Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship

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

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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Important Dates for the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025

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 DeadlineJuly 2025
Field-Specific Expert ReviewSeptember 2025
Review Outcome Notification by USIEFEnd of September 2025
Interviews for Shortlisted CandidatesMid-November 2025
Nominee Notification by USIEF & TOEFL for Doctoral CandidatesLate November 2025
Applications Forwarded to FFSB for Final ApprovalDecember 2025
Finalist Notification by USIEF (Post FFSB Approval)March/April 2026
Pre-Departure OrientationMay/June 2026
Program Commencement in the U.S.August/September 2026

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Overview of the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025

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 NameFulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025
Organising BodyUnited States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
Funding PartnersFulbright Commission, U.S. Department of State, Government of India (DST)
PurposeCapacity building and advanced research in climate-related fields
Eligible CandidatesIndian PhD scholars registered at an Indian institution (registered on or before November 1, 2022)
Research Duration6 to 9 months
Fields of StudyClimate Change, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Energy Studies, Renewable Energy, Public Policy, Smart Cities, Environmental Engineering, Agriculture, Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
Fellowship BenefitsJ-1 visa support, round-trip economy airfare, monthly stipend, accident & health insurance, settling-in and professional allowance, U.S. host institution affiliation
Application ModeOnline via the USIEF official website
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Objectives of Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025

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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Eligibility Criteria for Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025

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

NationalityMust be a citizen of India and residing in India during the application process
Academic QualificationMust be registered for a PhD at an Indian institution on or before November 1, 2022
Research BackgroundShould have conducted substantial research in climate-related fields such as environmental science, energy, sustainability, or related disciplines
Research PurposeFellowship must support research essential to the applicant’s PhD dissertation or thesis
Thesis Submission DateExpected 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 LetterOne 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 DocumentsMust upload a copy of a published/presented paper or excerpts from a Master’s/M.Phil. thesis (maximum 20 pages)

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Application Process for Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025

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:

  • Start by visiting the USIEF Fulbright Kalam official website. Navigate to the fellowship section and carefully read the detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application instructions provided there.
  • Scroll to the “How to Apply” section on the fellowship webpage and click the link to access the online application portal. Make sure you register with a valid email address to create your account.
  • Collect and upload essential documents, including your PhD registration proof, research proposal, academic transcripts, published paper or thesis extracts (max 20 pages), and a recommendation from your PhD supervisor.
  • Download and fill out the FNMaster’s Applicant Annexure form. This must clearly state your PhD registration date and expected thesis submission timeline. Upload it as a supporting document in your application.
  • If you are currently employed, complete the Employer’s Endorsement Form, which confirms that your organisation will grant leave for the fellowship period. Upload this form as part of your submission.
  • Double-check all uploaded files, filled information, and spelling before submitting the application online. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, so ensure timely submission before the deadline.
  • Once you complete the submission process, monitor your registered email for any communication from USIEF regarding application status, shortlisting, or interview invitations. Be prepared to respond promptly and attend interviews if shortlisted.

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Documents Required For Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025

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:

  • PhD registration certificate (registered on or before November 1, 2022)
  • Recommendation letter from PhD supervisor
  • FNMaster’s Applicant Annexure form
  • FNMaster’s Employer’s Endorsement Form (if employed)
  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Research proposal related to climate studies
  • Published paper or excerpts from Master’s/M.Phil. thesis (not exceeding 20 pages)
  • Valid passport copy (for identification)
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • TOEFL scores (if applicable at a later stage)

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Benefits of the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025

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:

  • The fellowship provides full J-1 visa sponsorship, allowing scholars to legally live, study, and conduct research in the United States. 
  • A generous monthly stipend is granted to cover essential living expenses, including housing, meals, transportation, and other daily needs. 
  • The program covers round-trip economy-class airfare from India to the U.S. and back. 
  • Fellows are enrolled in the U.S. Government’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges, which provides health insurance during the fellowship period. 
  • Scholars receive a settling-in allowance to help manage initial expenses upon arrival in the U.S. 
  • A professional allowance is also provided to purchase academic resources, attend workshops, or travel for research purposes within the U.S., enhancing research outcomes.
  • Selected candidates are affiliated with leading U.S. universities or research institutions. This provides access to advanced laboratories, libraries, and expert mentorship, promoting high-impact research and global academic exposure in their field of climate science.
  • The fellowship includes engagement in cultural exchange activities, allowing scholars to share Indian traditions while learning American values. 
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Contact Details For the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025

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

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FAQs about Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship

How can I apply for the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025?

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.

What documents are required for the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship application?

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.

How long is the duration of the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship?

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.

What are the main benefits of the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship?

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.

Who is eligible to apply for the Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship 2025?

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.

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