Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) is pleased to announce a call for applications for Shastri Student Research in India Fellowships (SSRIF). The desired SSRIF applicants are Canadian students studying in undergraduate and graduate degree programs, primarily in SICI's Canadian Member universities. SSRIF recipients will commence a 6-8 weeks research project in India under the supervision of Indian faculty members in their host Indian institutions in subject areas where they desire/require research experience. The SSRIF Project is part of SICI's Canadian Scholars to India (CSI) Program, funded by Global Affairs Canada's Government of Canada. The CSI Program aims to improve and diversify Canadian scholars' short-term academic mobility to India.
Students' research proposals may include all domains of studies, such as Social Sciences and Humanities, Arts, Commerce and Management and STEM. Please note the topic and content of the research proposal should focus on essential subject matters concerning Canada or India.
SRIF Project Objectives
- Provide intensive 6-8 week multidisciplinary research training with Indian institutions.
- Guide students under Indian faculty to understand advanced research techniques.
- Enhance Canadian students' global knowledge and research capabilities.
- Foster invaluable insights, multicultural awareness, and confidence.
- Offer profound insights into the bi-national academic community.
- Forge lifelong networks with Indian host institutions and the community.
Eligibility
- SSRIF applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at Canadian public universities.
- Preference will be given to students enrolled in SICI's Canadian Member Universities. (Link to SICI's Canadian Member Universities list. SICI Canadian-Member-Institutions)
- Proficiency in English is a requirement for SSRIF applicants.
Eligibility Restrictions
- Canadian Students previously granted short-term studies/training/internships in India under SICI are eligible to reapply after a two-year gap from their return date.
- Applicants must not hold another degree from an Indian institution or be concurrently enrolled in one.
Code of Ethics
- Applicants are advised to follow the 'Policy on Academic Integrity and Code of Ethics (PAICE)' governing the programs administered by Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute.
Value of SSRIF Project Grant
- Up to CAD$ 8,500/per SSRIF Project Grant.
- The grant value will cover the cost of an appropriate Indian visa, vaccination, health insurance, air travel (international), domestic travel in India, accommodation in India, communications, registration and any other mandatory fees in Indian Host Institutions (if required), and a stipend.
Number of SSRIF Grants
- Twelve (12)
Support for Indigenous and Financially Challenged Students
- SICI promotes the participation of Indigenous and financially challenged Canadian students in its international mobility programs.
- At least 50% (minimum of seven) of SSRIF Project grants will be awarded to eligible students from these backgrounds.
SRIF Timeframe and Duration
- Research Period: September 2024 – March 2025
- Placement Duration in India: 6-8 weeks
Host Institution Placement in India
- Students may identify their host institution and supervisor in India.
- Alternatively, upon selection, SICI will find a suitable Indian host institution and research supervisor for the student.
Disbursement of Funds:
- SICI will release the stipend in two installments as below:
- The 1st Installment, which is 75% of the stipend money, will be disbursed upon signing the letter of agreement between SICI and the recipient student's Institution.
- SICI will release the remaining 25% of the stipend upon receipt and approval of the final report submitted by the students.
Application Requirements
- A complete application package should be submitted as a single PDF file containing the following documents in sequential order:
- Completed SSRIF Application Form.
- 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from the student's Institution. (template enclosed)
- Applicant's Curriculum Vitae (maximum three pages).
- Copies of official transcripts (relevant/most recent).
- Letter of reference in SICI format.
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, or permanent residency card).
- Certificate of Ethical Approval (if applicable).
Evaluation Criteria
- A four-member bi-national adjudicating committee will review all SSRIF applications and select the successful awardees based on the following criteria:
- Quality of the research proposal on topics/issues relevant to Canada or India (10 points).
- Alignment of the applicant's academic background and research interests with the proposed field of research (10 points).
- Assessment of the applicant's qualifications, encompassing both academic and extracurricular activities (10 points).
- Potential of the research fellowship to enhance the applicant's knowledge, research skills, and overall learning (10 points).
- Demonstrated willingness to adapt to and respect the cultural norms of India (10 points).
Important Notes:
- All fellowships will be subject to receipt of funds from Global Affairs Canada.
- SICI reserves the right to change the fellowship amount and the number of awards.
- Plagiarism will lead to disqualification.
- SICI will not adjudicate incomplete applications.
Application Deadline
- July 31, 2024
How to apply :
- Email your complete application package to siciapp@ucalgary.ca with the subject line- "SSRIF Project 2024-25" by July 31, 2024 (MDT).
Application Form: Form
No Objection Certificate (template): Form
Letter of Reference: Form
Report: Form
For any further clarification/information/queries, please email:
Mahmuda Aldeen
Email: maldeen@ucalgary.ca
Program and Member Relations Officer
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
Canada Office
# 1418 Education Tower
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary AB T2N 1N4, Canada