India recently rolled out a scholarship worth Rs 4 crore aimed at building Quad nation cooperation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Under this scholarship scheme, the government will sponsor undergraduate engineering studies of 50 students from the Indo-Pacific region across government-funded technical institutions in India. The scholarship program is being used as an opportunity to further strengthen the scholarly and cultural exchange between India and the rest of the world in the Indo-Pacific region.
Scholarships to Promote STEM Collaboration
The scholarships, valued at approximately $500,000 (Rs 4,17,40,225), will be available to Indo-Pacific students beginning in 2024. The program is designed to encourage students from Southeast Asia and Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—to study engineering in India. The scholarships cover the full duration of a four-year undergraduate engineering program, providing financial support to students pursuing a future in STEM.
This scholarship initiative is a part of India’s larger effort to deepen its involvement in regional and global STEM fields. It aims to create a talent pool of future leaders who will contribute to advancing science and technology while fostering international cooperation.
Expanding Opportunities: Master’s and PhD Programs
In addition to undergraduate scholarships, the program will expand in 2024 to include master’s and doctoral fellowships. These scholarships will be open to students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM subjects in the United States. Successful candidates in the master’s and PhD programs will receive a one-time financial grant of $40,000 (Rs 33,39,218) to help cover their academic expenses.
This expansion is expected to open up greater opportunities for research and collaboration among students and scientists in the Quad nations. It will allow them to exchange knowledge and ideas, fostering innovation in key scientific and technological fields.
A Strategic Quad Initiative
India’s new scholarship program is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Quad nations. This initiative was launched after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Quad Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. The summit brought together leaders from the Quad nations, including US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The Quad, a strategic alliance between India, the US, Australia, and Japan, aims to promote security, economic cooperation, and innovation across the Indo-Pacific region. The new scholarship initiative aligns with these goals by facilitating academic and technological exchange between the nations, further enhancing STEM collaboration.
Quad Fellowship Program: Building a Network of STEM Leaders
The scholarships are part of the Quad Fellowship Program, a prestigious initiative aimed at fostering a network of STEM leaders committed to driving innovation in the private, public, and academic sectors. The fellowship program not only supports academic pursuits but also emphasizes cross-cultural exchange. Scholars will have opportunities to engage with top scientists, technologists, and political leaders from the Quad nations, deepening their understanding of each country’s society and culture.
The program is managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE), a global organization known for supporting international students and facilitating academic exchanges. The IIE will oversee the selection process and management of scholarships, ensuring that the program attracts the brightest minds from the Indo-Pacific region.
Eligibility Criteria
For the Master’s and Doctoral scholarships, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of one of the Quad countries (Australia, India, Japan, the United States) or a Southeast Asian nation.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
A Vision for the Future
The Quad Fellowship stands as a symbol of the shared commitment of India, the US, Australia, and Japan to fostering academic collaboration and innovation. By investing in STEM education, the Quad nations aim to build a brighter future for students who will lead in advancing science, technology, and innovation in the years to come.
Through this scholarship program, India reaffirms its role as a key player in global education and innovation, paving the way for future generations to lead in STEM fields and contribute to the development of their nations and the world.
