U.S. Scholar Application Deadline
2025-2026 COMPETITION | September 16, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. College and university faculty, as well as artists and professionals from a wide range of fields can join over 400,000 Fulbrighters who have come away with enhanced skills, new connections, and greater mutual understanding.
Interested faculty and professionals are encouraged to consider the following types of awards.
For a full list of our award offerings, please visit the U.S. Scholars Awards Search.
Fulbright Scholar Awards comprise the bulk of awards offered and include opportunities for professionals, artists, and scholars at all career levels. Location and eligibility vary across all awards, and some awards may be restricted to certain career levels or types of scholars. This information is outlined in the award description.
Please see here for opportunities within the U.S. Scholar program:
Distinguished Scholar awards are viewed as the most prestigious appointments in the Fulbright Scholar Program. Awards are open to scholars who have more than seven years of experience in their discipline or area of expertise, though some awards may further restrict eligibility. Distinguished Scholars are expected to actively engage host institutions in a spirit of promoting mutual understanding and sharing knowledge.
Postdoctoral Awards provide recently graduated scholars an opportunity to conduct research and receive professional training abroad. Awards may involve limited teaching. Postdoctoral Awards are open to scholars who will have received a doctoral degree (Ph.D., J.D., M.D., Ed.D., etc.) within five to seven years of the fellowship start date, as noted in the award description. Degree conferment before the start of the award is mandatory. Institutional affiliation in the United States is not required.
This award provides international education professionals and senior higher education officials an opportunity to engage in a two-week intensive seminar to learn about the host country’s education system and establish networks of U.S. and international colleagues.
Fulbright opportunities range from a few months to a full year and many of our awards offer flexible durations. Each award outlines the duration and potential start dates. Many awards offer a Flex option which is designed for Scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over short segments, preferably during the fall and/or spring semesters. Applicants should clearly indicate plans for Flex in their project statement and include a project timeline.
View list of awards that allow for a Flex option.
Distinguished Scholar applicants have more than seven years of experience in their discipline or area of expertise, though some awards may further restrict eligibility. Although Distinguished Scholars are eligible and can apply for most of the Scholar Awards, we encourage mid-career and senior academics to view the Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Awards.
Postdoctoral scholars will have received a doctoral degree (Ph.D., J.D., M.D., Ed.D., etc.) within five to seven years of the fellowship start date, as noted in the award description. Degree conferment before the start of the award is mandatory. Early Career Academics are those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for no more than seven years. Check out the Postdoctoral Awards in our catalog of awards.
For more information, watch the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards for Postdoctoral and Early Career Applicants Webinar
Professionals are defined as those who have more than seven years of experience in a particular profession. Be sure to read the award parameters closely to determine that you meet the degree requirements. We encourage you to visit the Professional opportunities in our catalog of awards.
For more information, watch the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Opportunities for Artists and Professionals webinar.
The Fulbright Scholar program welcomes artists who have more than seven years of experience in any artistic profession to apply for our awards. Be sure to read the award parameters closely to determine that you meet the degree requirements. For awards specific to artists, visit the Artists opportunities in our award search.
For more information, watch the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Opportunities for Artists and Professionals webinar.
Community College faculty and administrators are encouraged to apply for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program. Although these awards specifically welcome Community College faculty, be sure to visit the U.S. Scholar Award Search to find the right opportunity you.
For more information, watch the Opportunities for CCID, FACCC, and Community College Faculty webinar.
Those who have been working in the capacity of administrators or executives with a focus on the international dimensions of U.S. campuses are welcome to apply for the Fulbright Scholar Program. Opportunities to note include the Fulbright International Education Administrators Awards which are fully-funded two-week seminars abroad to learn about other countries’ higher education systems. Be sure to visit the Higher Education Administrators and Executives opportunities as well as the U.S. Scholar Awards for which you may be eligible.
For more information, watch the Fulbright International Education Administrator (IEA) Awards webinar.
No U.S. institutional affiliation is required to apply for a Fulbright Scholar Award unless otherwise noted. We encourage Independent Scholars to search for awards that match their level of academic degree and scholarly discipline. As long as a Scholar has the requisite degree and experience to match the Award Requirements, an Independent Scholar’s application will be competitive!
