The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships aim to build long-term research capacity by addressing global challenges and developing innovative solutions in key priority areas in both India and the U.S. These fellowships offer selected Indian scholars the opportunity to conduct research at U.S. academic institutions, audit non-degree courses, and gain practical work experience in relevant academic and professional settings.
These fellowships are open to Indian scholars currently registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution and are tenable for a duration of six to nine months.
Fields of Study
Eligible disciplines include, but are not limited to:
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Agricultural Sciences
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Anthropology
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Bioengineering
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Chemistry
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Computer Science (including but not limited to cybersecurity, digital economy, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics)
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Earth Sciences
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Economics
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Education Policy and Planning
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Energy Studies
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Environmental Science/Studies
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History
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Language, Literature, and Linguistics
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Materials Science (with an emphasis on environmental applications)
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Mathematical Sciences
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Neuroscience
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Performing Arts
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Physics
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Political Science (including International Security and Strategic Studies)
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Psychology
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Public Health (including pandemic preparedness and comprehensive surveillance: genomic, sewage, sero-surveillance)
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Public Policy
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Sociology
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Urban and Regional Planning (with emphasis on smart cities and waste management)
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Visual Arts
Affiliation
Each selected fellow will be affiliated with a U.S. host institution. While applicants are encouraged to indicate their affiliation preferences, USIEF strongly recommends initiating contact with potential host institutions in advance.
If a letter of invitation from a U.S. institution is secured, it must be uploaded as part of the online application.
Grant Benefits
The fellowship includes the following benefits:
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J-1 visa sponsorship
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Monthly stipend to cover living expenses in the U.S.
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Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) per U.S. Government guidelines
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Round-trip economy-class air travel
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Modest allowances and affiliation fees, if applicable
Note: No financial support is provided for dependents, and the grant is not sufficient to support family members.
Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the General Prerequisites, applicants must meet the following conditions:
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This fellowship is meant strictly for Ph.D. students whose thesis submission date is at least three months after the grant end date.
For example, if your grant ends in May 2027, your thesis cannot be submitted before August 2027.
You must mention both your Ph.D. registration date and expected submission date in the FNDR Applicant Annexure. -
You must justify the need to conduct research in the U.S., specifying your objectives and identifying relevant U.S. academic resources and institutions.
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You must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2024.
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One of your three recommendation letters must come from your Ph.D. supervisor, stating your registration date, research progress, and the necessity of undertaking the fellowship.
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If employed, you must follow the employer endorsement process.
Submit the FNDR Employer’s Endorsement Form signed by the authorized administrative authority, confirming that leave will be granted during the fellowship period. -
Upload a copy of your published/presented paper or an extract from your Master’s/M.Phil. thesis (not exceeding 20 pages).
Note: Employees of the Government of India or Indian State Governments, including civil servants (IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS) and state or central administrative staff, are not eligible for Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships.
Also, Ph.D. holders or applicants nearing thesis submission will not be considered.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online via:
👉 https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2026
Before applying:
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Carefully read the FNDR Applicant Instructions
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Review the FNDR Applicant Checklist
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Upload the FNDR Applicant Annexure and FNDR Employer’s Endorsement Form (if applicable)
Timeline and Placement Process
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | July 15, 2025 |
| Application Review | September 2025 |
| Review Outcome Notification | October 2025 |
| Interviews for Shortlisted Candidates | Late October 2025 |
| Nomination Announcements & TOEFL | End October 2025 |
| FFSB Review & Placement | December 2025 |
| Final Results from FFSB | March/April 2026 |
| Pre-Departure Orientation | May/June 2026 |
| Pre-Academic Training in the U.S. (if required) | July/August 2026 |
| Program Commencement | August/September 2026 |
Contact
For queries, email: [email protected]
Application Deadline: July 15, 2025, 23:59:59 IST
Important Notes
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You may apply for only one Fulbright-Nehru fellowship category in a single competition cycle.
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Plagiarism in any form will result in disqualification.
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Some U.S. institutions may scan applications for AI-generated content. Copying content from generative AI tools into your application may negatively impact admission or affiliation.
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Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Visa sponsorship transfers or extensions are not permitted.
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Final participation may be impacted by public health conditions, consular services, and U.S. institutional policies.