Ph.D. Visiting Students Scheme 2026: IIST Research Internship, Eligibility & Application

At a glance

About the scheme

Administered under the Department of Space, the Ph.D. Visiting Students Scheme provides an academic platform for doctoral candidates across India to conduct short-term research at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). Designed for durations between one and three months, the initiative connects external scholars with IIST faculty members in complementary research areas. Scholars receive a temporary identity card to utilise specialized campus facilities such as laboratories, libraries, and canteens, and earn a research experience certificate upon submitting their final report.

Benefits

• Collaborative research opportunity at IIST for a period ranging from 1 to 3 months.
• Access to laboratory equipment, library, and canteen using a temporary ID card during the approved stay.
• Issuance of an official Research Experience Certificate upon project completion and report submission.
• Access to hostel food facilities through advance purchase of food coupons.
• Low nominal administrative fee of ₹100/- for the duration of the visit.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must be a Ph.D. student registered with an Indian institution, university, or college.
• Proposed visit duration must be between 1 month and 3 months.
• Must obtain an Endorsement Certificate from the parent institution.
• Must have the consent and endorsement of the Ph.D. research supervisor along with their contact details.
• Must prepare a detailed research plan detailing the duration and specific IIST facilities to be utilised.

Who cannot apply

• No fellowship, travel allowance, or daily expenses are provided under this scheme.
• Hostel accommodation is not provided by IIST to visiting students.

Documents required

• Aadhaar Card or other government-issued photo identity proof
• Proof of Ph.D. enrollment
• Endorsement certificate from the parent institution
• Consent or endorsement from the Ph.D. supervisor
• Detailed research plan
• Duration of visit details
• Details of intended use of IIST facilities (such as laboratory equipment)
• Contact details of the research supervisor
• Confirmation letter issued by Dean of Student Activities
• Consolidated research report (10 pages, submitted after visit completion)
• Duly signed endorsement certificate from the IIST faculty collaborator

How to apply

1. 1Identify an IIST faculty member whose research area complements your Ph.D. work.
2. 2Obtain consent and endorsement from your Ph.D. supervisor and mutually agree on a plan with the IIST faculty member.
3. 3Submit an online application through the portal on the IIST website, which remains open year-round.
4. 4Provide a detailed work plan, visit duration, and details of required IIST facilities in the application.
5. 5Wait for the IIST faculty member to endorse your submission and forward it to the internship committee for formal approval.
6. 6Receive the official confirmation letter from the Dean of Student Activities before scheduling your research visit.

Frequently asked questions