Applications are invited for the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships 2026-2027 by USIEF. Apply at the earliest.

About USIEF

The United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF) promotes mutual understanding between the nationals of India and the U.S. through the educational exchange of outstanding scholars, professionals and students. Since its inception, USIEF has awarded approximately 20,000 Fulbright, Fulbright-Nehru, and other prestigious grants and scholarships in almost every academic discipline.

About the Program

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are designed for highly motivated individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, have at least three years professional work experience, and are committed to return and contribute to their communities in India.

These fellowships are awarded for up to two years to pursue a master’s degree at U.S. colleges and universities.

Grant Benefits

The fellowship will provide the following benefits

  • J-1 visa support;
  • Round-trip economy class air travel from fellow’s home city to the host institution in the U.S.
  • Funding for tuition and fees*, living and related costs; and
  • Accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines.

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships provide no financial support for dependents.
* USIEF funding may not cover all costs and the scholar may need to supplement grant benefits with other resources.

Eligibility Requirements

In addition to the General Prerequisites, the applicant:

  • Must have completed an equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university with at least 55% marks. Applicants must either possess a four-year bachelor’s degree or a completed master’s degree; or a full-time postgraduate diploma from a recognized Indian institution, if the bachelor’s degree is of less than four years’ duration;
  • Must have at least three years’ full-time (paid) professional work experience relevant to the proposed field of study by the application deadline;
  • Should demonstrate experience in leadership and community service;
  • Must not have another degree from a U.S. university or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program; and
  • If employed, should follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement. If applicable, obtain the endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority on the FNMasters Employer’s Endorsement Form. The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period.
  • Employees of the Government of India and Indian State Governments are not eligible for any Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships. This includes 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.

Deadline

Application Deadline: May 14, 2025, 23:59:59 hrs (IST)

How to Apply?

  1. Applications must be submitted online at: here
  2. Please carefully review the FNMaster’s Applicant Instructions before starting your online application
  3. Please refer to FNMaster’s Applicant Checklist before submitting the application.
  4. In addition, you must complete FNMaster’s Applicant Annexure and  FNMaster’s Employer’s Endorsement Form (if applicable) and upload on your online application.

Click here to view the official notification of Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships 2026-2027 by USIEF

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