- Sakal India Foundation
- June 10, 2025
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Consider how it would feel to have spent years developing an interest, be that in climate science, literature, neuroscience, or economics, only to have to put it aside as you feel you cannot afford to undertake a PhD. That is the sad truth when it comes to a great number of women in this world. University education, more so the doctoral level, can be costly and daunting. However, what if money is not an obstacle? suppose the scholarship could open that door?
PhD scholarships that are fully funded are meant to do exactly that. And it is not only that they waive tuition- they frequently provide stipends, research support, travel expenses and even family assistance. Through these scholarships women are now able to offer themselves fully to their research without having the cost as an issue.
Today in this blog, we are going to discuss what exactly fully funded PhD scholarships are, why they are so crucial especially to women, and where you can find the best fully funded PhD scholarships in 2025, both in India and in other countries. Are you a would-be researcher? A working professional getting back to academics? Or just plain curious to know what is out there? Then this guide is your map to the possibility.
What is a Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?
When planning a PhD, you may have come across the term of being fully funded but what does this actually entail? A fully funded PhD scholarship is a financial aid/package that caters/covers all significant expenses of doing a doctorate/PhD. That is, the complete tuition costs, a monthly living stipend, and, in many cases, extra perks such as health insurance, travel grants, and research funds. Even the maintenance of dependents or the shifting expenses may be covered in certain instances.
The importance of such scholarships is that the scholars can devote all their time to research. Recipients are able to fully engage in reading, writing, lab work, field work, or teaching duties instead of having to juggle part-time jobs or incur student loans all the while worrying about finances. Such scholarships are provided by universities, governments, corporate foundations and international organizations which have faith in investing into the future of knowledge and leadership. They are also very competitive, and very rewarding. And the most wonderful thing is? Most of them are, in fact, aimed at helping underrepresented populations–such as women.
Basically, a fully funded PhD scholarship is not necessarily a financial instrument, but a chance to develop, discover, and make a difference in the world of academia as an equal member.
Related Blog: What Is a Scholarship? A Detailed Guide
Why Fully Funded PhD Scholarships Matter for Women?
And, to be frank, a PhD is not only an academic endeavour, it is also a personal, emotional and financial one. And, in the case of women, particularly in conservative or resource-limited environments, that path can seem even a bit more complicated. Between family obligations and societal pressures, several women have their own set of challenges towards higher education. Factors such as financial independence, culture, fear of insecurity and absence of mentorship normally contribute greatly in influencing the ability or inability of a woman to pursue a doctorate.
This is the power of fully funded PhD scholarships, not because they would help in supporting education, but because they would open the door to freedom. When a woman is awarded a full scholarship, she is given the room to think, research and make significant contributions to her discipline. She is not concerned with tuition fees or rent. She is not giving up her passion due to the domestic demands. Rather, she is being informed: your mind matters, and the world is interested in listening to what you have to say.
In addition, a lot of scholarship programs have recently become very welcoming towards female candidates, particularly in such fields as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), where women are underrepresented. Others even provide young mother allowance, single women allowance or allowance to those women who have restarted their education after a gap. In a nutshell, full PhD scholarship not only sponsors an education, but also redefines the story of what women are capable of doing. They change the question; Can I do this? to I will do this.
Top International Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for Women in 2025
Universities, governments and global organizations across the globe are coming to the realization that educating women is not only the right thing to do but it is also good policy. Such scholarships represent that belief. They do not just cater to the tuition fee, but also living fees, research, traveling and in most scenarios, support networks to mothers, caregivers and all round scholars.
Here are some of the most impactful opportunities available in 2025:
1. AAUW International Fellowships (USA)
American Association of University Women (AAUW) is one of the organizations that have been advocating the education of women for more than a hundred years. Their International Fellowships program represents one of the most recognized scholarship programs to non-U.S. women, seeking graduate and postgraduate studies in the U.S.
The scholarship is funded up to 50,000 dollars which can be used in tuition, living allowance, books and research allowance. The peculiar feature of AAUW is that it is aimed at creating a network of women scholars all over the world, and these women are not just successful in their respective spheres; they go back home to empower others.
