US-India Educational Foundation announces opening of annual Fulbright-Nehru competition

The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) has officially opened its doors to applicants for the annual Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright fellowships, the US embassy in India said Feb. 2, 2024, in an official statement. USIEF is currently receiving applications from Indian citizens for the academic year 2025-2026.

The programs are jointly funded by the US Department of State and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), with the stated aim of serving as a bridge connecting the people of India and the United States.

“Alumni of such exchange and scholarship programs have demonstrated strong leadership in their academic disciplines and professions. Outstanding Indian students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply” the statement read.

Speaking about the program, Fulbright-Nehru Master’s fellow at Johns Hopkins University, Naveen Anaswara said, “The Fulbright-Nehru scholarship has significantly transformed both my personal and professional life. This prestigious opportunity broadened my perspective from a regional focus to an international level, providing ample networking and knowledge-sharing avenues. Today, I proudly serve as the President of the Asia Pacific Public Health Network at Bloomberg School, a position I attribute to the profound impact Fulbright has had on my life and professional journey.”

Additionally, a 2023 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research fellow at the University of California in Davis, Sana Imtiazbhai Jindani said, “The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship significantly transformed my academic and personal journey. On the professional side, it opened doors to diverse research skills, perspectives, and valuable collaborative opportunities. Personally, the fellowship provided a unique space to delve into self-discovery, allowing me to reflect on my identity and values. This immersive experience left a profound and lasting impact on my overall personality and well-being.”

“My Fulbright journey at the University of Washington, Seattle has been truly transformative. The time spent here has not only refined my research questions but has also profoundly influenced the way I approach finding answers. Interacting with distinguished experts in climate change and freshwater ecology has been a pivotal experience, marking a significant milestone in my academic and professional growth,” said Aashna Sharma, 2023-2024 Fulbright-Kalam Climate fellow for Postdoctoral Research at the University of Washington, Seattle.

The statement also said that in the last 78 years, the US government’s global Fulbright program has fostered enduring connections, dispelled misconceptions, and fostered collaboration toward shared objectives.