Fulbright Scholarship India - Eligibility, Benefits, Application, Deadlines

Fulbright scholarship - An international educational program designed to provide funding to encourage educational opportunities among students, professionals, scholars and teachers to study in the USA are the Fulbright scholarships. The scholarship was established in 1946 under the legislation introduced by Senator J. William Fulbright.

This Story also Contains

1. What is Fulbright scholarship?
2. Fulbright scholarships in Indian Citizens
3. How to apply for Fulbright scholarships
4. Terms and conditions for application
5. Required documents
6. Application deadline
7. Fulbright scholarship selection process

The scholarship is offered by the Council of International Exchange of Scholars (CIES). The CIES has Fulbright commissions in many countries including India. It is known as the United States-India Education Foundation (USIEF). The USIEF provides scholarship opportunities for Indian students to help them in studying in the USA and support their academic and professional growth.

What is Fulbright scholarship?

The Fulbright scholarship is competitive and aims to provide professionals, students, teachers and scholars with educational opportunities. The Fulbright program gives an average of 8,000 merit-based grants every year.

The scholarship is valid in more than 155 countries and more than 300,000 students have been given the grant so far. Read more about the Fulbright scholarship program in this article.

Fulbright scholarship-Highlights

Overview of the Fulbright Scholarship Program

The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most prestigious programs supporting exchange between the United States and international participants in science, business, public service, government, and the arts.

Since its inception, Fulbright Scholarships has grown into one of the world's largest academic and cultural exchange programs. More than 310,000 teachers, researchers, graduate students and professionals participate in Fulbright programs.

The Fulbright scholarship gives international students an opportunity to study and do research activities in the US. The CIES offers scholarships to nearly 4000 international students every year.

Fulbright scholarships in Indian Citizens

The CIES offers several awards, fellowships, and Fulbright scholarship for Indian students, in the fields of agriculture, environment, education, science, arts, public health and technology. Selected candidates for the Fulbright Scholarship India receive an amount to cover tuition, living expenses, visa fees, airfare, and health insurance.

The list of Fulbright Scholarships and Fulbright Fellowship Programs are as follows

• Fulbright Nehru Master's Fellowships
• Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
• Fulbright Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships
• Fulbright Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
• Fulbright Nehru International Education Administrators Seminar
• Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship
• Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Programme
• Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Programme
• Fulbright Distinguished Awards in the Teaching Programme for International Teachers
• Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship Programme

Fulbright Nehru Master's Fellowships

Indian students pursuing courses in arts and cultural management (including conservation and museum studies), economics, environmental sciences, university management, international affairs, international law, public administration, public health, urban and regional planning, women's studies/gender studies or get a master's degree studying in selected colleges and universities in the United States are eligible to apply for this Nehru Fulbright scholarship program.

However, after completing the programme through fulbright scholarship USA they must return to India and contribute to their local communities. The duration of the fellowship program is one to two years.

Eligibility criteria

The Fulbright scholarship eligibility details for the Nehrus masters programs is listed below.

• Must have an equivalent US bachelor's degree from a prestigious university.

• Candidates must have any one of the following degrees:

  • 4-year bachelor's degree

  • Master's degree

  • Full-time postgraduate diploma (if the undergraduate course is less than 4 years in duration).

• A minimum score of 55% in the qualifying course.

• Work experience as a full-time paid employee and at least 3 years of experience in the relevant industry.

• Experience in leadership and community service is required.

• Applicants must not have another degree from a U.S. university.

Benefits

• Selected candidates will be provided with assistance in applying for a J-1 visa.
• This scholarship covers economy-class airfare from the candidate's hometown to the US.
• Funds for tuition and living expenses will be provided.
• It also offers medical insurance (accident and sickness coverage) based on US guidelines.

Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

This scholarship is intended for candidates who have applied for a PhD in an Indian institution. Cndidates applied for this Nehru Fulbright scholarship must be Indian citizens and the duration of the scholarship is 6-9 months. This Fulbright scholarship India scholarship provides candidates with the opportunity to be affiliated with any of the selected educational institutions in the United States.