The Fulbright Scholar Program encourages retired faculty and Emeriti to apply for awards. In fact, Scholar Awards are an excellent post-retirement opportunity for Scholars to use their considerable years of teaching and research experience to fulfill Fulbright’s mission of citizen diplomacy.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, please review the Non-U.S (Visiting) Scholar programs.
The 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Competition is now open. Application Deadline: Monday, September 16, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST. To learn more, view a short video about the Review and Selection Process.
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Program competition opens. |
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![]() Once an applicant submits their application, they will receive an email from scholars@iie.org confirming submission of their application. IIE will then conduct a preliminary screening of applications for eligibility and technical completeness. Applications are reviewed individually to ensure they meet program and award requirements. If any additional documentation is needed, IIE will follow up by email. If your application is found to be ineligible and/or missing required application component(s), IIE will notify you of this outcome. Only eligible and complete applications will be forwarded to the next phase, which is peer review. In this phase, applications are assigned to a discipline-based peer review committee using information included in the application including the indicated discipline and specialization. Note: Applications cannot be updated once the review and selection process is underway. This includes updating the CV/Resume (title, institution/employer, etc.), changing award details (start date, host institution, etc.), and adding letters of invitation. |
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Peer Review Committees evaluate applications, meeting to review and determine whether or not applications are recommended for further consideration in the host country. Peer Review committees are primarily structured by discipline whereby a group of peers in your discipline will read and assess your application to determine if it meets the review criteria (See Review Criteria). |
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Applicants are notified by email whether or not their application has been recommended for further consideration in the host country. Please let IIE know if your email address changed since you submitted your application. |
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Public Affairs Sections of U.S. Embassies (Posts) or binational Fulbright Commissions overseas review recommended applications and nominate candidates for selection. |
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All recommended applications are forwarded to the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board for approval. IIE notifies candidates by email whether they have been selected to receive a Fulbright award. Please let IIE know if your email address changed since you submitted your application. |
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Grant details are finalized and grants may begin per start dates listed in the Catalog of Awards. For some countries, an orientation may be scheduled for applicants selected for grants. |
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, please review the Non-U.S (Visiting) Scholar programs.
Teaching includes classroom teaching, as well as giving guest lectures, workshops, and seminars, and engaging in other related activities. Classroom teaching is typically at the undergraduate and graduate level, and courses may be designed by the scholar or prescribed by the host institution and may be taught or co-taught by the scholar. The teaching load varies by award, as well as the host institution. Scholars may also consult on building research capacity, advise graduate students, and assist with thesis advising.
Research includes activities involving scientific research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and practice-based research, including artistic research. Research can take place in locations such as the laboratory, the field, the archives, or an artist residency. It can be experimental, clinical, or applied. It can include examining policies, systems, theories, methods, interactions, and works of art and music, with the objective to evaluate or develop new knowledge or works. Quantifiable (tangible) outcomes can include publications (books, journal articles, scripts, etc.), conference presentations, artistic and musical compositions, exhibitions, performances, films, and patents.
Many awards allow participants to conduct both research and teaching as defined above. Some awards will indicate the percentage that should be devoted to teaching compared to research while other awards allow the candidates to select their own percentage breakdown.
The Professional Project activity type provides professionals and artists in various fields the opportunity to interact with relevant organizations abroad to explore a topic related to their field without answering a defined research question. Professional Projects may include: professional consultations; artist residencies; visits to organizations in the applicant's field; practical experience in day-to-day operations; public lectures; mentoring; arranging exhibitions, performances or musical compilations; preparation of print materials (books, articles, or reviews); exchange of expertise with other professionals; participation in public events; or other appropriate professional activities.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, please review the Non-U.S (Visiting) Scholar programs.
Fulbright U.S Scholar applicants must meet all program eligibility requirements by the application deadline. Applicants must also meet award eligibility requirements by the application deadline unless specific exceptions are indicated in the award.
The complete Fulbright policies for U.S. Lecturers and Research Scholars are available here (Chapter 600).
Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship by the application deadline. Permanent residence is not sufficient.
Dual citizenship: In some cases, a dual citizen may not be eligible to participate in a Fulbright program in the country of their other nationality due to host country law or policy. Individual award descriptions specify whether this is a point of ineligibility in the award requirements section.
Applicants who have resided abroad for five or more years in the six-year period preceding the application deadline are ineligible. A period of nine months or more during a calendar year constitutes a full year.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate they meet the education, experience, and career profile requirements stated in the award. This may include addressing the nature of their terminal degree and/or experience in the application.
