United Kingdom
1 Fulbright/Open Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFlexible StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Applicants may pursue independent post-BA-level research, or undertake a graduate degree program at any accredited academic institution.
Applicants should only select an "Open Award" if:
- They are proposing an independent research project.
- Their proposed institutional affiliation is not one of the Partnership Institutions below; or if their proposal is not eligible for consideration under the parameters of one of the Partnership Awards (for example the Partnership Award may only be for PhD candidates and/or within a specific discipline, etc.)
The ‘Open’ award is the Commission’s most competitive award and prospective applicants should consider carefully all award categories before choosing to which to apply. This award is also referred to as the All-Disciplines award.
The Commission strongly encourages all applicants for the Open Award to research partner awards to determine whether comparable programs may be available at a partner university.
Applicants for doctoral degrees should be able to demonstrate how they intend to fund the following years of study.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Master's programs in the UK may last up to one year (and in rare circumstances, 2 years).
Stipend amounts are set and do not change based on length of the degree.
Applicants for independent research projects will have their visas sponsored by the Commission and will only be allowed to remain in the UK for the length of the grant.
Orientation
Candidate Profile
The Commission is seeking applicants who demonstrate:
Rigor in scholarly enquiry and academic or professional excellence
- Strong reasons for wishing to pursue the proposed project in the UK and at a particular institution
- A desire to gain a better understanding of the peoples and cultures of their host country
- Commitment to the community through volunteer and extra-curricular activities
- Flexibility and dynamism necessary for active involvement in the host country
The Commission encourages all applicants to review its current Fulbrighters on its website at http://www.fulbright.org.uk.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Step into Fulbright in the United Kingdom—a vibrant exchange opportunity that has weaved strong bonds between the UK and the US since 1948. From the buzzing energy of large metropolitan cities to the charm of quaint towns, daily life as a Fulbright Postgraduate to the United Kingdom offers a wide array of experiences. Our awards unfold across the UK's diverse landscapes throughout England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Navigating the country is made easy with efficient public transportation networks, allowing scholars to explore cities, countryside, and coastlines. Throughout the year, grantees engage in cultural events and festivals, immersing themselves in the arts, music, and local traditions. To name a few opportunities, previous Fulbrighters have participated in Highland games, organised writing workshops in picturesque locations, and visited National Trust properties across the UK.
With over 160 universities, the UK is home to innovative and globally significant research and teaching projects spanning all disciplines and sectors. Fulbright awards are offered across all 4 nations and the British Virgin Islands, with a range of all disciplines awards and subject-specific awards.
Candidates interested in applying for an award in the United Kingdom are advised to visit the US-UK Fulbright Commission's website for more information on the awards offered by the Commission and to hear from our alumni community.
Explore firsthand accounts from US Postgraduates like Asael Rodriguez, who engaged with his host community of Canterbury through volunteering opportunities, and Katelyn Barnes and Paul Kyumin Lee, who deepened their work in peacebuilding and conflict resolution while researching in Belfast.
Hear about Fulbright experiences from Cesar Cortorreal, 2022-23 Postgraduate Awardee here:
Applicants may also wish to consult Universities UK, Universities Scotland, Universities Wales, and UK Research and Innovation for more information about higher education in the UK.
Applicants may contact the US-UK Fulbright Commission with any queries by emailing fulbrightprogrammes@fulbright.org.uk
Eligibility
6 Months
The following applicants are ineligible for consideration:
- Applicants who have extensive, previous experience in the UK
- Applicants whose proposals are to complete any part of a medical degree, including internships or residencies, or applicants who hold a Ph.D. at the time the grant is to begin
- Applicants who have previously spent time at their selected university will be at a competitive disadvantage
- Applicants who have spent six or more months in the host country in the year prior to the grant are ineligible for consideration
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
In your Fulbright online application, for Award Name, please select the specific award you are applying for from the drop down menu.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
Yes
Affiliation
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
Letter recommended but not required at deadline
Applicants are responsible for arranging their own affiliation. Applicants for degree programs must apply for admission according to the relevant university’s admissions procedures. Applicants are not expected to have a letter of admission/affiliation at time of application, but awards are made conditional upon acceptance by the chosen institution before arrival.
Applicants will complete two applications, the Fulbright application and the university’s application (according to the university’s admissions procedures). Applicants must submit their university applications as early as possible, ideally before January 13, 2025. Applicants who fail to do so may be at a competitive disadvantage. The Fulbright Program does not cover the application fee for the university.
Applicants for independent research or PhD programs must include a letter of affiliation from their proposed host/supervisor.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
The Open Award does not include a tuition waiver and applicants are responsible for funding their own tuition.
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.
The stipend amounts are in line with the UK Research and Innovation’s minimum amounts for studentship stipends and allowance.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
For an idea of what to expect with regards to living costs within the UK, please refer to the British Council’s guidance on the cost of study for international students: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/cost-studying
Dependents
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Grant Amount
- £19,027 for programs/research based outside of London
- £21,286 for programs/research based in London
- $1,500 travel stipend for travel to and from the UK
No tuition waivers are available for the Open Award.