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.

Australia

5 Fulbright/Postgraduate Open Study/Research Scholarship

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
February Start
Grant Length
8-10 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research Award
Award Profile

The Australian-American Fulbright Commission offers up to five Postgraduate Scholarships to U.S. graduate or PhD students to conduct a period of research in Australia. These awards are available in any field/discipline. Please note that applications proposing enrollment in an Australian postgraduate program (i.e. a Master’s program) are not eligible for this award.

Grant Length
8-10 Months
Grant Period
February Start

Candidates carrying out research must commence their grants at the start of the university year in January or February 2027 with the specific start date agreed upon by both grantee and host institution (as early as July 2026 in some cases - by approval only.)

Orientation
In-Country Orientation

Fulbright offers an in-person Orientation program in late February. The program includes a multi-day conference with Australian and American awardees, and concludes with an awards ceremony and Gala event, attended by up to 400 distinguished delegates from Australian universities, government, cultural and research institutions, and other VIPs from the US and Australia. 

Candidate Profile

Fulbright Australia has a preference for applicants who have not received a previous Fulbright award. Additionally, the Commission is especially interested in applications from arts/humanities fields. 

What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.

Life as a Fulbright Scholar in Australia is a dynamic fusion of academic excellence and cultural immersion. From the sun-kissed shores of Sydney to the rugged landscapes of the Outback, each day brings new adventures. Engaging with top-notch scholars and researchers broadens perspectives while fostering intellectual growth. Embracing the laid-back Aussie lifestyle, weekends might include surfing at Bondi Beach or exploring the ancient wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. The vibrant multicultural atmosphere encourages collaboration and understanding, enriching both academic pursuits and personal experiences. With every moment spent in Australia, our Fulbright Scholars discover the beauty of the boundless possibilities of exploration.

Your adventure awaits Down Under!

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are NOT eligible
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
6 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form

If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.

Not Required
Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation

Research candidates must secure affiliation at the time of application and include a letter of invitation from the proposed host with the application. 

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits
Award Benefits
  • A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
  • International travel benefits
  • Accident & sickness health benefits
  • 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
  • 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

$3,750 monthly stipend amount in
$ [Australian Dollar]

up to 10 months

One-Time Allowances

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

International travel:  AUD$4,000

Additional Grant Benefits

Awardees are eligible to apply for (Australian) Medicare once in Australia. 

Estimated Cost of Living

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

Please visit the following site for more information on cost of living in Australia: https://insiderguides.com.au/cost-living-australia/.

Dependents
Dependent financial support is NOT available

Dependents (spouse/de facto and/or children under 18) are eligible on the required visa for entry into Australia.

Special Application Information

Candidates who are recommended for final review by the Fulbright Commission in Australia may be contacted for 20-30 minute interviews via video conference.

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EAP@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://www.fulbright.org.au/scholarships/u-s-fulbright-postgraduate-scholarships-general-category/
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Scholarships Team: students@fulbright.org.au