The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) has announced the opening of its annual competition for Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright scholarships for Indian citizens, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.
The scholarships are funded by the Department of State, Government of India and the U.S. Department of State.
According to the MEA release, such exchanges have helped bring the people of India and the United States closer together through opportunities that enrich the academic, research, teaching and professional capabilities of fellows.
The MEA has encouraged “outstanding Indian students, academics, teachers, policy makers, administrators and professionals” to apply.
According to the USIEF website, the Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships are intended for highly motivated individuals who demonstrate excellent leadership skills, have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree, have at least three years of professional work experience, and are committed to returning and contributing to their communities in India.
These scholarships are awarded for up to two years to pursue a master's degree at American colleges and universities in the field of economics; Environmental sciences/studies; Administrative higher education; International Business; International legal studies; Journalism and mass communication; Public administration; Public health; Urban and Spatial Planning; and Women's Studies/Gender Studies.
What are the eligibility requirements for the fellowship program?
- According to the USIEF website, the applicant must be a responsible Indian citizen who can contribute to a full and fair representation of the culture and civilization of India, and can help promote understanding and friendship between the peoples of the United States of America and India.
- Applicant may not reside in the US during the recruitment and placement cycle (February 2024 – July 2025).
- Indian nationals with active permanent resident status abroad are not eligible to apply.
- The applicant must have a high level of academic/professional achievement.
- The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in the English language to undertake the proposed project/program and adapt to life in the US.
- They must inform USIEF well in advance if the applicant needs to travel abroad (e.g. a conference, a fellowship, etc.) during the February 2024 – July 2025 application cycle.
- The applicant must be eligible for leave if employed.
- They are not allowed to apply for or possess permanent residency (green card) in the United States.
- The applicant must make a commitment to return to India upon completion of the fellowship.
In addition to the above requirements, the scholarship applicant must also have checked these eligibility requirements:
- The applicant must have obtained an equivalent of a US bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with at least 55% marks.
- The applicant must have a four-year bachelor's degree or a completed master's degree; or a full-time postgraduate degree from a recognized Indian institution, if the bachelor's degree is less than four years in duration.
- The applicant must have at least three years of full-time (paid) professional work experience relevant to the proposed area of study before the application deadline.
- They must demonstrate experience in leadership and community service.
- They may also not have another degree from an American university or be enrolled in an American program.
- If employed, the applicant must carefully follow the employer's approval instructions. If applicable, obtain approval from the appropriate administrative authority on the FNMasters Employer's Endorsement Form. The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the grant period.
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Published: Mar 6, 2024 5:31 PM IST