The Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship offers U.S. faculty, researchers, and professionals the opportunity to teach, conduct research, or combine both activities at an Indian institution. Depending on the host institution, grantees may also contribute to curriculum development, as well as conduct workshops and seminars.
Applicants planning to combine teaching and research should clearly specify the allocation of time for each activity in their project statement. For example, if 60% of the grant period is designated for research and 40% for teaching, this division should be reflected in the proposal.
The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) also considers flex grants (research-only), which allow recipients to divide the grant period into shorter, in-country stays over two consecutive years. The total grant period must not exceed six months, and up to three round-trip airfares will be provided for the grantee. Applicants opting for a flex grant should clearly outline their project timeline and plans in the proposal.
Affiliation Requirements:
Affiliations are available throughout India except for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Travel to certain protected or restricted areas may require prior approval from the Government of India. Applicants should consider these requirements when designing their projects or identifying potential host institutions.
According to Government of India regulations, Fulbright scholars must be affiliated with recognized institutions of higher education approved by the Indian Ministry of Education, including institutions accredited by the UGC, AICTE, or other apex regulatory bodies, as well as medical institutions accredited by the relevant authorities.
Applicants are encouraged to identify a preferred host institution and secure an invitation letter when possible. If an applicant does not have an affiliation, USIEF can assist in identifying an appropriate host institution after selection.
Affiliations will be finalized by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) after the grantee is selected. USIEF reserves the right to change the affiliation if the one indicated in the application is unsuitable for any reason.
Regional Travel and Mid-Year Conference:
During the grant period, Fulbright Scholars in the South and Central Asia (SCA) region may apply for a regional travel grant to give lectures at institutions in other SCA countries. Due to limited funding, only one regional travel grant will be awarded per scholar.
The South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference brings together Fulbright U.S. Scholars and U.S. Student Researchers to discuss each other’s work, network, and share their experiences as international exchange participants. Funding for the conference is provided by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The conference is typically held within the region in February or March, and financial assistance to attend is provided. To be eligible, participants must be on their Fulbright grants at the time of the conference.
Program Details:
- Duration: Grants are available for 4 to 9 months; flex grants for 4 to 6 months.
- Areas of Interest: Applications are welcome from scholars in all academic and professional fields. At the same time, USIEF actively encourages and prioritizes projects aligned with the following thematic areas, which reflect shared U.S.–India strategic interests and the skills needed for the 21st-century global economy:
- Critical Minerals & Supply Chains
- Defense & Security
- Energy Security
- Science & Research Collaboration
- Space Cooperation
- Technology & Innovation
Scholars from the arts, humanities, and social sciences are strongly encouraged to propose interdisciplinary, comparative, or policy-relevant projects engaging these areas.
- Language: For research, basic knowledge of a local language can be beneficial. For teaching, English is the medium of instruction.
- Candidate profile: Open to practicing professionals and faculty of all academic ranks.
- Deadline: The 2027 -2028 application is now open. Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
For more information on grant benefits and application procedures, please visit: Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship