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The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University) or QIP-FU Read More... scheme in 2018, extending a long-standing initiative to support faculty development. Read less

Details

Are you a faculty member in an AICTE-approved college looking to pursue a PhD from a top international university? The AICTE-Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme (QIP-FU) could be your gateway.

What Is This Scheme?

The QIP-FU scheme, approved by the AICTE in August 2018, is an expansion of the original Quality Improvement Programme that began in 1970. It aims to help faculty members get PhD degrees from globally recognised universities.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This programme is designed for full-time, permanent faculty members working in AICTE-recognised degree-level colleges. It's a chance to gain international exposure and advanced research experience.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The QIP-FU programme is crucial for several reasons. It opens up global opportunities for faculty to pursue doctoral studies, helps bridge the gap in PhD holders among Indian faculty, and aims to make Indian academics more competitive on the international stage. By encouraging research collaborations with highly qualified foreign faculty and utilising world-class facilities, it significantly strengthens India's research ecosystem and expands employment prospects beyond teaching.

Objective

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the Quality Improvement Programme (Foreign University) or QIP-FU scheme in 2018, extending a long-standing initiative to support faculty development.

Benefits

Monthly Fellowship:Eligible candidates will receive a fellowship amount of ₹55,000/- per month along with HRA as per norms.
Research Grant:Selected fellows will be provided a research grant of ₹2.00 Lakhs per year for project-related activities.
Field Demonstration Support:Financial assistance of ₹1,00,000/- will be provided for field demonstration during the project tenure.
Equipment Assistance:Support for the purchase of small equipment up to a maximum of ₹2,00,000/- will be provided.
Institutional Overhead Charges:Institutional overhead charges will be given as per DST norms.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

You must be a full-time, permanent faculty member in an AICTE-approved Degree Level College.
You need to have at least three years of teaching experience at the graduate level.
You must hold a Master's degree in the relevant field.
You should have already secured admission for a PhD programme at a foreign university that ranks among the top global institutions (based on QS, Times, or Shanghai rankings) within the last five years.

How To Apply

To apply for the QIP-FU programme, you need to follow these steps:

Complete the application form and attach your photograph.
Submit documents from the foreign university confirming your admission, including the duration, start, and end dates of your PhD programme.
Provide a copy of your passport and valid visa, along with your onward journey date.
Attach an attested copy of the Mandate Form, duly filled and signed by your Head of College/Institute.
Submit a copy of the 'Undertaking' provided to your parent institute in India.
Ensure your parent institute provides authentication and recommendations, confirming you meet the eligibility criteria and approving your leave.

For more details and to submit your application, please visit the official AICTE website.

Documents Required

Fully completed application form with a photograph.
Admission letter from the foreign university, specifying the duration and dates.
A copy of your passport and valid visa, along with your travel date.
Attested copy of the duly filled and signed Mandate Form from your college/institute head.
A copy of the 'Undertaking' given to your parent institute in India.
Details of your onward journey date.
Authentication/Recommendation letter from your parent institute confirming your eligibility and release for the programme.

FAQ’s

When was the AICTE's Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme approved?

The Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme (QIP-FU) received approval during the 55th Meeting of the AICTE Council on August 14, 2018.

What is the full form of QIP (FU)?

QIP (FU) stands for the Quality Improvement (Foreign University) Programme.

Can faculty already pursuing a PhD with AICTE or other Indian government scholarships apply for QIP (FU)?

No, faculty who have already secured admission and are pursuing a PhD degree with scholarships from AICTE's QIP programme or any other Indian government schemes are not eligible for the QIP (FU) scheme.

Can the eligibility rules for pursuing a PhD abroad be bent for this scheme?

No, the eligibility criteria must be strictly met as per the scheme document. Applicants must fulfill all mentioned conditions by the cut-off date specified by the foreign university.

Is there any financial aid provided under the QIP (FU) scheme for faculty pursuing a PhD overseas?

Yes, AICTE provides a scholarship for the first year (12 months) of the PhD programme to faculty members who have secured admission in the top 500 ranked foreign universities and whose application is supported by valid documents and authenticated by their parent institution.

Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship programme?

Full-time, permanent faculty members of AICTE-recognised degree-level colleges are eligible to apply for this scheme.

Why is the scholarship only provided for the first year under QIP (FU)?

The scholarship is offered for the initial 12 months because it's assumed that faculty pursuing PhD abroad can often secure funding, scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships from the foreign universities or other international agencies for the subsequent years.

Can faculty who already hold a PhD apply for this programme?

No, faculty members who have already completed their PhD are not eligible to apply for this scheme again.