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ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AI-RTF) 2025: Fully Funded Opportunity in India
The ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AI-RTF) 2025 is a prestigious flagship initiative designed to foster scientific collaboration between India and ASEAN member states. Implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and coordinated by FICCI, this fully funded fellowship offers ASEAN researchers a unique opportunity to work at premier Indian academic and R&D institutions. The program aims to promote researcher mobility, skill upgradation, and long-term scientific cooperation.
Fellowship Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Fellowship Name | ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AI-RTF) |
| Host Country | India |
| Target Audience | Nationals of ASEAN Member States |
| Duration | 2 to 6 Months (Short-term) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (Stipend + Airfare + Visa) |
| Monthly Fellowship | INR 60,000 |
| Deadline | May 31, 2025 (5:00 PM IST) |
Program Objectives
The primary goal of the AI-RTF 2025 is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise between India and ASEAN nations. By hosting researchers in India, the program seeks to:
- Promote mobility of scientists and researchers.
- Facilitate the exchange of information and contacts.
- Create a network for long-term scientific collaboration.
- Upgrade the research skills of ASEAN nationals through exposure to Indian R&D ecosystems.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship, applicants must meet the following strict eligibility requirements:
- Nationality: Must be a national of an ASEAN Member State: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam.
- Education: Must hold at least a Master’s degree in Natural Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Medicine, or allied disciplines.
- Affiliation: Must be working/affiliated with a national R&D or academic institution in their home country.
- Age Limit: The upper age limit is 45 years at the time of submission.
- Language: Proficiency in the English language is mandatory.
- Exclusions:
- Indian nationals are not eligible.
- Applicants who have availed of any Government of India (GoI) fellowship in the last 3 years are not eligible.
Research Areas
The fellowship covers a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines aligned with the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI). Candidates can pursue research in:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biological & Medical Sciences
- Chemical Sciences & Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Physical Sciences & Mathematics
- Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Materials, Minerals & Metallurgy
- Science Policy / IPR / Technology Transfer
- Multidisciplinary STI themes
Financial Benefits (Fully Funded)
The AI-RTF is a comprehensive financial package designed to cover all major expenses for the selected fellows:
- Monthly Fellowship: INR 60,000 per month for sustenance.
- Contingency Grant: A one-time grant of INR 40,000 for research expenses.
- Travel: Round-trip international airfare (Economy class).
- Visa & Insurance: Costs for visa fees and overseas medical insurance are covered.
- Institutional Overhead: INR 2,500 per month provided to the host institute.
- Accommodation: Arranged by the host institute (costs to be borne by the fellow from the monthly stipend).
Host Institutions
Applicants are responsible for identifying and securing consent from an Indian host institution.
- Eligibility of Host: Any recognized Indian academic or R&D institution.
- Consent: Applicants must obtain a formal acceptance letter from the Indian host researcher/institute. Note: Securing consent does not guarantee final selection for the fellowship.
How to Apply
The application process for the ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship 2025 is entirely online.
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official website at www.aistic.gov.in.
- Prepare Documents: Merge the following into a single PDF file (max 10 MB):
- CV of the Applicant.
- CV of the Indian Host.
- Copy of Passport.
- Endorsement Letter from the current employer in the home country.
- Acceptance Letter from the Indian Host.
- Submit: Complete the online application form and upload the PDF before the deadline.
Deadline: The last date to apply is 31 May 2025 (5:00 PM IST)