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The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

A Prestigious Opportunity for Exceptional Indian Scholars at Top U.S. Universities The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) proudly offers the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, a prestigious and transformative opportunity for exceptional Indian students dedicated to pursuing a master’s degree at top-tier U.S. colleges and universities. This fellowship is designed to empower future leaders in a wide array of critical fields, including: Arts and Culture Management: Including Heritage Conservation and Museum Studies Economics Environmental Science/Studies Higher Education Administration International Affairs International Legal Studies Journalism and Mass Communication Public Administration Public Health Urban and Regional Planning Women’s Studies/Gender Studies —

What the Fellowship Offers

Recipients of this highly competitive fellowship will receive comprehensive financial and logistical support: Full Tuition Coverage Living Expenses and Related Costs Round-trip Economy Airfare: From the fellow’s home city in India to the host institution in the U.S. J-1 Visa Support: Assistance with the necessary visa application. Accident and Sickness Coverage: As per U.S. government guidelines.

Each applicant must choose one field of study that matches their main area of interest. The following field descriptions are illustrative, and applicants should note that individual academic host institution programs of study may differ in course offerings, subspecialties, and academic requirements.

In addition to the General Prerequisites, the applicant:

• Must have completed an equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university with at least 55% marks. Applicants must either possess a four-year bachelor’s degree or a completed master’s degree; or a full-time postgraduate diploma from a recognized Indian institution, if the bachelor’s degree is of less than four years’ duration;
• Must have at least three years’ full-time (paid) professional work experience relevant to the proposed field of study by the application deadline;
• Should demonstrate experience in leadership and community service;
• Must not have another degree from a U.S. university or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program; and
• If employed, should follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement. If applicable, obtain the endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority on the FNMasters Employer’s Endorsement Form. The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period.
• Employees of the Government of India and Indian State Governments are not eligible for any Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships. This includes civil servants in central services (such as IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, and allied services), state government services (including state civil services), and bureaucratic staff employed in central and state ministries or departments.

Applications are invited in the following fields only:

Important Considerations:

No Dependent Support: The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship does not provide financial support for dependents. Supplemental Funding: While generous, USIEF funding may not cover all expenses. Fellows should be prepared to secure additional resources if needed. —

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements: Academic Excellence: Hold an Indian bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s) from a recognized university with at least 55% marks. This includes: A four-year bachelor’s degree OR A master’s degree OR A full-time postgraduate diploma from a recognized Indian institution (if your bachelor’s degree is less than four years duration). Professional Experience: Possess a minimum of three years of full-time (paid) professional work experience relevant to your proposed field of study. Leadership & Service: Demonstrate a strong track record of leadership and community engagement. No Prior U.S. Degree: Must not currently hold a degree from a U.S. university or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program. —

Your Application Essentials (Required Documents)

To complete your application, you will need to prepare the following documents: Academic Records: Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume Academic degrees and mark sheets/transcripts Scores & Identification: Language test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) Passport Application-Specific: Study/research objective Personal statement Letter of invitation from a U.S. university (if applicable) Writing sample Portfolio (if applicable) Professional Proof: Proof of work/professional experience USIEF Forms: FNDR annexure form FNDR endorsement form References: Three letters of recommendation Crucial Tip: For a comprehensive list and specific formatting requirements, always consult the ‘Detailed Application Instruction’ document.

Your Application Journey (How to Apply)

Follow these streamlined steps to apply for the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship:

1. Start Online: Navigate to the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.

2. Register or Log In: New Users: Click ‘Register‘ on the dashboard, provide your required details (email, name, date of birth), and activate your account using the PIN sent to your email. You’ll then create a password.

Registered Users: Log in directly using your existing email ID.

3. Access the Application: Once logged in, find the ‘How to Apply’ section and click the first link to access the application portal.

4. Complete Your Application: Fill in all required information step-by-step and upload all necessary documents in PDF format.

5. Review & Submit: Carefully review all sections for accuracy and completeness, then submit your final application form.

Remember: Refer to the ‘Detailed Application Instruction’ for comprehensive guidance throughout the application process.

1. Applications must be submitted online at: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2026
2. Please carefully review the FNMaster’s Applicant Instructions before starting your online application
3. Please refer to FNMaster’s Applicant Checklist before submitting the application.
4. In addition, you must complete FNMaster’s Applicant Annexure and  FNMaster’s Employer’s Endorsement Form (if applicable) and upload on your online application.

Timeline and Placement Process

Application Deadline: May 14, 2026, 23:59:59 hrs (IST)

IMPORTANT:

• You can apply for only ONE Fulbright-Nehru fellowship category during a competition cycle.
• Plagiarism in the application will lead to disqualification. Some US universities and colleges have developed and published policies on the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on applications for admission or affiliation with their institution. Some institutions may scan applications for the use of language produced by GenAI. While individual institutional policies range widely and policy responses from US universities will continue to evolve, copying language/content produced by GenAI directly into your application may negatively impact admission or affiliation decisions.
• Applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
• Extensions and Transfer of visa sponsorship will not be permitted.
• Prospective Fulbright participants should be aware that public health conditions, availability of consular services and travel, as well as U.S. institutional operating status and policies may affect their ability to travel to the U.S. and participate in academic programs.