Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program 2025-26

Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program 2025-26 is an opportunity provided by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State to graduate degree holders and students to be placed in the U.S. School of Education for one semester. It aims to provide them with the opportunity to gain greater expertise in their field and enhance their teaching skills. The program fee of the selected candidates is covered and they also will receive a daily allowance and other benefits.

Source: United States - India Educational Foundation

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State is offering this opportunity.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be an Indian national
• teach and reside in India at the time of application
• hold a bachelor’s degree (a teacher’s training is preferred)
• have a full-time teaching experience of at least 5 years at the time of starting the program
• demonstrate English Language skills sufficient to audit university courses and to teach, lead seminars, and give presentations in U.S. schools
• be committed to continue teaching or working in their field after completing the program.
• plan to continue working in elementary or secondary education for at least five years after the program's conclusion.

Note:-

• Library media specialists, guidance counsellors, curriculum specialists, special education coordinators, and administrators at the primary and secondary levels who dedicate at least half of their time to teaching or direct student interaction are also eligible to apply.
• Teacher trainers working with pre-service or in-service elementary or secondary school teachers can apply for this teaching program.

Non-eligibility:

• Ministry of Education officials, full-time principals or educational administrators, university faculty, private English Language tutors, part-time teachers, and P.hD. research scholars are not eligible.
• Individuals who have resided in the United States for five or more consecutive years in the six-year period preceding the date of application cannot apply for this award.
   

The following benefits can be availed by the selected teachers:

• J-1 visa support
• Pre-departure orientation in India
• Round-trip airfare to and within the U.S.
• Welcome orientation in Washington, D.C.
• Academic program fees
• Housing (generally shared with other program fellows) and meals
• Coverage for accident and sickness medical insurance (does not cover pre-existing conditions)
• Transportation to the local school if necessary
• A daily allowance for incidentals during the university academic program
• A baggage and technology allowance

Note:- The program fellows can compete for small grants awards for essential teaching materials, to offer follow-on training for other teachers and other activities after returning to the home country.

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

Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button below. 
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details (Note:- If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID).
Step 3: Navigate to the 'Application Procedure' 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, birthday 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, log in using valid credentials.
Step 8: Fill in the required information step-by-step and upload the required documents in PDF format as required​.
Step 9: Fill in the grant and additional information and submit the form.

• A valid visa and passport
• A photograph
• Curriculum Vitae
• Institutional Support and Reference Form
• Leave Approval Form
• Academic Certificates
• Proof of teaching experience

Selection is merit-based.  A committee will screen applications, interview shortlisted candidates, and forward nominees to Washington, D.C. Experts there will review nominations and recommend finalists to the Fulbright Board for approval.

Note:- All applicants will be notified in December 2025.

Application Deadline: 26th March 2025

Question: Who is providing this scholarship?
Answer: The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State is offering this scholarship.

Question: Are there accommodation costs in this award?
Answer: Yes, the accommodation costs are a part of this award.

Question: Are visa costs covered under this scholarship?
Answer: Yes, J-1 visa support is provided by this scholarship.

Question: Can dependents accompany the participants to the United States?
Answer: No, the dependents cannot accompany the program participants to the United States.

Question: What is the mode of application for this scholarship?
Answer: The mode of application is online through the official Fulbright Teacher Exchanges Online Application 2025 website.

• Participants are not allowed to take dependents to the United States.
• Applicants may apply to either the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (FTEA) Program or the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for International Teachers (FDAI), but not both. Applying to both programs will result in disqualification.
• Plagiarism in the application form will also lead to disqualification.