However, if they have received a letter from a US educational institution, they must indicate this in their online application. This scholarship is for pre-doctoral level research applicants only. Those who have a PhD or are pursuing the final stage of their doctoral degree are not eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Eligibility criteria

The details of the Fulbright scholarship eligibility India are listed below.

• Only Fulbright Nehru Scholarship awardees are eligible to apply for the scholarship program.

• Candidates must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution.

• They must reside in India for the duration of the project.

• A letter of recommendation from the supervisor must be attached to the online application form. The letter should mention the date and subject of the Ph.D. application as well as the applicant's research and funding needs.

• Candidates must submit their thesis at least three months after the final date of the Fulbright Nehru grant.

• If employed, they must follow the instructions on their employer's certificate. Candidates can download the Employer Verification Form from the USIEF website.

• Candidates are required to upload their published/published paper or master's or MPhil thesis excerpt when submitting the online application form.

Benefits

• J-1 visa support

• A monthly stipend

• Insurance coverage for accidents and illnesses of international students

• Economy class tickets

• Applicable allowances

• Small membership fee (if any)

• Selected scholarship holders are given the opportunity to audit non-degree courses, conduct research, and gain work experience.

• This scholarship does not support the dependents of the candidate.

Fulbright Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowships

This fellowship is open to Indian faculty, professionals and researchers and gives them an opportunity to conduct research or teach at an institution in the US. With this Fulbright scholarship candidates get a chance to develop a curriculum and conduct workshops and seminars. This Fulbright scholarship for Indian students has a duration of 4 to 9 months.

Eligibility criteria

• Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent published work

• Non-teaching candidates must have a master's degree or have published equivalent papers in a related field.

• Five years of teaching or research experience in a related field is required.

• Candidates must upload a copy of their published report or thesis when applying for the scholarship.

• If the candidate is selected, a letter of recommendation must be obtained from the home institution.

Benefits

• J-1 visa support.

• Monthly stipend.

• Accident and sickness coverage for exchange students based on US government guidelines.

• Economy class ticket (round trip).

• Modest settlement allowance for candidates.

• Professional allowance.

If the selected candidate is awarded an 8-month or 9-month scholarship, the commission will provide living allowances and international travel allowances to the dependents accompanying the candidate, subject to the availability of funds. A dependent must be in the United States for at least 80% of the fellowship period.

Fulbright Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

The Indian faculty and researchers who have begun their research careers can strengthen their research capacities by applying for the Fulbright Nehru postdoctoral scholarship. The selected fellows will have access to the best resources in the related fields, enabling them to build a relationship with the US faculty and institutions.

The duration of the programme varies from eight to twenty-four months. While applying, the candidate should mention the time of the proposed project in the US. The committee will determine the programme's period based on the candidate's duration in their Fulbright scholarship application form.

Eligibility criteria

• Candidate must be an Indian citizen.

• He must have required proficiency in the English language.

• He must have a Ph.D. or DM degree obtained within the last four years.

• Degrees and provisional certificates must be uploaded on the online application.

• They must have documentation demonstrating their academic and professional excellence.

• Reputable journals should have published their research.

• When applying for a scholarship, they must upload their most recent publication.

Benefits

• J-1 visa and monthly scholarship support

• Health insurance to cover accidents and sickness

• Economy air ticket for candidates travelling from India to the USA

• Acclimatisation allowance

• Professional allowance

If the candidate selected is awarded an 8 or 9 months scholarship, the commission will provide living and travel allowances subject to availability of funds for dependents accompanying the candidate. However, the dependent must remain in the United States for at least 80% of the fellowship period.

Fulbright Nehru International Education Administrators Seminar

The United States India Education Foundation (USIEF) organizes seminars exclusively for Indian candidates who have at least two years of international development and management experience in their respective institutions. Administrators of Indian educational institutions will have the opportunity to learn more about the US education system at Fulbright Nehru's Seminar for International Education Administrators.

The USIEF will select 14 Indian government officials to participate in a two-week workshop in the United States. Selected administrators will learn about the US higher education system, its various types of institutions, curriculum development, student services, research collaborations, faculty-student exchange programs, and more.

Eligibility criteria

• Candidates must hold a middle to senior management position at a university as Vice Chancellor, Dean, Dean, Registrar, etc.

