Application Deadline:
01 Jul 2026
About Organisation
The United States – India Educational Foundation works to strengthen educational and cultural ties between India and the United States through academic exchanges. Established to promote mutual understanding between the two countries, USIEF administers several prestigious scholarship and fellowship programmes for students, scholars, and professionals. By supporting research, teaching, and academic collaboration, the foundation enables talented individuals to study, conduct research, and share knowledge across borders. Its initiatives aim to build long-term partnerships between institutions and encourage intellectual exchange. Through programmes such as the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, USIEF supports innovative research, academic leadership, and collaborative solutions to global and regional challenges.
About the Grant
The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships support Indian Ph.D. scholars seeking to conduct research related to their doctoral dissertation at institutions in the United States. The fellowship aims to strengthen research capacity and promote collaborative solutions to global challenges. Selected fellows can undertake research, audit non-degree academic courses, and engage with experts in their field while gaining exposure to U.S. academic and professional environments. The fellowship typically supports research stays lasting six to nine months. Priority areas include critical minerals and supply chains, defense and security, energy security, science and research collaboration, space cooperation, and technology and innovation, encouraging forward-looking and interdisciplinary research proposals.
Who can Apply?
The fellowship is open to Indian scholars currently enrolled in a Ph.D. programme at a recognized Indian institution. Applicants must have registered for their Ph.D. on or before November 1, 2025, and their thesis submission date must be at least three months after the fellowship end date. Candidates must justify the need to conduct research in the United States and identify a suitable host institution. A recommendation letter from the Ph.D. supervisor confirming research details and registration is required. Applicants must also submit an academic writing sample such as a published paper or thesis extract. Government employees in civil services and state services are not eligible.
How to Apply?
Applicants must complete and submit the online application through the official fellowship portal. The application requires detailed academic information, a research proposal, recommendation letters including one from the Ph.D. supervisor, and supporting documents such as a writing sample. Candidates employed at organizations must also provide an employer endorsement confirming leave for the fellowship period. All documents should be carefully uploaded before submitting the final application.
Application Deadline
Applications for the fellowship must be submitted online by July 1, 2026, at 23:59:59 IST. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered during the selection process.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