If you are studying climate policy or quantum computing (or anything in between), this fellowship is an invitation to excel in your studies and become a global leader.
2. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship
This one’s for you, in case you are a woman in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). The faculty of the future program offers fellowships of up to 50000 dollars per year to women in developing countries who are undertaking PhDs or post doc research in leading universities across the world. But it is more than funding, it is about creating a pipeline of women in STEM who will teach, mentor and inspire others.
Fellows join an active community that assists with leadership, research cooperation, and a vision of women influencing innovation in the STEM field on a long-term basis.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
This prestigious scholarship, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is available to exceptional international (including women) applicants interested in full-time PhD studies at the University of Cambridge.
It provides all the expenses of study- tuition, visa, travel and a substantial living allowance. The peculiar feature of this scholarship is its focus on social impact and leadership. The scholars are not only chosen based on their academic excellence, but also on the desire to make the lives of other people better. It is ideal for females who are interested in both research and real-life change.
4. Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship (UK)
This fellowship, provided by the Royal Society in the UK, is designed to suit early-career female scientists that need flexible working conditions, e.g. part-time working or childcare.
The scholarship covers five years of full funding; a salary and research budget. It is particularly useful to women who want to restart their academic lives after a hiatus, or those who are combining familial obligations with high-level research. It is an excellent program that realizes that women do not need less, they simply need different support.
5. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Fellowships (Europe)
With funding provided by the European Commission, MSCA fellowships help international candidates who are pursuing their PhD in any field. Female candidates are particularly welcome, and most of the universities involved conduct gender-balanced recruitment campaigns.
These fellowships include tuition, monthly stipends, research funds and international mobility- so the candidates can pursue their studies in various countries within the EU. When it comes to a highly collaborative, cross-cultural research experience, this may be your way.
And MSCA alumni tend to become international leaders in academia, industry and policy.
6. OWSD PhD Fellowships (UNESCO & TWAS)
Offered by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), this fellowship is designed for women from low-income or scientifically lagging countries who want to pursue PhDs in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Fellows can study at top institutes in the South (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America), and receive full funding for four years—including tuition, a monthly stipend, travel, and lab expenses. It’s not just about individual growth—it’s about building scientific capacity in underrepresented regions through women leaders.
Each of these scholarships is more than just a financial award—they are investments in global progress, diversity in academia, and the untapped brilliance of women researchers.
Top National Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for Women in India
The higher education scenario in India is changing. Women are also venturing into research and are going into engineering, social sciences, medicine and environmental research. However, to some, the financial implication of doing a PhD might be daunting. Fortunately, national scholarships exclusively designed to encourage and empower women scholars exist. Through these scholarships, not only the financial barriers are eliminated but academic freedom, research prowess, and leadership among the Indian women are promoted.
Some of the best fully funded PhD opportunities in India are as follows:
1. SERB – POWER Fellowship (Science and Engineering Research Board)
The SERB – POWER Fellowship is one of the initiatives of India to help women in science and research. It offers monetary assistance to women scientists pursuing or mentoring PhD projects in leading Indian establishments.
The fellows so selected are provided with research grants, salary, and lab infrastructure funds. It is perfect as a post-doc position to the women in STEM seeking to establish a niche of leadership in academic and industrial research.
It is not a funding issue only, but also visibility, recognition, and creating a platform of women-led innovation in India.
2. CSIR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) – for Women
This is a fellowship provided by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and is available to women who are post-graduate and are undertaking doctoral research in science and technology.
The eligible women candidates (on the basis of CSIR NET exam) can get a monthly stipend of 31,000 rupees during the first two years and 35,000 rupees during the next three years, annual contingency grant and HRA (house rent allowance).
CSIR fellowships are a reputable way of women moving into profound research, including physics and botany, nanotech and AI.
3. UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
University Grants Commission (UGC) provides JRF to the students who pass the NET (National Eligibility Test). Females who have postgraduate degrees and good academic transcripts are welcome to apply.
The fellowship includes monthly stipend, housing allowance and academic grants-all meant to assist the doctoral research in science and humanities. UGC also inclines towards inclusive education and therefore it is a major consideration to the women belonging to different social and economic backgrounds. It is one of the doctoral candidates most well-known fellowships in India.
