The Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026-27 program of the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) is an excellent opportunity for early-career Indian faculty and researchers to conduct advanced research in the United States. Fostering experienced academicism and innovation in the professional areas of fellows, USIEF offers a fully funded fellowship in limited fields for humanities and social science scholars.
Eligible candidates may apply in a range of fields, including Anthropology, Economics, Education Policy and Planning, History, Linguistics, Performing and Visual Arts, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy, Sociology, and Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on smart cities and waste management.
This program is for advancing the research caliber of Indian scholars, while building mutual understanding and respect between the peoples of India and the United States.
Eligibility Criteria For Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-27
As an early-career researcher in India who wants to broaden your academic experience in the United States, the Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026-27 program could offer a paradigm shift in your career. To apply and be considered for the program, one of the most elite and selective fellowships, all applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF).
To be eligible for the Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026-27 an applicant must:
- Be an Indian citizen and currently residing in India.
- Have a Ph.D. or D.M. degree awarded between 15 July 2021 and 14 July 2025
- Have at least 1 publication in a recognized and reputed peer-reviewed journal.
- Have proven excellence in academic and professional achievements demonstrated through research outputs and beautiful academic records.
- Have demonstrated proficiency in English language, since English is a prerequisite for collaboration on research in the US.
Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-27: Fellowship Benefits
As outlined in the Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026-27 support package, successful applicants will be able to focus on achieving their intellectual potential and fostering cross-cultural connections during their time in the United States. The Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships offer more than just the research experience as they reflect an integrated support package that guarantees a productive and comfortable stay.
Successful fellows will receive:
- J-1 Visa Support: Support in obtaining a J-1 exchange visitor visa for the award duration.
- Monthly Stipend: A competitive, monthly stipend to cover living expenses whilst in the U.S.
- Accident and Sickness Coverage: Enrollment in a U.S. A government-compliant exchange visitor health benefits plan.
- Round-Trip Airfare: the award will include dynamic, economy-class round-trip airfares between India and the United States at the start and completion of the award.
- Settling-in Allowance: a small, one-time stipend to assist you with payment for your initial accommodation and getting settled in.
- Professional Allowance: additional funding allowing you to undertake professional activities, such as conferences, acquiring research materials, or visiting libraries and archives.
Documents Necessary to Apply for the Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-27
When you apply for the Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026-27, these documents will be required to show your academic qualifications, research potential, and institutional support. All documents must be submitted via the official F-N POSTDOC Portal as part of the online application process, and in accordance with the fellowship deadline.
The list of all required documents is:
- F-N POSTDOC Online Application Form: The official application form must be completed and submitted as part of the application and must be completed online in the USIEF Portal.
- Detailed Project Statement: A concise and clearly organized research proposal that clearly outlines the aims, methodology, expected results, and significance of the proposed research.
- Bibliography: A list of key academic literature in the proposed research area.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV): It should contain your academic background, research experience, publications, and relevant awards and honors.
- Three Letters of Reference: Letters of reference from academic or professional referees who know you and can assess your research experience and potential.
- Support Letter from Home Institution (if employed): FNPOSTDOC letter from employer/department, signed by the appropriate person, summarizing institutional support for the application and institutional leave authorization for the fellowship period.
- PhD or DM Degree Certificate: A scanned copy of your official degree certificate or provisional certificate.
- A Recent Engaging Publication: Copy one of your legally relevant and legally significant research publications, preferably a peer-reviewed publication in a journal.
- FNPOSTDOC Applicant Annexure: A separate document in the Fulbright-Nehru postdoctoral application.
Application Procedure for Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026-27
Eligible candidates who are interested in furthering their research career in the United States may complete the Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-27 through the complete online application process. It is essential that the application is completed with care, and that all required documents are properly uploaded in the appropriate format.
Please follow the steps below in order to submit your application successfully:
Step 1: Click on the official 'Apply Now' button displayed on the USIEF website or relevant scholarship application site
Step 2: On the application dashboard, click on 'Register' on the right hand side and complete the form (Note: If you have already registered, you can simply log in using your registered email ID)
Step 3: Find the link to the application - once you find this, click it
Step 4: If you are a new user, click 'Create an Account' if you have already registered, click 'Login'
Step 5: Enter your email, complete name, and date of birth, then click 'Continue' to register
Step 6: Enter the PIN which is sent to your email address, Activate account, and set a password for your security
Step 7: When your account is activated, log in, work your way through the application, step by step. Upload all required documents in PDF format as listed
Step 8: Complete the grant-specific fields and other information, make sure to read your application in its entirety, and click the Submit button.
Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-27: Key Dates
The most important dates are important to be aware of for successful submission of a Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowship. The US-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) has a timeline for review, interviews, and program starting date. It is certainly in your best interest to note these dates and submit your application in a timely manner.
Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-27: Selection Criteria
The Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships screening and selection processes are highly competitive and transparent. All applications undergo a multi-stage screening and evaluation process by academic experts, and the United States-India Educational Foundation. Applications are evaluated not only for academic excellence but also for potential for facilitation of mutual understanding between India and the United States. Here are the selection process and stages of evaluation:
- Initial Screening: All applications are screened to ensure they meet minimum eligibility requirements with all the required supporting documents.
- Expert Review: Based on the academic and professional merit of each proposal, subject matter experts evaluate the originality, relevance, and feasibility of the proposed research.
- National In Person Interviews in Delhi: USIEF invites applicants to interviews at the USIEF office in New Delhi. In general, the interviews are held in mid November.
- The final decision is examined by USIEF and Fulbright Commission: After interviewing the candidates, USIEF submits their recommendations to the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) in the U.S. for final consideration and approval.
- Final Selection Announcement: Once the candidates are confirmed in the final notification, the ultimate selected candidates are notified and pre departure orientations are scheduled before the fellowship starts.
