India has introduced an ambitious new scholarship program, allocating $500,000 (Rs 4,17,40,225) to fund 50 Indo-Pacific students pursuing a four-year undergraduate engineering degree at a Government of India-supported technical institution.
Set to commence in 2024, the initiative will soon extend to encompass master's and doctoral candidates, enabling them to study STEM disciplines in the United States.
This strategic initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the recent Quad Summit held in Wilmington, Delaware, alongside key global figures such as US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The Quad, a strategic coalition of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, aims to bolster regional cooperation.
According to the official statement, the fellowship fosters a network of science and technology specialists, who will champion innovation and collaborative efforts across sectors—be it private, public, or academic—both within their respective nations and among Quad member countries.
The program not only establishes a profound understanding of each other’s cultures and societies but also provides a platform for networking with eminent scientists, technologists, and policymakers from each nation.
These scholarships form a vital part of a larger endeavor aimed at strengthening ties between Quad nations. It seeks to inspire breakthroughs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), thereby enhancing collaboration and mutual cultural comprehension across the four countries.
Fellowship Management and Eligibility
The prestigious Institute of International Education (IIE), a globally recognized non-profit organization, will oversee the administration of these scholarships. The IIE has an established reputation for facilitating international student support and promoting academic exchange on a global scale.
For the master’s and doctoral programs, applicants must satisfy these requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold citizenship or legal permanent residency in one of the Quad nations (Australia, India, Japan, the U.S.) or a Southeast Asian country.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree.
Selected candidates will be awarded a one-time grant of $40,000 (Rs 33,39,218) to cover academic costs.
A Brighter Future for STEM Leaders
The initiative aims to cultivate a robust community of STEM experts poised to lead advancements in both the public and private sectors.
Furthermore, the program underscores the significance of cross-cultural exchange by offering scholars opportunities to engage with leading scientists, technologists, and policymakers from the Quad nations.
Ultimately, the Quad fellowship stands as a testament to the shared vision of these countries, working together to forge a more interconnected and innovative future.
