IGSTC Germany and India Women in Science and Engineering (WISER) Scholarships 2025
Fully Funded | Masters, PhD, Research Programs
STEM Fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
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Overview of the WISER Scholarships
The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) offers the Women in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) Scholarships to promote gender diversity in STEM fields. This fully-funded scholarship program supports talented women researchers from both India and Germany in pursuing Masters, PhD, and Research level programs.
The WISER initiative is a joint collaboration between the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany. The primary goal of the program is to bridge the gender gap in science and technology by empowering women researchers to participate in collaborative R&D&I projects.
Why the WISER Program Matters
Despite advancements in gender equality, women are still underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Several challenges, such as societal barriers, limited resources, and fewer opportunities, have historically hindered the progress of women in these areas. The WISER Program aims to:
- Retain and nurture talented women researchers in STEM fields.
- Encourage cross-border collaboration between India and Germany in science and technology.
- Leverage complementary expertise from both countries to drive innovative solutions.
This initiative plays a vital role in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in scientific research globally.
Available Programs
The WISER Scholarship is available to women researchers seeking to pursue the following programs:
- Masters
- PhD
- Research Level Programs
These programs are offered at the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) and provide a fully-funded opportunity for women researchers in STEM fields.
Available Subjects for the WISER Scholarships
The WISER Scholarship program offers opportunities for women researchers to pursue studies in the following STEM fields:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Research Scope
The WISER Scholarship applies to all areas of STEM, providing a unique opportunity for women researchers to collaborate on ongoing R&D projects in India and Germany. The program encourages international cooperation, with a focus on fostering cross-border innovation in science and technology.
Benefits of the WISER Scholarship Program
Tenure and Financial Assistance
The WISER Scholarship offers the following benefits to successful candidates:
- Duration: Up to 3 years or until the completion of the project, whichever comes first.
- Funding: Comprehensive financial assistance covering essential research needs, including:
- Research Staff (for Indian researchers)
- Consumables and contingency funds
- One short-term visit (up to 1 month) to the host country annually
- Travel and Stay Expenses, including:
- Single round-trip airfare
- Visa fees
- Medical insurance
- Per diem for the research stay
Maximum Funding
The maximum funding provided through the WISER Scholarships is:
- 39 lakhs for Indian researchers
- € 48,000 for German researchers
Additional Benefits of WISER
The WISER Program aims to create a supportive ecosystem for women researchers, offering the following benefits:
- Global Exposure: Gain access to international expertise, collaborate with global leaders in the field, and broaden your research experience.
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with diverse research teams, institutions, and professionals across borders.
- Skill Enhancement: Engage in knowledge exchange, develop new skills, and enhance your research capabilities through exposure to different scientific methodologies.
By offering these resources and opportunities, the WISER Scholarship program empowers women researchers to overcome barriers and advance in their STEM careers.
Eligible Nationalities for the WISER Scholarship
The WISER Scholarship is open to female researchers from the following countries:
- Germany
- India
Eligibility Criteria
The WISER Scholarship is designed for women researchers who meet the following criteria:
- Research Positions: Applicants must hold regular or long-term research positions in academia, research institutions, or industries in India or Germany.
- Career Stage: Preference will be given to early to mid-career researchers.
- Age Limit: There is no age limit, making this program accessible to a broad range of applicants.
Application Procedure
The WISER Scholarship application process is straightforward and user-friendly:
1. Identify a Project
Applicants are required to collaborate with an ongoing R&D project in either India or Germany.
2. Application Submission
Submit your application through the online form.
Apply Online
3. Required Documents
Ensure you follow the guidelines provided in the WISER Application Format and User Manual to complete your submission.
4. Application Timeline
Applications are accepted year-round, offering flexibility for researchers to apply at their convenience.