The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships are designed for Indian scholars who are registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution. These fellowships are for six to nine months.
Applications are invited in the following fields only:
Agricultural Sciences; Anthropology; Bioengineering; Chemistry; Computer Science (including, but not limited to, cybersecurity, digital economy, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics); Economics; Education Policy and Planning; Energy Studies; Geography (including GIS and Geology); History; Language and Literature; Materials Science (with emphasis on environmental applications); Mathematical Sciences; Neuroscience; Performing Arts; Physics; Political Science (including, but not limited to, International Security and Strategic Studies); Public Health; Public Policy; Sociology; Urban and Regional Planning (with emphasis on smart cities and waste management); Visual Arts; and Women’s and Gender Studies.
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Affiliation
The applicant will be affiliated to one U.S. host institution for his/her grant. USIEF strongly recommends all applicants to identify institutions with which they wish to be affiliated and to correspond, in advance, with potential host institutions. If an applicant has secured a letter of invitation from a U.S. institution, s/he must include it as a part of the online application.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- The fellowships provide J-1 visa support
- A monthly stipend
- Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines
- Round-trip economy class air travel
- Applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees, if any.
- Selected scholars will have opportunities to audit non-degree courses, conduct research and gain practical work experience in suitable settings in the U.S.
- No allowances are provided for dependents. The grant is not sufficient to support family members.
Eligibilities
- Must be a responsible Indian citizen who can contribute to a full and fair picture of the culture and civilization of India, and thereby help to promote understanding and friendship between the peoples of the United States of America and India.
- Must not be residing in U.S. during recruitment and placement cycle (January 2021-July 2022).
- Must have a high level of academic/professional achievement.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in the English language to undertake the proposed project/program and adjust to life in the U.S..
- There will be an interview round for shortlisted candidates.
- Must inform USIEF well in advance if s/he needs to travel abroad (e.g. Conference) during the application cycle July 2021 – June 2022.
- Must be eligible for leave, if employed.
- Must be in good health.
- Must not be applying for or holding permanent residence (green card) in the United States.
- Must give an undertaking to return to India on the completion of the fellowship.
- Preference will be given to candidates who have not had extensive recent U.S. experience. Some fellowship programs may have prerequisites and guidelines in addition to those described. Above. Please review the eligibility criteria for specific fellowships carefully.
- The applicant should have done adequate research in the relevant field, especially in the identification of resources in India and the U.S. Applicant must be registered for Ph.D. At an Indian institution on or before November 2, 2020. On the online application form, one of the recommendation letters must be from the Ph.D. Supervisor that comments on applicants’ research, need for the fellowship, and must indicate the Ph.D. Registration date and topic.
- This grant is intended for Ph.D. Students to conduct research essential to their dissertations/thesis. Therefore, the expected Ph.D. Thesis submission date should atleast be three months after the Fulbright-Nehru grant end date. For example, if May 2023 is the grant end date, the applicant cannot submit his/her thesis before August 2023. Please indicate the Ph.D. Registration date and the expected Ph.D. Thesis submission date in the Applicant Annexure. The applicant can download the Applicant Annexure from the USIEF website.
- If the applicant is employed, s/he must follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement. If applicable, please obtain the endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority on the FNDR Employer’s Endorsement Form. The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period. The applicant can download the FNDR Employer’s Endorsement Form from the USIEF website.
- The applicant must upload a copy of original published/presented paper or extracts from the Masters’/M.Phil. Thesis on the online application form (not exceeding 20 pages).
- These fellowships are for pre-doctoral level research. Applicants with Ph.D. Degrees or those at the final stage of Ph.D. Thesis submission will not be considered.
- You can apply for only ONE Fulbright-Nehru fellowship category during a competition cycle.
- Candidates cannot apply for Fulbright-Nehru and Fulbright-Kalam grants in the same academic year.
Application Process
- Apply online through the Apply Now link
- All form links are given in the official website
- Applications must be submitted online
- Please carefully review the FNDR Applicant Instructions before starting your online application.
- Please refer to FNDR Applicant Checklist before submitting the application.
- In addition, you must complete and upload the following documents on your online application: FNDR Applicant Annexure and FNDR Employer’s Endorsement Form.
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Application Deadline: July 15, 2021
Application ClosedOfficial link
