • 25 November 2024: Deadline for submission of applications at 5:00pm AEDT. 

  • January/February 2025: Successful proposals are selected and proceed to due diligence and contracting. 

  • May 2025: Implementation begins

APPLY

Ready to get started? Follows these steps to apply: 

  1. Create a profile on SmartyGrants (and access the Grant Guidelines)
  2. Click create a new application. 
  3. Follow the steps provided no later than 5:00pm AEDT on 25 November 2024. 
  4. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes from February 2025. 

Note: All application data will be kept in the strictest confidence. All Centre/DFAT officers that review applications are bounded by confidentiality/ non-disclosure arrangements. 

Email us at MaitriScholars@dfat.gov.au with any questions. 

INFORMATION SESSION

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the application process and grant program join us for a virtual information and Q&A session on Tuesday 22 October 2:00 - 2:30pm AEDT. 

Register to attend the session here: Maitri Scholarships and Fellowships information session



Maitri Scholarship Recipients

View the inaugural Scholars cohort: 2023-24 Maitri Scholars Recipients

The previous Maitri Scholars program has merged with the Maitri Fellowships in a combined 2024-25 Maitri Scholarships and Fellowships round.

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CONTACT US

For more information about the
Maitri Scholarships