HYDERABAD – The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), recognized as one of India's premier technical institutions, has officially opened its doors to the next generation of global researchers. As part of its mission to foster international academic collaboration, the institute has announced the commencement of applications for its prestigious Fellowship for International Research Scholars in Technology (FIRST@IITH) and its international self-financing programs for the July 2026 intake. With a deadline set for April 30, 2026, at 17:00 hrs IST, the call for applications marks a significant step in IITH’s strategy to integrate bright minds from across the globe into India’s rapidly expanding research ecosystem.
At the heart of this global outreach is the FIRST Fellowship, a fully funded doctoral scheme designed to remove financial barriers for outstanding international scholars. The program is specifically tailored for foreign nationals who possess excellent academic credentials and a passion for high-impact research. The financial package offered under the FIRST Fellowship is among the most competitive in the region. Selected scholars will receive a monthly stipend of ₹60,000 for the duration of their four-year program. In addition to the monthly allowance, the institute provides annual contingency support of ₹1,00,000 to facilitate research-related expenses, such as attending conferences or purchasing specialized materials. Notably, IITH has waived the application fee for this fellowship to ensure that talent remains the only prerequisite for admission.
The FIRST Fellowship is highly selective, targeting students who have already demonstrated academic excellence. To be eligible, applicants must be foreign nationals (excluding OCI and NRI candidates). They must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or technology discipline with a minimum CGPA of 8.5/10 or its equivalent. Crucially, both the candidate’s Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees must have been obtained from foreign universities.
During the shortlisting process, the institute places high value on Desirable Qualifications, which include degrees from leading universities in the candidate's home country and a proven research output, such as peer-reviewed publications or patent disclosures. The selection procedure involves a rigorous shortlisting process followed by an online interview to assess the candidate's research potential and fit within the IITH ecosystem. In addition to the fully funded FIRST Fellowship, IIT Hyderabad has invited applications for its Self-Financing Schemes at both the Master’s and PhD levels. Unlike the FIRST Fellowship, these programs are open to all foreign nationals, including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Non-Resident Indians (NRI).
The self-financing PhD program spans five years, while the Master’s programs (including M.Tech, M.Sc, M.A., and M.Des) are two-year full-time courses. While these programs do not provide fellowships or financial assistance, they offer international students the same access to IITH’s world-class facilities and faculty as their funded counterparts.
Applicants for the self-financing route must provide proof of financial stability. Master’s applicants are required to show a bank balance of at least US $10,000, while PhD applicants must demonstrate a balance of US $20,000. The medium of instruction for all programs is English, and candidates must possess functional proficiency in the language.
IIT Hyderabad’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation is reflected in the vast array of departments participating in these international programs. Candidates can apply to departments ranging from traditional engineering to emerging fields and liberal arts. Key participating departments include:
- Engineering & Technology: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
- Healthcare & Life Sciences: Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology.
- Sustainability & Science: Climate Change, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
- Management & Design: Entrepreneurship and Management, and Design.
- Humanities & Heritage: Liberal Arts and Heritage Science & Technology.
This diverse range of offerings encourages a culture where research is not just pursued, but lived, according to recent reports on the institute’s growth.
Since its establishment in 2008 by the Government of India, IIT Hyderabad has experienced a meteoric rise. Spanning an impressive 578-acre campus in Kandi, Sangareddy, the institute has consistently ranked among the Top 10 institutes in India for four consecutive years according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
The research credentials of IITH are formidable. The institute boasts over 325 full-time faculty members and a student body of over 5,300 (with some sources citing approximately 4,200), of whom nearly 30% are PhD scholars. IITH is home to nearly 200 state-of-the-art laboratories and five specialized research and entrepreneurship centers.
The institute’s research impact is evidenced by more than 160 million USD in sanctioned funding, over 11,500 research publications, and 460+ patent disclosures. Furthermore, IITH maintains over 100 industry and academic collaborations, creating a holistic educational ecosystem that prioritizes flexible academic structures and strong industry links.
Prospective students are urged to follow the official application guidelines strictly to ensure their candidacy is considered. The process is conducted entirely via email.
- Candidates must visit the official International Relations Cell (IRC) website to download the specific application forms for the FIRST Fellowship, PG Self-Finance, or PhD Self-Finance programs.
- Required documents include academic transcripts (in English), a Statement of Purpose (SOP), two recommendation letters, and copies of passports. GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS scores are optional but may be required if the candidate’s prior schooling was not in English.
- Completed forms and testimonials should be emailed to ia.ir@iith.ac.in.
- Applicants must use specific subject lines, such as Application for FIRST@IITH fellowship - July-2026 or Application for Direct Admission for PhD Program - July-2026, to ensure their application is processed correctly.
The International Relations Cell (IRC) at IITH, a student body working alongside the Office of International Relations (OIR), remains active in supporting applicants and promoting the globalization of the campus.
For further details and to download the application forms, interested candidates should visit the official IITH International Relations website at https://ir.iith.ac.in/.
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