Each year, the Fulbright Program grants around 9,000 awards, benefiting a diverse group of scholarship recipients. This includes nearly 4,000 international students and 900 visiting scholars, along with several hundred educators and professionals. Since its inception in 1946, the program has supported over 4,00,000 participants from more than 160 countries, fostering academic exchange, research collaboration, and cultural understanding worldwide.
Fulbright Scholarships 2026-27: Funding, Policies and Selection
The primary source of funding comes from an annual allocation by the U.S. Congress to the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), supplemented by contributions from partner governments, academic institutions, corporations, foundations, and alumni. The ECA oversees the global program, setting priorities, allocating resources, and managing administration through non-governmental implementing partners, including the Institute of International Education (IIE), World Learning, IREX, and Amideast.
A Presidentially-appointed Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board determines policies. They are also responsible for selecting participants, and promotion of the program internationally. In 49 countries, binational Fulbright Commissions, jointly funded by the U.S. and partner governments, organise educational exchanges, recruit candidates and provide guidance on how to pursue studies in the US. In nations without commissions, the US embassies manage the program alongside local governments.
Fulbright Scholarships 2026-27: Fulbright Opportunities
The United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF) administers the Fulbright Program in India. India is one of the over 160 countries participating in the Fulbright Program and India’s program is one of the largest with more than 350 fellowships granted annually.
The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) is the forum that offers diverse grants for Indian citizens, supporting study, research, teaching, and professional growth in the US. They are as under:
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships enable Indian students to pursue Master’s degrees in the US with full financial support, while Ph.D. candidates can conduct part of their research at the US institutions, benefiting from mentorship and advanced resources.
- Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships meant for faculty, scientists, artists, and professionals offer opportunities for research, teaching, or both at the US institutions. Early-career researchers can also apply for postdoctoral fellowships to enhance research skills and build international collaborations.
- USIEF’s professional development programs provide young and mid-career professionals with non-degree graduate study and hands-on experiences to strengthen leadership and technical expertise.
- Additionally, teacher development programs support educators, trainers, and specialists, focusing on subject mastery, innovative teaching methods, and deeper insights into the U.S. education system.
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are designed for the motivated and dedicated individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities. It is awarded for a period of two years. This fellowship program provides an opportunity to Indian students to pursue a Master’s degree in colleges and universities located in the United States. The application window for this fellowship for the academic year 2026-27 shall remain open till 14 May, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants should have completed an equivalent of a US Bachelor’s degree.
- They should have at least three years professional work experience and they should be committed to return and contribute to the growth and development of their communities in India.
- Applicants should be interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in the following subjects:
- Economics
- Environmental Science/Studies
- Higher Education Administration
- International Legal Studies
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Public Health
- Sustainable Development/Sustainability
- Urban and Regional Planning
Benefits:
This fellowship provides the following benefits:
- J-1 visa support
- It covers the cost of a round-trip economy class air ticket from a fellow’s home city to the host institution in the U.S.
- It funds the tuition and fees, living and related costs, and accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines.
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Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
With an aim to address global challenges in the long run, these fellowships empower scholars with an opportunity to conduct research and find innovative solutions. With the help of this fellowship, Indian students can gain invaluable experience in an academic setup in the US. Selected scholars can conduct research and audit non-degree courses at the academic institutions in the US. The application window for this fellowship shall remain open till July 15, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be registered for PhD at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2024.
- They should have a strong academic record.
- They should have done adequate study in the relevant field.
- This fellowship is meant to fund only pre-doctoral level research.
- Applications of those candidates who have already completed their PhD or are at the final stage of their PhD thesis submission shall be rejected.
(Note: Employees serving the Government of India or the Indian State governments are not eligible for this fellowship.)
Required Documentation:
- A letter of recommendation from the PhD supervisor that mentions the registration date of PhD, topic, and the need of the fellowship by the applicants.
- A copy of the original paper that is published/presented or extracts from the Mater’s or M.Phil thesis.
(Note: The documents should not exceed 20 pages.)
*Interested applicants can click here for more details.
Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
This programme is designed to support early-career faculty and researchers in India. It provides them with access to some of the best resources in the fields of their interest. This fellowship is an opportunity for them to enhance their research capabilities and build long-term collaborative relationships with U.S. faculty and institutions. Applications for this fellowship are open till July 15, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must have secured their PhD or a D.M. degree within the past four years (i.e. between July 15, 2021 and July 14, 2025).
