The Quad Fellowship (STEM Graduate Program)
Institute of International Education (IIE) & Quad Governments · All India
| Scheme Name | The Quad Fellowship (STEM Graduate Program) |
| Provided By | Institute of International Education (IIE) & Quad Governments |
| Eligibility Summary | Postgraduate · No income limit |
About the Program
The Quad Fellowship provides up to $40,000 in funding and leadership programming to exceptional Indian STEM graduates pursuing Master's or Ph.D. degrees in the United States to build next-generation technological innovation across Indo-Pacific nations.
Benefits & Financial Support
$20,000 to $40,000 (approx. ₹25.0 Lakh+)
The Quad Fellowship provides a one-time financial grant ranging from approximately ₹16,70,000 to ₹33,40,000 (USD $20,000 to $40,000). This stipend is intended to cover academic expenses, which may include tuition fees, research costs, living stipends, books, room and board, and academic travel. In addition to the base award, Quad Fellows are also eligible to apply for separate demonstrated needs-based funding of up to approximately ₹20,87,500 (USD $25,000) to assist with additional costs related to completing graduate-level studies. The award is disbursed for one academic year, aligning with the fellowship period. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is not specified as the fellowship supports study in the United States and is managed by the IIE.
$20,000 to $40,000 financial grant + Quad cohort residency summits + international research networking.
Note: Must be in a technical STEM graduate program (clinical medical degrees excluded).
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Postgraduate |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Minimum Marks | 75% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | All |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Official Academic Transcripts from all attended universities
- ✓Bachelor’s Degree in an eligible STEM discipline
- ✓Proof of enrollment or active application to an accredited graduate (Master’s or Ph.D.) STEM program in the US
- ✓Three Letters of Recommendation from academic or professional supervisors
- ✓Essays addressing STEM innovation, societal impact, and Quad vision
- ✓Valid Passport copy
Selection Process
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Candidates for The Quad Fellowship are selected through a comprehensive three-component process. The process involves:
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Online Application:This requires the submission of three essays, detailed background information, and three letters of recommendation. At least two of these letters must be from professors who can attest to the applicant's academic capabilities, while the third can be from a professional or another academic contact.
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Expert Review:This stage is designed to evaluate the applicant's proficiency and expertise in their chosen STEM field.
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Final-Round Panel Interview:The interview assesses the candidate's passion for the intersection of STEM and social impact, as well as their demonstration of integrity, curiosity, and compassion.
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Key selection criteria include demonstrated academic excellence in a STEM field, a passion for applying STEM to societal good, curiosity, compassion, integrity, a sense of initiative, and innovation and creativity.
Renewal Policy
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The Quad Fellowship is a one-time award disbursed for the academic degree cycle, typically for one academic year, with fellows joining a lifelong Quad Fellowship alumni community upon completion
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There are no specified annual renewal conditions in the traditional sense, as it is a single-period fellowship designed to support a specific year of graduate study.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Verify Eligibility
Confirm that you meet all eligibility criteria, including citizenship (Quad countries – Australia, India, Japan, or the United States – or 10 Southeast Asian countries), age (at least 18), holding a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field by August of the fellowship year, and having a strong academic record. You must also be applying to or already enrolled in an eligible full-time STEM graduate program (Master's or Ph.D.) at an accredited US-based university for the fellowship year.
- 2Prepare Application Materials
Gather all required documents and prepare your essays and resume. All materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be in English. If not, provide certified translations. * Official Academic Transcripts: From all attended universities. * Resume/CV: No more than two pages, detailing relevant experiences. * Three Essays/Statements: These typically include a Statement of Purpose and two short essays. These are opportunities to explain your academic and professional interests, how you intend to create positive impact, and what unique perspectives you bring. * Three Letters of Recommendation (LORs): At least two LORs must be from professors who can speak to your academic abilities. The third can be from a professional or another academic contact. Ensure you reach out to your recommenders early, as they will submit their letters directly through the application portal. * Proof of Enrollment or Application: Demonstrate active application to or enrollment in an accredited graduate (Master's or Ph.D.) STEM program in the US. * Valid Passport Copy: For identity and citizenship verification.
- 3Complete Online Application
Access the official application portal via the 'Apply' link on the Quad Fellowship website. You will need to create an account if you are a new applicant.
- 4Submit Application
Ensure all sections of the online form are completed and all documents (including LORs from your recommenders) are submitted by the stated deadline (typically in March).
- 5Await Notification & Interview
If shortlisted, you will be notified around mid-July to advance to the interview stage. Final-round panel interviews will assess your passion for the intersection of STEM and social impact.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What academic expenses does the Quad Fellowship cover?
The Quad Fellowship provides a one-time stipend of approximately ₹16,70,000 to ₹33,40,000 (USD $20,000 to $40,000) that can be utilized for a variety of academic expenses. This includes tuition fees, research costs, living stipends, books, room and board, and academic travel. Additionally, fellows are eligible to apply for up to an extra ₹20,87,500 (USD $25,000) in needs-based funding.
Can I apply for the Quad Fellowship if I am already enrolled in a graduate program in the United States?
Yes, you are eligible to apply for the Quad Fellowship if you are already enrolled in an eligible full-time STEM Master's or Ph.D. program at an accredited university in the United States. This applies to candidates who will be enrolled full-time during the entire fellowship academic year.
Are clinical medical degrees (e.g., MBBS, MD) or nursing degrees eligible for the Quad Fellowship?
No, clinical healthcare degrees, such as medical degrees (including MDs, DOs, and PAs), nursing degrees, and clinical psychology degrees, are not eligible for funding through the Quad Fellowship. The fellowship specifically supports Master's and Ph.D. degrees in core STEM disciplines like Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, and Mathematics.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Institute of International Education (IIE) & Quad Governments website before final submission.