4. DST Women Scientist Scheme (WOS-A, WOS-B, WOS-C)
This scheme, providing three categories (A, B, and C) of awards, is offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and is designed to suit women scientists and researchers who have taken career breaks, and who are willing to get back to active research.
The fellowship funds full time PhD studies in natural sciences, applied science and social development. It provides a monthly fellowship of 30,000 rupees to 55,000 rupees, project funds, and access to national labs and institutions.
This will particularly be useful to women who had interrupted their careers due to family or other personal reasons and now want to continue with their studies.
5. Inspire Fellowship by DST (Department of Science and Technology)
It is one more prestigious scholarship which targets the best students in the basic and natural sciences.
Women candidates who have outstanding academic grades and are interested in doing research are fully funded (tuition waiver, stipend, and research contingency). Inspire fellows usually get admitted to the top research centers such as IISERs, IITs, and central universities. It is perfect if you are a woman and have a passion to achieve a breakthrough in basic science.
6. Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Women
This fellowship, provided by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, has been previously helping women belonging to minority groups (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi) to attain M.Phil and PhD courses since it is also being reviewed in certain states.
It includes a monthly fellowship of 28,000 35,000, HRA and contingency grants. Its primary goal is to encourage minority women participation in research and academia.
Related Blog: Top 10 Prestigious International Scholarship for Women in 2025
Key Eligibility Criteria Across Scholarships
Although different scholarships differ in their requirements, there are some common eligibility criteria that most of the fully funded PhD scholarships for women in India and other countries are likely to share. Being familiar with them can allow you to prepare in advance, and not get any surprises, and apply confidently.
We can discuss them one by one:
1. Academic Qualifications
A good academic record lies at the core of every PHD scholarship. Most programs require:
- A relevant postgraduate (Master -s) degree
- Good academic record, usually including at least 55% 60% marks (or GPA equivalent) in each subject of the academic record.
- In some of the international scholarships, a distinction or a first-class score is desirable
- Prior lab, project, or field work experience can also be a requirement, in case you are applying to research in a more specialized field, such as in STEM.
Hint: Still doing your Master? Then begin building a good academic profile now (it will give you more options during application).
2. Acceptance to a Recognised Institution (or Letter of Intent)
There are scholarships which demand that you must have already received a confirmed offer of admission in a recognized university and there are those that you can apply with a conditional offer or a letter of intent.
For example:
- The Gates Cambridge or Marie Curie Fellowships require the candidates to have already applied to the particular universities.
- National scholarships such as UGC JRF or DST Inspire will also let you apply without having firmly decided on your university but will require you to join soon after.
Note: You should apply to admission and to scholarships simultaneously and remember about the deadlines.
3. Research Proposal or Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Almost all PhD scholarships would require you to provide a research proposal or SOP. Here is your opportunity to clarify:
- What you wish to study
- The reasons why it matters
- How it relates to your educational history and career expectations
A good proposal is clear, curious and purposeful. And it does not mean that you should sound perfect, it means that you need to demonstrate that your ideas can be invested in.
Hint: Begin working on your proposal as soon as you can and if possible have your proposal critiqued by mentors or professors.
4. Language Proficiency (Mostly in International Scholarships)
When applying outside your country, particularly to institutions in English-speaking nations, you will be required to prove your language skills by taking exams such as:
- English: IELTS or TOEFL
- Certain EU states may also demand French, German or Spanish in the event that you are pursuing your studies under a local language programme
With these tests, you will definitely be able to take part in the academic discourse, to write your thesis, and to interact with the faculty.
Hint: Most scholarships do accept waivers provided you have attended institutions that taught in English- make sure to read the requirements.
5. Gender and Citizenship Requisites
Given that the theme of this blog is women-specific scholarships, of course, all of these programs are also restricted to female applicants only.
There are other possible filters on some scholarships including:
- Nationality of a developing country (e.g., OWSD, Schlumberger)
- Membership of a minority group (e.g., Maulana Azad Fellowship)
- Being a single mother or returning scholar (e.g. Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship)
Hint: Do not think of them as limitations, instead, think of them as targeted opportunities that are there to accommodate women with specific backgrounds or life experiences.
