A Guide to Postdoctoral Scholarships & Fellowships

After completing a doctoral degree, many researchers seek postdoctoral scholarships and fellowships to take their academic and professional careers forward. These scholarships and fellowships provide comprehensive research training, funding, and also provide an opportunity for independent research or work in collaborative projects.

These fellowships offer financial support, freedom to research, and sometimes come with a mentorship. This guide will explore what postdoctoral scholarships and fellowships are, along with the different types. In addition, we will also learn how to get a post-doctoral scholarship and fellowship.

What are Post-Doctoral Scholarships and Fellowships? 

• Post-doctoral scholarships and fellowships are financial aids designed for candidates who have finished their doctoral studies(PhD) and are looking for career advancement in research and development.
• These positions offer advanced training with research experience, which enables new researchers to contribute to their field and expand their network while learning new skills.

Types of Postdoctoral Scholarships and Fellowships

Post-doctoral scholarships and fellowships are categorized based on certain factors such as research fields, goals, eligibility criteria, funding resources, etc. 

1. Research Fellowships

Research fellowships are the most common postdoctoral scholarships. These are designed to encourage individuals to conduct either independent research or be a part in the collaborative research projects. For example...

• Fulbright-Nehru Post-Doctoral Research Scholarships
• National Postdoctoral Fellowship(N-PDF)

2. Teaching Fellowships 

A teaching fellowship is a combination of research and teaching responsibilities. These fellowships require fellows to teach students while conducting their research. For example...

• Stanford University teaching fellowship
• Harvard College Fellows Program

3. Industry Fellowships

Industry fellowship is designed for individuals who wish to work on projects. These fellowships bridge the gap between academic research and industry application. Additionally, these fellowships provide an opportunity to work with companies and apply academic knowledge in real-world innovations. For example...

• IBM Research Fellowship

4. Government Fellowships

These are sponsored by National and International Science and Technology organisations. These fellowships aim to attract individuals towards science and Technology. Thus, building the critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the science and technology. For example...

• DST-INSPIRE Fellowship

Apart from these, other fellowships are offered across the world, such as international fellowships, discipline-specific fellowships, etc. Based on the interests and academic goals of the students, they can apply for the respective fellowships.

Key Features of  Post-Doctoral Scholarships and Fellowships

1. Advance Research Opportunities

• Postdoctoral positions allow individuals to be involved in advanced research in their specific field and collaborate with experts in the research projects.
• This helps them build knowledge and contribute to the scientific community.

2. Professional Development

These programs offer a unique opportunity for researchers to

• To gain expertise in the chosen field.
• Gain leadership experience and skills by mentoring junior researchers or students.
• Expand their network by collaborating with the experts in that particular field of research.
• Enhance their research skills and advance their career in government, institutes, etc. 

3. Financial Support

Unlike most of the programs, postdoctoral fellowships often provide stipends, salaries that support the research activities. The funding covers...

• Living expenses
• Research costs
• Relocation costs
• Travel Allowances
• Family support(few cases)

The Top Postdoctoral Fellowships

1. Scholarship: Re-Invitation Programme For Former Scholarship Holders, DAAD
   Discipline: Post Doc
   Scholarship Type: Merit-Based/Need-based
   Funding Type: Partial Funding
   Eligibility: Open to all Nationals
   Scholarship can be taken at: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology(ICGEB)
   Application: click here to apply
2. Scholarship: ECTRIMS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Exchange Programme
   Discipline: Post Doc
   Scholarship Type: Merit-Based/Need-based
   Funding Type: Full Funding
   Eligibility: Open to all Nationals
   Scholarship can be taken at: Institutions in Europe
   Application: click here to apply
3. Scholarship: National Post-Doctoral Fellowship(N-PDF)
   Discipline: Post Doc
   Scholarship Type: Merit-Based/Need-based
   Funding Type: Full Funding
   Eligibility: Indian citizens, Upper age Limit 35, must be a PhD holder.
   Scholarship can be taken at: Institutions in India
4. Scholarship: Ramanujan Fellowship
   Discipline: Post Doc
   Scholarship Type: Completely Merit-Based
   Funding Type: Full Funding
   Eligibility: Indian citizens, Upper age Limit 35, must be a PhD holder.
   Scholarship can be taken at: Institutions in India

How to get a Post-Doctoral Scholarship or Fellowship?

Securing a postdoctoral scholarship or fellowship is highly competitive. But with the right strategy and approach, you can increase your chances significantly.

1. Identify the Right Fellowship 

• Not all the Fellowships are the same. Individuals have to make sure that the chosen fellowship matches their research interests, expertise, and career goals. 
• Usually, these fellowships are available for STEM courses, the Humanities, and the social sciences.
• One must make sure that the fellowship supports their field of interest.

2. Financial Support

• Estimate the level of funding you need, including research expenses.
• Some fellowships also fund living expenses, travel-related costs, etc Make sure that your fellowship covers all these costs.

3. Location/Duration

• Determine if you want to research in local institutes or move abroad and take part in international fellowships.
• Some fellowships last for 1-2 years, while others are beyond that. Make sure the duration aligns with your career goals.

3. Eligibility

• Many post-doctoral fellowships have stringent eligibility rules, including the date of completion of the PhD, research experience, etc
• Students must make sure they meet all the requirements to avoid rejection.
• The basic eligibility for a postdoctoral fellowship is a PhD in the relevant discipline.

4. Compelling Research Proposal

• Draft a compelling research proposal explaining why that fellowship is important to you.
• Make sure it outlines the research you intend to conduct and demonstrates your authenticity.

5. Prepare your Application

• Tailor your application with the objective of the fellowship to enhance your approval chances.
• Understand the mission of this fellowship sponsored, and demonstrate how that aligns with your career goals. 

6. Submit your Application

• Visit the WeMakeScholars official scholarship portal and find the scholarships that align with your interests, and fill out the application. Apply before the mentioned deadline, as the Fellowship has strict deadlines, either online or offline.
• Early submissions are recommended to avoid technical difficulties. Double-check every detail of the application and verify that all the required documents are submitted.

7. Interview and follow-up

• Interviews are a crucial part of competitive fellowships. After evaluating the research proposal, application, and CV of the applicant, interviews are conducted to select the most deserving candidate.
• Prepare your pitch and explain why you are the right candidate for the fellowship.
• Consistent follow-up can fix the gaps if the application requires anything additional.

Postdoctoral scholarships and fellowships are an ideal option for individuals to fund their research and other related goals. However, availing these fellowships is highly competitive and sometimes may not be possible. The eligibility criteria for some fellowships are so stringent that students often get rejected.

In such cases, education loans serve as a viable alternative to fund your post-doctoral research and studies.WeMakeScholars has supported thousands of students in funding their education. In association with 15-plus banks across India, we help students achieve their dreams. Request a callback and fulfill your academic dreams.

Conclusion

Whether your goal is to conduct groundbreaking research contributing to the development, or work in industry or policy, fellowships offer an incredible opportunity. Securing a postdoctoral fellowship is significantly challenging. However, with the right strategy, you can easily navigate the postdoctoral scholarship journey.

In this blog, we have explored different types of postdoctoral scholarships and fellowships, along with how to get them.WeMakeScholars has comprehensive data on all the available fellowships, providing the applicants with the maximum options. Thus, applying through WeMakeScholars can help candidates get the right fellowship.