Summary: The 2027–2028 Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships offer early-career Indian faculty and researchers an exceptional opportunity to advance their research at leading U.S. institutions. Administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), these fellowships support cutting-edge research, foster long-term collaborations with U.S. scholars, and provide access to world-class academic resources for a duration of 8 to 24 months.
📌 Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2027–2028 |
| Administered By | United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) |
| Duration | 8–24 months |
| Location | U.S. Host Institution |
| Eligibility Window (Ph.D.) | July 15, 2022 – July 14, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | July 15, 2026 (23:59:59 IST) |
| Program Start | August/September 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
Designation
Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Research Areas
Applicants may apply in the following broad priority areas:
- 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 and 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 and Electronics Engineering
Location
Affiliation with one U.S. host institution.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to:
- Identify a preferred U.S. host institution
- Correspond with potential hosts in advance
- Upload a letter of invitation (if secured)
Grant Benefits
The fellowship provides:
- J-1 visa support
- Monthly stipend
- Accident and Sickness Program (as per U.S. Government guidelines)
- Round-trip economy class airfare
- Modest settling-in allowance
- Professional allowance
- Dependent allowance (subject to funding and eligibility; dependent must stay ≥80% of grant duration)
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must:
- Hold a Ph.D. or D.M. degree awarded between July 15, 2022 and July 14, 2026
- Upload Ph.D./D.M. degree certificate (or provisional certificate)
- Have at least one publication in a reputed journal
- Upload a recent significant publication (max. 30 pages)
- Obtain employer endorsement (if employed), confirming leave for the fellowship period
- Candidates under government-funded projects must also obtain institutional endorsement
❌ Not Eligible:
Employees of Government of India and State Governments (e.g., IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, state civil services, bureaucratic staff in ministries/departments).
✅ Eligible:
Researchers/scientists/academicians from CSIR, ICAR, ICGEB, DRDO, ISRO, ICMR, DBT institutions, DST labs, BARC, IISc, IITs, and other centrally funded institutions/universities.
Job Description
Selected fellows will:
- Conduct advanced postdoctoral research at a U.S. institution
- Utilize high-quality research infrastructure and facilities
- Collaborate with U.S. faculty and research teams
- Strengthen Indo-U.S. academic and research partnerships
- Complete the proposed project within the approved grant duration
⚠️ Note:
- Grant duration specified in the application cannot be changed later.
- Visa sponsorship transfer and extensions are not permitted.
Application Process
- Submit online application at:
https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2027 - Carefully review:
- FNPostdoc Applicant Instructions
- FNPostdoc Applicant Checklist
- Upload required documents:
- Ph.D./D.M. certificate
- Significant publication (≤30 pages)
- FNPostdoc Applicant Annexure
- FNPostdoc Letter of Support (if applicable)
- U.S. host invitation letter (if available)
Selection Timeline
| Timeline | Process |
|---|---|
| July 15, 2026 | Application Deadline |
| October 2026 | Application Review |
| November 2026 | Review Outcome Notification |
| End November 2026 | Interviews |
| Early December 2026 | Semi-finalist Notification |
| December 2026 | FFSB Approval & Placement |
| April 2027 | Finalist Notification |
| May/June 2027 | Pre-Departure Orientation |
| August/September 2027 | Program Begins |
Last Date to Apply
🗓 July 15, 2026 (23:59:59 IST)
Applications submitted before February 18, 2026 will NOT be considered.
Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Plagiarism will lead to disqualification.
Applicants may apply for only one Fulbright-Nehru fellowship category per competition cycle.
Contact Information
📧 Email: postdoc@usief.org.in
