Fulbright Scholar Program

Each year, the U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program offers nearly 470 teaching, research or combination teaching/research awards in more than 125 countries. Opportunities are available for college and university faculty and administrators as well as for professionals, artists, journalists, scientists, lawyers, independent scholars and many others. In addition to several new program models designed to meet the changing needs of U.S. academics and professionals, Fulbright is offering more opportunities for flexible, multi-country grants.

Fulbright offers other programs including a Public Policy Fellowship that provides opportunities for U.S. early- and mid-career professionals and practitioners to serve in professional placements in a foreign government ministry or institution in partner governments around the world. Fulbright Public Policy Fellows build mutual understanding and contribute to strengthening the public sector while cultivating public policy experience in their desired area of expertise. The Fulbright Specialist Program sends U.S. faculty and professionals to serve as expert consultants on curriculum, faculty development, institutional planning and related subjects at academic institutions abroad for a period of two to six weeks. Additional Fulbright programs are also available.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Fulbright Scholar Program you must be a U.S. citizen – permanent residency is not sufficient. Applicants are also required to disclose any prior convictions of a felony or a misdemeanor. View a full listing of the requirements on the Eligibility tab of the Fulbright Scholar website.

Find an overseas opportunity

The Fulbright Scholar Program offers a database of overseas grant opportunities called the Catalog of Awards. Search by country, discipline, award length and activity type. Each entry includes information on award details, award requirements, award benefits and a country/region overview.

Those interested in the scholars program are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the types of opportunities available in the country of their choice. Some of these opportunities are announced on opportunity databases like PIVOT and these will be included in the Funding Connection section of Research Weekly. However, the Catalog of Awards includes all of the opportunities available for the year under the scholars program.

Application

Applicants must complete the online application and provide:

  • A project statement.
  • Tailored curriculum vitae.
  • Recommendation letters.
  • A portfolio (if your discipline requires it).

Applicants doing research must also provide a bibliography containing sources reflecting the current state of research/work relative to the proposed research project.

Those seeking a teaching opportunity must provide a syllabus/course outline.

Applicants interested in a combined teaching/research position must provide both.

Find details and examples of requirements on the Application section of the Fulbright Scholars website.

Review criteria

View complete review criteria under the Review Criteria section of the Fulbright Scholars website.

Typically two reviews are done. A peer review is conducted in Washington D.C. that examines the discipline credentials and project. If recommended for further consideration, the application then goes to the host country for further review.

Timeline

February

The program opens and new opportunities begin to populate the Catalog of Awards.

October-November

Peer Review Committees meet in Washington D.C. to review and determine whether or not applications are recommended for further consideration in the host country.

December-May

The Public Affairs Sections of U.S. Embassies (Posts) or binational Fulbright Commissions overseas review recommended applications and nominate candidates for selection.

January-June

All recommended submissions are forwarded to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board for approval. IIE/CIES notifies candidates whether they have been selected to receive a Fulbright award.

June onward

Grant details are finalized and grantees may begin per start dates listed in the Catalog of Awards.

Additional information

Each year the Office of Research Development offers a Fulbright Information Session which features past Fulbright Scholar awardees. This is an excellent opportunity to hear about their experiences and receive practical advice about this program and how to apply. Attendees are offered ample time for questions. These sessions typically are scheduled for late November or early December. View helpful webinars about the programs.