Qualified and guided people from India have an occasional opportunity to study for a master’s degree at prestigious American universities through the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships.
The U.S.-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) offers these fellowships, which are intended to nurture academic excellence, leadership, and community service. This government-sponsored fellowship encourages desiring professionals to create significant contributions to India after they return while helping them develop expertise in a variety of sectors.
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships Overview
For a maximum of two years, the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships offer financial aid for a full-time master’s program in the United States. The goal of this scholarship is to develop professionals who can exhibit academic intelligence, leadership abilities, and community involvement. After finishing the program, candidates must commit to return to India and continue to make contributions to their professions.
Fields of Study Supported
Candidates can apply only in specific fields that align with their proficient experience and career goals. The following fields are eligible:
- Economics: Contains macroeconomics, labor economics, development economics, and public finance.
- Environmental Science/Studies: Contains environmental policy, toxicology, pollution prevention, and resource management.
- Higher Education Administration: Covers topics such as academic management, internationalization of higher education, and curriculum development.
- International Affairs: Focuses on foreign policy, international security, human rights, and migration issues.
- International Legal Studies: Includes global health law, business law, intellectual property, and labor law.
- Journalism and Mass Communication: Encompasses media management, print journalism, broadcast journalism, and digital media strategies.
- Public Administration: Covers public sector management, non-profit management, and urban development.
- Public Health: Includes epidemiology, health policy, reproductive health, and occupational health.
- Urban and Regional Planning: Focuses on sustainable infrastructure, transportation policy, urban resilience, and land use.
- Women’s Studies/Gender Studies: Includes feminist studies, gender policy, teaching, and health.
Grant Benefits of the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship
The fellowship offers vast financial support to ensure scholars can focus on their studies.
- J-1 visa support for the fellow
- Round-trip airfare between India and the U.S.
- Tuition and fees coverage (subject to limits)
- Living allowance to cover room, board, and incidental expenses
- Health insurance (as per U.S. Government guidelines)
Eligibility Criteria for Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
To allow, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an Indian university with at least 55% marks.
- A four-year degree or a master’s/postgraduate diploma is required if the bachelor’s program is less than four years.
- Three years of full-time, paid work experience relevant to the field of study.
- Proven leadership and community service involvement.
- Must return to India after finishing the fellowship.
- Should not hold any other U.S. degree or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program.
- If employed, applicants need to submit the FNMaster’s Employer’s Endorsement Form to confirm their employer’s consent for study leave.
Application Process for Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
To apply, follow these steps carefully:
- Online Application Submission:
- Applications must be submitted online at Fulbright-Nehru Application Portal.
- Ensure all required documents are uploaded, including the Applicant Annexure and Employer’s Endorsement Form (if applicable).
- Check Eligibility and Prepare Documents:
- Use the FNMaster’s Applicant Checklist to ensure the application is complete.
- Deadline:
- Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2024, 23:59 IST.
- Important Instructions:
- Candidates may only apply for one Fulbright-Nehru fellowship category per cycle.
- Applications with plagiarism or missing documents will be disqualified.
- Candidates cannot apply for both Fulbright-Nehru and Fulbright-Kalam grants in the same year.
Timeline and Selection Process
The selection process involves multiple stages to ensure transparency and fairness:
- May 15, 2024: Application Deadline
- End June 2024: Application Review
- Early August 2024: Notification of Review Outcome
- End August 2024: Interviews for shortlisted candidates
- October 2024: Submission to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB)
- March/April 2025: Notification of final selection
- May/June 2025: Pre-Departure Orientation in India
- August/September 2025: Start of degree programs in the U.S.
Placement Process:
- The Institute of International Education (IIE), New York will handle the placement of selected candidates. Scholars do not need to apply to U.S. institutions independently.
Additional Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship Programs
- Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships: For scholars pursuing research related to their PhD programs in India.
- Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowships: For postdoctoral research in the U.S.
- Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships: For professionals and academics seeking research or teaching opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply to multiple Fulbright-Nehru categories?
No, candidates may only submit one application per competition season.
What if I am already enrolled in a U.S. university program?
Applicants enrolled in U.S. degree programs or holding U.S. degrees are ineligible.
Are dependents covered under the fellowship?
No, the fellowship does not provide financial support for dependents.
What tests are required?
Shortlisted nominees may need to take the GRE and TOEFL after receiving the nomination.
How will placement work?
IIE will apply to four U.S. institutions on behalf of recommended candidates, considering the candidate’s preferences and academic fit.
