Fellowships

The Visiting Chair Program is designed for Indian scholars who are employed in India for the purpose of research and teaching at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This fellowship is offered jointly by the University of Massachusetts (UMass Amherst) and the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF).

The Fulbright-Nehru Visiting Chair for the academic year 2024-2025 at UMass Amherst will be offered in the field of Public Policy. The Visiting Chair must have a high level of academic/professional achievement in the area of Public Policy. Note that we are looking at a broad concept of Public Policy and scholars from the areas of governance, education, gender rights, economics, public finance, healthcare management, and city/urban development, among others can apply. The Visiting Chair will teach and conduct research in Public Policy at UMass Amherst and promote mutual understanding through engagement with the host community. USIEF expects the Visiting Chair to generate awareness at UMass Amherst about India and the contributions of Indian academia.

Priority will be given to the selection of scholars whose activities are related to graduate, undergraduate, and/or postgraduate programs in India with the objective of increasing the impact of their scholarship in India as a result of their experience in the United States.

If selected, the Chair should start his/her grant in the Spring Semester (January 2025 to May 2025). The final dates will be decided by UMass Amherst, but the Fellowship may be held for one semester only.

Primary Responsibility of Visiting Chair

• teach an upper-level course in Public Policy that relates to the scholar’s research broadly in order to attract both graduate and advanced undergraduate students;
• present at least one public on-campus lecture;
• contribute to the intellectual community at the School for Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
• engage in outreach activities to encourage academic collaborations with India
• participate in seminars, workshops, and network with other scholars on campus; and
• participate in inter-disciplinary and community engagement.

Important note: The Visiting Chair will teach and conduct research in public policy at UMass Amherst and promote mutual understanding through engagement with the host community. At UMass Amherst, 25% is considered an appropriate amount of time to dedicate to teaching one course, which will be the teaching load for the Fulbright Visiting Chair. The remainder 75% of the time is for research, outreach, and engagement activities, such as participating in the academic life on campus at UMass Amherst, visiting courses and colloquia, and encouraging collaborations with India. Please develop your project proposal accordingly – 25% of your time for teaching and 75% for research and engagement at UMass Amherst.

Grant Benefits
The fellowship provides a J-1 visa support, a monthly stipend, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines, round-trip economy class air travel, settling-in allowance, books and supplies allowance, professional allowance, and excess baggage allowance. Dependent allowance and international travel may be provided for one accompanying eligible dependent provided the dependent is with the grantee in the U.S. for at least 80 per cent of the grant period.

Eligibility Requirements

In addition to the General Prerequisites:

• faculty/researchers must have a Ph.D. degree with at least five years of relevant teaching/research/professional experience;
• professionals outside academe must have a master’s degree with recognized professional standing and at least five years relevant experience;
• the applicant should upload a recent significant publication (copy of paper/article) on the online application (not exceeding 30 pages); and
• applicants must follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement. The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period. The applicant must obtain the endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority on the Letter of Support from Home Institution.

How to Apply

1. Applications must be submitted online at: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2024
    
2. Please carefully review the FNVC Applicant Instructions before starting your online application.
    
3. Please refer to FNVC Applicant Checklist before submitting the application.
    
4. In addition, you must complete and upload FNVC Letter of Support from Home Institution and upload on your online application.
    
5. Please complete and upload FNVC Applicant Annexure as per the applicant instructions on your online application.  

Application deadline: September 18, 2023 23:59:59 hrs (IST)

For any queries contact: fnvc@usief.org.in
 

IMPORTANT:

You can apply for only ONE Fulbright-Nehru fellowship category during a competition cycle.

Candidates cannot apply for Fulbright-Nehru and Fulbright-Kalam grants in the same academic year.

Plagiarism in the application will lead to disqualification.

Unless otherwise specified, Fulbright-Nehru applications are to be submitted online.

Applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered.

Extensions and Transfer of visa sponsorship will not be permitted.

Prospective Fulbright participants should be aware that public health conditions, availability of consular services and travel, as well as U.S. institutional operating status and policies may affect their ability to travel to the U.S. and participate in academic programs.

Applications submitted prior to February 7, 2023 will NOT BE considered.