USIEF opens applications for 2027-28 Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships for doctoral, postdoctoral and academic excellence programmes for Indian citizens; check details here

The United States-India Educational Foundation has announced the opening of applications for the 2027-28 Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships for Indian citizens. The grants cover doctoral research, postdoctoral research, and academic and professional excellence categories.Applications will open on July 1, 2026. The fellowships support Indian scholars, researchers, faculty members and professionals seeking opportunities in the United States under the Fulbright-Nehru programme.Fellowships for Indian citizensUSIEF offers a range of grants intended to support research, teaching and professional development in the US. The fellowships aim to strengthen academic and professional expertise while advancing educational and cultural exchange between India and the US.Under the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships, PhD candidates enrolled at recognised Indian universities are eligible to conduct a portion of their research at US institutions. The programme enables access to specialised facilities, academic resources and faculty mentorship to advance their doctoral work.Research and academic engagement in the USThe Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are available to early-career researchers. These grants are designed to help scholars expand their research portfolios and build international collaborations with counterparts at US universities and research centres.For established faculty members, scientists, artists and professionals, the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships provide opportunities to undertake research, teach courses, or pursue a combination of both at US institutions. The programme supports structured academic engagement and knowledge exchange across disciplines.In addition to research-focused awards, USIEF offers professional development initiatives for young and mid-career professionals. These programmes include opportunities for non-degree graduate study and practical professional experiences aimed at strengthening leadership and technical capabilities.Teacher development and alumni engagementUSIEF also administers teacher development programmes in the field of education. Schoolteachers, teacher trainers, library media specialists, guidance counsellors, curriculum specialists and special education coordinators are eligible to participate. The initiatives are intended to deepen subject knowledge, enhance classroom practices and broaden understanding of the US education system.Prospective applicants can review the Indian Fulbrighters and US Fulbrighters pages for information on previous and ongoing projects undertaken by fellows in both countries. USIEF has stated that its team facilitates connections with alumni and current grantees based on academic discipline, city or host institution, and provides guidance to interested applicants.