Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Where TOEFL fits in the timeline
From the USIEF fellowship page.
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 1 July 2026 |
| Review of applications | End September 2026 |
| Interviews of shortlisted candidates | Early November 2026 |
| Semi-finalists notified; semi-finalists take TOEFL | December 2026 |
| Finalists notified after FFSB approval | April 2027 |
| Programme begins | August/September 2027 |
Who the fellowship is for
It is for Indian PhD students doing research essential to their thesis at one U.S. host institution. Applicants must be registered for a PhD at an Indian institution on or before 1 November 2025, and the expected thesis submission must be at least three months after the grant ends. Employees of the Government of India and state governments are not eligible.
You can apply for only one Fulbright-Nehru category in a cycle, and applications are made online through IIE.
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What this means for test prep
Because the page names TOEFL for semi-finalists and gives no score, do not book IELTS for this fellowship on the strength of this page. If you reach the semi-final, USIEF tells you what to do next. For how the two tests compare for U.S. study, see our TOEFL and IELTS guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need TOEFL to apply for Fulbright-Nehru?+
No. USIEF's timeline says semi-finalists take TOEFL in December 2026, after interviews.
Does Fulbright-Nehru accept IELTS?+
The doctoral fellowship page names only TOEFL for semi-finalists.
What TOEFL score do I need?+
The USIEF page does not state a minimum score.
Is the 2027-28 cycle still open?+
No. The page shows the application deadline as closed; it was 1 July 2026.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS vs TOEFL for the USA
- TOEFL scores for top US universities
- The new TOEFL 1 to 6 score scale
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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