Scholarships to bring top Indian students to Monash

Two PhD candidates have been awarded prestigious Victorian India Doctoral Scholarships (VIDS), allowing them to undertake their PhD studies at Monash University.

Sathish Thirunavukkarasu and Debabrata Sikdar are among ten top-ranked Indian students awarded the scholarships by the Australia India Institute on behalf of the Victorian Government.

VIDS are awarded to high-achieving Indian students, allowing them to complete their doctoral studies at Victorian universities. The scholarships cover living expenses and tuition fees for the duration of the recipients' studies.

Professor Rod Devenish, Deputy Chair of Monash University’s Graduate Research Committee said the VIDS program was designed to support the best and brightest Indian scholars.

“Monash prides itself on being a truly global university with a global approach to its education and research activities, so we're pleased to support this Victorian Government initiative," Professor Devenish said.

"We consider it a privilege to have two such accomplished scholars joining our university and - we anticipate - adding to our reputation for research excellence."

Mr Thirunavukkarasu will undertake research into the prevention of diabetes through the International Public Health Unit's Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program, while Mr Sikdar will be involved in research into communication engineering and optical broadband technologies.

The scholarships were awarded to the successful candidates by the Premier of Victoria, Ted Baillieu in New Delhi earlier this week.

Mr Baillieu said that scholarships supported research that contributed to global knowledge while also helping build closer partnerships between India and Australian.

For more information on scholarships available to PhD students, visit the Monash Graduate Research School website.