Fulbright-Nehru International Education Administrators Award
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.
Attend various informational meetings with representatives of Indian universities, private-sector agencies and organizations, and selected government agencies to gain better insight into India’s higher education system. U.S. administrators will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with program/curriculum designs, organizational structures, quality assurance procedures, and credit and degree expectations in Indian higher education. Participants will gain first-hand knowledge of a cross-section of Indian institutions and meet with high-ranking university administrators and public sector officials who play key roles in the planning and administration of higher education in India. The seminar aims to achieve a balance of topical discussion, knowledge sharing by both the U.S. administrators and Indian representatives, experiential excursions, and exposure to societal/cultural facets of India.
Participants will be asked to submit a brief report and evaluation after the seminar.
Seminar locations will include highly respected universities and colleges in major cities (to be determined) and visits to research institutes and non-governmental organizations that lend themselves as sites for higher education collaborations and exchanges between the United States and India.
Seminar expected to take place in October/ November 2026, but please note this is tentative and therefore subject to change.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
The award includes round-trip travel, lodging, and a per diem that includes a meal allowance for those meals not provided.
Return air travel may be arranged to allow for independent travel in India after the seminar.
Accompanying dependents cannot be accommodated during the seminar.
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
The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), India’s Fulbright Commission, proudly offers over 40 Fulbright U.S. Scholar grants across three award categories for the 2026-27 academic year.
Since 1950, USIEF has facilitated over 21,000 fellowships, supported by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Education, Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Department of Science and Technology, and other partners. This robust collaboration reflects the program's historic significance and the strong partnership between the United States and India.
The transformative 2008 Fulbright agreement elevated India to full partnership in funding and governance of the program. Under this landmark accord, Fulbright-Nehru and Fulbright-Kalam Fellowships have expanded significantly, introducing innovative opportunities and increasing the number of fellowships available to U.S. scholars.
India is a compelling destination for Fulbright scholars. As the world’s largest democracy and a burgeoning global economy, it boasts a rich historical tapestry, cultural pluralism, and an unparalleled zeal for education. Home to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing education systems, India welcomes scholars to teach, research, and exchange ideas across a wide array of disciplines.
Higher Education in India: Opportunities and Structure
India’s higher education system, rooted in the British model, primarily conducts instruction in English. It encompasses universities, colleges, and specialized diploma-awarding institutions, categorized by central, state, and private funding sources. Undergraduate admissions are highly competitive, often reliant on rigorous entrance exams.
Scholars will find an education landscape that prioritizes quality teaching and innovative research. The 2020 New Education Policy (NEP) is poised to revolutionize Indian education. Highlights of the NEP include:
- A restructured 5+3+3+4 academic framework.
- Vocational training at younger ages.
- Increased multidisciplinary programs.
- Permission for top global universities to establish campuses in India.
This policy aims to position India as a vibrant knowledge hub.
Practical Support for Fulbrighters
USIEF ensures robust support for Fulbright scholars through its offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. These hubs facilitate a seamless transition for grantees and provide guidance throughout their fellowship.
Why Choose India?
India’s rich cultural, academic, and professional opportunities make it an unmatched destination for Fulbright scholars. From ancient traditions to cutting-edge research, the country offers a unique blend of experiences that inspire and challenge scholars to grow intellectually and personally.
Visit the Current Fellows page on the USIEF website to explore past projects and gain insight into the vibrant possibilities of a Fulbright experience in India.
We encourage you to seize this opportunity to engage with India’s dynamic academic and cultural landscape. Apply now and become part of this exciting journey!
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.
While this award is open to scholars and administrators from all academic disciplines, it is designed for administrators in higher education and international education who wish to build their institutional capacity to enhance study abroad (especially to 'non-traditional' destinations) and expand opportunities for international collaborations through faculty and student exchange, collaborative research projects, and pursuit of innovative curricular design.
To be eligible, applicants must be employed by a U.S. higher education institution and be EITHER:
• International education administrators (for example, senior international officers, foreign student advisors, study abroad advisors, and foreign student admissions staff)
OR
• Senior-level university administrators (such as deans, vice presidents, provosts, and presidents) in strategic positions of decision-making with substantial responsibility for enhancing the international dimension of their institutions
All eligible applicants must have at least five years of related experience, either in the field of international education or serving as a senior level administrator. Applicants must clearly demonstrate that these criteria have been met (in the curriculum vitae/resume) in order to be considered eligible.