Research based: MS & PhD Programs under IIT-M AARDO

The programmes offered are:

• Master of Science by Research (M.S.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

These programmes are offered under the MoU between the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) and IIT Madras.

The programme is intended for eligible candidates from AARDO member countries, subject to the eligibility and admission requirements of IIT Madras and the applicable provisions of the AARDO–IIT Madras collaboration.

Airfare support from AARDO is applicable to students from active AARDO member countries, subject to applicable AARDO rules and provisions.

Candidates with any of the following qualifications may be considered:

• A 4-year Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology;
• A recognized 4-year B.Sc. degree;
• A recognized 4-year B.S. degree; or
• A Master's degree in an appropriate Engineering, Technology, or Science discipline.

All applicants should have a minimum CGPA of 8.0/10.0, or equivalent/first class. The Selection Committees may prescribe higher evaluation criteria.

Candidates with any of the following qualifications may be considered:

• A Master's degree in Engineering, Technology, or Science with a good academic record;
• A Master's degree by Research in Engineering, Technology, or Science with a good academic record;
• A 5-year Dual Degree in Engineering; or
• A 5-year BS + MS Dual Degree with a good academic record.

Applicants should also meet the minimum CGPA of 8.0/10.0, or equivalent/first class, subject to the applicable selection criteria.

Yes. Foreign students are expected to have a working knowledge of English.

If the medium of instruction of the qualifying degree was not English, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through:

• IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 80

The test results must meet the validity requirements prescribed by IIT Madras.

Applicants should have a minimum CGPA of 8.0/10.0, or its equivalent/first class.

Please note that the Selection Committees may prescribe higher evaluation criteria than the minimum eligibility requirements.

IIT Madras has the following semesters:

• January – May
• July – November

Applicants should follow these steps:

• Review Projects – Select projects aligned with your research interests.
• Apply Online – Submit the application form with the required documents.
• Selection Process – Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual test and/or interview.
• Decision Notification – Selected candidates will be informed about the admission decision and scholarship award.
• SII Registration and Visa Processing – Necessary documents will be issued to facilitate the visa process, wherever applicable.
• Start of the Programme – Selected students attend orientation and commence their academic session at IIT Madras.

These dates are provided in the programme brochure.

Selected M.S. students will receive:

• Tuition Fee Waiver
• One-Time Admission Fee Waiver
• Monthly Living Allowance: ₹20,000
• Every semester, Enrollment Fee, Medical Fee, Seat Rent, Extra-Curricular Fee, and Student Wellness Fee will be covered by the Office of Global Engagement (OGE).

Selected Ph.D. students will receive:

• Tuition Fee Waiver
• One-Time Admission Fee Waiver
• Every semester, Enrollment Fee, Medical Fee, Seat Rent, Extra-Curricular Fee, and Student Wellness Fee will be covered by OGE.
• Monthly Living Allowance: Year 1 & Year 2: ₹37,000 per month; Year 3 & Year 4: ₹42,000 per month

The Office of Global Engagement will provide the monthly stipend for the first two years.

Subsequently, OGE will coordinate with the Guide to facilitate similar financial support for an additional two years or until completion of the degree requirements, whichever is earlier, subject to applicable rules and availability of support.

The programme brochure provides links to the:

• IIT Madras M.S. Ordinances
• IIT Madras Ph.D. Ordinances

Applicants are advised to refer to the applicable ordinances for detailed academic and programme requirements.

For further information, applicants can refer to:

• AARDO
• IIT Madras
• Office of Global Engagement, IIT Madras
• IIT Madras M.S. and Ph.D. Research Admission information
• IIT Madras M.S. and Ph.D. Ordinances