Before You Start Your Application

If you are eligible:

• Review the website with particular attention to all the sections in Program Overview.
• Determine the country to which you wish to apply. Make sure the Fulbright award is available for this country; if the country in which you are interested is not listed, contact the World Area Program Managers. Click on Contact Us at the bottom of any page.
• Read the Country Summary section for the country to which you are applying and make sure you understand the requirements and preferences for that country. Important information regarding language requirements, affiliation requirements and special considerations is available for each country.
• Inform your campus Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA), if applying through your home institution (i.e., Enrolled), that you are considering applying for the Fulbright Program. Learn the campus application deadline and submission process. To find the FPA at your institution, click here.
• Request official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended. You should obtain official copies of your transcripts prior to the application deadline for upload into your application. The transcript that you scan and upload must be a document that was produced by the registrar. The document may include one or more of the following features:  the registrar’s signature, the registrar’s seal, an institutional watermark, ore printed on official institution paper.   Essentially an academic record that is organized chronologically--with course titles, credits and grades--is required.  This may be a Student Copy of an official transcript, or the official transcript itself. A document that you personally print from your academic history does not meet this requirement.   Failure to submit all required transcripts can seriously affect the viability of success of your application.   Click here for further instructions regarding transcripts. 
  
  

General Tips for Applying

Below are some tips for completing your application. Although not all-inclusive, they are intended to help you as you begin the application process. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to refine your essays and present yourself well.

• Discuss your research or study interests with your academic adviser, professor, mentor, or other person with experience in your field, the host country, and/or the Fulbright Program. 
• Identify a current or former professor or adviser who can provide you with feedback regarding your Statement of Grant Purpose (Project). This person should be familiar with the U.S. Student Fulbright Program and/or be knowledgeable about the host country.
• Discuss your interest in applying for a Fulbright grant with those who will be writing your reference letters. Select individuals who can comment not only on you, but also on your project, on your preparation and your ability to carry it out, and your personal qualities that are relevant to the Fulbright Program. 
• Determine what documents you need to collect and request them in time for you to receive them well before your application deadline.
• If the country in which you wish to study requires that you establish your own affiliation, begin contacting scholars and institutions in the host country as soon as possible to request their academic or professional support for your project. An acceptance letter, letter of invitation, or letter of support will lend additional credence to your application, and is required at the time of application in many countries.

Don't be intimidated or discouraged by the application process or the Statement of Grant Purpose. A well-designed project or Grant Statement is important. For advice, see Study/Research Grant Statement or ETA Grant Statement.

Remember, you may not fax or email documents to IIE, even from your contacts overseas.  Such documents must be sent to you and uploaded into your online application, so plan accordingly and request supporting documents as soon as possible.