Fulbright–Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships 2027-2028

The Fulbright–Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships are now open for applications for the 2027-2028 academic year. These fellowships are designed to build long-term capacity to address global challenges and develop innovative solutions in key priority areas in both India and the U.S.

📖 About the Fellowships

The Fulbright–Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships aim to:

• Support Indian scholars registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution.
• Provide opportunities to conduct research and audit non-degree courses at U.S. academic institutions.
• Enhance knowledge and gain practical work experience in suitable settings in the U.S.

Duration: 6 to 9 months.

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowships

Selected scholars will receive:

• J-1 visa support.
• Monthly stipend.
• Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (as per U.S. Government guidelines).
• Round-trip economy class air travel.
• Applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees (if any).

Note:

• No allowances are provided for dependents.
• The grant is not sufficient to support family members.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Ph.D. Registration:

   • Must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2025.
   • The expected Ph.D. thesis submission date should be at least three months after the fellowship end date. For example, if the grant ends in May 2028, the thesis cannot be submitted before August 2028.

2. Research Justification:

   • Provide a clear justification for undertaking research in the U.S.
   • Identify the U.S. institution for research and demonstrate reasonable study of resources in India and the U.S.

3. Recommendation Letter:

   • One recommendation letter must be from the Ph.D. supervisor, commenting on the applicant’s research, need for the fellowship, and indicating the Ph.D. registration date and topic.

4. Employer Endorsement (if applicable):

   • If employed, applicants must obtain an endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority using the FNDR Employer’s Endorsement Form.
   • The employer must confirm that leave will be granted for the fellowship period.

5. Supporting Documents:

   • Upload a copy of the original published/presented paper or extracts from the Master’s/M.Phil. thesis (not exceeding 20 pages).

6. Ineligibility:

   • Employees of the Government of India and Indian State Governments (e.g., IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, and allied services) are not eligible.
   • Applicants with a Ph.D. degree or those at the final stage of Ph.D. thesis submission will not be considered.

Eligible Institutions: Researchers, scientists, and academicians from institutions like CSIR, ICAR, ICGEB, DRDO, ISRO, ICMR, DBT, DST laboratories, BARC, IISc, IITs, and other centrally funded government institutions and universities are eligible to apply.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 01 July, 2026
• Visit the official application website to apply.

For more details, visit the official Fulbright–Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships page or the application portal.

• J-1 visa support.
• Monthly stipend.
• Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines.
• Round-trip economy class air travel.
• Applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees, if any.
• No allowances for dependents, and the grant is not sufficient to support family members.