Imagine standing on the stage of an international conference in London, Tokyo, Berlin, Singapore, or New York, presenting your research to world-renowned scientists and scholars.
For many Indian researchers, that dream often ends with one obstacle:
The cost of international travel.
Airfare, visa fees, conference expenses, and other travel costs can easily run into lakhs of rupees, making it difficult for deserving researchers to participate.
Recognizing this challenge, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)—the successor to the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)—offers the International Travel Support (ITS) Scheme. The scheme is designed to help eligible Indian researchers attend and present their work at international scientific events by providing financial assistance.
Whether you are a PhD scholar, faculty member, scientist, postdoctoral researcher, or an early-career academic, this guide explains how the scheme works, who can apply, what expenses may be covered, and how to improve your chances of receiving support.
What is the ANRF International Travel Support (ITS) Scheme?
The ANRF International Travel Support (ITS) Scheme is a financial assistance programme that supports Indian researchers participating in international academic events held outside India.
The scheme primarily aims to:
- Encourage Indian researchers to present original research internationally.
- Promote collaboration with global research institutions.
- Increase the visibility of Indian science and engineering.
- Support deserving researchers who may otherwise be unable to afford international travel.
Unlike research grants that fund laboratory work, the ITS scheme focuses specifically on short-term international academic travel.
Why This Scheme Matters
International conferences are more than academic gatherings.
They provide opportunities to:
- Present original research to international experts.
- Receive constructive feedback.
- Build research collaborations.
- Meet journal editors and funding agencies.
- Explore postdoctoral and collaborative opportunities.
- Improve research impact and visibility.
Participation in reputed conferences can significantly strengthen a researcher’s academic profile.
Who Can Apply?
According to the official ANRF ITS guidelines, applicants should generally meet the following conditions:
- Be an active Indian researcher associated with a recognized university, college, R&D institution, or laboratory in India.
- Be attending an eligible international scientific event outside India.
- Have been invited to present an original research paper, deliver a lecture, or chair a scientific session, as applicable.
- Hold at least a Master’s degree in Science or a Bachelor’s degree in a professional course.
- Not have received assistance under the ITS scheme within the previous three years.
Is There an Age Limit?
This is one of the most searched questions—and one where misinformation is common.
There is no general upper age limit for the ANRF ITS scheme for conference presenters.
However, the official ITS guidelines state that young researchers below 35 years of age may also be supported for eligible international workshops, training programmes, and short-term schools (up to 21 days). Registration fee support for these applicants may also be available subject to the scheme conditions.
What Types of Events Are Eligible?
The ITS scheme supports participation in eligible international:
- Conferences
- Scientific symposiums
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Short-term schools
- Scientific training programmes (subject to scheme conditions)
The event must be held outside India.
What Expenses May Be Supported?
Depending on the category of applicant and the approved proposal, ANRF support may include:
- Economy-class international airfare
- Airport taxes
- Visa charges
- Registration fee support (for eligible young researchers under the specified conditions)
The exact support is subject to the prevailing ANRF guidelines and approval of the application.
When Should You Apply?
Applications are accepted through the ANRF online portal during the prescribed window.
The ITS portal typically accepts applications only for events falling within the announced eligibility period, and applicants are expected to apply well before the conference date through the official online system. The portal displays the currently eligible event dates when applications are open.
Official Resources
For the most up-to-date information, always use the official ANRF websites:
