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Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships 2025-26

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Eligibility

Indian Ph.D. scholars who are registered at an Indian institution

Region

India

Award

A monthly stipend, round-trip economy class air travel, and other benefits

Deadline

Closed

About The Program

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships 2025-26 is an opportunity for Indian Ph.D. scholars registered at an Indian institution. Administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)*, these fellowships provide funding for research in the U.S. for six to nine months. Applications are invited from applicants in the following fields:

  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Anthropology Bioengineering
  • Computer Science
  • Chemistry, Economics
  • Education Policy and Planning
  • Energy Studies
  • Geography
  • History
  • Language and Literature
  • International Law
  • International Security and Strategic Studies
  • Materials Science (with an emphasis on environmental applications)
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Neurosciences
  • Performing Arts
  • Physics
  • Physical Sciences
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy
  • Sociology
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Visual Arts
  • Women’s and Gender Studies

The fellowship provides a monthly stipend, accident & sickness program for exchanges under U.S. Government guidelines, round-trip economy class air travel, applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees, if any. 

*Founded in 1950, the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) serves as a bridge between India and the United States, promoting mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchange programs.

Source: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)

EligibilityDeadline Date: Closed

To be eligible, the applicant must:- 

  • be an Indian national
  • be a registered Ph.D. scholar at an Indian institution on or before 1st November 2023
  • have done adequate research in the relevant field, especially in the identification of resources in India 
  • have a strong academic record as evidenced in the transcripts and recommendations

Note:- These fellowships are intended for doctoral students in the early stages of their research. Applicants who have already completed their Ph.D. or are in the final stages of thesis submission are not eligible.

Benefits

Selected scholars will receive the following benefits:-

  • A monthly stipend
  • J-1 visa support
  • Accident and sickness program for exchanges as per U.S. Government guidelines
  • Round-trip economy class airfare
  • Applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees, if any

Note:- Dependent allowances are not available. The grant amount is not sufficient to support family members.

Documents
  • A valid passport
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
  • Scanned copies of academic transcripts, including diploma/degree/certificates from bachelor’s degree onwards
  • Language test scores 
  • Personal statement
  • Writing sample (not exceeding 20 pages)
  • A scanned copy of Ph.D. registration certificate
  • FNDR Applicant Annexure
  • FNDR Employer's Endorsement Form (if applicable)
  • Letter of invitation (if applicable)
  • Original published/presented paper or extracts from the Master's/M.Phil. thesis (not exceeding 20 pages)

Note:- Refer to the 'FNDR Applicant Checklist' for more detailed information.

How can you apply?

Eligible candidates can apply for the fellowship by following the steps mentioned below:-

Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button.
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button on the right-hand side of the dashboard and fill in the required details to 'Register'. (Note - If already registered, log in using the registered email Id.) 
Step 3: Navigate to the 'How to Apply' section and click on the first link.
Step 4: For first-time users, click on the 'Create an Account' link, whereas registered users click on Login.
Step 5: To register for an account, enter an email address, first and last name, and date of birth and click on 'Continue'.
Step 6: Enter the pin received through email to activate the account and create a password to complete the process.
Step 7: After successfully creating the account, fill in the required information step-by-step and upload the necessary documents in the specified format. (Note:- Applicants who already have an account can log in using valid credentials.)
Step 9: Fill any required additional information and submit the form.

Note:- The name must be entered exactly the way it appears (or will appear) on the applicant's passport.

Important Dates
Application Deadline 15 July 2024
Review of Applications September 2024
USIEF informs the applicants about the review outcome     October 2024
Interviews of short-listed candidates Late October 2024
USIEF notifies the Principal Investigator and alternate nominees, who must then take the TOEFL exam End October 2024
USIEF forwards applications of recommended candidates to the U.S. for J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) approval and placement December 2024
USIEF notifies the finalists about the FFSB approval March/April 2025
Pre-Departure Orientation May/June 2025
Pre-academic training in the U.S. (if required) July/August 2025
Beginning of the Program  August/September 2025

 

Note:- Applications submitted before 2nd February 2024 will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

The selection process involves an initial screening of applications followed by national interviews held in Delhi. Subsequently, the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) makes the final selections for the scholars.

Important documents
Terms and Conditions
  • Fellows will be affiliated with one US host institution for the grant.
  • Applicants can apply for only one Fulbright-Nehru fellowship category during a competition cycle.
  • Plagiarism in the application will lead to disqualification.
  • Fulbright-Nehru applications are to be submitted online.
  • Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
  • Extensions or transfer of visa sponsorship will not be permitted.
  • This grant is intended for Ph.D. students to conduct dissertation research. The expected Ph.D. thesis submission date must be at least three months after the Fulbright-Nehru grant ends. Applicants can download the Applicant Annexure from the USIEF website or the documents section above.
  • Employed applicants must follow instructions regarding employer endorsement. If applicable, obtain endorsement from the appropriate authority on the FNDR Employer's Endorsement Form, confirming leave will be granted for the fellowship period. 
Contact Details

United States-India Educational Foundation
12, Hailey Road
New Delhi 110 001
Email ID: ffsp@usief.org.in | Phone Number: (+91-11)-4209-0909/2332-8944 | Fax Number: (+91-11)-2332-9718

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