• They should have at least 2 years of work experience.

• They must have a high-level degree or be successful in business.

• Administrators looking to expand faculty and students through international cooperation and exchange programs can apply for this seminar.

Benefits

• J-1 visa support

• Health insurance to cover accidents and sickness of international students

• Economy air tickets for candidates travelling from India to the USA

• Travel and accommodation within the United States

• Awardees cannot bring dependents to the seminars.

Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship

USIEF offers the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship Program to students involved in resource identification in India. The purpose is to promote understanding between the two countries by sharing their knowledge and technology. The Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship aims to engage scientific and engineering scientists from the United States and India in climate research and education.

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants should be Indian citizens.

• They must have an excellent academic background.

• Candidates should have good knowledge of English.

• They must commit to returning to India after completing the program.

Doctoral research level:

Candidates should have conducted adequate research in relevant fields (especially when identifying Indian and US resources).

They should be pursuing a Ph.D. in a recognized institution in India.

Postdoctoral research level:

Must have completed a Ph.D. within the last four years.

Benefits

• Support for J-1 visa

• Health insurance

• Airfare from India to USA (Economy Class)

• Monthly stipend

• Settlement allowance

• Professional allowance

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) programme

The USIEF offers the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program. This program is aimed at university-level English teachers who are just beginning their careers, in teacher training, or who are experts in a related field (American studies, American/British literature, etc.). Selected candidates will be given the opportunity to teach Bengali, Hindi, or Urdu at select universities in the United States. This is a 9-month, non-study-related scholarship that tentatively starts in August or September.

Eligibility criteria

• Candidates must be Indian citizens.

• Candidates must reside in India throughout the application and selection process.

• They must demonstrate maturity, integrity and professionalism.

• They must be fluent in English.

• A TOEFL (online) score of at least 79-80 is required.

• Candidates must have at least a master's degree in English, English or American Literature, American Studies, Linguistics, Comparative Literature, and related fields.

• Must have an excellent academic record.

• Preference will be given to candidates with teaching experience.

• Candidates applying for PR or permanent residents of the United States are not eligible.

Benefits

• J-1 visa support.

• Monthly stipend.

• Health insurance for international students.

• Travel support.

• Selected US institutions will pay tuition fees to support coursework.

This program will not provide the selected candidate's dependents or spouse with a J-2 visa.

Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Programme

High school teachers in India can benefit from the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) programme. The program is conducted for six weeks at selected universities in the United States. A Fulbright TEA is an academic program that does not require a degree or credit. Selected teachers are given the opportunity to travel to the United States to improve their teaching skills and develop their skills.

Fellowship awardees will be able to attend academic seminars on new teaching methods, enabling student-centered learning, lesson planning and training in instructional skills. Upon completion of the program, candidates are eligible to train other teachers and collaborate on projects between schools in their home country and American schools. They can compete for small grants for required teaching materials, and participate in other activities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidate must be an Indian national and reside in India.

• Should be a full-time senior teacher.

• They should be teaching grades VI through grade XII.

• They must have completed at least 5 years of training in the following areas:

  • English

  • English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

  • Social science

  • Maths

  • Science

  • Special education

• Must reside and teach in one of the following states: Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Daman Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli. Must have a bachelor's degree.

• Must be a resident of India at the time of application and selection.

• They must have a TOEFL score of at least 450 and an iBT TOEFL score of 61 or above or an equivalent score in an English test.

• After completing the program, they should continue with their teaching.

Benefits

• J-1 visa support

• Pre-departure orientation for candidates in India.

• TEA will cover the programme fees.

• Accommodation and food will be provided.

• Health insurance (accident /sickness)

• Transportation to the school if required

• Daily allowance for the duration of the program

• Baggage allowance.

• Workshop in Washington D.C.

• Candidates can apply for small alumni grants.

Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Programme for International Teachers

The USIEF gives the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Programme for International Teachers. The program brings about 47 teachers from around the world to the United States for one semester. This is a professional development program that does not require a degree or credits. Selected teachers can promote individual or group projects, participate in professional development courses, and share their expertise with teachers and students at selected colleges and local schools.

