Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships
United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) · All India
| Scheme Name | Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships |
| Provided By | United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) |
| Eligibility Summary | Class 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income) |
About the Program
The Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships are offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) and fund Indian professionals to pursue a Master's degree at a US university. Unlike other scholarships, Fulbright-Nehru requires at least 3 years of full-time professional work experience post-graduation. Indian government employees (central/state civil services) are generally ineligible, though faculty at IITs, IIMs, and CSIR labs are exempt.
Benefits & Financial Support
$35,000 (approx. ₹45.0 Lakh+)
Fully funded: J-1 visa support, round-trip airfare, tuition fees, living expenses, and accident & sickness coverage in the USA. Approx. USD $35,000–45,000/year.
100% tuition coverage, living allowance, U.S. visa assistance, health coverage, and round-trip international travel.
Note: Must have at least three years of full-time, paid professional work experience relevant to the field of study.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Postgraduate |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Minimum Marks | 55% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | Open to all |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Completed online application form
- ✓Bachelor's Degree Transcripts
- ✓Class 10 and 12 certificates
- ✓Three Reference Letters
- ✓TOEFL/IELTS score card
- ✓Experience certificates (min 3 years)
Selection Process
Based on academic record, professional experience (min 3 years), leadership potential, proposal essay, and panel interviews.
Renewal Policy
N/A (covers program duration).
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1
Visit usief.org.in.
- 2
Register on the Fulbright online application portal.
- 3
Fill essay, CV, and transcripts.
- 4
Submit before the June deadline.
- 5
Attend panel interviews if shortlisted.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the work experience requirement for Fulbright-Nehru?
Applicants must have at least 3 years of full-time, paid, professional work experience completed after their bachelor's degree graduation before the application deadline.
Are government employees eligible for Fulbright-Nehru?
Employees of Indian central or state government services are generally ineligible. However, faculty at IITs, IIMs, IISc, CSIR labs, and National Labs may be eligible — check the USIEF site for institution-specific exceptions.
How many Fulbright types exist for Indians?
There are 4 main types: Master's Fellowships, Doctoral Research Fellowships, Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, and Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships. Each has different eligibility and deadlines.
What is the Fulbright-Nehru deadline for 2026?
The Master's Fellowship deadline is July 1, 2026; Postdoctoral Research Fellowship deadline is July 15, 2026 — both for the 2027–28 academic year.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) website before final submission.