Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships: The 2027–2028 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships support Indian Ph.D. scholars to conduct pre-doctoral research in the United States for 6–9 months. Offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), the fellowship aims to foster long-term research collaboration between India and the U.S. in priority areas such as energy security, defense, emerging technologies, space cooperation, and critical minerals. Selected fellows will have the opportunity to conduct research, audit non-degree courses, and gain practical exposure at U.S. academic institutions.
Designation:
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellow (Pre-Doctoral Level)
Research Areas:
Applicants may apply in the following priority fields:
- Critical Minerals and Supply Chains
- Geology
- Materials Science
- Mining Engineering
- Defense and Security
- Cybersecurity
- Aerospace Engineering
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Energy Security
- Energy Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Energy Innovation & Technology Commercialization
- Science and Research Collaboration
- Bioengineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Semiconductor Engineering
- Space Cooperation
- Astrophysics
- Planetary Science
- Space Systems Engineering
- Satellite Communications
- Technology and Innovation
- Data Science
- Quantum Computing
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Location:
United States (Affiliation with one U.S. host academic institution)
Eligibility/Qualification:
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2025.
- The fellowship is for pre-doctoral research essential to the dissertation/thesis.
- Expected thesis submission date must be at least three months after the fellowship end date.
- Must clearly justify the need for research in the U.S. and identify suitable U.S. host institutions.
- One recommendation letter must be from the Ph.D. supervisor, indicating registration date and research topic.
- If employed, employer endorsement confirming leave approval is required.
- Must upload a published/presented paper or extracts from Master’s/M.Phil. thesis (maximum 20 pages).
- Government of India and State Government employees (including civil servants such as IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, etc.) are not eligible.
- Researchers and academicians from CSIR, ICAR, ICGEB, DRDO, ISRO, ICMR, DBT institutions, DST labs, BARC, IISc, IITs, and other centrally funded institutions are eligible.
- Applicants who already hold a Ph.D. degree or are at the final stage of thesis submission are not eligible.
Job Description / Fellowship Responsibilities:
- Conduct dissertation-related research at a U.S. academic institution.
- Audit non-degree academic courses to enhance research expertise.
- Gain practical research experience in relevant professional settings.
- Engage in academic collaboration between Indian and U.S. institutions.
Grant Benefits:
- J-1 visa support
- Monthly stipend
- Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (as per U.S. Government guidelines)
- Round-trip economy class airfare
- Applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees
- No financial support for dependents
How to Apply:
- Submit online application at:
👉 https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2027 - Review the FNDR Applicant Instructions and Checklist carefully.
- Upload the following documents:
- FNDR Applicant Annexure
- FNDR Employer’s Endorsement Form (if applicable)
- Required academic documents and research materials
For queries: ffsp@usief.org.in
Timeline:
- July 1, 2026 – Application Deadline
- End September 2026 – Application Review
- Early October 2026 – Review Outcome Notification
- Early November 2026 – Interviews
- December 2026 – Semi-finalist Notification & TOEFL
- April 2027 – Final Approval Notification
- May 2027 – Pre-Departure Orientation
- August/September 2027 – Program Begins
Last Date to Apply:
🗓 July 1, 2026 (23:59:59 hrs IST)
Note: Applications submitted prior to February 18, 2026 will NOT be considered.
