Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships 2026

The Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships are intended for highly driven individuals who exhibit exceptional leadership abilities, have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the United States, have worked professionally for at least three years, and are determined to return to India and make a positive impact on their communities.

Eligibility Criteria For Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships:

• Applicants must identify as Indian nationals.
• Applicants must hold a U.S. bachelor's degree equivalent from a recognized Indian university with at least 55% marks. If the bachelor's degree is less than four years, applicants must have either a four-year bachelor's degree, a completed master's degree, or a full-time postgraduate diploma from a recognized Indian institution.
• Applicants must have at least three years of full-time paid work experience related to the field of study.
• Applicants must demonstrate experience in leadership and community service.
• Applicants must not have another degree from a U.S. university or be enrolled in a U.S. degree program.
  • If employed, applicants should carefully follow the instructions for employer endorsement. If required, get approval from the relevant authority on the FNMasters Employer’s Endorsement Form, confirming that leave will be granted for the fellowship period.
• Employees of the Government of India and State Governments are not eligible for any Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships. This includes civil servants in central and state services, as well as bureaucratic staff working in central and state ministries or departments.

Areas of Study:

• Economics
• Public Health
• International Legal Studies
• Urban and Regional Planning
• Environmental Science/Studies
• Higher Education Administration
• Journalism and Mass Communication
• Sustainable Development/Sustainability

Application Process:

All eligible candidates must apply online to be considered for the scholarship.

Value of the Fellowship:

The successful candidates are awarded the following benefits:

• J-1 visa support,
• Accident and sickness coverage
• Tuition and Fees, Living and related costs, 
• Round-trip economy class air travel from fellow’s home city to the host institution in the U.S.