Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship: Benefits, Eligibility, Important Dates, How to Apply

Dreaming of studying in the US but worried about the costs? The Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. This prestigious scholarship is designed to help Indian students like you pursue higher education and research in the US, fostering cultural exchange and academic excellence. The scholarship funds tuition fees, airfare, health insurance and living expenses for up to 2 years. The scholarship is funded by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). 

Whether you’re aiming for a master’s degree or conducting advanced research, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship.

Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship Highlights

Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship Overview

The Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship is part of the Fulbright Program, which is a US government-sponsored and administered program for international educational exchange. Founded in 1946, the scholarship’s primary focus is to build, encourage and promote in every possible manner the mutual understanding between the US and the rest of the world. 

For Indian citizens, the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship serves as a gateway for pursuing one or two years of postgraduate studies, depending upon the duration of the selected master’s degree program in a US university.

The scholarship is named after India’s first Prime Minister to honour his vision of India and the US relationship. It is available for students, researchers, as well as professionals of various disciplines, which makes it one of the most prestigious fellowships for scholars in India.

Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship Benefits

As a recipient of the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship, you can expect the following benefits:

• Provide J-1 visa support.
• Round-trip economy class air travel from the fellow’s home city to the host institution in the U.S.
• Funding for tuition and fees.
• Living and related costs.
• Accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines.*

Please note that the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship provide no financial support for dependents. USIEF funding may not cover all costs, and the fellow may need to supplement grant benefits with other resources.

Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university with at least 55% marks. Note that you must not have completed your bachelor’s degree from a US university.
• Minimum acceptable IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score.
• Minimum 3 years of work experience (paid, full-time)
• Demonstrate leadership qualities and have a record of community service.
• Students are eligible to choose from the following fields of study: 
  • 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

How to Apply for a Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship:

• Go to apply.iie.org/apply and register an account.
• Fill in the required information and click on Continue.
• Applicants will receive a PIN via email, which they need to enter in order to proceed.
• Set a new password and sign in to your account.
• Fill out your personal and academic information as well as your contact information.
• Provide details of your language skills, study plan, personal statement, university preference and more.
• Upload necessary documents.
• Submit your application.

Documents Required

To ensure a smooth application process, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Resume/CV
• English proficiency test scores
• Experience certificates
• Research proposal (if applicable)
• Copy of passport

Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship Selection Process

• The selection process consists of an application review and an interview for the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship. 
• The boundaries set for the selection of beneficiaries of the grant are academic achievements, the proposed project, communication skills, etc. 
• A panel of specialists will analyse all applications and nominate the best candidates. 
• The Institute of International Education (IIE), New York, is responsible for placing successful candidates. 
• Recommended applicants are not required to apply to U.S. institutions on their own.
• IIE/Fulbright Program will submit applications to four different institutions on their behalf based on what the candidate has indicated and how competitive they are. 
• A recommended candidate who has previously applied to a US institution must notify USIEF if they have requested a deferral.

Important Dates for Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship 2026

Planning is key when it comes to applying for the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship. Here’s a tentative timeline for the 2026 cycle:

Conclusion

The Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship is a golden opportunity for Indian students to pursue higher education in the US. If you’re passionate about your field and eager to make a global impact, this scholarship can be your stepping stone to academic and professional success. Start your application early, gather the necessary documents, and take a step closer to realising your study-abroad dreams.

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.