2026-2027 Competition is Now Closed. Please visit the Competition & Selection webpage for additional information.

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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

1 Fulbright Anne Wexler Scholarship in Public Policy (funded by the Department of Education)

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
February Start
Grant Length
12-24 Months
Award Type
Study/Research Partnership Award
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
  • Yes
Award Profile

On 15 August 2009, the Australian Government announced the establishment of a prestigious annual scholarship program to recognize the many contributions by Anne Wexler for her role in fostering Australian-American relations. 
 
This scholarship enables a U.S. postgraduate student with strong academic credentials and leadership potential to undertake a one- or two-year master’s degree in Australia in an area that supports Anne Wexler’s binational interests in the field of public policy. 
 
Please note that proposed programs should be a policy specific master’s degree program e.g. master’s in public policy or master’s in public administration. Candidates do not need to have secured admission prior to applying for their Fulbright Scholarship but should note potential programs within their application. 
 
The Fulbright Anne Wexler Scholarship seeks applications in Public Policy. These may include sub-disciplines with a substantial policy component such as: 
Health policy 
Energy policy 
Regional Security 
Education policy 
Political science 
History 
Government relations 

Grant Length
12-24 Months
Grant Period
February Start

* 1 to 2 years 

Students will undertake full-time master's degree study and will commence their grants in February 2028 (July 2027 in some cases - by Commission 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 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.

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.

Australia has a long and distinguished tradition of excellence in research and development. Across major global ranking systems, criteria, and academic disciplines, Australia consistently achieves high scores for the quality of its education, student satisfaction, and international standing. In addition to engaging with some of the world’s leading institutions, scholars have the opportunity to experience Australia’s remarkable natural landscapes. The nation’s vibrant multicultural environment further promotes collaboration, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding, enriching both academic endeavours and personal development.

Programs generally commence in late January or early February 2028, aligning with the Australian academic year and Fulbright orientation activities.

Applicants may contact the Fulbright Commission Programs Team in Australia via email with any questions.

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

Must be a U.S. citizen 
Must be residing in the U.S. at the time of application 
Must not have already commenced this degree in Australia 

Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Special Application Instructions

Applicants must select "Anne Wexler-Public Policy" in the Award Name field of the application.

 

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:
No
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
Yes
Letter of acceptance required prior to grant start
Affiliation

Candidates should include some discussion of their ideal top 1-3 institution(s)/degree program(s) in the statement of grant purpose. Securing admission at an institution is the responsibility of the applicant after the result of their Fulbright application has been announced. A letter of acceptance is required prior to the program start date.

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition covered in grant benefits

The Fulbright-Anne Wexler Scholarship in Public Policy will pay up to AUD$35,000 per year in tuition fees for one or two years. If total tuition fees exceed this amount the difference will have to be paid by the awardee. The Commission can assist the award recipient by requesting fee waivers for amounts above the allotted tuition allowance. Waivers are at the complete discretion of the host institution.

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.

Amount to be confirmed monthly stipend amount in
$ [Australian Dollar]

Monthly stipend: for up to two academic years 

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 allowance: round-trip, economy class airfare directly to and from the scholar’s home city and the city of the host institution capped at AUD$4,000 (approximately USD$2,600)

Additional Grant Benefits
  • Health insurance (in addition to ASPE)

Capped health insurance allowance (if required) 

International Travel allowance: round-trip, economy class airfare directly to and from the scholar’s home city and the city of the host institution capped at AUD$4,000 (approximately USD$2,600)

Australian Medicare: eligibility to apply for coverage (awardee only, not dependents) 

Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE): a limited Health Benefits Plan designed by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Seven Corners, Inc. Please note this plan is NOT an insurance policy 

Orientation and Gala: travel, accommodation, transport and meals at the Fulbright Orientation and Gala Presentation Dinner 

Support and Guidance: from the Commission prior to and during program 

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: The Cost of Living in Australian Capital Cities - Insider Guides

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.

Fields of Study

Applicants must propose a program of study in public policy such as:  
o    Health
o    Energy
o    Regional security
o    Education
o    Political science
o    History
o    Governmental relations

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EAP@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://www.fulbright.org.au/scholarships/fulbright-anne-wexler-u-s-scholarship-in-public-policy/
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Scholarships Team : fulbright@fulbright.org.au