The U.S.–India TRUST Fellowship 2026–27 is now open for applications, offering an outstanding opportunity for Post-Doctoral researchers and early-career faculty members from leading U.S. institutions to conduct cutting-edge research in India for 12 months. Hosted by premier institutions including Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), this fully funded fellowship aims to strengthen research collaboration between the United States and India in strategic technology sectors.
Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of USD 1,650, accommodation, health insurance, round-trip airfare, visa assistance, and research funding. Applications are accepted until 30 June 2026 (11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time), with the fellowship beginning in August 2026.
About U.S.–India TRUST Fellowship 2026–27
The U.S.–India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) Fellowship is a prestigious international research initiative that promotes strategic technology cooperation between the United States and India. The fellowship supports talented researchers from leading U.S. universities by providing an opportunity to conduct research at India’s top academic institutions.
The initiative is jointly organized by the U.S. Consulate General Chennai, IIT Madras, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). The fellowship is supported by Pratiksha Trust and Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy (MSP) as founding sponsors.
The fellowship will run from August 2026 to July 2027.
U.S.–India TRUST Fellowship 2026–27 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | U.S.–India TRUST Fellowship 2026–27 |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Fellowship Period | August 2026 – July 2027 |
| Host Institutions | IIT Madras, IISc & MAHE |
| Fellowship Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Candidates | Post-Doctoral Researchers & Early-Career Faculty |
| Monthly Stipend | USD 1,650 |
| Faculty Career Track | USD 3,650 per month |
| Research Grant | Up to USD 2,000 |
| Accommodation | Provided |
| Health Insurance | Included |
| Airfare | Round-trip Economy Ticket |
| Visa Support | Yes |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 June 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
Fellowship Objectives
The fellowship has been created to strengthen long-term scientific partnerships between India and the United States while encouraging innovation in strategic technologies.
Its objectives include:
- Promoting academic exchange between U.S. and Indian institutions.
- Supporting collaborative research in emerging technologies.
- Encouraging publications, patents, and technology commercialization.
- Building long-term international research collaborations.
Research Areas
Applicants can conduct research in the following strategic technology domains:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Quantum Computing
- Semiconductors
- Biotechnology
- Energy
- Space Technology
- Defense Technology
Research proposals should directly align with one or more of these priority areas.
Fellowship Benefits
The U.S.–India TRUST Fellowship offers excellent financial support and comprehensive research facilities.
Monthly Stipend
Selected Post-Doctoral Fellows will receive:
USD 1,650 per month
Faculty Career Track
Outstanding applicants meeting the eligibility criteria for early-career faculty may be considered by IIT Madras for a Visiting Faculty Position, equivalent to an Assistant Professor role.
Selected candidates under this category will receive:
USD 3,650 per month
Additional Benefits
Along with the monthly stipend, fellows will receive:
- Accommodation support
- Health and medical insurance
- One round-trip economy airfare between the applicant’s U.S. residence city and Chennai
- Contingency research grant of up to USD 2,000
- Visa assistance
- On-ground logistical support from IIT Madras
These benefits allow researchers to focus entirely on their research throughout the fellowship period.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should satisfy the following eligibility requirements:
- Hold a PhD or be a Post-Doctoral researcher.
- Early-career faculty members are also eligible.
- Be affiliated with a leading U.S. university or research institution.
- Submit a research proposal aligned with the TRUST strategic technology fields.
- Preference may be given to U.S. citizens with no prior research experience in India.
Applicants are advised to review the official guidelines before applying.
Required Documents
Candidates should prepare the following documents before starting the online application:
- Academic CV including publication details.
- Research and Teaching Plan (2–3 pages).
- Host Faculty Consent Letter (optional but recommended).
A host faculty consent letter may strengthen the application but is not mandatory.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Selection is based on:
- Academic achievements.
- Quality of the research proposal.
- Alignment with strategic technology research areas.
- Research experience and publications.
- Potential for long-term collaboration.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Open Now |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 June 2026 (11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time) |
| Fellowship Begins | August 2026 |
| Fellowship Ends | July 2027 |
How to Apply for U.S.–India TRUST Fellowship 2026–27
Interested applicants can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official application portal.
- Read the fellowship guidelines carefully.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Apply Online: click here
Official Notification & Guidelines: click here
Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is highly recommended.
Contact Details
For any queries related to the fellowship, applicants may contact:
Rupa Suhas Pandit
Senior Project Officer
Email: projects@ge.iitm.ac.in
Telephone:
- +91 44 22578869
- +91 8925488834
Why You Should Apply
The U.S.–India TRUST Fellowship provides researchers with an opportunity to collaborate with some of India’s leading scientists and research institutions while working on globally relevant technologies.
Participants will gain:
- International research exposure.
- Access to advanced laboratories.
- Opportunities for high-impact publications.
- Patent and commercialization opportunities.
- Strong academic collaborations between India and the United States.
- Enhanced career prospects in academia and research.
If your research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, Semiconductors, Defense, Space, or Energy, this fellowship can significantly strengthen your research profile.
also read : Germany Opens Major Research Opportunities for Indian Students and Scholars in 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the U.S.–India TRUST Fellowship?
It is a fully funded international research fellowship that enables Post-Doctoral researchers and early-career faculty from leading U.S. institutions to conduct research in India for 12 months.
Is the U.S.–India TRUST Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, airfare, visa support, and research funding.
How much is the monthly stipend?
Selected Post-Doctoral fellows receive USD 1,650 per month. Exceptional early-career faculty selected for the Visiting Faculty track may receive USD 3,650 per month.
Who is eligible to apply?
PhD holders, Post-Doctoral researchers, and early-career faculty affiliated with leading U.S. institutions working in strategic technology areas are eligible.
What is the application deadline?
The last date to apply is 30 June 2026 at 11:59 PM (U.S. Eastern Time).
When will the fellowship start?
The fellowship is scheduled to begin in August 2026.
Conclusion
The U.S.–India TRUST Fellowship 2026–27 is one of the most prestigious international research opportunities available for researchers from leading U.S. institutions. With generous financial support, world-class research facilities, and the opportunity to collaborate with India’s premier universities, the fellowship is an excellent platform for advancing research careers in strategic technology fields.
Interested candidates should prepare their application documents and submit their applications well before the 30 June 2026 deadline to maximize their chances of selection.
