Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers research, study, and teaching opportunities to recent graduates and graduate students. The program currently awards approximately 1,900 grants annually in all fields of study.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. Grantees spend eight to 12 months (typically one academic year) in one of over 140 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.
Applications are due in early fall for the following academic year. The campus deadline is usually in early September, and the national deadline is in early October.
Types of Grants
- Study / Research / Creative Fulbright Grants (also called Open 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. Learn more. - Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships (ETAs)
The English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Programs place Fulbrighters in classrooms abroad to provide assistance to the local English teachers. ETAs help teach English language while serving as cultural ambassadors for the U.S. The age and academic level of the students varies by country, ranging from kindergarten to university level. Applicants for ETA Programs can apply to only one country. 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.
How to Apply
Visit the Fulbright U.S. Student Program homepage, and 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 Ph.D. are no longer eligible for the U.S. Student Program. UGA faculty and administrators, as well as early career post-docs, interested in the Fulbright Scholars Program should contact Brian Watkins, director of international initiatives, Office of Global Engagement, at [email protected].
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 a background in the proposed subject area are also important.
Schedule a meeting with UGA’s on-campus Fulbright U.S. Student Program adviser, Maria de Rocher, assistant dean and director of student engagement and programming, at [email protected]. She can help you decide whether to apply, discuss proposals, and assist in the development of application essays. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact her 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.
