About

Degree Masters
Offered By Government
Type External
Amount ₹0
Deadline NA
Deadline Type NA

Last updated October 13, 2025

The Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships are highly competitive, prestigious grants for Indian students, funded by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). They are designed to empower exceptional individuals with leadership potential and a commitment to community service to pursue a master's degree in the U.S.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, the application window opens in February 2025 and closes on May 14, 2025. This guide provides a detailed overview for Indian students, covering the eligibility requirements, the application process, the comprehensive funding, and the transformative benefits of becoming a Fulbright-Nehru fellow. Prepare to embark on a life-changing academic and cultural journey in the United States.

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Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships Coverage

The fellowship is for master's level study at any accredited university in the United States. Fellows can choose from thousands of postgraduate courses across a wide range of fields. The course must be based in the U.S.

Course Level

Country

University Name

Overview

Master’s

United States

Harvard University

An Ivy League research university renowned for its excellence across numerous academic disciplines.

Master’s

United States

Stanford University

A leading research institution known for its entrepreneurial spirit and strength in technology and engineering.

Master’s

United States

MIT

A world-class university dedicated to advancement in science, technology, and related fields.

Master’s

United States

University of Chicago

A prestigious private research university with a strong focus on academic rigor and intellectual freedom.

Master’s

United States

Columbia University

An Ivy League university located in New York City, offering a diverse range of master's programs.

Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships Awards

The Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship is one of the most prestigious awards for Indian professionals to pursue a full-time master’s degree in the United States. It provides the freedom to choose from any accredited U.S. university, allowing you to gain a world-class education and become part of a powerful global network.

The fellowship offers comprehensive financial support to ensure you can focus entirely on your academic and professional goals. The support includes:

  • Full tuition and fees
  • Round-trip economy class air travel from your home city to the U.S.
  • A monthly living stipend to cover accommodation and daily expenses
  • Accident and sickness health coverage per U.S. Government guidelines
  • J-1 visa support

Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships Amount

The fellowship provides a comprehensive grant that covers all major expenses for the duration of your master's program in the U.S. The financial support is designed to be full and complete.

Expenses

Details

Tuition Fees

Fully covered by the grant.

Living Allowance

A monthly stipend for all related living costs.

Travel

Round-trip economy class air travel from India to the U.S.

Accident & Sickness

Comprehensive health coverage per U.S. Government guidelines.

Visa Support

J-1 visa support and related processing fees.

Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships Benefits

Beyond full financial coverage, the Fulbright-Nehru fellowship offers unparalleled professional and cultural advantages. You join a prestigious global network of leaders and scholars for a transformative experience.

Benefit

Details

Financial Support

Full coverage for tuition, living, travel, and health insurance.

Global Network

Lifetime membership to the esteemed global Fulbright alumni network.

Professional Development

Enhanced profile through a prestigious award that recognizes academic and professional merit.

U.S. Experience

An immersive cultural and academic experience at a U.S. university of your choice.

 

Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships Eligibility Criteria

You must be an Indian citizen with a strong academic record and significant professional experience. This is a mandatory requirement for all applicants. The criteria are strict and must be met fully.

Requirement

Details

Nationality

You must be an Indian citizen residing in India at the time of application. U.S. citizens and Green Card holders are not eligible.

Academic qualification

You must have completed an equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree with at least 55% marks from a recognized Indian university.

Work experience

A minimum of three years of full-time, paid professional work experience relevant to your field of study.

Other conditions

Indian government employees (including civil servants and bureaucratic staff) are not eligible for this fellowship.

Countries Eligible Under Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships are exclusively for citizens of India. The study destination is fixed to the United States.

Region

Eligible Country

Asia

India

 

How to Apply for Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

The application process is completed online through the official USIEF portal. It is highly competitive and involves multiple stages of assessment. You must follow each step carefully.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin, carefully review the eligibility criteria on the official USIEF website. Ensure you meet all requirements for nationality, work experience, and academic background.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials
Write your essays (Study Objective, Personal Statement), gather your academic transcripts, secure three reference letters, and compile all other required documents.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Fill out the detailed online application form on the USIEF portal before the stated deadline. Upload all required documents directly to the application system.

Step 4: Submit and Await Initial Assessment
After submitting your application by the deadline, it will be evaluated by USIEF. This assessment determines if you progress to the interview shortlist.

Step 5: Receive an Interview Invitation
If shortlisted, you will receive an invitation to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted in-person by a USIEF panel in major Indian cities.

Step 6: Attend Your Interview
Prepare for and attend your interview. This is your opportunity to discuss your goals, leadership qualities, and motivations in person.

Step 7: Await the Final Decision
After the interview, wait for the final results. All applicants are notified of their outcome via email.

Step 8: Receive Your Award
If successful, you will receive your official award letter and begin preparations for your studies in the U.S., including applying for your J-1 visa.

Please note: The application process opens in February 2025, and you have until May 14, 2025 (23:59 IST) to complete and submit your forms.

The entire process from application to starting your studies takes over a year. Adhering to the timeline is critical for success.

Stage

Timeline

Application Opens

February 2025

Application Closes

May 14, 2025 (23:59 IST)

Shortlisting

June - July 2025

Interviews

August - September 2025

Final Selection

March 2026

Course Start in U.S.

Fall 2026

Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships Interview

If you are shortlisted, you will be called for an in-person interview. This interview is typically conducted by a USIEF panel in a major Indian city. It is a key part of the selection process.

The interview will assess your academic and professional merits, your leadership potential, your commitment to community service, and your ability to represent India as a cultural ambassador in the U.S.

Who Can Apply for Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

  • 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

Documents Required for Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships

You need to prepare a complete set of documents for your application. These are crucial for the eligibility check and interview stage. Start gathering them early.

  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Study Objective essay
  • Personal Statement
  • Writing Sample
  • Portfolio (if applicable)
  • Scanned copies of mark sheets, transcripts, and degree certificates
  • Proof of work/professional experience
  • Three reference letters
  • FNMasters Employer’s Endorsement Form (if permanently employed)
  • Test score reports (if available)
  • Correspondence with U.S. universities (if available)
  • FNMasters applicant annexure

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