Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025-26 invites Indian PhD scholars to conduct climate change research in the US. Includes visa, stipend, airfare, and affiliation support.
Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025 is a prestigious initiative jointly implemented by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) in association with and supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. Targeted toward Indian doctoral researchers, this fellowship opens an opportunity to carry out advanced research studies for 6 to 9 months in different fields like climate change, environmental sciences, renewable energy, smart cities, and sustainable agriculture.
The Fulbright platform aims at creating long-term capability to address challenges emanating from climate change, relevant to both India and the U.S. in their respective spheres, thus promoting collaboration between future environmental leaders of both countries. The benefits of this fellowship include issuance of a J-1 visa, a paid monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, and allowance for professional development activities. Thereby, the program fosters scientific and sustainable activities related to research and innovation.
Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a PhD program at any recognised Indian institution and must already have undertaken substantial research in the area of his/her chosen subject. While being placed with a U.S. host institution, fellows will gain valuable hands-on experience and international exposure contributing to global climate solutions, while simultaneously upgrading their own academic and professional capabilities.
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To successfully apply for the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025, it is essential to be aware of the application timeline. The tentative timeline highlighting all the important dates for the various stages of the selection process is given below. This will help the aspiring candidates to plan well ahead and carry out all the necessary activities on time, thus improving their chances of being selected for this prestigious climate research fellowship.
Event | Date (Tentative) |
---|---|
Application Deadline | July 2025 |
Field-Specific Expert Review | September 2025 |
Review Outcome Notification by USIEF | End of September 2025 |
Interviews for Shortlisted Candidates | Mid-November 2025 |
Nominee Notification by USIEF & TOEFL for Doctoral Candidates | Late November 2025 |
Applications Forwarded to FFSB for Final Approval | December 2025 |
Finalist Notification by USIEF (Post FFSB Approval) | March/April 2026 |
Pre-Departure Orientation | May/June 2026 |
Program Commencement in the U.S. | August/September 2026 |
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The main goal of the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025 is to create bilateral cooperation between India and the U.S., allowing scholars to develop resources and international exposure for future climate leaders. Given below is a comprehensive overview table that provides a quick reference to the key details of this fellowship.
Component | Details |
---|---|
Fellowship Name | Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025 |
Organising Body | United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) |
Funding Partners | Fulbright Commission, U.S. Department of State, Government of India (DST) |
Purpose | Capacity building and advanced research in climate-related fields |
Eligible Candidates | Indian PhD scholars registered at an Indian institution (registered on or before November 1, 2022) |
Research Duration | 6 to 9 months |
Fields of Study | Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Energy Studies, Renewable Energy, Public Policy, Smart Cities, Environmental Engineering, Agriculture, Disaster Resilient Infrastructure |
Fellowship Benefits | J-1 visa support, round-trip economy airfare, monthly stipend, accident & health insurance, settling-in and professional allowance, U.S. host institution affiliation |
Application Mode | Online via the USIEF official website |
The Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025 primarily seeks to promote academic and research collaboration between India and the U.S. in the field of climate change. This program offers Indian PhD scholars the opportunity to do cutting-edge, impactful research in leading U.S. institutions.
Another key objective of the Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship is to build long-term leadership capacity among emerging Indian climate experts. The program seeks to nurture future climate leaders who are not only well-versed in scientific research but also able to influence public policy and carry out community climate-based initiatives. Essentially, the fellowship helps unite climate change experts from different parts of the world as they strive for greater sustainability.
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Prospective Candidates must first review the detailed rules for eligibility before they apply. Those applying should be high achievers, have done relevant research, and need collaboration opportunities in the United States. The table below lists all the criteria you must meet to apply for this competitive research grant.
Eligibility Requirement | Description |
---|---|
Nationality | Must be a citizen of India and residing in India during the application process |
Academic Qualification | Must be registered for a PhD at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2022 |
Research Background | Should have conducted substantial research in climate-related fields such as environmental science, energy, sustainability, or related disciplines |
Research Purpose | Fellowship must support research essential to the applicant’s PhD dissertation or thesis |
Thesis Submission Date | Expected PhD thesis submission must be at least three months after the fellowship ends (e.g., if fellowship ends in May 2026, submission must not be before August 2026) |
Recommendation Letter | One reference must be from the PhD supervisor commenting on the research work, relevance of the fellowship, PhD registration date, and topic |
Employment Endorsement (if applicable) | If employed, the applicant must provide an official leave approval and employer endorsement stating that leave will be granted for the fellowship duration |
Research Documents | Must upload a copy of a published/presented paper or excerpts from a Master’s/M.Phil. thesis (maximum 20 pages) |
Applicants for the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship in 2025 should follow all the steps carefully. Everything happens online, and several forms and documents highlight your degree, areas of study, and what makes you eligible. Apply correctly by following the guidelines below:
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In order to be eligible for the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025, applicants must show their academic qualifications, their research background, and fit for the program through their documents. Below is the list of essential documents you need to upload while completing the online application:
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The Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025 is meant to support your learning as well as encourage you to experience unique foreign cultures and workplaces. The following are the main benefits available to individuals chosen for this fully funded Indo-U.S. exchange program:
If you have any queries regarding the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025, you can easily contact the officials using this information.
Address: Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi-110 016.
Email: info@vigyanprasar.gov.in
Phone No: +91-11-26562122/25/33/44, 26567373, 26962819
To apply, visit the official USIEF website, access the fellowship section, and follow the “How to Apply” instructions. Complete the online form, upload all required documents, and submit the application before the deadline. Only online applications are accepted.
When applying for a research postdoctoral fellowship, you need to provide evidence of PhD registration, a research proposal, your academic transcripts, a recommendation from your research supervisor, an Applicant Annexure, a selection of your previous publications or a thesis extract (up to 20 pages) and proof from your employer if you are employed. All the necessary forms should be uploaded through the official application site.
It takes 6 to 9 months to participate in the fellowship, which depends on your research plan and whether the host institution imposes this requirement. During this time, individuals doing their PhD acquire research experience and work with international experts in the United States.
Selected fellows receive J-1 visa support, a monthly stipend, round-trip economy airfare, health insurance, settling-in and professional allowances, and research affiliation with a U.S. host institution. These benefits ensure financial security and provide a rich academic and cultural experience in the U.S.
Indian students registered for PhD programs in a recognised Indian university before November 1, 2022 are eligible to apply for the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025. Applicants are only considered if they are conducting climate research in fields such as environmental science, renewable energy or sustainable development and if they have proper academic and research experience.