Fulbright Scholar Program Status Update
March 2022 — In planning for the resumption of in-person exchanges for U.S. participants, the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Program continue to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of participants and host communities. Fulbright is a global program and has tailored its plans on a country-by-country basis to resume in-person exchanges for U.S. participants as of January 1, 2021. The decision to allow in-person exchanges to resume is based on the operating status of the host institutions, the administrative resources in place at the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission to support participants while on their program, the availability of international travel and visa services, and the capacity of local facilities to protect public health.
Many countries have begun to welcome Fulbright U.S. Scholar participants, and we are working closely with those traveling abroad to ensure their safety.
2020-2021 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Finalists
Those selected for a 2020-2021 award received communication from the Institute of International Education (IIE) or the Fulbright Commission about resuming in-person exchanges in their host country, and many have begun their grants. If the country is open to accepting U.S. Scholars, those individuals are expected to begin their grants by June 1, 2022. Any selectee who has additional questions about the status of their country’s reopening plans should contact their program advisor.
2021-2022 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Finalists
Those selected for 2021-2022 award received information from IIE and Fulbright Commissions about the country plans and their grants for the 2021-2022 year, and many have begun their grants. If the country is open to accepting U.S. scholars, those individuals are expected to begin their grants by June 1, 2022. Please note that per Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board policy, grants may not be postponed or deferred to a subsequent academic year. If selected candidates are unable to accept or begin their grants in the 2021-2022 academic year, they may reapply the following academic year without prejudice.
2022-2023 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Finalists
U.S. Scholar selections are underway per the program timeline. Those selected for grants will hear more details from IIE and the Fulbright Commissions in coming months. Any applicants with questions can reach out to the relevant IIE regional team here: fulbrightscholars.org/contact-us.
Fulbright Visiting Scholars and Scholars-in-Residence
As of January 2021, selected Visiting Scholars and Scholars-in-Residence can travel to begin their programs if their host institution operating statuses allows for in-person engagement and if the resources are available for them to complete their proposed projects. The Visiting Scholar Program's approach reflects developments on U.S. campuses and keeps with the spirit of Fulbright’s mission to promote and build mutual understanding through direct, personal exchanges.
Scholars should continue to work with their Fulbright contacts in their home country for guidance and assistance. For the most current information regarding COVID-19 in the United States, please visit the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Selected Fulbright Visiting Scholars are encouraged to communicate with their prospective host institutions for local information about Covid-19 measures and regulations. Once your program is confirmed and your start date approaches, your IIE advisor will reach out to you and guide you throughout your exchange in the United States.
Fulbright Scholar Alumni
Please contact your regional program advisor with specific questions.