Understanding these criteria helps you target the right scholarships and prepare strong applications that speak directly to what selection committees are looking for.
FAQs About Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for Women
Q1. Can married women or mothers apply for international PhD scholarships?
Absolutely, yes. Most of the international PhD scholarships do not only welcome married women and mothers to apply but also offer extra funding to cover the dependents. Scholarships such as the Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship and OWSD Fellowship are flexible programs, as the organizers know that women have different responsibilities in their personal lives.
The truth is that parenthood or being a spouse is never a drawback, it can demonstrate maturity, strength, and ability to manage time, which are appreciated by scholarship committees.
Q2. Are there scholarships specifically for women in STEM?
Yes—many! Both international and domestic scholarships have women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) as one of their target areas. Programs like:
- Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future.
- DST’s Women Scientist Scheme (India).
- OWSD PhD Fellowships.
- Marie Curie Doctoral Fellowships.
…are huge advocates of women in STEM, and those who are underrepresented in their countries or backgrounds. But these scholarships aren t just about the money, they also provide mentorship and access to labs as well as career networks that will help you to succeed.
Q3. Can I apply for these scholarships if I haven’t received admission yet?
Yes, you can in a great number of instances. There are scholarships that you can apply to when your admission is ongoing or even before you apply to universities. Others (such as Gates Cambridge or AAUW) however demand a successful admission in order to undergo the final selection.
The tip: Be sure to look at the timeline of a particular scholarship. There is nothing wrong (and, in fact, it is often advisable) to start working on the university and scholarship applications at the same time.
Q4. Are there age limits for women applying to PhD scholarships?
Certain scholarships tend to have age preferences, particularly ones that are targeted at early-career researchers (such as the UGC JRF). And lots of them do not have any strict upper age limits. Indeed, some fellowships, such as DST Women Scientist Scheme in India or Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship in the UK, are specifically targeted at women, who might be coming back to academics after a break, of any age.
The date of birth is not important as your academic preparedness, clarity of your research work, and your enthusiasm towards learning.
Q5. Do these scholarships cover family/dependent support?
Some of the international scholarships do provide partial/full funding on the dependents. For example:
- The AAUW International Fellowships permits family lodging and travel grants
- In some instances, Marie Curie Fellowships come with dependents allowance.
- Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship has taken into account the childcare needs in its funding model
Although it is not the case with all scholarships, a lot of them have noticed the necessity to assist scholars who have families. When examining a program, it is always worth checking the section of particular benefits.
Conclusion
Doing a PhD is not a mere degree pursuit, it is a calling that one runs after. It is a devotion to seek new ideas, find solutions to real-life issues, and add knowledge which might shape the future. Obtaining a doctoral degree is an empowering achievement, particularly to women, who more often than not have to deal with associated challenges.
This is why full PhD scholarships are important. They not only pay the expenses–they take away the burden of indecision. They tell you, your ideas are investible. It is the journey that counts.
Are you a woman majoring in STEM, the humanities, policy, education, and environmental science- there exists a scholarship opportunity that is offered to someone like you. A person full of passion, potential and purpose.
So whether you are in two minds about not Doing PhD due to financial reasons- this blog will tell you otherwise. You can. And rightly you should begin your research, get your documents ready, write that proposal and apply. Your voice, your research, and your leadership are needed by the world.
Let Sakal India Foundation Help You Achieve Your Academic Goals
In Sakal India Foundation we know that education is the best weapon a woman can ever have in her arsenal- and we are here to see that money is never an obstacle towards aspiration.
We are proud to have sponsored hundreds of scholars, many of them women, over the years who have gone on to complete higher degrees, enter research and teaching professions as well as innovators and change-makers. Are you looking to study your PhD in India or at an International university? Then our scholarship programs are tailored to support your dreams with a realistic touch.
It is not only that we fund education but we believe in people. We trust in your ideas, your strength and capability of creating a better future.
In brief, ladies, if you have a vision, then just do it. Know more about scholarships and guidance programs of Sakal India Foundation. You may come to see us at any time and our employees will help you make your path clear and definite.To learn more and to begin your journey, go to sakalindiafoundation.com
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