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The Fulbright Program, the flagship international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, has fostered mutual understanding between the United States and other countries since 1946.
Each year, the U.S. Congress appropriates funds to the U.S. Department of State to sponsor the Fulbright Program. Many foreign governments contribute substantially as well. Additional direct or in-kind funding is provided by U.S. and foreign institutions of higher education, non-governmental organizations, private organizations, corporate partnerships, and individual donors.
The program provides awards to approximately 8,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals each year from the United States and 160 countries. Fulbright is unique in its binationalism and noted for its merit-based selection process and academic prestige. Fulbrighters come from all backgrounds and are selected regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) administers the Fulbright Program under policy guidelines established by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB). Binational Fulbright Commissions in 49 countries develop priorities for the program, including the number and categories of grants. Commissions are funded jointly by the United States and respective host governments and governed by boards composed of citizens of the United States and partner nations. In the approximately 100 countries without Fulbright Commissions, the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section (PAS) supervises the Fulbright Program. Several U.S. non-profit organizations administer components of the program in the United States on behalf of the Department of State.
Fulbright alumni from the United States and around the world have gone on to achieve distinction in government, science, the arts, business, philanthropy, and education. Among the ranks of Fulbright alumni are 61 Nobel Prize recipients, 75 MacArthur Foundation Fellows, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 40 current or former heads of state or government.
Please visit the ECA website to get a complete overview of the Fulbright Program
Fulbright Program Administration and Funding
- The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB)
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The FFSB, composed of 12 educational and public leaders appointed by the President of the United States, formulates policy for the administration of the program, establishes criteria for the selection of candidates and makes final selections of candidates nominated for awards.
- United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
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ECA directs the administration of the Fulbright Program under policy guidelines established by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. ECA prepares annual budget requests from Congress for the Fulbright Program and establishes program priorities. ECA collaborates with the binational Fulbright Commissions and Foundations in 49 countries, United States Embassies in approximately 100 other countries and many cooperating agencies in the United States in the administration of the Program.
- The Institute of International Education (IIE)
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IIE administers the Fulbright Scholar Program for faculty and professionals. IIE provides services to all scholars during their stay in the United States, including enrollment in health benefits, guidance on immigration matters and facilitation of enrichment programs. IIE manages a wide variety of educational and cultural exchanges as well as training and technical assistance programs. Through a cooperative agreement with ECA, IIE has administered parts of the Fulbright Program since 1946.
- Fulbright Commissions, Foundations and U.S. Embassies
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Commissions, Foundations, and Embassies supervise scholar competitions locally and assist in program development and provide pre-departure services and counseling. Many Commissions also establish the number and categories of Fulbright grants to be offered each year, and administer grants for scholars from their countries, including issuing grant payments and country-specific grant terms and conditions.
- Fulbright Program Funding
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The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State. Participating governments and host institutions in many countries and in the United States also contribute financially through cost sharing, as well as by indirect support such as salary supplements, tuition waivers, university housing, and other benefits.