The Fulbright Foreign Student Program (also called the Fulbright Foreign Graduate Student Program) sends outstanding graduate students, young professionals, and artists from around the world to study, research, or do a master’s degree in the United States. It’s one of the most prestigious fully-funded exchange programs competitive, country-managed, and with benefits that typically cover tuition, living costs, travel and visa support.
Who can apply?
- Graduate students, young professionals and artists who want to pursue a master’s degree or conduct research in the U.S. (fields vary by country and some awards exclude clinical medicine/nursing).
- You must apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your home country (not through the U.S. central site). Each country sets specific eligibility rules (age limits, years since graduation, language, degree level).
Typical eligibility & requirementsRequirements differ by country, but the most common components are:
Basic eligibility (global patterns)
- Citizenship of the applying country and residence there (check local rules).
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) completed by the award start date (for master’s applicants).
- Academic excellence and strong letters of recommendation.
- Sufficient English ability (TOEFL, IELTS, or program-specific proof) when required.
Common application documents
- Online application (country portal).
- Statement of purpose / study plan / research proposal.
- CV / academic transcripts.
- 2–3 recommendation letters.
- Standardized test scores (if required by the U.S. host program or your country office).
- Proof of English language ability (if required).
- Copy of passport / ID.
Notes: Always check the country-specific program announcement from your local U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission some countries add extra requirements (work experience, age cutoffs, field exclusions).
Deadlines & 2026 updates
- There is no single global deadline the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is administered country-by-country and deadlines vary widely (commonly between February and October each year). Always use your country page.
- For the 2026–2027 cycle many country competitions opened in early 2025 (the global application platform typically opens early in the cycle); some country offices showed country deadlines in spring 2025 (example: application windows opened Feb 1, 2025 and some local deadlines were in May 2025). Check your country’s U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission page for the exact 2026 deadline.
Quick timeline (example / indicative only)
| Step | Typical timing (example) |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens (global) | Early in the cycle (e.g., Feb 1, 2025 for 2026 cycle example). |
| Country-level application deadline | Varies often Feb–May (some countries later). Check country page. |
| Selection / interviews | Months after application (varies by country). |
| Award notifications | Typically several months after close of applications. |
| Program start in U.S. | Academic year start (fall) or agreed start date. |
What the Fulbright Foreign Student Grant usually offers
Exact benefits depend on the award type and country, but typical inclusions are:
| Benefit | What it usually covers |
|---|---|
| Tuition & fees | Full or partial tuition at the U.S. host institution (where applicable). |
| Monthly living stipend | A monthly maintenance stipend sufficient for reasonable living costs. |
| Round-trip travel | Economy airfare to/from the United States (or travel allowance). |
| Health insurance | Health benefit plan required for J-1 exchange visitors. |
| J-1 visa sponsorship | Exchange visitor (J-1) visa support and pre-departure/orientation activities. |
| Research / book allowances & enrichment | Some awards include research or book allowances and mid-term enrichment programming. |
Important recent note (program governance)
In 2025 there were public reports about significant governance changes and controversy affecting the Fulbright selection process and board composition. These developments could affect program operations, funding levels, or selection timelines; applicants should monitor official Fulbright and U.S. Embassy pages for authoritative updates.
How to apply (short checklist)
- Find your country page on the Fulbright foreign site or your local U.S. Embassy/Fulbright Commission site. (Country rules and deadlines live there.)
- Create an account on the country portal (many countries use the central Fulbright online application but still require local submission).
- Prepare documents (transcripts, recommendations, proposal, tests).
- Submit before your country deadline and keep copies of confirmations.
- Prepare for interviews if shortlisted.