What are Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships ?

The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are prestigious scholarship programs designed for highly motivated Indian individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities. These fellowships provide an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree at select U.S. colleges and universities. Here are the key details:

1. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Applicants must have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university with at least 55% marks.
   • A minimum of three years’ full-time (paid) professional work experience relevant to the proposed field of study is required by the application deadline.
   • Demonstrated experience in leadership and community service is essential.
   • Applicants must not have another degree from a U.S. university or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program.
   • If employed, applicants should follow instructions carefully regarding the employer’s endorsement.
2. Fields of Study:
   • Each applicant must choose one field of study that matches their main area of interest. The following fields are eligible:
     • Economics: Study of production, demand, and allocation of resources in society, economic trends, and effects of government economic policy on the economy.
     • Environmental Science/Studies: Focus on environmental issues, sustainability, and conservation.
     • Higher Education Administration: Study of educational leadership, management, and policy in higher education institutions.
     • International Affairs: Exploration of global political, economic, and social issues.
     • International Legal Studies: Legal aspects of international relations and law.
     • Journalism and Mass Communication: Study of media, communication, and journalism.
     • Public Administration: Examination of public policy, governance, and administration.
     • Public Health: Focus on health policy, epidemiology, and public health management.
     • Urban and Regional Planning: Study of urban development, land use, and city planning.
     • Women’s Studies/Gender Studies: Exploration of gender issues, equality, and social justice.
3. Grant Benefits:
   • The fellowship provides:
     • 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.
   • Note that the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships provide no financial support for dependents, and USIEF funding may not cover all costs.
4. Application Process:
   • Interested candidates can apply online through the official Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships page.
   • The selection committee approves approximately 20–25% of received applications.
5. Impact and Commitment:
   • Fellows are expected to return to India after completing their master’s degree and contribute to their communities.
   • The program fosters academic and cultural exchange between India and the U.S.

For more detailed information, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines, visit the official Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships page. These fellowships offer a transformative experience for Indian scholars pursuing advanced education in various fields.

How to Apply

1. Applications must be submitted online at: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2025/
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.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2024, 23:59:59 hrs (IST)

Timeline and Placement Process

May 15, 2024	Application Deadline
End June 2024	Review of applications
Early August 2024	USIEF informs the applicants about the review outcome
End August 2024	Interviews of short-listed candidates
End August 2024	USIEF notifies principal and alternate nominees. Nominees take tests (such as TOEFL and GRE)
October 2024	USIEF forwards applications of recommended candidates to the U.S. for J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) approval and placement
March/April 2025	USIEF notifies the finalists about the FFSB approval
May/June 2025	Pre-Departure Orientation
July/August 2025	Pre-academic training in the U.S. (if required)
August/September 2025	Degree program begins

 

Post-nomination process

Successful candidates are placed by the Institute of International Education (IIE), New York. Recommended applicants are not required to apply to U.S. institutions on their own. IIE/Fulbright Program will apply to four different institutions on their behalf, taking into consideration the candidates’ preferred institutions and the candidates’ competitiveness. If a recommended candidate has previously applied to U.S. institutions and has requested a deferral from the institution, the candidate must notify USIEF immediately.

 

For any queries contact: masters@usief.org.in
IMPORTANT:

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.

Plagiarism in the application will lead to disqualification.

Applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered. If any mandatory documents in the application form are missing, your application 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.