Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships 2026-27

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships 2026-27 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. 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)

The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) is offering this opportunity.

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 2024
• 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.

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.

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: For first-time users, click on the 'Create an Account' link, whereas registered users click on Login.
Step 4: To register for an account, enter an email address, first and last name, and date of birth and click on the 'Continue' button.
Step 5: Enter the pin received through email to activate the account and create a password to complete the process.
Step 6: 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 7: 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.

• 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.

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.

Application Deadline: 15th July 2025

Note:- Applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Question: What is the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship?
Answer: This fellowship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, enables Indian doctoral students to conduct research in the United States for six to nine months.

Question: Who administers the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships in India?
Answer: The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) administers these fellowships.

Question: Where can I find the official and most current information?
Answer: The official USIEF website (usief.org.in) is the definitive source of information. Kindly refer to this site for the most accurate details.

Question: What are the benefits of the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship?
Answer: The fellowship typically provides a monthly stipend and other benefits.

Questions: How are fellows selected?
Answers: Selection is based on academic merit, the quality of the research proposal, and the applicant's potential to contribute to the U.S.-India relationship. 

• 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.