Are you looking for a fully funded PhD program that combines world-class research, global collaboration, and generous scholarships? The IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program is your answer! As IIT Delhi expands globally, its Abu Dhabi campus is opening doors to serious research aspirants across the globe.
IIT Delhi Goes Global: Why the Abu Dhabi PhD Program is a Game-Changer
IIT Delhi, one of India’s top-tier institutes, has launched its first international campus in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This strategic expansion is more than just global outreach—it’s a fully funded PhD opportunity offering:
- World-class research mentorship
- Global academic collaboration
- Industry-relevant research projects
This IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program is ideal for students looking for a high-impact, global research journey.
Who Can Apply for the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program?
To apply for this fully funded PhD opportunity, you must meet the following criteria:
- Master’s degree (M.Tech, M.S., M.E.) with 7.5 CGPA or 75% marks
- OR Bachelor’s degree (B.Tech, B.E.) with 8.75 CGPA or 87.5% marks
- AND
- GATE score of 350+ or GRE Quantitative score of 150+
- IIT graduates with 8.0+ CGPA don’t need GATE/GRE
- Sponsored candidates (with 2+ years work experience) are exempt from GATE/GRE
- GATE score of 350+ or GRE Quantitative score of 150+
This means both Indian and international students have multiple pathways to join this PhD program at IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi.
High-Impact Research Areas at IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi
This global PhD program focuses on solving real-world challenges. Students can pursue cutting-edge research in:
- Healthcare
- Energy and Sustainability
- Environment and Climate Research
- Smart Infrastructure
- Smart Manufacturing
If you’re passionate about any of these domains, the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program provides the right platform for you.
Scholarships & Financial Support: A Fully Funded PhD in the UAE
One of the most attractive features of the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program is its full funding and monthly stipend.
For Indian and international students:
- 100% tuition fee waiver
- AED 15,000/month stipend (₹3.3 lakh approx.) including accommodation
For UAE nationals:
- 100% tuition fee waiver
- AED 30,000/month stipend (₹6.7 lakh approx.) including accommodation
This financial support allows scholars to focus completely on their research goals, making this one of the best fully funded PhD programs globally.
Application & Selection Process for the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program
Getting selected for the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program is straightforward if you follow these four key steps:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet the academic and test score criteria mentioned earlier.
2. Select a PhD Project
You won’t apply for just a research area—you’ll choose from specific PhD project proposals provided by the institute. Select any three when admissions open.
3. Submit Application & Statement of Purpose (SoP)
Your SoP should clearly reflect:
- Your motivation for research
- The three chosen projects
- Why you are a strong candidate
4. Attend the Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited to interview. A selection panel may also ask for recommendation letters.
Note:The first intake was in January 2025. The next round may follow IIT Delhi’s July session timeline. Start preparing now if you want to apply for the upcoming cycle!
Stay Updated: Keep checking the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi website for PhD admission notifications.
Why the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program is a Rare Global Research Opportunity
If you’ve been dreaming of a fully funded PhD abroad that combines international exposure, financial stability, and top-tier faculty, this program is unmatched.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional aiming to shift into research, the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program is a stepping stone to an impactful academic and professional journey.
Coursework and NOC Requirements
Depending on your qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree holders: Minimum 20 credit points
- Master’s degree holders: Minimum 16 credit points
Coursework is customized for your research domain, with no compulsory non-research subjects.
You will also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer — approval, not funding.
Faculty Matching and Research Proposal
You must:
- Identify a faculty member in the AI department whose work aligns with your interest
Get your research proposal approved by that faculty - Only then can you submit the final application
Tip: Start contacting faculty members early — good alignment increases your admission chances!
Admission Timeline – Plan Ahead
Admissions occur twice a year:
- January Intake: Applications open in October–November
- July Intake: Applications open in February–March
If targeting January 2026, start preparing your proposal and faculty matching now.
Stay Updated: Keep checking the IIT kharagpur website for PhD admission notifications.
Need Help with Your PhD Application? We’re Here for You!
At Zenith PhD Training & Consultancy, we specialize in:
- Identifying the best PhD programs
- SOP and application reviews
- Interview preparation
- Personalized PhD mentorship
We’re dedicated to helping you secure your spot in top fully funded PhD programs like IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi.
Apply Now: Official Website
https://abudhabi.iitd.ac.in/ph.d_admissions
Don’t Miss the Video Breakdown!
Watch our YouTube video on the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi Fully Funded PhD Program to get a complete overview, with tips on maximizing your chances.
What is the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program?
The IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program is a fully funded doctoral program offered by IIT Delhi at its international campus in Abu Dhabi. It focuses on high-impact research with global faculty, industry collaboration, and generous scholarships.
Is the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD program fully funded?
Yes, the program offers 100% tuition fee waivers and a monthly stipend of AED 15,000 for international students and AED 30,000 for UAE nationals. It is one of the best fully funded PhD opportunities globally.
Who is eligible for the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi PhD Program?
Applicants must have either:
- A Master’s degree with 7.5 CGPA or 75%, OR
- A Bachelor’s degree with 8.75 CGPA or 87.5%,
- Along with a GATE score of 350+ or GRE Quant score of 150+. IIT graduates and sponsored candidates may be exempt from GATE/GRE.
What are the research areas available in this PhD program?
The program offers research in cutting-edge fields such as:
- Healthcare
- Smart Infrastructure
- Energy & Sustainability
- Smart Manufacturing
- Environment and Climate Research
These areas are aligned with global challenges and industry relevance.
Do I need a GATE or GRE score to apply?
Yes, GATE (350+) or GRE Quantitative (150+) is required unless you are:
- An IIT graduate with a CGPA of 8.0+
- A sponsored candidate with two years of work experience
Can international students apply for the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi PhD Program?
Absolutely! The program is open to both Indian and international students, making it a unique global research opportunity under the IIT system.
Using these score you can also apply to IIT Delhi , IIT Madras, IIT Bombay & IIM Bangalore read our other blogs to know about the admission process of all these institutes.
Looking for expert guidance on PhD admissions?
Visit Zenith PhD Training & Consultancy for personalized support throughout your PhD journey, or check out our YouTube channel – All About PhD by Dr. Ritika Gauba.
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By Dr. Ritika Gauba– PhD Mentor & Advisor
CEO & Founder ZPTC
Dr. Ritika Gauba
Dr. Ritika Gauba the Founder & CEO of Zenith Ph.D. Training & Consultancy is a Ph.D. Coach, Mentor & Guide. She has an in-depth knowledge of all the Ph.D. rules by UGC and the New Education Policy. She has done an unfathomable study of the Ph.D. regulations of more than 1000 Indian and international universities, including institutions of national importance like IIMs, IITs, IIITs, IVY League colleges & so on, making her a specialist in the area.