- They must have done a publication in a reputed journal.
- Applicants should be interested in one of the following fields of study:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Education Policy and Planning
- History
- Language/Literature/Linguistics
- Performing Arts
- Political Science (including, but not limited to, International Security and Strategic Studies)
- Psychology
- Public Policy
- Sociology
- Urban and Regional Planning (with emphasis on smart cities and waste management)
- Visual Arts
Required Documentation:
- PhD or D.M. degree certificate/provisional
- Copy of the published paper or article
- Employed applicants are required to submit a FNPostdoc Letter of Support received from the employing institution. The letter should mention that the employer will grant leave during the period of the fellowship.
(Note: Candidates who are working in government-funded projects are also required to get endorsement from their affiliating institutions in India.)
- A detailed project statement
- Bibliography
- Detailed curriculum vitae
- Three reference letters
Benefits:
The candidates for this fellowship shall receive the following benefits:
- J-1 visa support
- A monthly stipend
- Benefits under Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges as per U.S. Government guidelines
- Round-trip economy class air travel
- A settling-in allowance
- A professional allowance
(Note: A dependent allowance and international travel may be provided for depending on the availability of funds.)
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How to apply for the Fulbright Nehru Fellowship Programmes?
In order to apply for the Fulbright Nehru Fellowship Programmes 2026-27, applicants must adhere to following steps listed below:
- To begin with, you first have to create an account by visiting the IIE online application link. Then click on ‘Create an account’.
- Following after the applicants need to enter their email address, first name, last name, and select your date of birth(from the drop down menu) and click on ‘Continue’.
Important Note:
- The names should be entered exactly in the same way it appears or shall appear in the passport (If not already made).
- Students who do not have a last name shall put FNU in it.
- They are advised to use an email ID that they will use for at least 2 years after submitting the application.
- The applicants will receive an email from Fulbright@iie.org with a temporary pin to activate their account.
- They need to enter the pin and create a password to complete the process of login.
- Applicants need to login with their email ID and password. They should click on ‘Start New Application’ and proceed further with the application process.
Fulbright Scholarships 2026-27: FAQs
What is the Fulbright Scholarship Program?
The Fulbright Scholarship Program is a prestigious international academic exchange initiative that supports students, scholars, educators, artists, and professionals worldwide through study, research, and teaching opportunities.
How many scholarships are awarded annually under the Fulbright Program?
Each year, the Fulbright Program grants approximately 9,000 scholarships, benefiting students, visiting scholars, educators, and professionals in the U.S. and over 160 countries.
How many Fulbright Scholarships are specifically meant for Indian students?
Indian students happen to be one of the largest recipients with more than 350 fellowships granted annually.
What is the main objective of the Fulbright Program?
Established in 1946, the program aims to foster mutual understanding and strengthen peaceful international relations between the United States and other countries through academic and cultural exchange.
Who funds the Fulbright Program?
The primary funding comes from the US Congress, allocated to the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), with additional contributions from partner governments, institutions, corporations, foundations, and alumni.
What is the role of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board?
The Presidentially-appointed Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board is responsible for setting policies, selecting participants, and promoting the program on a global scale.
What role does the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) play?
USIEF administers the Fulbright Program in India, offering more than 350 fellowships annually for Indian students, scholars, teachers, and professionals.
What are the major Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships available to Indian students?
Major Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships include:
- Master’s Fellowships for graduate study in the U.S.
- Doctoral Research Fellowships for Ph.D. candidates conducting research.
- Postdoctoral Fellowships for early-career faculty and researchers.
What benefits do Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellows receive?
Selected candidates receive J-1 visa support, round-trip airfare, tuition and fees, living expenses, and health insurance coverage per U.S. government guidelines.
What are the eligibility criteria applicable for Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships?
Applicants must be registered for a PhD at an Indian institution before November 1, 2024. They must have a strong academic record, and they should be able to demonstrate the need for pre-doctoral level research in the US.
How do applicants apply for Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships?
Candidates must create an account on the IIE online application portal, enter their details, activate their account, and submit the application with the required documents before the specified deadline.