The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program employs a multi-phased review process: the first phase, referred to as peer review, is a discipline-based review process in which applications are recommended or not recommended for further review.
As your application was recommended in the peer review phase, it is being forwarded to the proposed host country, the U.S. Department of State, and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board for review. View more information about the review and selection timeline. All three entities must approve selection decisions before candidates can be notified.
Not all applications that were recommended in the peer review process will be selected for grants. IIE has no way of predicting the chances of selection.
While most host countries do not interview candidates, a small number may choose to interview some candidates (search for your award). If an interview is necessary, the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy will contact the identified candidates directly with information and instructions.
When will you be notified of the final decision?
Please note that IIE cannot predict in advance when the final selection results will become available, not for a particular country nor specific award.
The notification timeline varies by country and typically takes place between January and June: Each host country has their own in-country review timeline. Simultaneously, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) and Department of State review the applications while considering budget. Final selection notifications cannot be sent until decisions from all three (host country, FFSB, Department of State) have been received.
Notifications are released on a rolling basis (by country) as decisions become available.
When the decision for your application is ready, you will receive an email prompting you to log into the application system to view the status. You can also log into the application portal to check for a status update if you are concerned about missing an email notification. Please note decisions are not communicated by phone.
All applications will receive a final designation as a Selectee, Alternate, or Non-Select.
If your preferred (primary) email address has changed, you may change this information by logging into your application and changing it on the Application Status page. If you have any issues changing your address, please email us at FulbrightScholarReview@iie.org for assistance. IIE uses your preferred address to communicate notifications. Please note there can only be one preferred email address, and notifications cannot be sent to additional addresses.
At this juncture in the review process, we also suggest that you inform relevant administrators at your institution or organization about the status of your application. “Relevant administrators” are those who can impact your ability to take the award, perhaps by granting leave, approving the continuation of benefits or salary, and/or providing course coverage.
If your institution has a Fulbright Scholar Liaison, we highly recommend reaching out to them if you have not already done so. Liaisons can be an excellent resource for navigating the leave and support request process if you ultimately receive an award.
To view the estimated allowance and benefits for the award to which you applied, please refer to the Award Description, these are listed on the Award Benefits tab.
To withdraw your application from consideration for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, please email FulbrightScholarReview@iie.org from the primary email address associated with your application. Include your full name, host country, and a brief explanation. Should you wish to reapply for a future competition: each application is peer reviewed independently of prior submissions.
To ensure equity in the review process for all applications, we do not make any updates to applications, including adjusting proposed start date/length, and uploading invitation letters, as the review and selection process is underway. Should your application be selected, you are welcome to communicate any updates and requests to the respective Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy and IIE advisor upon selection, but please note that any changes to your proposed project, including grant length and start date, are subject to approval by the host country and the Department of State.
If you have been arrested, charged, or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony following the Fulbright U.S. Scholar deadline, or if you are charged or convicted while your application is under review, it is necessary that you provide IIE with the details and supporting documentation relative to the conviction or pending charge. Specifically, the following information is required:
If you have you been subject to any disciplinary measure following the Fulbright U.S. Scholar deadline, or while your application is under review, it is necessary that you provide IIE with the details and supporting documentation. This includes resigning from a professional or academic appointment, entering into a settlement for, or in connection to, any misconduct, including but not limited to unethical practices, harassment, sexual harassment, or abuse. Specifically, the following information is required:
If your application is ultimately selected, you will be required to submit a medical clearance form to participate in the Fulbright grant. The medical form must be completed by a qualified, licensed physician, doctor, or nurse practitioner no more than six (6) months before your grant start date.
Pre-Departure Orientations (PDO) are held for U.S. Fulbright grantees going to a number of host countries. Review host countries and the schedule will be updated as soon as it is available. All candidates who are ultimately selected to the countries listed on that page will be required to attend the pre-departure orientation. If the country is not listed, the Fulbright Commission in your host country will provide more details.
The pre-departure orientations are virtual and are sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.