Are you eligible for a Fulbright Fellowship?

The Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright fellowships provide deserving students pursuing their doctoral or professional studies abroad with the financial assitance they need to made their academic pursuits possible.

But how do you apply for a fellowship? What are the qualifications you need to be eligible?

To answer these and other related questions, staff from the United States India Educational Foundation hosted a chat with rediff.com readers on June 23.

For those of you who missed the chat here's the unedited chat transcript:

vdgarg68 asked, Hello Sir, Namaste, My son is studying at IISER Kolkata. He has comleted 3 years of 5 year integrated MS programme in Chemistry as major. He wants to persue his PHD from US .Please guide me about the study in US with Fullbright scholarship.

Sarina answers, hello! Please visit our website for information on the International Fulbright Science and Technology Fellowship. He can apply for this fellowship in future. He should apply when he completes his fourth year.

pa1 asked, hello sir, is there any scholarships available for mba programme also?

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, Your can consider the Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships for Leadership Development program. Visit our website www.usief.org.in for details. This program is designed for outstanding individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities; have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree; and have at least three years of professional or work experience. The application deadline is July 15, 2010.

RajivChatterjee asked, For the Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships for Leadership Development program, is it necessary to have 3 years of work ex at the time of application for the scholarship or at the time of admission/starting of the course?

Sarina answers, It is at the time of application. If however there is a small gap, the panel can take a call -- after all, work experience is not the only criteria.

shweta asked, Hi , I am a working professional with MBA in int business i am luking for professional development opportunities in the filed of business analytics. can u suggest some program under fulbright scholarship

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, Hi Shweta. You can apply for the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral and Professional Research Fellowships. These pre-doctoral level research fellowships, for a maximum period of nine months, are designed for scholars who are registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution and also for professionals with significant work experience and accomplishments. The application deadline is July 15, 2010. Visit our website www.usief.org.in for complete details and to download application material.

buggaboo asked, Am I eligible for Fulbright schols if I have an Indian passport and done my schooling in india but university in the UK?

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, Yes. You can apply for a Fulbright fellowship.

abc asked, Hi, I'm at present pursuing my PhD in computer science in Switzerland ane want to do a post-doc in US. Can you please let me know if I'm eligible for the grant.

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, We have a postdoctoral research fellowship. However, a Ph.D. degree obtained in last 4 years is essential at the time of application.

Anand asked, I want to persue PHD from US in dentistry .Please guide me about the study in US with Fullbright scholorship.

Sarina answers, I am afraid you can't pursue a Ph.D in Dentistry on a Fulbright grant.

prs asked, Can I get some details on MBA in US.Will I get scholarships,I am 6 years exp in IT field as Business analyst and hold a MBA from private institute in India

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, Consider the Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship program. Visit our website www.usief.org.in for details. July 15, 2010 is the application deadline.

Tingoo asked, Do we need any recommendations (from professors) to apply to this scholarship?

Sarina answers, do you mean Master's fellowship? Or post doc? You need recos from your professors as well as others you have worked with. Please check our website for details. www.usief.org.in

G asked, Hello Sir, Is this only for Phd programme or even for MS programs?

Sarina answers, We have Master's fellowships in certain areas. Do check our website for details on fields. Deadline is July 15. www.usief.org.in

prashant asked, i am a regional manager in ICICI prudential company. I am BE. Can I apply for Humphery Fellowship

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, Please check the fields of Humphrey. We have a field "Economic Development/Finance and Banking." However, Humphrey Fellowship program looks for people who have commitment for public service and have demonstrated leadership skills. If you feel you are suitable you can apply. Visit www.usief.org.in for details.

saurabh asked, I wish to pursue postdoc in USA am i eligible for fellowship . I am pursuing phd

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, If you are pursuing Ph.D. you are NOT eligible for Postdoct at this stage. Now, you can apply for the Fulbright-Nehur Doctoral and Professional Research Fellowships. These pre-doctoral level research fellowships, for a maximum period of nine months, are designed for scholars who are registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution and also for professionals with significant work experience and accomplishments.

AMIT asked, I am from a small town, have done sociology (Hons), BHU, and then I had a P.G. Dip from NID (national Institute of design) after that I have worked as designer for ten years. I handled different aspects of design and grew from Designer to design Manager to Designe director i the field of textile and apparel. Then i wanted to share learnig and rework on approach to design, so Joined NID as Faculty and become coordintor of the Department of Apparel design. Now, i want to do some addition to my interest areas and rework on design education too. What scholarship would be more appropriate and suitable for me?

