Fulbright-Nehru Distinguished Scholar (All Disciplines)
India
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
For research, teaching, or a combination of teaching and research activities. Teaching may include co-teaching, guest lectures, seminars, workshops, or short courses. Distinguished Scholars frequently collaborate with Indian faculty on curriculum development, institutional initiatives, and academic leadership activities.
Applicants may determine the balance between teaching and research and should clearly define this in their project statement. A recommended teaching load for Distinguished Scholars would not exceed one course per term (generally up to three hours per week).
Distinguished Scholars are also encouraged to engage in lectures, workshops, and professional activities at institutions beyond their primary host. To support this, the Fulbright Commission in India provides a generous in-country travel allowance for academic and professional engagements across India.
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.
Grants may be 4 months.
Grants may begin any time between July 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028.
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:
1. Critical Minerals and Supply Chains
- Geology
- Materials Science
- Mining Engineering
2. Defense and Security
- Cybersecurity
- Aerospace Engineering
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems
3. Energy Security
- Energy Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
4. Science and Research Collaboration
- Bioengineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Semiconductor Engineering
5. Space Cooperation
- Astrophysics
- Planetary Science
- Space Systems Engineering
- Satellite Communications
6. Technology and Innovation
- Data Science
- Quantum Computing
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Scholars from the arts, humanities, and social sciences are strongly encouraged to propose interdisciplinary, comparative, or policy-relevant projects engaging these areas.
In-Country Grant Related Travel for Distinguished Scholar
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The Fulbright Commission in India provides up to $2000 for travel and accommodation expenses for delivering lectures/ talks or conducting workshops across India. These events can be organized by the Commission upon recommendation from the scholar or receiving invitations from other institutions for hosting the scholar.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
- Applicants are encouraged to identify appropriate host institutions for their projects. USIEF encourages prospective applicants to contact current and former grantees about participating in the Fulbright Scholar Program and invites you to read their bios provided on the USIEF website.
- If the applicant doesn’t have a preferred host institution, USIEF can assist. For suggested host institutions, please contact Priyanjana Ghosh, Senior Program Officer: Priyanjana@usief.org.in.
- Applicants who have been in touch with potential host institutions should include any correspondence in the application, such as letters of invitation or expressions of interest.
- Appropriate placements will be finalized for selectees by USIEF.
- Applicants who do not indicate a preference for a host institution (especially those applying for teaching grants) and are open to an affiliation at an institution outside major metropolitan areas are encouraged to indicate this in their applications.
- Although academic calendars vary across institutions, Fulbright-Nehru teaching scholars have historically arrived in India in either July/August or in January. Applicants are encouraged to inquire about the ideal grant dates for the host institution when requesting an invitation letter.
All teaching will be in English; additional language proficiency not required.
For research, basic knowledge of a local language in the location of research can be an advantage; applicants are not required to submit a language proficiency evaluation.
This award is designed for eminent scholars with substantial professional experience and a strong record of publications or professional contributions. Applicants must typically have more than thirteen years of experience in their field.
Applicants without significant experience in India are encouraged to apply, as are scholars with established India-focused expertise. Given the limited number of Distinguished Scholar awards, applicants may also be considered for the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Award, as appropriate.
U.S.-India Educational Foundation - Fulbright Commission in India
For suggested host institutions, please contact Priyanjana Ghosh, Senior Program Officer: Priyanjana@usief.org.in.
$6,000 per month. Support in arranging housing will be provided by USIEF and the host institution.
- Round-trip international travel for grantee.
- One-time baggage allowance of $350 for grants up to four months and $600 for grants longer than four months. The allowance is paid at the end of the grant period upon submission of final reports to USIEF and IIE.
A one-time teaching/research allowance of up to $750 provided at the beginning of the grant.
Additional living allowance of $200 per month per dependent, up to a maximum of three dependents who accompany the grantee for at least 80 percent of the grant period.
Travel for up to two accompanying dependents is also provided as long as the dependents accompany the grantee for at least 80% of actual grant duration in India.
