Is it necessary to have an invitation lined up in order to apply for a Fulbright grant to India?
No. While many applicants do secure invitations, an invitation is not required. USIEF assists in identifying Indian institutions of higher learning for affiliation/assignment, who do not have an affiliation.
Can one earn credits under the Fulbright Program?
No. Graduating and doctoral students, under the Fulbright Program, are enrolled as 'Casual' students and not as 'Regular' students, i.e. Fulbright students cannot audit the courses.
What precautions can I take to stay healthy in India?
Information on health precautions to take for India is available on the CDC website.
How can I check on travel safety from a security point of view?
Travel warnings for U.S. citizens abroad are available on the website of the
U.S. Department of State. If you have any questions, then USIEF will contact the Regional Security Office, regarding scholar's proposed destinations.
How will I find housing in India?
Scholars who have lived in that place are a good source of information. USIEF offices in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai provide scholars with their contact information so that scholars can be in touch well before their arrival in India. USIEF also provides a list of realtors and contacts of Indian Fulbrighters of respective cities for local information.
What is the last date for applying?
All grants have different deadlines. Please check the respective website of the Fulbright grant you wish to apply.
Does USEFI offer grants to artists?
Yes, visit CIES website for senior scholars and IIE website for grants to artists under student category. You may also check the awards listed on the USIEF website.
Are grantee reports mandatory?
If the grantee is in India on Research visa then 'he/she' is required to complete the project and send a narrative report to USIEF for onward submission to the Government of India (GOI) for closing the file. If the report is not sent to the GOI there can be problems in obtaining clearance/visa authorizations for any future projects.
Can a scholar apply if he/she in staying in India?
Yes, scholars do so since applications are available online. However, the scholar will need to go out of the country for obtaining the required visa, i.e. the 'Entry' visa for the lecturer category or Research visa for researchers and graduating seniors.
Can a Fulbright grantee arrive on a 'Tourist' visa?
No, the Fulbright grantee must arrive on an appropriate visa to begin the Fulbright. Lecturers and all dependents need to have 'entry' visa, and senior or students researchers need to have research visas. No additional visa is required for the People of Indian origin or Overseas Citizens to India card holders. But their project must be cleared by the Goverment of India.
Can a Green card holder apply for the Fulbright grant?
No, only U.S. citizens can apply for the Fulbright grants listed on the section for 'U.S. Nationals' on the website. However, permanent residents in the U.S. can apply for Fulbright grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Does USIEF pay for dependents - travel/subsistence allowance?
Yes, USIEF does pay additional allowance for dependent/s as per grant category. However, the dependent is entitled to an additional allowance subject to the dependent's stay in India for a minimum of 80% of the duration of the Fulbright grant. Please check the grant benefits of the awards you wish to apply for.