Award descriptions specify where a Ph.D., other terminal degree, or comparable professional qualifications are required. A terminal degree refers to the highest degree awarded in a field. The degree level can vary by academic and professional field, as not all terminal degrees are doctorates. (Please refer to this list of common terminal degrees.) If a terminal degree is required, degree conferment before the fellowship start date is mandatory.
Postdoc awards are open to scholars who will have received a doctoral degree (Ph.D., J.D., M.D., Ed.D., etc.) within five years of the fellowship start date, unless otherwise noted on the award description’s Award Requirements section.
Graduate or doctoral students seeking funding to complete their degrees are ineligible. Recent college graduates with limited professional experience are ineligible and should instead apply to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Experience gained as an undergraduate student does not count toward years of experience for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program (including internships and Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards).
Recipients of a Fulbright Scholar award are eligible to apply for another award two years after the date of completion of the previous award. For Flex grants, the two-year period begins at the end of the final grant in the series. Fulbright Scholar grants include: Fulbright U.S. Scholar, International Education Administrator Seminar, Fulbright Arctic, and Fulbright Visiting Scholar. Preference for Fulbright Scholar opportunities will be given to candidates who have not previously received a Fulbright Scholar grant.
Recipients of a Fulbright Specialist Program grant are not required to adhere to the two-year waiting period before applying for a Fulbright Scholar award. Applicants may be on the Specialist roster, but may not carry out both a U.S. Scholar grant and a Specialist grant simultaneously.
Employees and their immediate families (i.e. spouses and dependent children) of the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development (paid or unpaid, including part-time or temporary employees, consultants, externs, fellows and contract employees; does not include interns), and of public or private agencies (excluding educational institutions) under contract to the U.S. Department of State to perform administrative or screening services on behalf of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ exchange programs are ineligible to apply for a Fulbright award until one year after termination of such employment.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, learn more about the next stages in the application procedure.
Review eligibility requirements for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program before proceeding. Applicants are also encouraged to review the Leave and Support resources.
Each Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award offers one or more of the following activities:
Use the Award Search filters to find an award which most closely aligns to your field and interest. Be sure to review the Award Details, Award Requirements, and Award Benefits tabs for each award. Please note: Applicants can only apply for one award per application cycle.
The application components may vary depending on the type of activity you apply for: teaching, research, teaching/research combination, or professional project - as well as your discipline and specialization. Please see application steps for details on each component and whether it applies to your application.
Note: Letters of Invitation - Applicants are responsible for obtaining and uploading the letter of invitation to their Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program application if required by the award. If required, preferred, or optional for that award, applicants are encouraged to solicit a letter of invitation as soon as possible.
The 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Competition is now open. Application Deadline: Monday, September 16, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST. Please visit fulbrightscholars.org/awards/search to see a list of our awards, and go to apply.iie.org/fusc2025 to start an application.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, please review the Non-U.S. (Visiting) Scholar programs.
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Thanks for your interest in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Explore current opportunities and Connect with Fulbright to receive important program updates and application resources. Register for a webinar today for more information and join an office hour to have your questions answered live by IIE staff.
The application components may vary depending on the type of activity you apply for: teaching, research, teaching/research combination, or professional project - as well as your discipline and specialization. Please see below for details on each component and whether it applies to your application.
Your application materials should be well-organized, working together to demonstrate why the project is needed and how you are prepared to accomplish it. Connect the dots for the reader: present information clearly to prevent the reader from (mis)interpreting to the extent possible. You may find the Review Criteria to be helpful as you prepare your materials.
These application instructions contain additional guidance on creating and completing your application (PDF version is also available to download).
The 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Competition is now open. Application Deadline: Monday, September 16, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST. Please visit the U.S. Scholar Awards Search to see a list of our awards.
To start an application, go to apply.iie.org/fusc2025. Reapplicants should visit the reapplying section below.
The project statement is your opportunity to explain the proposed project. This document addresses key elements of your project: what the project is, why it is needed, the objective(s) of the project, how you are prepared for the project and how you will accomplish it, the project timeline, and the outcomes and impact. It should complement the information you provide in your essays and CV/resume.
View Sample Project Statement Excerpts.
