Imperial expands 2014 scholarships for Indian postgraduates

Imperial increases funding for Indian postgraduate scholarships thanks to Indian alumni support.

Imperial College London and its Indian supporters association, the Imperial College India Foundation, have announced the expansion of their scholarship programme for academically outstanding Indian students to study at postgraduate level at Imperial.

The Imperial College India Foundation Scholarships, launched in 2013, will from 2014 be offering two fully funded Master's scholarships, as well as one full PhD scholarship, for Indian nationals residing in India.

The scheme has also further been expanded so that all scholarships will be available to applicants for study in the Faculty of Natural Sciences as well as the Faculty of Engineering and Imperial College Business School.  Funding is provided by the alumni and supporters of the Foundation, with the College matching the amount pledged.

The aim of the Imperial College India Foundation Scholarships is to attract the most talented Indian students to the College, with a focus on supporting those in financial need. Students will be given access to world class academic training and support throughout their studies, which can help them contribute to society, industry and academia upon their return to India.

The first Indian student to hold the Imperial College India Foundation PhD Scholarship, Mr Raj Singh of Kanpur will begin his studies in Imperial's Department of Mechanical Engineering in early 2014.

Sir Keith O'Nions, President & Rector of Imperial College London said:

"The expansion of these scholarships builds on the historic and flourishing relationship between Imperial and its Indian alumni and supporters. Their support is central to this scheme and we're grateful that their generosity has enabled it to grow further still."

Imperial alumnus Cyrus Mistry, Chairman, Tata Sons, who also sits on the board of the Imperial College India Foundation, said:

"It is a pleasure to see how these scholarships are allowing Indian students to benefit from the opportunities and educational experience afforded by studying at Imperial. We are delighted to be able to support an even wider field of gifted postgraduate students to join Imperial's diverse academic community".

Mr Singh, the first holder of an Imperial College India Foundation PhD scholarship said:

"I am thrilled to have been awarded this scholarship. Studying in such an international environment, alongside world-leaders in their field is a precious opportunity. I'm very grateful to everyone whose generosity made it possible."

The launch of the scholarships coincides with an 11-day visit by Sir Keith O'Nions to India in January 2014. During the trip to Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi he will host an alumni event in each city and meet with representatives from government, industry, and higher education institutions.

Details on the scholarships and how to apply