The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are designed for highly motivated individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, have at least three years professional work experience, and are committed to return and contribute to their communities in India.
About the Fellowship
- Eligibility: Application is open to students with an equivalent of US Bachelor's degree from a recognised Indian university with at least 55% marks. Applicants should have completed a four-year Bachelor's/Master's degree or a full-time postgraduate diploma if the duration is of less than 4 years. At least 3 years of full-time (paid) professional work experience along with community service and leadership traits is desirable.
- Prizes & Rewards: Funding support for tuition and fees along with other benefits.
- Last Date to Apply: 14-05-2025
- Application mode: Online applications only
These fellowships are awarded for up to two years to pursue a master’s degree at U.S. colleges and universities.
Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the General Prerequisites, the applicant:
- 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;
- Must have at least three years' full-time (paid) professional work experience relevant to the proposed field of study by the application deadline;
- Should demonstrate experience in leadership and community service;
- Must not have another degree from a U.S. university or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program; and
- If employed, should follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement. If applicable, obtain the endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority on the FN Masters Employer’s Endorsement Form. The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period.
- Employees of the Government of India and Indian State Governments are not eligible for any Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships. This includes civil servants in central services (such as IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, and allied services), state government services (including state civil services), and bureaucratic staff employed in central and state ministries or departments.
Application Process
Timeline and Placement Process
May 14, 2025 |
Application Deadline |
End June 2025 |
Review of applications |
Early August 2025 |
USIEF informs the applicants about the review outcome |
End August 2025 |
Interviews of short-listed candidates |
End August 2025 |
USIEF notifies principal and alternate nominees. Nominees take tests (such as TOEFL and GRE) |
October 2025 |
USIEF forwards applications of recommended candidates to the U.S. for J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) approval and placement |
March/April 2026 |
USIEF notifies the finalists about the FFSB approval |
May/June 2026 |
Pre-Departure Orientation |
July/August 2026 |
Pre-academic training in the U.S. (if required) |
August/September 2026 |
Degree program begins |