You will also be asked to provide a Project Title and Abstract. The Abstract is a 700-character summary of your project: it briefly describes the nature of the project, the plan (e.g., methodology), why the project is important/its impact, and the expected results. All applications are read in their entirety in the review and selection process. The purpose of this concise overview is to help the reader quickly understand the proposed project.
Project Statement Format Requirements:
The Project Statement should include, but is not limited to, discussion of the points below. While you are encouraged to use headers and/or bullets to organize and convey key elements, how you address these points in terms of format and order is up to you.
The project statement should be clear, focused, and specific. Avoid jargon; it should be able to be understood by individuals in other disciplines. Proofread carefully.
Each section below contains discussion points for each activity type. For example, if you are proposing a research project, your statement should focus primarily on the points relevant to research (versus points for teaching or professional project). For teaching/research: Your statement should reflect the relative amount of time you propose for each activity and address both teaching and research points below. (Consult the award to determine if it specifies a percentage or courseload. If a percentage or courseload is not specified, it is up to you to decide.)
What do you propose to do, including:
How do you propose to do it, including:
What impact, outcomes and benefits will the project produce, including:
All applications require a curriculum vitae or resume. It should be clearly organized and tailored to the award to which you are applying and the proposed project. Do not include hyperlinks or direct reviewers to external websites. Content to be considered in the application review must be contained within the application itself.
Format Requirements:
The application requires two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation evaluate your professional work, including the abilities and expertise you bring to your project; your ability to adapt; the merits of the project; and, as applicable, your teaching or research effectiveness. You are encouraged to provide your recommenders with a copy of your project statement.
Who may serve as a recommender?
Letters should be from those who know you and your work well and can address the points below, as listed under the “For Recommenders” section:
Who cannot serve as a recommender?
For Recommenders
Please see these instructions for those providing letters of recommendation.
Format Requirements
Letters of recommendation must be submitted by September 16, 2024, 5:00 PM EST.
The essays are your opportunity to describe why you have selected the particular country (or countries), how Fulbright fits into your career path, your cultural preparation, and your teaching preparation (if teaching is selected). The details you provide here should be clear and compelling. Your essays should complement the information in your project statement and CV/resume.
You are encouraged to write these in a document before copying them into your application. Note character limits.
A Reference List is required if your award activity includes research, regardless of discipline.
The Reference List demonstrates to the review committee that you are aware of the current state of research or work related to the discipline of your proposed project and that your project will contribute to existing work in the discipline. It should contain sources that situate your project in the current field and include any critical theory informing your project.
Format Requirements:
Syllabi or sample course outlines are required if your award activity includes teaching. Syllabi and course samples demonstrate to the review committee how you approach teaching in terms of content and pedagogy, and your currency in the topic(s).
Format Requirements:
Also known as the invitation, this is a letter provided by the proposed host institution expressing their interest in hosting you and your proposed project.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining and uploading the letter of invitation to their Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program application if required by the award.
View our Letter of Invitation Guidance Video
Consult the award and/or country program description in the Catalog of Awards in the Award Requirements tab for details regarding letters of invitation.
If "A letter of invitation is required":
If "A letter of invitation is preferred":
If "A letter of invitation is optional":
If "A letter of invitation should not be sought":
Letter(s) of invitation will be accepted until September 26, 2024, 5:00 PM EST.
If your invitation is expected to arrive after the application deadline, you should submit your application without the letter. You will be able to upload your letter of invitation to your application until September 26, 2024, 5:00 PM EST.
Identify an appropriate host institution (see below) and individual in the country of interest and email them. Introduce yourself and the activities you are interested in proposing; you may wish to include a copy of your curriculum vitae/resume. If they are interested in potentially hosting you and your project, you can then request a letter of invitation from them. (Letters are typically provided on university letterhead.) Note that many faculty are difficult to reach in July and August abroad, so start early; this process can take time.
Note: An institution can provide invitations to multiple candidates. An invitation is not a legally binding pledge. Having one does not guarantee an applicant will be recommended in the peer review process nor selected for an award.
The letter should be addressed to you, and should include:
File type: Adobe PDF (recommended) or Word document. Up to three letters may be uploaded to your application as separate files. If you have additional letters, you will need to combine them into a single file before uploading them.
The award description may list host institutions or specific people to contact. If so, you can start there. You can also use the resources on your home campus, in your discipline, and your community to network, including:
Many awards do not require applicants to have proficiency in a language other than English. Others require proficiency for teaching and/or research, while some suggest it may be useful. The language component of the application has two parts detailed below. Requirements vary per the award description.
