The AICTE-Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University) or QIP(FU) is a prestigious initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), launched to support regular faculty of AICTE-approved institutions in pursuing doctoral research in globally top-ranked universities. Approved in AICTE’s 55th Council Meeting on 14 August 2018, the programme aims to bridge the gap in doctoral qualifications among faculty by providing financial assistance to those seeking to earn a Ph.D. from top 500 global institutions (as per QS, Times Higher Education, and Shanghai Rankings).
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: AICTE-Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University) – QIP(FU)
• Launched By: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
• Target Group: Full-time faculty of AICTE-approved institutions
• Purpose: Doctoral research (Ph.D.) from top 500 foreign universities
• Financial Support: ₹25,000 per month for one year
• Application Mode: Offline (Direct submission to AICTE HQ)
• Start Year: 2018 (Continuing with 2025 updates)
Objectives of the Programme
• Enhance global competitiveness of Indian faculty
• Bridge the doctoral gap among teaching professionals in India
• Strengthen academic and research standards through global exposure
• Expand opportunities beyond teaching to global employment and research
• Encourage collaboration with top foreign universities having advanced R&D ecosystems
Benefits
• Monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for a maximum period of 12 months (1 year)
• Opportunity to study at world-class institutions with access to advanced labs, libraries, and research networks
• Eligibility to obtain other grants like travel, assistantships, and scholarships (non-AICTE funded)
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a full-time regular/permanent faculty in an AICTE-approved degree-level college
• Minimum three years of teaching experience at the graduate level
• Must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Should have an admission offer from one of the top 500 foreign universities (based on QS, THE, or Shanghai Rankings)
• Admission must be secured within the last five years from the year of application
Application Process
Offline Application Steps
-
Secure admission to a Ph.D. programme in a top 500 globally ranked university
-
Obtain Visa, travel grant, and any available assistantships or fellowships from the institution
-
Prepare documents and fill the application form provided by AICTE
-
Submit the application with all documents to the following address:
Postal Address:
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
Nelson Mandela Marg,
Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070
Phone: 011-26131576-78,80
Documents Required
• Duly filled Application Form with photograph
• Admission letter from the foreign university with start and end dates
• Valid passport and visa copy, including onward journey date
• Mandate Form signed by the Head of Institution in India
• Undertaking letter submitted to the parent institute
• Authentication and recommendation letter from parent institute verifying eligibility
• Proof of releasing the faculty member from institutional duties
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When the Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme was approved by AICTE?
Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme was approved in the 55th Meeting of the Council of AICTE held on 14th August 2018. - What is the short form of Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme?
The short form of the Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme is QIP (FU). - What are the subjects available for the faculty to pursue his / her Ph.D?
The subjects chosen by the faculty should be from among the list of core subjects/courses approved by the AICTE during 2017 or later added or modified as the case may be. - Whether the eligibility criteria for pursuing PhD in foreign university/institution can be relaxed?
No. The faculty aspiring for admissions in doctoral degree in foreign university / institution should fulfill the criteria mentioned in the Scheme document on the cut-off date mentioned by the foreign university / institution. - Whether the faculty who has already got PhD is eligible to again pursue PhD from foreign university / institution by taking advantage of QIP (FU)?
No. The faculty who has already obtained PhD shall not be eligible for undertaking PhD under QIP(FU). - Whether the faculty who is pursuing PhD by availing scholarship under QIP progamme can be considered under QIP(FU)?
The faculty who has obtained admission for PhD degree in Indian University and is pursuing and obtained scholarship from AICTE under its QIP programme or from any other schemes of Government of India / funding agencies in India shall not be considered for QIP (FU). - What financial support shall AICTE provide to faculty who pursue Ph.D from foreign university / institution under QIP (FU)?
On production application in format supported with valid documents conveying that the faculty has obtained admission in doctoral programme leading to award of PhD degree in the top ranking 500 foreign university /college and authenticated by its parent University / college in India alongwith filled-up Mandate form, the faculty shall be provided scholarship for first year of the programme only. - Why scholarship under QIP (FU) is provided for 1st year i.e. first 12 months only?
AICTE shall provide scholarship to each faculty who has obtained admission and started pursuing Ph.D degree in the foreign university / institution for 1st year i.e. for 12 months. It is well conceived that there is dearth of funds available in the form of scholarships / fellowships / student assistantships and also other grants etc. which are provided to the students etc. by the foreign universities and other international agencies, which the faculty pursuing PhD may easily procure. - Who are eligible for the scheme?
A full time regular/permanent faculty members of AICTE recognized Degree Level Colleges are eligible to apply.