the opportunity

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Student Fulbright program awards roughly 1,700 grants annually for graduating seniors, graduate students, and young professionals to engage in cultural immersion and exchange. UGA students have been quite competitive in recent years and for the 2011-2012 competition was recognized as a “Top-Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students.”

U.S. Student Fulbright grantees spend eight to twelve months (typically one academic year) in one of over 155 countries around the world where Fulbright operates. The primary aim of the Fulbright program is to further mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. Grantees promote this mission by pursuing research, study, or creative projects, teaching English to non-native speakers, or gaining international professional experience in public health or policy fields. The Fulbright program typically covers all costs for the year.

types of grants

Study/ Research/ Creative Fulbright Grants (also called Full Grants)

Applicants propose a self-designed academic, research, or artistic project to pursue in their country of interest. These projects may include university coursework, independent library or field research, classes in an art school or music conservatory, special projects in the social or life sciences, or a combination of these. Applications are due in early fall for the following academic year.

Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships (ETAs)

English Teaching Assistants teach English to students of all ages in classrooms around the world.  Most ETAs are placed in schools or universities outside of capital cities and are assigned various activities designed to improve their students' language abilities and knowledge of the United States. ETA grants currently are offered in about 65 countries. While ETAs typically spend between 20 to 30 hours in the classroom each week, many countries also encourage grantees to engage in side research or community engagement projects. Applications are due in early fall for the following academic year.

Fulbright Public Policy Fellowships

Public Policy Fellows serve in professional placements in select foreign government ministries or institutions. There they gain hands-on public sector experience while simultaneously carrying out an academic research/study project. The goal is to build the Fellows’ knowledge and skills, provide support to partner country institutions, and promote long-term ties between the U.S. and the partner country. Substantial public policy experience is required. Applications are due February 1st for the following academic year.

Fulbright-mtvU Awards

Fulbright-mtvU funds projects focusing on contemporary music as a global force for mutual understanding. Applicants submit a project proposal as well as a plan describing how they intend to share their activities with their peers during their Fulbright year abroad through mtvU print, broadcast, and/or online mediums. Applications are due March 1 for the following academic year.

how to apply

•  Visit the U.S. Student Fulbright homepage. Use the navigation menu located on the left side to learn more about each grant and participating countries.  Be sure to explore the individual country summaries for detailed information about candidate profiles and country-specific requirements.

• Eligibility: Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens holding a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent by the beginning of the grant period. Prospective applicants should check host country summaries on the Fulbright website for additional requirements such as language proficiency.  Individuals who have obtained a PhD are no longer eligible for the U.S. Student Program. UGA faculty and administrators interested in the Fulbright Scholars Program should contact Kasee Laster, Director for Study Abroad, Office of International Education. 

• Competitive Applicants: The Fulbright program is prestigious. There is no minimum GPA but most successful applicants have excellent academic records and stellar letters of recommendation from professors and/or professionals in their field. Leadership, community service, demonstrated interest in the host country, and background in proposed subject area are also important. For information on competition statistics, disaggregated by country/ region and grant type, see the “Resources for Applicants” tab on the Fulbright program website.

• Schedule a meeting with UGA’s on-campus Fulbright Program Adviser, Maria de Rocher. Ms. de Rocher can help you decide whether to apply, discuss proposals, and assist in the development of application essays. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Ms. de Rocher as early as possible, preferably before the spring term ends for grants due in the fall. Due to the highly selective nature of the Fulbright competition, applicants need to start their applications early.