The Language Skills page in the application displays the award’s foreign language skills requirement and contains the self-evaluation. You can list up to three languages relevant to the proposed project and indicate your level of proficiency for each. Then, you will respond to short questions regarding your proficiency, including past experience and planned study.
The Recommendations and Language Evaluations page in the application is where you register a qualified foreign language evaluator.
The award description in the Catalog of Awards indicates the required level of language proficiency and which evaluation(s) are needed:
Award requirement: Required
Self-Evaluation: Required: Applicant must complete self-evaluation for language(s) relevant to proposed project
Foreign Language Evaluation: Required: Applicant must register Foreign Language evaluator(s) (waived if native in all three skill areas)
For those providing the foreign language evaluation, please see these instructions.
The award description in the Catalog of Awards indicates the required level of language proficiency and which evaluation(s) are needed:
Award requirement: None, English is sufficient
Self-Evaluation: Optional: Applicant can complete self-evaluation for language(s) relevant to proposed project
Foreign Language Evaluation: Applicant should not register a Foreign Language evaluator
Award requirement: None, English is sufficient. However, feasibility of conducting the project must be demonstrated in the project statement
Self-Evaluation: Required: Applicant must complete self-evaluation for language(s) relevant to proposed project
Foreign Language Evaluation: Optional: Applicant can register Foreign Language evaluator(s)
Award requirement: Recommended
Self-Evaluation: Required: Applicant must complete self-evaluation for language(s) relevant to proposed project
Foreign Language Evaluation: Recommended: Applicant is encouraged to register Foreign Language evaluator(s) (waived if native in all three skill areas)
Award requirement: Required
Self-Evaluation: Required: Applicant must complete self-evaluation for language(s) relevant to proposed project
Foreign Language Evaluation: Required: Applicant must register Foreign Language evaluator(s) (waived if native in all three skill areas)
For those providing the foreign language evaluation, please see instructions.
For projects in the disciplines listed below, a digital portfolio is submitted to aid in the evaluation of the application. The portfolio should demonstrate your technical skills, ability in the genre(s), and your artistic direction. The portfolio should be a well-edited, representative collection of your work/research and should support the nature of your proposed project. Files must be uploaded directly to the application; do not include hyperlinks or direct reviewers to external websites. Content to be considered in the application review must be contained within the application itself.
This list reflects the disciplines as they appear in the application. If your discipline or specialization does not appear, check this indexed, searchable list containing all of the disciplines and specializations available in the application.
Note: Applicants proposing projects with a focus on translation, history, or the broader study of the subject (such as film studies) should not submit a portfolio.
Images, pictures, and graphics, including artwork, graphic designs, photographs, prints, drawings, sketches, photographs, maps, sculpture, etc.
Writing samples: up to 15 pages in total (not per document)
Audio and video files: up to 30 minutes in total for all edited segments (not per segment)
Do not submit additional media or materials beyond what is required. Failure to follow these guidelines may adversely affect your application.
Important: You must provide relevant and appropriate details for each work: title, year, size (dimensions), medium, and description. For collaborative works, describe your contribution in the description for each piece.
Items should be your own work: anything submitted that is not entirely your own work must be clearly identified as such, including a description of your contribution to the piece.
If you applied for 2024-2025 or earlier, to reapply or submit an updated application for the current competition:
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, please review the Non-U.S (Visiting) Scholar programs.
The Fulbright Scholar Program supports activities and projects that recognize and promote the critical relationship between educational exchange and international understanding, in addition to the intellectual merit of the proposals. Applications with broad multiplier effects are particularly welcome, as are projects that are conducive to candidates sharing their experiences and knowledge with colleagues, students and, ideally, with the general public in their host country and, upon return, in the United States. To learn more, view a short video about the Review and Selection Process and the FAQ on Review and Selection.
Reviewers consider the basic objectives of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program; applications are evaluated with the following criteria:
Training, background, and experience
Quality of project
Project’s potential impact, outcomes, and benefits
Cultural Preparation
Previous Fulbright Scholar Awards
Applicant provides compelling justification for prior Fulbright grant(s). Preference will be given to candidates who have not had previous Fulbright Scholar awards, especially within the past ten years. View the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board’s policies on previous Fulbright Scholar grants.
