Penn State, Indian Institute of Science announce 2026 doctoral scholarship

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In summer 2026, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, a strategic partner to Penn State, will provide up to five scholarships for Penn State doctoral students to engage in research and education collaboration at IISc. IISc is consistently ranked as the top university in India and among the leading global institutions for research.  

The scholarship includes a monthly fellowship from IISc (on par with its own doctoral students) to support 12 weeks of lodging in the campus guest house, as well as an $800 grant funded by Penn State Global. This is the latest example of Penn State Global supporting doctoral student travel related to collaborative research and education activities with partner universities.

Applicants are asked to complete the application in InfoReady.

Doctoral awardees will have the opportunity to access state-of-the-art laboratories, specialized research centers, and a vibrant community and campus life at IISc in Bangalore. Nicknamed “India’s Silicon Valley,” Bangalore is a thriving hub for technology and startups. Conducting research at IISc offers awardees an unparalleled research environment, rich intercultural exposure, and strong pathways for global careers. 

"This is an exceptional opportunity for doctoral students to access the most prestigious research university in India, located in the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing tech hubs,” said Sabine Klahr, vice provost for Penn State Global. “Doctoral researchers gain not only world-class mentorship and resources but also invaluable global perspectives that shape impactful, future-ready careers.”

Eligibility

Applicants must be Penn State doctoral students who are in good academic standing and aspire to engage in research and education collaborations with IISc and relevant industry in Bangalore.

Submission instructions

• Section 1: Cover page with the following information -- 

  • Applicant’s name, citizenship, PSU ID number, and PSU email address

  • Degree and doctoral program of study

  • Academic department or office

  • Contact information (including campus address)

  • Desired dates of participation

• Section 2: A brief description (not more than two double-spaced pages) of the reason for undertaking the trip. Included should be evidence of collaborative research and education activities with IISc: supervisory contacts at Penn State and IISc and expected outcomes of the research activities while on site.

• Section 3: One letter of support from Penn State

  • A letter of recommendation from the direct faculty supervisor at Penn State, describing how the proposed travel will contribute to research or education project(s), joint conferences, and/or co-publication(s). 

Combine all three of the above sections as one PDF document and upload it in InfoReady:

• Application link
• Deadline: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026
• Award Date: Monday, Feb. 9, 2026

If awarded, doctoral awardees must register their travel in Penn State’s Global Safety Network and coordinate their flights according to the funder’s travel protocol. The $800 grant will then be provided to the student awardee’s LionPath account upon arrival to IISc.

Recipients of this award also will be required to submit a summary report (a template for this report will be sent to awardees) outlining the outcomes of their visit within 30 days after completion of the trip and may be asked to participate in future Penn State Global programming.

“This scholarship is more than an academic opportunity — it is a gateway to global collaboration, cultural enrichment and innovation at one of the world’s leading research institutions,” said Anna Wei Marshall, associate director for Asia Partnerships at Penn State Global. “We warmly invite doctoral students to embark on a transformative research journey at IISc in India.”

Should you have any questions regarding the scholarship program, contact Marshall at awm15@psu.edu.

About the Indian Institute of Science

Established in 1909, the Indian Institute of Science is a top public research university nestled in the technology heartland of Bangalore, India, which is known for its substantial contributions to science, engineering and management research. This strategic location in a city renowned as the “Silicon Valley of India” optimizes the university’s role in bridging ancient cultural heritage with modern technological advancements.

In 2025, IISc ranks No. 4 in Asia and No. 1 in India in Times Higher Education's Asia University Rankings. This achievement highlights the institute's strong presence in global education, solidifying its position as a leader in research and academic excellence.

The collaboration between Penn State and IISc has been robust, encompassing joint seed grant programs, research workshops and seminars, and active faculty engagement.