Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships (2026-2027) at U.S.

Post-Research Grant Opportunity: Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships (2026–2027) at U.S. Academic Institutions, U.S.

Overview

The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships offer Indian Ph.D. scholars the opportunity to conduct research in the United States for six to nine months. Administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), these fellowships aim to build long-term capacity to address global challenges and develop innovative solutions in key priority areas in both India and the U.S. Scholars will engage in research, audit non-degree courses, and gain practical experience in U.S. academic settings.

Key Details of the Grant

Grant Title: 2026–2027 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
Host Institution: U.S. Academic Institutions (applicant-suggested affiliation)
Administering Organization: United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
Location: United States
Type of Grant: Full-time, Research Fellowship
Duration: 6–9 months
Start Date: August/September 2026
Funding/Compensation: Monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, applicable allowances, and modest affiliation fees (if any)

Research Areas

Eligible disciplines include:

Agricultural Sciences
Anthropology
Bioengineering
Chemistry
Computer Science (including cybersecurity, digital economy, quantum computing, AI, machine learning, big data analytics)
Earth Sciences
Economics
Education Policy and Planning
Energy Studies
Environmental Science/Studies
History
Language/Literature/Linguistics
Materials Science (emphasis on environmental applications)
Mathematical Sciences
Neuroscience
Performing Arts
Physics
Political Science (including International Security and Strategic Studies)
Psychology
Public Health (including pandemic preparedness and comprehensive surveillance)
Public Policy
Sociology
Urban and Regional Planning (emphasis on smart cities and waste management)
Visual Arts

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Indian citizenship
Registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2024
Adequate research in the relevant field, especially in identifying resources in India and the U.S.
Strong academic record
Expected Ph.D. thesis submission date at least three months after the Fulbright-Nehru grant end date
One recommendation letter must be from the Ph.D. supervisor, indicating the Ph.D. registration date and topic

Preferred Qualifications:

Letter of invitation from a U.S. institution (optional but recommended)
Prior research publications or field experience
Interdisciplinary or globally relevant research topics

Not Eligible:

Individuals holding or pursuing U.S. citizenship/PR
Scholars not currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in India
Individuals who have already received Fulbright-Nehru grants
Employees of the Government of India and Indian State Governments, including civil servants in central services (such as IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, and allied services), state government services (including state civil services), and bureaucratic staff employed in central and state ministries or departments

Grant Benefits

Visa Sponsorship: Yes (J-1 visa)
Monthly Stipend: Provided for living expenses in the U.S.
Health Insurance: Covered for the duration of stay
Travel Allowances: Round-trip economy class airfare
Professional Development Funding: Applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees (if any)
Dependent Support: Not applicable; the grant is not sufficient to support family members

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submit the online application via the USIEF portal:
Carefully review the FNDR Applicant Instructions before starting your application
Refer to the FNDR Applicant Checklist before submitting the application
Complete and upload the FNDR Applicant Annexure and FNDR Employer’s Endorsement Form (if applicable)

Required Documents:

Completed Application Form
Updated CV/Resume
Research Proposal
Proof of Ph.D. registration
Letters of Recommendation (2), including one from the Ph.D. supervisor
Letter of Invitation from U.S. institution (optional but recommended)
Original published/presented paper or extracts from the Master’s/M.Phil. thesis (not exceeding 20 pages)