IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi

Invitation to pursue Ph.D. at IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi (IITD-AD)

The establishment of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi - Abu Dhabi as the first international branch campus of IIT Delhi marks a significant stride in its global outreach and underscores the deepening educational partnership between India and the UAE.

Starting its operations in January 2024 with an M.Tech. in Energy Transition and Sustainability, it has started its Inaugural Ph.D. Program in Energy and Sustainability in January 2025. IITD-AD also offers B.Tech. Programs in Computer Science & Engineering, Energy Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. With its strategic location, future-forward programs, and the esteemed IIT Delhi heritage, the Abu Dhabi campus is poised to become a leading hub for engineering, technology, and research in the region, nurturing a new generation of global innovators and leaders.

The application fee for the Ph.D. program is AED 300, however the fee is waived for Semester I, 2025-26 applicants.

Download Brochure Ph.D. Project Titles

Admission Process

Candidates are encouraged to apply for the program irrespective of their preference for the category. The admission process is multi-stage and will consist of the following:

Shortlisting, based on the Eligibility Criteria
An interview, which may have multiple stages. The interview committee may seek recommendation letters from the referees in arriving at its final decision

Once a candidate is selected, then her/his entitled scholarship/fee waiver will be considered separately. The relevant details for the admission process are as follows:

Eligibility & Admission Requirements

Applicants who are UAE Nationals or residents and do not meet the standardised test requirements at the time of application are also welcome to apply. If Selected, they may be offered conditional acceptance, with the opportunity to fulfil the requirements within one semester of enrollment.

Important Dates
Launch of online application portal		May 02, 2025
Last date for submission of online application		June 11, 2025
Shortlisting of Applicants and Communication		June 16, 2025
Range of dates for the interview		June 23, 2025, to June 27, 2025
Declaration of the result and communication of offers		July 5, 2025
Deadline for acceptance of the offer by the candidate		July 10, 2025
Registration and orientation of the new Ph.D. students		August 18, 2025

Additional Requirements

Statement of Purpose (SoP)

Candidates can choose up to three Ph.D. projects from the provided list. Candidates applying in Full-Time (with Sponsorship) and Part-Time modes can also propose their own Ph.D. project based on the need and relevance of their Industry.

The candidates must submit a Statement of Purpose, with the following sections:

Why do you wish to pursue a PhD program at IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi? What are your expectations from the campus and the academic program, if selected? (maximum 200 words)
In the order of priority for each Ph.D. project (select up to three of the listed projects), write a summary of a maximum of 400 words addressing the following questions: What is your understanding of the Ph.D. problem selected, and what approach would you adopt to research the problem?

How do your background and interests make you a suitable candidate for working on this Ph.D. project?

The Ph.D. program at IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi offers flexibility through three distinct modes of enrolment:

Full-Time Students (with Assistantship): These students dedicate themselves fully to their Ph.D. research while residing on campus for the program's duration. They also gain valuable experience as Teaching or Research Assistants, for which they receive an attractive stipend. This option is ideal for individuals seeking an immersive research and teaching experience.

Full-Time Students (with Sponsorship): Supported by their employer or another organization, these full-time students are fully engaged in their research program, having secured a leave of absence for a minimum of three years. While they do not receive a stipend or general scholarship from IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi, they may be eligible for partial tuition waivers. This category caters to students whose advanced studies are supported by an external sponsor.

Part-Time Students: This mode allows working professionals to pursue their Ph.D. remotely, requiring regular visits to work in the laboratories. For the coursework phase, in the initial one semester, in-person attendance in the classes for the courses registered is mandatory. Part-Time students do not receive a stipend but may be eligible for partial fee waivers. This option is specifically designed for individuals seeking a research degree while continuing their professional careers.