Sarina answers, all depends on what you are looking for. You might consider the doctoral and professional fellowships--- these are great non-degree opportunities for professional enhancement in a US academic setting. Please visit our website www.usief.org.in Deadline is July 15, 2010

narayan asked, sir I have secured admission for Masters at Georgia tech for fall2010. Pl advise if I can apply for this fellowship

Sarina answers, our fellowships are for 2011-12.

RPS asked, Hello Sir, I am a graduate from IIT Bombay ( B-Tech Electrical Engg and M-Tech Microelectronics).I am about to complete 3 yrs. work exp on 31 July with 2 yrs work exp in managerial profile.I am contemplating a MBA program in US from one of the top 10 B Schools. My GMAT exam date is in August. Can I apply for the scholarship without a GMAT score/university application in hand?

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, You can apply for the Fulbright-Nehru Master's fellowship progrom. Visit www.usief.org.in for detials. Application deadline: July 15, 2010. DEAR ALL: PLEASE ATTEND THIS PROGRAM FULBRIGHT MENTORING WORKSHOP, MUMBAI Venue: Topaz Hall (Basement), YWCA International Centre, 18, Madame Cama Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 039 Date and Time: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 2.30 PM - 5.30 PM Interested participants have to Sign up for the program by sending an email to usiefmumbai@usief.org.in Do specify your name, profession, address, phone, email and grant category.

Masuk asked, I want to persue PHD from US in Animal Science.Please guide me about the study in US with Fullbright scholorship.

Sarina answers, check out the International Fulbright Science and Technology fellowships. These will likely be announced for 2012 in January 2011.

sagar asked, i am doing my doctorate in plant breeding and genetics in horticulture, what r the post doctotal oppurtunities and financial scholarships vaailable

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, You can apply for Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral and Professional Research Fellowhsips. Visit www.usief.org.in for details. July 15 is the deadline.

Dipta asked, Me in Sanskrit. What are the scopes?

Sarina answers, Do you mean do a Phd in Sanskrit in the US? I am afraid you can't pursue a Ph.D in Sanskrit on a Fulbright grant in the US

CHETAN221978 asked, SIR, MYSELF DR CHETAN CHAUHAN , Ph.D IN CHEMISTRY I WANT TO APPLY FOR FULBRIGHT FELLOWSHIP. WHAT ARE POSSIBILITIES TO GET THIS FELLOWSHIP

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, If you have got your Ph.D. on or after July 15, 2006 you can apply for the Postdoctoral Research Fellowships. These fellowships, for a maximum period of 12 months, are designed for Indian scholars and professionals who have a Ph.D. degree from an Indian institution within the past four years. The Postdoctoral Research Fellowships will provide opportunities to talented scholars and professionals to strengthen their research capacities; have access to some of the finest resources in their areas of interest; and help build long-term collaborative relationships with U.S. faculty and institutions. For complete details on this program and also to download application material Visit our website www.usief.org.in. The application deadline is July 15, 2010.

sagar asked, i am doing my doctorate in plant breeding and genetics in horticulture, what r the post doctotal oppurtunities and financial scholarships vaailable

Sarina answers, You can apply for a Fulbright-Nehru Post doctoral fellowship if your Ph.D has been awarded between July 2006 and July 2010

Pratik asked, I have done my PhD in Applied Biology and have experience of 22 years in the field of Marine Biology, cwill i be eligible for Fellowship?

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, You can apply for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowhsip if you have got your Ph.d. on or after July 15, 2006. There are other opportunities like FNELP, SR, VL that might be applicable for you. For complete details on this program and also to download application material Visit our website www.usief.org.in. The application deadline is July 15, 2010.

etrs asked, How important is the consent letter from US prof. or institute important for being selected for Fulbright post-doc fellowship?

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, It is desirable but not essential to apply for a Fulbright Fellowship.

Anil asked, Hello Sir, I have done MS in Engg. from USA after 5 yrs of teaching exp.,then came back to India and again started teaching job. Am i eligible for applying Fullbright scholarship for PhD in Engineering?

