Maitri Scholarships Open for 2025–26: Australia Invites Top Indian STEM Scholars

The Maitri Scholarships and Fellowships may be the answer for you if you've ever wanted to pursue your PhD in Australia, think of it as combining science, surf, and sunshine. The program is specifically designed for India's brightest minds who wish to pursue meaningful STEM research at Australia's best universities

What Is the Maitri Scholarships Program?

Think of it as a bridge between India and Australia built on brains, innovation, and big ideas. In order to attract Indian PhD students to Australian universities, particularly in STEM fields that are influencing the future, the Centre for Australia–India Relations established the Maitri Scholarships.

It goes beyond academics. The aim is to strengthen the Australia–India partnership through knowledge, research, and people. In other words, you’ll be studying cutting-edge topics while helping both countries grow closer economically and technologically.

The Cool Part: What You Can Study

The scholarships focus on areas that will define the next decade for both nations. If your research dream fits into one of these, you’re in the right place:

• Clean Energy
• Agribusiness
• Technology and IT
• Resources and METS (Mining Equipment, Technology and Services)
• Defence Industries
• Space
• Health

Who Can Apply?

Here’s the fine print, minus the jargon:

• You must be an Indian citizen.
• You need to be enrolling in an Australian university for a PhD (fresh enrolments only).
• Your university must be registered with TEQSA and CRICOS.
• You should have completed your Higher Degree by Research (HDR) application with your university.
• Your proposed research must align with one of the priority fields listed above.
• You’ll need to hold a valid Student (subclass 500) visa for your stay.

Official link

How the Selection Works

Universities take the lead here. Australian universities will nominate Indian scholars they believe fit the Maitri vision. The Centre for Australia–India Relations then reviews these nominations and finalizes the selections.

So, if you’re a potential candidate, your first step is to connect with your preferred Australian university and discuss whether they are submitting a proposal under the Maitri Scholarships Program.

Funding Details

Maitri Scholarships Program

• Total Available Funding (2025–26): Up to $4.462 million
• PhD Grant Range:
  • Minimum: $220,000
  • Maximum: $439,000 (for up to 4 years)
• Most grants are expected to fall between $115,000 and $380,000.

Maitri Fellowships Program

• Total Available Funding (2025–26): Up to $600,000
• Grant Range:
  • Minimum: $40,000
  • Maximum: $300,000
• Most fellowships are expected to range between $100,000 and $200,000.

Duration and Timeline

The grant period for both the Scholarships and Fellowships is up to 4 years.

• Grant activities cannot start before: 1 April 2026
• Grant activities must commence by: 31 December 2026
• All activities must be completed by: 31 December 2030

Scholars and Fellows must complete their research or studies by the date agreed in their grant agreement. After completion, an evaluation period will follow to review outcomes.

Key Dates You Need to Know

• Applications open: 16 September 2025
• Applications close: 14 January 2026, 5:00 pm AEDT
• Selection and due diligence: January–February 2026
• Implementation begins: May 2026

Heads up: all questions must be sent to MaitriScholars@dfat.gov.au before 13 October 2025. Don’t wait till the last minute, it’s Australia’s summer then, and things move at beach pace.

How to Apply?

You (or your university) can apply through SmartyGrants using this official link:
 https://dfat.smartygrants.com.au/msfgrantprograms25-26

The process is open and competitive, so put your best foot forward.

Why It’s Worth It

Maitri is a statement rather than merely a scholarship. It's about collaboration, innovation, and making a tangible difference in both nations. You will have the opportunity to learn from leading scholars, contribute to areas that actually matter, and join an expanding network of Indian researchers in Australia.

So go on, start polishing that research proposal, talk to your university, and get ready to represent India on Australian soil (and maybe sneak in a beach day between experiments).