Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships | Bioengineering | Apply Now
If you are an Indian Ph.D. scholar in Bioengineering looking to bridge the gap between “good research” and “global innovation,” the 2027-2028 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships are officially open for business. This isn’t just a PhD Fellowship; it’s a 6-to-9-month immersion into the U.S. academic ecosystem designed to give your dissertation a high-tech, futuristic edge.
Fields of Study
As you explore fellowships, keep in mind that Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships—specifically crafted for doctoral research—are highly competitive Research Fellowships funded by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). They target scholars who are ready to tackle global challenges through science and research collaboration.
Through Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships, students can pursue disciplines across a broad spectrum, including:
- STEM: Bioengineering.
- Environmental & Earth Sciences: Agricultural Sciences, Energy Studies, and Environmental Science.
Eligibility and Structural Requirements
Prospective applicants must strictly adhere to the following criteria if striving for Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships eligibility and recognition:
- Registration Status: Applicants must be registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2025.
- Thesis Timeline: The anticipated Ph.D. thesis submission date must be at least three months after the conclusion of the grant. (e.g., if the grant concludes in May 2028, the thesis may not be submitted before August 2028).
- Institutional Affiliation: While civil servants are ineligible, researchers and academicians from centrally funded institutions—including IITs, IISc, CSIR, ICMR, and DBT laboratories—are encouraged to apply.
- Stage of Research: This fellowship is intended for pre-doctoral research; individuals who have already attained a Ph.D. or are in the final stages of submission will not be considered.
Research Grant Benefits and Provisions
Notably, the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships provide a comprehensive support package for each doctoral research scholar:
- Visa Support: Assistance with J-1 exchange visitor visa sponsorship.
- Financial Stipend: A monthly stipend to support living expenses in the United States.
- Logistics: Round-trip economy class air travel and applicable project allowances.
- Insurance: Coverage under the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges as per U.S. Government guidelines.
Application Process & Details
- Online Portal: Refer to the Application Instructions and APPLY ONLINE HERE
- Affiliation: Applicants are strongly encouraged to secure a letter of invitation from a U.S. host institution in advance.
- Annexures: Complete the FNDR Applicant Annexure and Employer’s Endorsement Form (if employed).
- Integrity Warning: Plagiarism or direct copying from Generative AI may lead to disqualification, as many U.S. institutions now scan for AI-produced content.
- Application Deadline: July 1, 2026 (23:59:59 hrs IST).
- Shortlist Notification: Early October 2026.
- Interviews: Early November 2026.
- Final Approval: April 2027.
- Program Commencement: August/September 2027.
Contact Details
- For any queries related to Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships, contact: [email protected]
To maximize your opportunities, aspiring doctoral research fellows should demonstrate why the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships are ideal for international collaboration. Applying for the Research Fellowships is a defining moment for Indian Ph.D. scholars seeking to elevate their dissertations through international collaboration. This PhD Fellowship serves as a bridge to world-class U.S. academic resources and long-term professional networks. As these are highly competitive Research Fellowships, ensure your justification for U.S.-based research is clear, and your application is submitted.

























