Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship for Indian Students

India and the US have launched the Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship, in a new initiative to advance bilateral cooperation on climate change that will enable Indian research scholars to work with American institutions in the field. The Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship is part of a commitment made by President Obama and Prime Minister Modi to build long-term capacity to address climate change-related issues in both countries. The fellowship will be operated by the binational U.S.-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) under the umbrella of the prestigious Fulbright program and is named after the late Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a scientist and statesman who long advocated for increasing ties between the people of India and the people of the United States. The fellowship is jointly funded by both governments.

Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships are offered for:

1. Doctoral Research: These fellowships are designed for Indian scholars who are registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution. These fellowships are for six to nine months.
2. Postdoctoral Research: These fellowships are designed for Indian faculty and researchers who are in the early stages of their research careers in India. Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowships will provide opportunities to talented faculty and researchers to strengthen their research capacities. Postdoctoral fellows will have access to some of the finest resources in their areas of interest and will help build long-term collaborative relationships with U.S. faculty and institutions. These fellowships are for eight to twelve months.

Benefits of the Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship:

• These fellowships provide round-trip economy class air travel from India to the U.S., a monthly stipend
• Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines, a modest settling-in allowance, and a professional allowance
• In case of postdoctoral research grantees, and subject to availability of funds, a 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% of the grant period

Required Eligibility and Conditions for Applying Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship:

1. Applicant should be a responsible Indian citizen who can contribute to a full and fair picture of the culture and civilization of India, and thereby help to promote understanding and friendship between the peoples of the United States of America and India
2. Applicant must be residing in India at the time of application. No applications will be accepted from Indians residing, working or studying outside of India
3. Applicant should have a high level of academic/professional achievement
4. Applicant must demonstrate proficiency in the English language to undertake the proposed project/program and adjust to life in the U.S. The applicant may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
5. if shortlisted for an interview, must appear in person for interview at the USIEF office in New Delhi
6. Applicant must inform USIEF well in advance if s/he needs to travel abroad (e.g. conference) during the application cycle
7. Applicant must be eligible for leave, if employed
8. Applicant must be in good health
9. Applicant must not be applying for or holding permanent residence (green card) in the United States
10. Applicant must give an undertaking to return to India on the completion of the fellowship

Document Required for Applying Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship: 

1. Bio Page of Passport
2. Writing Sample
3. TOFEL/GRE score card
4. Applicant Annexure
5. Employer’s Endorsement Form (if applicable)
6. Reference Report Form
7. Curriculum vitae
8. Scanned copies of mark sheets or transcripts and diploma/degree certificates;
9. Scanned copies of proof of work/professional experience
10. Three reference letters
11. degree certificate/provisional Ph.D. certificate

Application Procedure:

1. Applications must be submitted online at: https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/scholars/30/
2. Please carefully review the Application Instructions before starting your online application
3. Please refer to the Applicant Checklist before submitting the application
4. Once you submit your application, you can NO longer make any changes to it

Contact Details:                                           

1. The applicant can contact to following address: United States-India Educational Foundation, 12 Hailey Road, New Delhi 110 001
2. Telephone No.: +91-11-4209-0909/2332-8944
3. Fax: +91-11-2332-9718
4. E-mail: info@usief.org.in , climate@usief.org.in

References & Details:

1. For more details regarding documents and other help please visit official website: http://www.usief.org.in/Index.aspx
2. http://www.usief.org.in/Fellowships/Fulbright-Kalam-Climate-Fellowship.aspx