PhD Students

Short-Term International Mobility Opportunity for PhD Students

Short-term mobility programs offer PhD students valuable international exposure, opportunities to collaborate with global researchers, access to cutting-edge resources, and immersion in different academic cultures. These programs typically may last between a few weeks to six months or beyond. Chanakya University PhD students can explore and take advantage of short-term mobility opportunities as explained below:

Types of Short-Term Mobility Programs:

Research Visits/Internships: Short-term research internships or visits in universities abroad allow PhD students to collaborate with faculty, use specialized lab equipment, or access unique data.
Workshops, Conferences and Summer Schools: Many international universities and research institutes offer thematic summer schools, workshops, or training sessions, organize conferences, which can be ideal for expanding knowledge in a specific field.
Visiting Fellowships: Some universities offer fellowships for a short-term research visit, where students can be mentored by experts in their field.

Steps to Apply for Short-Term Mobility:

Research and Identify the Program:

Identify Opportunities: Visit university websites, research consortia, and platforms like Euraxess, DAAD, UKRI or UGC’s official portal to find short-term programs.
Leverage University Networks: Contact your PhD supervisor, Academics, Global engagement section or faculty to explore existing exchange programs or collaborative agreements.
Discuss with Supervisors: Ensure that your PhD supervisor supports your mobility plans, as their recommendation will likely be needed.

Prepare Documentation

Research Proposal: Tailor your research plan to align with the goals of the host institution, faculty member, highlighting the benefits of the collaboration.
Letters of Recommendation: Secure recommendations from your faculty or mentors, seek their approval before submitting their name(s) as mentor.
Statement of Purpose: write clear Statement of Purpose (SOP), articulating how the short-term mobility will benefit your research and career.
Host Institution Agreement: Ensure the host institution is aware of your intentions and is willing to accommodate your research stay.

Funding Support Available

Many funding bodies, both Indian and international, provide financial support for short-term mobility. While some are open for application throughout the year, some open once or twice a year. Few common sources are listed below:

a. Indian Agencies:

UGC and ICSSR: Provide travel grants and funding for short-term visits under various international academic cooperation schemes.
SERB (Science and Engineering Research Board): Supports researchers in science and technology fields, including short-term research stays abroad.
DST (Department of Science & Technology): Offers funding under programs like the International Travel Support Scheme (ITS) for conference participation or research collaborations.
ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research): Funds short-term mobility for students in medical and health sciences under bilateral agreements with other countries.

b. International Funding Bodies: There are many funding opportunities from various international agencies, government to promote student mobility. The and students should explore beyond the list provided here.

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): Provides scholarships for short-term research stays in Germany, including funding for travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
Erasmus+: Offers mobility grants for research internships in Europe, covering travel costs, insurance, and a monthly stipend.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Includes short-term fellowships for Indian PhD students, covering travel and living expenses in Commonwealth countries.
Newton-Bhabha Fund: Provides grants for Indian researchers visiting the UK under short-term exchange schemes.
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships: These offer partial funding for short-term research visits to the US.
Raman-Charpak Fellowship: For Indian and French PhD students to facilitate exchange of PhD students between India and France to enhance academic collaboration.
Mitacs Globalink Research Internship: for Short-term research mobility to institutes in Canada
Marie Curie Fellowship (MSCA): to support mobility for research collaboration in Europe for 3-36 months from European Commission
DST-INSPIRE Fellowship: For Research mobility in leading research institutions by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), India
Global Research Fellowship (Australian Government): PhD students worldwide can apply for Short-term research in Australian universities

C. Supervisor/University-Specific Scholarships:

Institute Scholarships: Many foreign universities offer their own funding for short-term visiting researchers. Check with the specific institution or research group where you plan to visit.
PhD Supervisor/Host Supervisor (CU or Partner University) may have their own grant/funds to support mobility of researchers working on those project.

Application Process and Timeline

Prepare Proposal: Draft a strong research proposal outlining the objectives of your short-term mobility. Make sure your research aligns with the host faculty member and institution’s focus.
Find Host Supervisor: Connect with your PhD supervisor, mentor to understand how to find host supervisor. Based on your subject field, find international labs/ researchers working on similar/related topics.
Apply to Host Institution: Reach out to potential host supervisors or faculty abroad, expressing interest in collaboration and ensuring their support for your application.
Search for Funding: Start by identifying scholarships and funding opportunities early, ideally 6-12 months in advance- based on your host country and subject.
Apply for Funding: Submit the application to the relevant funding body including your research proposal, CV, letters of recommendation, and any required forms.
Visa and Travel Arrangements: Once approved, apply for the necessary visa and make travel arrangements. Indian students often require a research visa or student exchange visa for short-term mobility.

Important Notes

Start Early: Applying for short-term mobility and funding takes time, so plan at least 6-12 months ahead, funding opportunity may open once a year and even after approval Visa process may take some time.
Tailor Your Application: Align your research interests with the host faculty members’s work to strengthen the chances of acceptance and standout.
Stay Organized: Maintain a checklist of required documents, deadlines, and funding sources.
Build Connections: Attend academic conferences and webinars to network with international researchers and keep interacting with them to explore mobility options.