Veteran status
Preference is given to veterans of the U.S. armed forces when other factors are equivalent.
Diversity and geographic distribution
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State strives to ensure that its efforts reflect the diversity of U.S. society and societies abroad. The Bureau seeks and encourages the involvement of people from traditionally underrepresented audiences in all its grants, programs, and other activities and in its workforce and workplace. Opportunities are open to people regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Bureau is committed to fairness, equity, and inclusion.
When does the competition open?
The competition opens in early February and closes in mid-September, with the exception of some of the International Education Administrator (IEA) awards. For Scholar and Postdoctoral awards, please see the detailed timeline. For IEA awards, please see the country-specific timelines. Applications are submitted for opportunities in the following academic year.
How can I start an application?
Applications are submitted online, and the application portal opens with the start of the new competition in early February. Please read the application guidelines (for the IEA awards, please consult the IEA application guidelines) before beginning your application. Begin or return to your application here.
Who can I contact at my institution for assistance?
Over 1,400 academic institutions and professional associations across the United States have Fulbright Scholar Liaisons, a network of faculty and administrators who can guide you. We encourage you to connect with the Liaison at your institution for assistance with your application and your institution’s process for participating in the Fulbright program.
Can I apply to more than one country or award?
Applicants may apply only for one award per application cycle.
If I already had a Fulbright, can I receive another one?
Preference for Fulbright Scholar opportunities will be given to candidates who have not previously received a Fulbright Scholar award. Recipients of a Fulbright Scholar award are eligible to apply for another Fulbright Scholar award two years after the date of completion of the previous award. This includes the higher education administrator seminars. (For flex awards, the two-year period begins at the end of the final grant portion.) Additional Fulbright policies are available here.
Can I apply to the Fulbright Scholar Program if I am on the Fulbright Specialist Roster?
You are eligible to apply to the Fulbright Scholar Program while on the Fulbright Specialist roster. Recipients of a Fulbright Specialist Program grant are not required to adhere to the two-year waiting period before applying for a Fulbright Scholar grant. Likewise, recipients of a Fulbright Scholar grant are not required to adhere to the two-year waiting period before applying for or receiving a Fulbright Specialist Program grant.
What are the financial benefits of Fulbright awards?
Benefits vary by country and type of award. Generally speaking, Fulbright awards are budgeted to cover travel and living costs in-country for the grantee and their accompanying dependents. Check the award description in the Catalog of Awards and/or consult program staff responsible for the particular award you are interested in. For IEA awards, benefits vary by country but generally include round-trip travel, lodging, and a per diem that includes meals. Each award description details these benefits.
What are the safety and security protocols in place for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program?
Please see our safety, health and security page for more information.
What health benefits do Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program grantees receive while on their grant?
As a U.S. government funded exchange participant, Fulbright grantees qualify to receive Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE), a limited health care benefit plan designed by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Seven Corners, Inc. It is not intended to cover long-term healthcare and has limitations in coverage. We encourage grantees to maintain their own private insurance.
If I am selected, can I take my family with me on my grant?
This depends on the award and host country. Most Scholar and Postdoctoral awards have no restrictions on accompanying dependents; however, some awards do have restrictions. Check the award description and/or consult the program staff responsible for that award. Many grantees bring their families and report that the time abroad benefited all family members. No additional financial benefits for dependents are awarded for the Fulbright Global Scholar Award of the Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship. For International Education Administrator seminars, no financial benefits for dependents are provided. Dependents may join before or after the seminar at the grantee’s own expense. A dependent is either (1) a spouse, or (2) a relative (child, grandchild, parent, sibling) who is financially dependent on the grantee. Accompanying dependents are those who spend at least 80% of the grant period with the grantee abroad.
Who should write my reference letters?
While it is useful to have someone with a known reputation in the field, the best person to provide a recommendation is someone who knows your work and character extensively. We also advise mixing internal and external letters to demonstrate the breadth of your contacts. You may also contact a professional reference who knows you well. For Scholar and Postdoctoral awards, one letter should be written by the head of your department or dean of your school. Please see our application guidelines for additional information.
For International Education Administrator awards, the best person to provide a recommendation is someone who knows your work and character extensively. In addition, they should be able to address the impact your participation would have on your institution and its commitment to internationalization. You may wish to mix internal and external referees. One letter must be written by your supervisor or someone to whom you report; the other one must be from a colleague and speak to your skills and successes, interest in international education, and personal qualities. Please see the IEA application guidelines for more information.
