IIT Madras - Deakin University Joint Doctoral Program (2026)

ADMISSIONS OPEN: IIT Madras - Deakin University Joint Doctoral Program (2026)

Experience the best of two worlds with a Joint PhD from India’s #1 Institute and a leading Australian University.

The IIT Madras - Deakin University Research Academy (IITMDU) invites applications from highly motivated scholars for its prestigious Joint Doctoral Program (JDP). This program offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research under the joint supervision of renowned faculty from IIT Madras (India) and Deakin University (Australia).

Program Highlights:

• Joint Degree: Upon completion, scholars will receive a single doctoral degree jointly awarded by both IIT Madras and Deakin University.
• Global Exposure: Scholars will spend up to 12 months at Deakin University in Australia to conduct research.
• World-Class Mentorship: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and dual supervision (one supervisor from each institute).
• Fully Funded: The program provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition fee waivers and monthly stipends.

Research Themes:

The academy invites research proposals in interdisciplinary areas, including but not limited to:

• Materials Science & Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Data Science
• Biosciences & Bioengineering
• Sustainability & Clean Energy
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Management & Social Sciences

Financial Support & Scholarships:

• At IIT Madras: Scholars will receive a monthly stipend as per MoE (Govt. of India) norms (HTRA) or institutional fellowships (approx. ₹37,000 - ₹42,000/month).
• At Deakin University (Australia): During the residency in Australia, scholars will receive a stipend of approximately AUD $34,000 per annum.
• Travel Grant: Full funding for return airfare to Australia.
• Tuition Fees: 100% Tuition Fee Waiver at Deakin University.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidate must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a good academic record (High CGPA/First Class).
• Valid GATE / NET / CSIR / UGC score is mandatory for Ministry of Education (MoE) funding at IIT Madras.
• Candidates must meet the English language proficiency requirements (TOEFL/IELTS) for the Australian visa/admission process (if applicable later).

Important Dates:

• Application Window Opens: January 12, 2026
• Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
• Screening Test (Online): February 28, 2026
• Interviews: March 2026 (Tentative)

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit their application online through the official portal.

Official Website & Application Link: https://ge.iitm.ac.in/iitmdu

For Queries: Contact the IITMDU office at iitmdu@iitm.ac.in