Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship — eligibility & deadline
Administered by USIEF, the Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship funds Indian professionals for a master's degree in the United States in selected development-focused fields.
Last updated: . Deadlines and amounts are reviewed each cycle — always confirm on the official website.
Award amount
Fully funded — tuition, living stipend, airfare, health cover
Deadline
The Master's Fellowship application typically closes in mid-May for study starting the following year.
Study level
Master's and doctoral research · USA
Eligibility criteria
- Indian citizenship and residence in India
- A four-year bachelor's degree, or a three-year degree plus a master's/PG diploma
- At least three years of full-time professional experience
- Demonstrated leadership and community service
- Applicants in eligible fields such as public health, environmental science, gender studies, urban planning, economics and public administration
What the scholarship covers
- J-1 visa support
- Tuition and fees
- Living and accident/sickness benefits
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Modest settling-in and professional allowance
Application tips from our counsellors
The study objective and personal statement must show a clear public-impact motive, not private career gain.
Fulbright places candidates — you cannot simply name your dream university and expect placement.
Field eligibility changes each cycle; check the current USIEF list before drafting.
Strong recommenders who supervised your actual field work outperform senior but distant referees.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for the Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship?
Applications usually close in mid-May, more than a year before the intended start of study. Check USIEF for the current cycle date.
Do I need work experience for Fulbright-Nehru?
Yes — at least three years of full-time professional experience is required for the Master's Fellowship.
Can I choose my own US university under Fulbright?
You may indicate preferences, but USIEF and IIE handle placement and may assign a different institution that fits your study objective.
Let's map your scholarships
We'll assess your profile against Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship and every other award you realistically qualify for.