Fellowship Guidance for Social Work
Are you planning to pursue M.Phil., Ph.D. or independent research?
This page provides you with a complete guide on national and international fellowships. Know the eligibility, benefits, tips and updates in one place.
Indian Government Fellowships
These fellowships are offered by national agencies to support research in social sciences and for the upliftment of marginalized communities.
| Fellowship Name | Eligibility | Benefits | Application Process | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
UGC-JRF (Via NET) |
Postgraduates |
₹31,000-₹35,000/month for 5 years |
Apply through UGC NET | |
ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship |
Ph.D. aspirants in social sciences |
₹20,000-₹25,000/month |
Apply via ICSSR portal | |
RGNF (Rajiv Gandhi) |
SC/ST students |
₹31,000/month + contingency |
Through UGC/official site | |
MANF |
Minority students |
Same as JRF |
Online application | |
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) |
Marginalized groups for foreign study |
Tuition + living expenses |
Ministry of social justice |
University / Institutional Fellowships
These fellowships are provided by universities to support internal research scholars as well as specific projects that require funding.
| Fellowship | Offered by | Details | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
Tiss Research Fellowship |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences |
For M.Phil./Ph.D. students | |
SPPU Fellowships |
Savitribai Phule Pune University |
For registered research scholars | |
IGNOU Research Fellowships |
Indira Gandhi National Open University |
For full time research |
International Fellowships
Global funding opportunities for research and study in the field of social work and development
| Fellowship/Scholarship | Eligibility/Target | Details | Click here |
|---|---|---|---|
Fulbright Nehru Fellowship |
Indian researchers for U.S. study |
Tuition, living, travel | |
Commonwealth Scholarships |
Study in the UK |
Tuition + stipend | |
UNESCO/UNDP Fellowships |
Research in development/social work |
Project based funding |
Research & Assistantship Opportunities
For those seeking short-term or project-based roles in academia
| Fellowship/Scholarship | Learn more |
|---|---|
ICSSR Project Assistants | |
Research Assistant positions in social work departments | |
NGO/CSR funded research projects |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fellowship and why is it awarded in social work education?
A fellowship is a financial and academic support given to students or researchers to pursue higher education, conduct independent research, or contribute to academic projects. In social work education, a fellowship is often awarded for Ph.D. or individual research in areas such as social justice, policy, and community development.
Who can apply for a Social Work Research Fellowship?
Most fellowships are open to postgraduates, Ph.D. aspirants or those enrolled in research programmes. Some fellowships also have specific eligibility criteria based on caste, community, income or research theme. For example, RGNF is for SC/ST students, while MANF is for minorities.
What are the benefits of receiving a fellowship?
Fellowships usually include a monthly stipend, research expenses, travel allowance, or full tuition. In addition to the money, they also provide academic mentoring, networking opportunities, and institutional support. All of these are valuable for the development of a researcher.
Are there fellowships for studying abroad for social work?
Yes! Programs like Fulbright-Nehru, Commonwealth Scholarships and UNESCO Fellowships are offered for international education to conduct research in social work, social development, human rights etc. They also cover tuition, living expenses and travel etc.
Are fellowships only for research and academic work?
Some fellowships fund academic research, while others are for internships, leadership development, grassroots work, international exchanges, or creative projects. It all depends on the purpose of the fellowship.