Fulbright Scholarship – Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in the USA
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs in the world, funded by the U.S. Department of State. It provides fully funded opportunities for students from over 160 countries—including India and Pakistan—to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at top universities in the United States.
The program is designed for academically talented students with strong leadership potential and a commitment to bringing change to their home country. Fulbright scholars gain access to high-quality education, cross-cultural exchange, and long-term professional networks that extend far beyond graduation.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fees at accredited U.S. universities
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Round-trip airfare between home country and the U.S.
- Health insurance
- Academic support and pre-academic training (if required)
- J-1 visa sponsorship and processing support
Scholarship Type and Study Level
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Level of Study: Master’s and Doctoral (PhD)
- Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines except clinical medicine
- Duration: 1–2 years for Master’s, 3–5 years for PhD
Eligibility Criteria – India
- Citizen of India with a valid Indian passport
- Completed U.S.-equivalent bachelor’s degree (16 years of education)
- Demonstrated leadership and academic excellence
- Strong commitment to return to India after program completion
- Proficiency in English and eligible for a J-1 visa
- Not currently residing in the U.S. or holding U.S. permanent residency
Additional Fulbright programs may include Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellowships, and more, each with its own eligibility nuances.
Eligibility Criteria – Pakistan
- Citizen of Pakistan with a valid Pakistani passport
- Strong academic record with a four-year undergraduate degree or a combination of Bachelor’s and Master’s
- Preference given to candidates who have not studied in the U.S. before
- Must reside in Pakistan throughout the application and selection process
- Strong potential for leadership and commitment to national development
Application Timeline
- India Applications Open: Typically in February each year
- Pakistan Applications Open: Usually in February or March
- Deadline: May (India), April (Pakistan)
- Interviews: Mid-year
- Final Selection & Visa Process: August to December
- Program Start: Fall semester (August–September) of the following year
Top U.S. Universities Hosting Fulbright Scholars
While placement is managed by the Fulbright Commission, scholars have studied at:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Columbia University
- University of Michigan
- University of California (Berkeley, UCLA, etc.)
- Yale University
- Cornell University
Applicants cannot apply directly to U.S. universities during the Fulbright application stage. All placements are arranged by the Fulbright program upon selection.
Application Process
- Check eligibility through your country’s Fulbright office or U.S. embassy program
- Prepare required documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Study objectives essay
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE/TOEFL scores (if required)
- Submit application via the Fulbright online portal
- Appear for interview if shortlisted
- Undergo university placement and visa processing
Why Choose Rise Education Group
At Rise Education Group, we work with ambitious students from India and Pakistan to help them craft standout Fulbright applications that reflect their academic strengths, leadership qualities, and development goals. Our Fulbright coaching services include:
- Personalized strategy and eligibility assessment
- Essay review and editing (Personal Statement and Study Objectives)
- Guidance on choosing the right field of study and development focus
- GRE/TOEFL preparation strategy (if applicable)
- Interview preparation and mock sessions
- Visa and pre-departure guidance
We understand the competitive nature of Fulbright and bring years of experience in helping South Asian students stand out in one of the world’s most respected scholarship programs.
Book a Free Consultation
Thinking of applying for a Fulbright Scholarship? Let our expert counsellors guide you through every step of the process, from eligibility to final interview prep.