Getting Started
Getting Started
The 2025-2026 application is now closed.Due to Hurricane Helene’s impact, the deadline for Recommendations and Foreign Language Evaluations is extended to Monday, October 14th, 5 PM ET.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review eligibility requirements for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program before proceeding.
Step 2: Determine Applicant Type
You will apply either through a U.S. institution or At-Large.
- If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you are strongly encouraged to apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there.
- If you are not currently enrolled, you may apply through your most recent U.S.-based institution that has a Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA), provided that the institution is willing and able to accommodate alumni applications. All other candidates will apply as At-Large applicants.
Application procedure for candidates applying through U.S. institutions
- The Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA) will set a campus application deadline for the institution’s students, which is typically 4-6 weeks earlier than the final October deadline. Please confirm the campus deadline with the FPA.
- All candidates applying through a U.S. institution must complete the Fulbright application through the Fulbright online application system by the campus deadline; all supporting materials as outlined in the Application Components section, must also be included by the campus deadline date. You will mark your application ‘Ready for Campus Review’ once it is complete and it will lock your application for the duration of the campus review.
- Once your application has been completed and marked ready for institutional review, the Fulbright Program Adviser will schedule a campus interview for you.
- Following the interview and before the national deadline in October, you may have the opportunity to revise your application based on feedback provided by the Fulbright Program Adviser and the campus review committee. Your FPA will unlock your application after the campus review is complete. You are responsible for submitting your own application before the National Deadline; your Fulbright Program Adviser cannot do this on your behalf.
- Application submissions are final. Applications cannot be unsubmitted for any reason. Please carefully review application proof for accuracy prior to submission.
You are responsible for submitting your own application before the National Deadline; your Fulbright Program Adviser cannot do this on your behalf.
To find a Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA), please enter your institution name or select the state:
Application procedure for At-Large candidates
Step 3: Select Award Type
Study/Research Awards
- Offered for projects in all Academic and Creative & Performing Arts fields. Applicants can propose their own independent study/research projects, or, in some countries, can propose to enroll in a graduate program. Arts applicants, please proceed to the Creative & Performing Arts Fields of Study section for information about available fields and supplementary materials requirements.
English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Awards
- Places grantees in educational centers overseas to supplement local English language instruction and to provide a fluent speaker presence in the classrooms. Please proceed to the English Teaching Assistant Award section to see the countries offering a grant.
Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health
- The Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health are offered through a partnership between the Fulbright Program and the Fogarty International Center of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The program is designed for candidates who are currently enrolled in medical school or in a graduate-level program and who are interested in global health. The basic requirements and process for applying for the Fulbright-Fogarty Program are the same as for any Fulbright U.S. Student Study/Research Grant.
Resources for Picking the Correct Award
- Tutorial Videos and Webinars can assist you in learning more about each award type.
- Award Search allows you to narrow down opportunities by educational background, grant type, and world area.
Step 4: Review Country Opportunities
- Select country(ies) of interest and review available awards and eligibility requirements.
Step 5: Review Application Components
Step 6: Start An Application
- Application is open annually from early April to mid-October. Check the Competition Timeline for this cycle dates.
- Applicants applying through an institution will prepare a completed application by their campus deadlines, prior to the national deadline. Contact the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution for more information.
- Application submissions are final. Applications cannot be unsubmitted for any reason. Please carefully review application proof for accuracy prior to submission.
- Start a Fulbright U.S. Student Program application now.