Travel Grants for Science Conferences in India
Major Grants for Indian and Foreign Students
- INSA International Travel Support (ITS) Scheme
- Funding Agency: Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
- Eligibility:
- Indian nationals holding permanent positions in recognised institutions.
- PhD students and early-career researchers presenting papers at international conferences.
- Coverage: Partial support for travel expenses, registration fees, and accommodation.
- Application Deadline: Applications are open throughout the year but must be submitted at least three months prior to the event.
- More Information: insaindia.res.in
- SERB (Science and Engineering Research Board) International Travel Scheme
- Funding Agency: SERB, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India
- Eligibility:
- Indian researchers and students presenting papers or chairing sessions at international scientific events.
- Coverage: Partial to full reimbursement of airfare.
- Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least two months prior to the event date.
- More Information: serb.gov.in
- DBT Travel Grant
- Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India
- Eligibility:
- Students and researchers in biotechnology.
- Must be presenting papers at a recognised conference.
- Coverage: Partial or full support for airfare and registration.
- Application Deadline: Applications should be submitted at least two months before the event.
- More Information: dbtindia.gov.in
- CSIR International Travel Grant
- Funding Agency: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Eligibility:
- Indian citizens with accepted research papers at international conferences.
- Students pursuing PhD and postdoctoral researchers.
- Coverage: Travel expenses, registration fees, and visa charges.
- Application Deadline: Applications should be submitted at least 60 days prior to the event.
- More Information: csirhrdg.res.in
- TATA Trusts Travel Grant
- Funding Agency: TATA Trusts
- Eligibility:
- Open to Indian nationals.
- For presenting papers or attending training sessions at international scientific events.
- Coverage: Partial funding for travel and conference fees.
- Application Deadline: Applications are accepted throughout the year.
- More Information: tatatrusts.org
- Genetics society: Junior Scientist Conference grant
- Funding agency: Genetics Society
- Eligibility:
- Open to all career levels of all nationalities
- For attending conference
- Coverage: GBP 500-750 for accomodation, travel and registration
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis
- More information: https://genetics.org.uk/grants/junior-scientist-conference-grants/
- British Ecological Society Training and Travel grants
- Funding agency: British Ecological Society
- Eligibility:
- PhD students
- For attending workshops
- Coverage: GBP 500
- More Information: https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/training-and-travel-grants/
- The company of biologists Travel grant
- Funding agency: The company of biologists
- Eligibility:
- Students and early career researchers
- Coverage: GBP 800 for travel and registration
- More information: https://www.sebiology.org/grants/grant-overview.html
- Hello Bio travel grant
- Funding agency: Hello bio
- Eligibility: All career levels
- More information: https://hellobio.com/scientist-grants-travel-grants-and-awards
Smaller Grants for Indian Students
- Assistance to Professional Bodies & Seminars/Symposia
- Funding Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India
- Eligibility:
- Professional bodies, academic institutions, and other non-profit organizations organizing events.
- Coverage: Financial assistance for organizing events and student participation.
- Application Deadline: Applications should be submitted at least three months prior to the event.
- More Information: indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in
- CTEP (Conference, Travel, Exhibition, and Popular Lectures)
- Funding Agency: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India
- Eligibility:
- Researchers and students in the field of biotechnology attending conferences, workshops, or seminars.
- Coverage: Partial support for travel, registration fees, and accommodation.
- Application Deadline: Applications should be submitted at least two months prior to the event.
- More Information: indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in
- Microsoft Research India Academic Outreach – Student Travel Grants
- Funding Agency: Microsoft Research India
- Eligibility:
- Full-time students enrolled in Indian institutions presenting at top-tier international conferences.
- Coverage: Support for travel, accommodation, and registration fees.
- Application Deadline: Applications should be submitted at least 45 days before the conference start date.
- More Information: microsoft.com
- Student Travel Grants – Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
- Funding Agency: Office of Development and Alumni Affairs (ODAA), IISc
- Eligibility:
- Registered Ph.D. students of IISc who have completed their Comprehensive Examination.
- First-time applicants preferred.
- Coverage: Partial funding for presenting research at national and international conferences.
- Application Deadline: Rolling applications; students should apply well in advance of the conference.
- More Information: odaa.iisc.ac.in
- Travel Grants – SAI Conferences
- Funding Agency: SAI Conferences
- Eligibility:
- Students and researchers attending SAI-organized conferences.
- Coverage: Information on external travel grants and guidance on securing funding.
- Application Deadline: Varies depending on the specific grant.
- More Information: saiconference.com
Application Tips
✅ Early Planning: Initiate the application process well in advance of the conference dates to accommodate varying deadlines and processing times.
✅ Eligibility Criteria: Thoroughly review and ensure compliance with the eligibility requirements for each grant.
✅ Complete Documentation: Prepare and organize all necessary documents, such as acceptance letters, abstracts, recommendation letters, and detailed budgets.
✅ Multiple Applications: Consider applying to multiple grants to enhance the likelihood of securing sufficient funding.
This list provides an overview of available travel grants and funding opportunities. Applicants should check the official websites of the funding agencies for the most up-to-date information on deadlines and application requirements.