How can I secure leave and support from my home university?
Please see our leave and support page for more information.
Who reviews applications?
Peer review committees are organized by discipline and are comprised of U.S. academics and professionals with relevant expertise.
For IEA applications: U.S. international education administrators with experience in the selected country review applications.
How is my application reviewed?
All submitted applications are reviewed initially for program eligibility and technical completeness.
All complete, eligible applications are then reviewed by a peer review committee to determine whether they are recommended for further consideration by the host country (review criteria). Peer review committees are organized by discipline and are comprised of U.S. academics and professionals with relevant expertise. For IEA applications: committees are comprised of U.S. international education administrators with relevant country experience (review criteria).
Applications recommended for further consideration in peer review are then forwarded to Fulbright Commissions and U.S. Embassies abroad, as well as to the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board and the Department of State (Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs) for final decisions and confirmation.
How will I be notified?
All notifications are sent via email. If your email address has changed since you submitted your application, please update your application with your new address.
When will I be notified?
Following the conclusion of the peer review, applicants are notified of the status of their application, recommended or not recommended.
For recommended applications: Each host country has their own in-country review timeline. At the same time, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) and the Department of State also review the applications. Approvals are needed from all three (host country/countries, FFSB, Department of State) before candidates can be notified. Most U.S. Scholar applicants are informed of the decisions in the spring.
While IIE cannot predict when a country’s outcomes will be available, applicants will be notified of the final outcome as soon as possible.
Please see the notification timeline for more details. For IEA applications: please consult the individual country timeline.
I’ve submitted my application. When should I be in touch with my proposed host institution?
The Program appreciates the enthusiasm shared by applicants and host institutions to engage and collaborate on your proposed project. Please note that applications must first go through the peer review process. Those that are recommended for further consideration are then forwarded to the host country, U.S. Department of State, and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board for review and selection. Some host countries work with host institutions in this process (typically awards where the host institution is specified in the award title). You are welcome to let your proposed host know if your application was recommended following peer review. But, to help maintain the integrity of the review process, if your application was recommended for further consideration after peer review, you are advised to not contact the host country or proposed host for updates on the status of your application.
Can I receive feedback from the review process?
IIE, which administers the program, operates in conformity with the policies of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB). According to FFSB policy, IIE cannot give applicants the specific reasons for selection or non-selection. If you are interested in reapplying, you are encouraged to contact the relevant Fulbright regional program officer, who can provide general guidance on reapplying.
How can I make my application more successful?
There is no single "formula" for a successful proposal. An application should be about the candidate, how the award period will be spent, and what outcomes can be reasonably expected. What is successful for one applicant may not be effective for another applicant. The responsible program officer is a good point of contact for discussions of how to shape a competitive application. Also, see our application guidelines for tips on making your application more competitive.
For IEA awards, desired professional profiles and specific qualifications vary across the awards, so you are encouraged to apply to the award that best fits your background and experience. Please see our application guidelines for information on the application components. Also, you can discuss your application and fit for the program with the staff contact listed in the award description.
Can I reapply?
Yes. Applications are reviewed individually, on their own merit each year. While IIE cannot disclose specific reasons as to why applicants are (not) recommended or not selected, we can connect with you to help you identify an appropriate Fulbright award and to strengthen your application, including walking through the review criteria and the application guidelines. Some applicants choose to revise and strengthen their prior proposal; others opt to propose an entirely new project and/or change countries.
Please see the Application Requirements for instructions on how to reapply.
What type of teaching and/or research can I propose?
Award descriptions indicate which type of project is acceptable. Some awards accept only teaching only research, a combination of teaching and/or research. Each activity has unique submission requirements.
Do I need Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval to apply to an award?
IRB approval is not required at the time of application; however, applicants must abide by all ethical requirements before commencing their research on human and/or animal subjects through a Fulbright award.
Are there opportunities to conduct a project during the summer?
The timeframe is indicated in each award description, and while most awards follow the academic calendar in the host country, some awards may allow projects in the summer months, especially if no teaching is involved.
Can I apply to the Fulbright Scholar Program to fund MA/PhD research?
The Fulbright Scholar Program does not support research activities for obtaining an MA/PhD, however you may wish to review the opportunities provided by the Fulbright Student Program.