Tuition reimbursement for up to $5,000 per child or $10,000 per family for accompanying dependent children in grades K-12 on a reimbursement basis.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Regional Travel Grant
With additional funding provided by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, during their grant period, Fulbright Scholars in the South and Central Asia (SCA) region may apply for a regional travel grant to engage in a variety of activities at academic institutions or non-profit organizations in eligible SCA countries (Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). Activities that U.S Scholars may engage in include: faculty and student lectures, graduate or faculty seminars, conferences, curriculum development, public lectures, panel presentations, needs assessment, or some combination thereof. Scholars in the arts may be invited to give master classes or recitals, participate in exhibitions or workshops, or consult with cultural institutions. Activities may not include research. This grant will cover travel to and from the destination and lodging may be offered by the hosting institution. Scholars may only apply for this grant once they are in country on their Fulbright grant, and as funds are limited, may only participate in one Regional Travel Grant during their Fulbright grant.
Before traveling to another country on a Regional Travel Grant, it is important to confirm trip details with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section or Fulbright Commission in that country.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference
The South and Central Asia (SCA) 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 SCA 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. Please note that conference plans are subject to change depending on programmatic or regional considerations.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
India
What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?
The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), India’s Fulbright Commission, offers approximately 50 Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards across two award categories for the 2027–28 academic year.
Since 1950, USIEF has facilitated over 21,000 fellowships, supported by the U.S. Department of State, the Government of India, and other partner agencies. This long-standing collaboration reflects both the historic significance of the Fulbright Program in India and the depth of the U.S.–India educational partnership.
The landmark 2008 Fulbright agreement elevated India to a full partner in funding and governance of the program, substantially expanding opportunities for U.S. scholars. Since then, Fulbright-Nehru awards have supported a growing and diverse cohort of American scholars engaged in teaching, research, and professional exchange across India.
India is a compelling destination for Fulbright scholars today. As the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing major economies, India offers an unparalleled environment for studying questions of global significance—ranging from public health, climate adaptation, urbanization, and digital governance to advanced manufacturing, energy security, space science, and artificial intelligence. Scholars benefit from India’s scale, diversity, and openness to international academic collaboration.
Higher Education in India: Opportunities and Structure
India’s higher education system, influenced by the British academic model, conducts most instruction and research in English. The system includes central, state, and private universities; autonomous colleges; and specialized research and professional institutions. Undergraduate and graduate admissions are typically competitive and merit-based.
Fulbright scholars will encounter an academic environment that values teaching excellence, institutional development, and collaborative research. Many host institutions actively welcome visiting scholars to contribute through teaching, joint research, curriculum development, mentoring, workshops, and public lectures.
India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is reshaping the higher education landscape, emphasizing multidisciplinary study, research innovation, experiential learning, and greater international engagement. These reforms create new opportunities for Fulbright scholars to engage with institutions that are actively rethinking pedagogy, research priorities, and global partnerships.
Practical Support for Fulbrighters
USIEF provides comprehensive in-country support to Fulbright scholars through its offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. Support typically includes pre-departure guidance, arrival orientation, assistance with institutional affiliation, and ongoing advising throughout the grant period.
Scholars live and work in a wide range of Indian settings—from major metropolitan universities to smaller cities and regional academic hubs. While living conditions vary by location, most scholars find that India offers a manageable cost of living, widespread English usage in academic and professional contexts, robust digital connectivity, and access to high-quality healthcare in urban areas.
Transportation options include app-based ride services, extensive rail networks, and frequent domestic flights, making inter-city travel relatively straightforward. USIEF and host institutions assist scholars in navigating local norms and practical arrangements during their stay.
Why Choose India?
A Fulbright grant to India offers scholars the opportunity to engage deeply with one of the world’s most dynamic societies at a moment of profound transformation. India’s universities, research institutions, and policy environments provide fertile ground for comparative inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and projects with real-world impact.
To learn more about recent Fulbright projects and scholar experiences, applicants are encouraged to visit the “Current Fellows” section of the USIEF website.
Details regarding U.S. Scholar alumni to India can be found in the Fulbright Scholar Directory. Read more about Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador, Professor Jeff Withey, who collaborated with microbiologists at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases in Kolkata.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Archaeological Research: Applicants must clearly state in their proposals whether they will need to visit excavation sites. Selected candidates in this field will be required to fill out a form that USIEF will submit to the government of India for obtaining special clearance from the Archaeological Survey of India.
Archival Research: Applicants should clearly state in their proposals whether they will need to consult records and/or papers in the National Archives, New Delhi, or in state archives. USIEF will obtain the necessary letter from the U.S. Embassy, which will be required for a scholar’s entry into the archives.
Public Health/ Medical Research: Applicants in pursuing health or medical related research may require additional approvals. USIEF will guide candidates through the process.