Sarina answers, Look out for the announcement for the 2012 International Fulbright Science and Technology Award sometime in January 2011. This is to pursue a Ph.D. in the US.

Ashis asked, Hi I am Ashis I want to know what is the fellowship amount at present. Can this be more than 12 months. I am PhD in Chemistry

Sarina answers, the duration is upto 12 months

krish asked, Hello, I am Assistant Prof. in IIT Kanpur and I would like to apply for this fellowship. Am I eligible for that?

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, If you havea Ph.d. you can apply for a Fulbright-Nehru Senior Research or Fulbright-Nehru Visiting lecturer fellowships. There are other opportunities that might be applicable for you. For complete details on this program and also to download application material Visit our website www.usief.org.in. The application deadline is July 15, 2010.

Ashis asked, Ashis says, Hi I am Ashis I want to know what is the fellowship amount at present for Fulbright-Nehru post doc. Can this be more than 12 months. I am PhD in Chemistry

Sarina answers, it is location specific-- dependent on cost of living. ranges currently between 2500 to 2900 USD per month. There are other allowances and roundtrip travel, health benefits etc. Check the website for details.

venugopal asked, sir, my daughter is doing Mphil in social work. what are her opportunities to pursue a doctoral degree in the same field?

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, She can apply for a Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral and Professional Research fellowship once she is registered for her Ph.D.

lalittambi asked, Sir, I am a chartered accountant in public practice in india since last 8 years. I have a 10 years valid US tourist visa. What is the scope for me.

Sarina answers, Please visit our website for the fellowships on offer.

harishkumar asked, Hi sir, i will be submitting my Phd from IIT Roorkee. Sir, i got a offer for postdoc from oct 2010 - oct 2011 in France, sir i just want to know whether i would be able to apply for fullbright scholarships after my postdoc completion for the coming year 2012-2013

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, Indian under Fulbright program can only go to the U.S.A.

Abhaya asked, I am a Ph.D in Energy Management. Can I do post doctoral research in energy economics with special reference to renewable energy

Sarina answers, Yes, you can. Check out the Fulbright-Nehru senior researcher and post-doctoral categories on our website. Deadline is July 15. www.usief.org.in

adi asked, I have done phd in Psychology with counseling and wanted to pursue post doctoral courses in USA. Can you please let me know the opprtunities and scholarships avialable

Sarina answers, check out the Fulbright-Nehru Post doctoral fellowships on our website. www.usief.org.in

shobha asked, i dont see my question in the q posted anymore nor the answers. Me, a music performer, can i apply as a professional?

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, Do you have a Master's degree? if yes, you can apply for a Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral and Professional Research Fellowship. For complete details on this program and also to download application material Visit our website www.usief.org.in. The application deadline is July 15, 2010.

mukesh asked, i have done PhD in biological sciences in what way i can use this fellowship

Sarina answers, You can apply for the Fublright- Nehru post-doctoral fellowships. Deadline is July 15. Please visit website for application material www.usief.org.in

rajeevgera asked, I am a 44 years old Public Health Professional working in Immunization at national level in Delhi India. Am I eligible for the fellowship and it is relevent for me

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash answers, You can explore options to apply for a Humphrey Fellowhsip Program Under PUBLIC HEALTH. For mid-level policy planners and administrators in the government, public and private sectors, and NGOs for professional development in the fields of Agricultural and Rural Development; Communications/Journalism; Substance Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention; Economic Development; Finance and Banking; Educational Administration, Planning and Policy; HIV/AIDS Policy and Prevention; Human Resource Management; Law and Human Rights; Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, and Climate Change; Public Health Policy and Management; Public Policy Analysis and Public Administration; Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (Teacher Training or Curriculum Development); Technology Policy and Management; Trafficking in Persons, Policy and Prevention; Urban and Regional Planning.

Sarina says, This is all we have time for today. Until next time. Please visit our website www.usief.org.in for application material and details. Until next time, goodbye.

Guest Speaker: Sudarsan Dash says, If you are based in Mumbai: FULBRIGHT MENTORING WORKSHOP, MUMBAI Venue: Topaz Hall (Basement), YWCA International Centre, 18, Madame Cama Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 039 Date and Time: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 2.30 PM - 5.30 PM Interested participants have to Sign up for the program by sending an email to usiefmumbai@usief.org.in Do specify your name, profession, address, phone, email and grant category.

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