I am a retired academic or professional. Can I still receive a Fulbright award?
Yes, the Fulbright Scholar Program welcomes scholars and professionals at all stages of their careers. As is required of all applicants, the project statement should address the expected benefits of the Fulbright award to you (professionally and personally), to the United States (how will you share your experience when you return?), and to your host institution.
Do I have to know a foreign language?
Most award recipients teach in English in the host country, with some exceptions in Latin America and Africa. If you are applying for a research award, your foreign language ability must meet the needs of the project. Be certain to indicate in your methodology discussion how you will need to use the language, since activities vary, and reviewers should not have to make assumptions.
Do I need to have an invitation letter?
This depends on the award. Some countries require an invitation letter, especially for “All Disciplines” awards. Other countries encourage but do not require a letter of invitation, while others still specifically request that you do not contact potential host institutions. The preference is clearly spelled out in the award description. If you have questions, please contact the program officer responsible for that country.
I need an invitation letter. How do I get one?
If you do not have a contact, your goal is to determine the name of an appropriate faculty member for a specific discipline or subfield within the discipline. Once you have determined possible hosts, write that faculty member a description of who you are (an attached C.V. can be helpful) and what you propose to do while in that country. Note that you plan to apply for a Fulbright award and that the application requires a letter of invitation. There may be several communications before a letter is forthcoming, but this method often works. It may also be helpful to contact past Fulbright alumni to your country of interest by searching the Fulbright Scholar Directory.
What is the Professional Project activity?
The Professional Project activity type provides professionals and artists in various fields the opportunity to interact with relevant organizations abroad to explore a topic related to their field without answering a defined research question. Professional Projects may include: professional consultations; artist residencies; visits to organizations in the applicant's field; practical experience in day-to-day operations; public lectures; mentoring; arranging exhibitions, performances or musical compilations; preparation of print materials (books, articles, or reviews); exchange of expertise with other professionals; participation in public events; or other appropriate professional activities.
What kinds of activities are considered Professional Projects?
Permissible activities may include visits to organizations in the applicant's professional field, practical experience in day-to-day operations, public lectures, artist residencies, or other appropriate professional experiences. However, details vary according to the specific award. If you are uncertain whether your project falls under the Professional Project activity type, please contact the IIE staff member listed in the award description.
How does the Professional Project activity type differ from the Research activity type?
The Research activity type comprises traditional academic research, such as laboratory observation, field interviews, or statistical models. The Professional Project activity type, however, encompasses undertakings that fall outside traditional academic research.
Can for-profit organizations serve as hosts for Professional Projects?
For-profit organizations may not serve as hosts for Professional Projects. Appropriate hosts might include a non-profit organization, artist residency, studio collective, governmental agency, museum, professional association, cultural organization, K-12 institution, university, college, language institute, research institute, laboratory, think tank or foundation. If you are uncertain whether your host is appropriate, please contact IIE staff listed in the award description.
Can workshops/conferences/trainings serve as a host for Professional Projects?
Generally, no, though details about acceptable host institutions vary according to each country or award. Projects must be original and designed by the applicant, with the exception of artist residencies. If you are uncertain whether your host is appropriate, please check the award description in the Catalog of Awards or contact IIE staff.
Does a host institution need to be local, or can we partner with American organizations that work overseas?
Local organizations operated by citizens of the host country are preferred. However, in some cases, international organizations have been approved as hosts. Please check the award description in the Catalog of Awards or contact IIE staff to inquire whether your host is permissible.
Can medical professionals apply for a grant under the Professional Project activity type?
The grant is meant for professionals in all fields. However, proposals for medical research involving clinical training, patient care or patient contact are not eligible. Medical professionals should propose projects that do not involve these kinds of activities. Fulbright policies do not authorize activity for which a license to practice medicine or nursing is required.
Do I have to know a foreign language?
No. The awards are conducted in English.
Can I propose a project of my own design for the award? Can separate briefings be arranged for me?
No. Each country arranges an itinerary of meetings, briefings, and campus visits. There is little time available for individual projects or appointments.
Where do I upload the institutional statement, and do I need a bibliography or syllabi?
Please upload the institutional statement to the online application form. A bibliography and syllabus should not be submitted.
Are there new IEA awards offered every year?
Currently, we have agreements with France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, and the Catalog of Awards shows what awards are currently offered along with their application deadlines.