Fulbright U.S. Student applications for 2025-2026 continue to be reviewed as stated on Competition & Selection webpage. Any updates about application status will be communicated to the applicant over email.

2026-2027 Competition Deadline: Tuesday October 7, 2025 at 5 pm Eastern Time

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Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

FAQs

 

Please refer to these responses of commonly asked questions for additional information. If you have a question that is not listed here, you can reach out to FBStudent.Ambassadors@iie.org.

What are some benefits of being an Alumni Ambassador?

This is a professional development opportunity. Alumni Ambassadors join a vibrant network of Fulbrighters, gain deeper insight into the Fulbright Program, and engage in professional networking through events, conferences, and campus visits nationwide.

 How competitive is it to become an Alumni Ambassador?

The Alumni Ambassador Program is highly competitive and receives more than 300 applications annually. Approximately 20 Alumni Ambassadors are selected each year.

 Is the Alumni Ambassadorship a paid full-time position?

No. This is an unpaid volunteer role.

 What are the commitment and responsibilities of an Alumni Ambassador?

Ambassadors promote Fulbright through presentations, webinars, articles, podcasts, and more. They share personal experiences, highlight the challenges and rewards of living abroad, and support the program’s mission of fostering mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries.

While outreach is encouraged, participation is flexible. Ambassadors may decline opportunities based on their availability and personal commitments.

 How often are Ambassadors expected to participate in events?

There is no fixed number of events. Ambassadors are encouraged to participate in outreach activities as their schedules allow. Flexibility is built into the role to accommodate personal and professional commitments.

 Am I eligible to apply if I completed my award several years ago?

Only Fulbrighters who have completed their award within the past three grant cycles are eligible to apply.

 Can I apply if I’m currently living abroad?

Yes. However, to be eligible, you must reside in the U.S. during the first year of your ambassadorship, beginning in January. If you're currently abroad but planning to return before then, you would still be eligible.

 What kind of support or training do Alumni Ambassadors receive?

Alumni Ambassadors participate in a virtual Pre-Orientation and an in-person Orientation. Throughout the year, they receive ongoing support, resources, and opportunities from the Fulbright Outreach & Recruitment team.

 Can I reapply if I’m not selected?

Yes. If you remain eligible (i.e., within three grant cycles of completing your award), you are welcome to reapply in future cycles.

 Can I serve as an Alumni Ambassador while working full-time or attending school?

Absolutely. The program is designed to be flexible and accommodate Alumni Ambassadors with full-time jobs, graduate studies, or other commitments.

 Is there a regional focus or assignment for Alumni Ambassadors?

Ambassadors may often engage with institutions and communities in their geographic area, but they may also participate in national virtual events or travel for special opportunities.

 Would I be able to represent Fulbright as an Alumni Ambassador in opportunities I find independently?

Yes! As a Fulbright Alumni Ambassador, you're encouraged to independently identify and participate in outreach opportunities. Fulbright Outreach & Recruitment can support your efforts by providing promotional materials and resources. Depending on the budget and outreach audience, your travel and accommodations may also be covered.