The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) is receiving applications from Indian researchers for Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships.
The Fulbright–Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship is for Indian Ph.D. scholars to conduct advanced research in the United States.
Interested researchers can submit their applications online by July 15, 2026. Selected candidates will conduct research at a U.S. academic institution
These fellowships are for 6 to 9 months. The applicant will be affiliated with one U.S. host institution.
Also check: Fulbright–Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Fields of Study
Applicants from diverse and high-impact research areas are encouraged to apply:
1. Critical Minerals & Supply Chains
- Geology
- Materials Science
- Mining Engineering
2. Defense & Security
- Cybersecurity
- Aerospace Engineering
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems
3. Energy Security
- Energy Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Energy Innovation
4. Science & Research Collaboration
- Bioengineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Semiconductor Engineering
5. Space Cooperation
- Astrophysics
- Planetary Science
- Space Systems Engineering
- Satellite Communications
6. Technology & Innovation
- Data Science
- Quantum Computing
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Important Dates
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | July 1, 2026 (23:59:59 IST) |
| Application Review | End of September 2026 |
| Interviews | November 2026 |
| Final Selection | April 2027 |
| Program Start | August / September 2027 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2025. The candidate has to submit a strong research proposal and clearly justify the need for research in the U.S.
One recommendation is required from the Ph.D. supervisor. Moreover, the candidate has to submit a research paper or thesis extract (max 20 pages).
A candidate already holding a Ph.D. is not eligible.