Fulbright Scholarship Scheme - Fulbright Scholarship

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

You will receive a monthly stipend (a standard living allowance) to study, conduct research or teach English for one academic year in more than 135 countries. The amount is based on the cost of living in your host country and covers rent, food and day-to-day living expenses. In addition, you will receive accident and health insurance, access to a 24/7 helpline, and simplified recruitment status for roles within the US federal government for 12 months following your stay. If your scholarship is administered through a US embassy, return flights and induction sessions are also included. If you are teaching English, you will also receive a 60-hour online TESOL teaching course. The US Department of State funds the programme and awards more than 1,800 scholarships each year. The exact number depends on your country and the US federal budget, so there is no standard amount.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You must be a US citizen or national at the time the application deadline closes. Green Card holders are not eligible to apply.
• Degree: You must hold a bachelor’s degree or be due to obtain one before the start of the scholarship. In the field of creative and performing arts, four years’ vocational training or professional experience are considered equivalent.
• No PhD: You do not yet hold a doctorate as at the cut-off date. A law degree (J.D.) is sufficient.
• Field of study: Any topic is welcome; however, the scholarship must not be used for medical training, patient care or to obtain a licence to practise medicine or nursing.
• Language: You meet the language requirements for your chosen country and degree programme.
• Time abroad: You have not lived abroad for at least five years during the six years preceding the expiry of the deadline.
• First-timers preferred: Your chances are better if you have never received a Fulbright scholarship before and have completed the majority of your higher education in the USA.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the IIE online portal. If you are enrolled at a US university, please contact your Fulbright programme adviser at your institution, as their internal application deadline often falls one to two months earlier. The national application deadline for the 2027–2028 round is 6 October 2026 at 5 pm (Eastern Time). A national committee reviews the applications over the winter; in some countries, an interview is also held; and the final decisions are announced between March and June.

How realistic are your chances?

The Fulbright Programme is very well known and attracts a large number of applicants, so competition is fierce. However, the programme awards over 1,800 scholarships annually in more than 135 countries. Grades alone are not the deciding factor. The selection committee places great importance on a clear, feasible project proposal and a genuine connection to your host country. First-time applicants who choose a country with less competition and present a convincing, concrete plan significantly improve their chances.