Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships 2026–2027: Applications Now Open

Omran Aburayya
May 28
3 min read

If you're an Indian Ph.D. scholar seeking to enrich your research through international collaboration, the 2026–2027 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships offer a prestigious opportunity to conduct research at U.S. academic institutions. 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.

🎓Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship Summary

Location: United States
Host Institution: U.S. academic institutions (affiliation to be arranged by the applicant)
Study Level: Doctoral (pre-doctoral research)
Target Group: Indian citizens registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution
Fields of Study: See detailed list below
Value and Coverage: J-1 visa support, monthly stipend, accident and sickness program, round-trip economy class airfare, applicable allowances, and modest affiliation fees (if any)
Duration: 6 to 9 months
Application Deadline: July 15, 2025, 23:59 IST
Program Start Date: Between August and September 2026
Eligible To: Indian Ph.D. scholars registered on or before November 1, 2024

📚 Fields of Study

The fellowships are open to scholars in the following fields:

Agricultural Sciences
Anthropology
Bioengineering
Chemistry
Computer Science (including cyber security, digital economy, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics)
Earth Sciences
Economics
Education Policy and Planning
Energy Studies
Environmental Science/Studies
History
Language/Literature/Linguistics
Materials Science (with 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 (with emphasis on smart cities and waste management)
Visual Arts

📝 Scholarship Overview

The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships are designed for Indian scholars who are registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution. These fellowships provide an opportunity to conduct research, audit non-degree courses, and gain practical work experience in suitable settings in the U.S. Applicants are expected to identify and correspond with potential host institutions in the U.S. If a letter of invitation is secured, it should be included in the application.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

J-1 Visa Support: Assistance with obtaining the necessary visa for the fellowship duration.
Monthly Stipend: Financial support to cover living expenses.
Accident and Sickness Program: Health coverage as per U.S. Government guidelines.
Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class travel from India to the U.S. and back.
Applicable Allowances: Support for professional expenses, settling-in, and other incidentals.
Affiliation Fees: Coverage of modest fees charged by the host institution, if any.

Note: The fellowship does not provide allowances for dependents.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

In addition to the General Prerequisites, applicants must meet below criteria:

Ph.D. Registration: Applicants must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2024.
Thesis Submission Timeline: The expected Ph.D. thesis submission date should be at least three months after the Fulbright-Nehru grant end date.
Research Justification: Clear justification for conducting research in the U.S., including identification of resources and potential host institutions.
Recommendations: One of the three recommendation letters must be from the Ph.D. supervisor, commenting on the applicant's research and need for the fellowship.
Employer Endorsement: If employed, applicants must obtain an endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority, indicating that leave will be granted for the fellowship period.
Research Work: Applicants must upload a copy of a published/presented paper or extracts from the Master's/M.Phil. thesis (not exceeding 20 pages).
Ineligibility: Employees of the Government of India and Indian State Governments, including civil servants and bureaucratic staff, are not eligible.
Ph.D. Status: Applicants who have already obtained a Ph.D. degree or are at the final stage of thesis submission will not be considered.

🗂️ Application Procedure

Online Application: Submit the application through the official portal: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2026
Documents Required:
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal
- Three recommendation letters (including one from Ph.D. supervisor)
- FNDR Applicant Annexure
- FNDR Employer’s Endorsement Form (if applicable)
- Copy of published/presented paper or thesis extracts (max 20 pages)

⚠️ Ensure all documents are uploaded as per the guidelines provided in the FNDR Applicant Instructions and Checklist.

📅 Timeline

July 15, 2025: Application deadline
September 2025: Review of applications
October 2025: Notification of review outcomes
Late October 2025: Interviews of shortlisted candidates
End October 2025: Notification of principal and alternate nominees; nominees take TOEFL
December 2025: Applications forwarded for approval and placement
March/April 2026: Finalists notified of approval
May/June 2026: Pre-Departure Orientation
July/August 2026: Pre-academic training in the U.S. (if required)
August/September 2026: Program begins