Candidates are mentored and gain cultural enrichment throughout the program. Selected teachers can apply for small grants for essential teaching materials, provide training to other teachers, or participate in other activities upon their return to India.

Eligibility criteria

• Candidates must be a citizen of India.
• Stay and study in one of the following states:Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal, Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand.
• Have a college degree
• Be a full-time teacher at the elementary, junior high, junior high, and high school levels. Completed 5 years of teaching experience.
• This should be the primary and secondary level. Library Media Specialist, Career Counselor, Curriculum Specialist, Special Education Coordinator and Administrator.
• They must spend at least 50% of their time with students.
• They should be proficient in the English language.
• After completing the program, they must continue with their teaching career.
• Ministry of education officials, education administrators, principals, university lecturers, and private English teachers are not eligible to apply for this program.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• J-1 visa support
• Pre-departure orientation for candidates in India
• Welcome orientation for awardees in Washington DC
• Accommodation and food
• This program covers the cost of academic training programs.
• Transportation facility to local schools in the US
• Daily allowance for the duration of the program

Hubert H. Humphrey Program

The Program is aimed to provide an opportunity to the most accomplished young and mid-career professionals from developing countries to come to the US for a ten-month non-degree graduate study. The program targets scholars from policy making, planning, administration and non-governmental organizations.

Eligibility criteria

• An Undergraduate or bachelors degree.

• Minimum five years of work experience.

• Minimal or no work experience in the US.

• Excellent leadership skills.

• A record of community public service.

• English language proficiency.

• Written undertaking promising to return to India once the fellowship ends.

Benefits

• Monthly Stipend

• Scholarship covers tuition fees

• Monthly maintenance amount

• Health insurance based on US government guidelines

• Subsidies for books and supplies

• Air ticket fare

• Travel facilities for attending workshops in Washington, DC

• Allowances for professional activities (e.g. field trips, professional visits, conferences.

How to apply for Fulbright scholarships

Here is the step-by-step process to apply for the Fulbright scholarships:

• Applicants must go online and choose the specific scholarship they wish to apply.

• They should create an account.

• They must check the individual requirements of the scholarship on the website and start the application process.

• They must then submit the required documents.

• They must fill the required documents and forms.

• The last step is submitting the application.

Terms and conditions for application

There are certain terms and conditions that applicants to the Fulbright scholarship must adhere to. These include:

• Accepted applicants are required to submit a letter of confirmation or a letter of recommendation from their employer in the prescribed manner. Employers must state that the applicant's leave will be approved for the duration of the grant.

• Candidates are required to submit letters of recommendation from two or three referees by the final application deadline, if required.

• Candidates applying for the Fulbright-Nehru Masters Scholarship do not need to apply in person to a US host institution. The Fulbright Scholarship Program will apply to various institutions on their behalf.

• Candidates may only apply to only one Fulbright Nehru Scholarship.

• No visa extensions or transfer of visa sponsorships are permitted.

• There is no age limit to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship.

• The duration of the Fulbright Scholarship Program is from 2 to 24 weeks.

Required documents

Candidates will have to submit the following documents for application to the Fulbright Scholarship:

• Academic transcripts.

• Letters of recommendation from the candidate’s home university.

• FNDR applicant annexure

• FNDR employer's endorsement form

Application deadline

The application deadline for the Fulbright scholarship will vary according to the scholarship the candidate is applying for.

Application Deadlines for various Fullbright scholarships

Fulbright scholarship selection process

Applicants will be shortlisted based on specific eligibility criteria. Candidates on the shortlist are required to attend an in-person interview with the National Selection Committee at the USIEF office in New Delhi. The committee will make the final decision. Candidates are selected according to the following criteria:

• Candidate's academic and professional competence

• Need to do research in the US

• Communication skills

• Commitment to their community and nation

• Their merit for the proposed Fulbright project

• Leadership qualities, determination, maturity, motivation and cultural adaptability

• Ability to contribute as a cultural ambassador beyond the field of specialisation

The Fulbright scholarships provide a golden chance for students from India to do their postgraduate degree or doctoral studies in the US. The scholarship provides financial aid to help awardees pay their tuition fees, living costs, visa fees, air ticket costs and medical insurance.