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.

United Kingdom

1 Fulbright/Loughborough University PhD Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
Grant Period
Fall Start
Grant Length
10 Months
Award Type
Study/Research Partnership Award
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
  • Yes
Award Profile

The Fulbright Loughborough University Award covers any PhD programme offered by the institution for up to 3 years. 

Loughborough University consistently ranks as a top 10 UK university (The Complete University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, The Guardian University Guide 2024) which, aside from its teaching and research excellence, is driven by the University’s UK-leading student satisfaction ratings (2nd in the UK for student experience The Times and Sunday Times Good University guide 2022).

Loughborough University offers the opportunity to study at two UK campuses in Loughborough and London, each offering something very different. Loughborough is a bustling market town located in the East Midlands, home to a stunning 440-acre single-site campus – one of the largest in the UK with outstanding facilities (1st University Facilities, Whatuni Student Choice awards 2024). London on the other hand is a global city, famous for its cosmopolitan culture and fast pace of life, with our campus based on the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. World-leading research takes place across all 9 academic schools at Loughborough University across a broad range of subjects. There are three institutional-level themes which we use to amplify the impact of our most significant strengths. 
 
Sport, health and wellbeing
Environmental change and net zero
Vibrant and collaborative communities 
 
Although formed in 1909 as a Technical Institute, Loughborough University’s excellence in sports, both at an academic and participatory level, is internationally renowned. The University is best in the world for sport-related subjects for seven years running (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017-2023) and is home to several sporting organisations including British Athletics, British Swimming, the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine and Sport England. 
For those interested in continuing their sporting activities at Loughborough, we are proud to welcome many former NCAA and NAIA student athletes each year to study at postgraduate level. Eligibility does not exist in the UK, so student athletes can continue competing throughout their studies. Our athletes have joined us from a broad range of sports and institutions, including USC, Stanford, UCLA, Clemson and Cornell. 

Grant Length
10 Months
Grant Period
Fall Start

The Fulbright-Loughborough University Award covers up to three years of fee-liable PhD studies, however, the Fulbright grant period and associated grant benefits will only last for the first academic year.

Orientation
In-Country 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
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.

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
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
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, applicants who have spent six or more months in the host country in the year prior to the grant, or applicants who hold a Ph.D. at the time the grant is to begin
  • 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
Special Application Instructions

In your Fulbright online application, for Award Name, please select Fulbright Loughborough University Award from the drop down menu.

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, 2026. Applicants who fail to do so may be at a competitive disadvantage. There is no University application fee.  

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 recommended but not required at deadline
Affiliation

Applicants for Ph.D. programs should include a letter of support from their proposed supervisor.

Applicants are responsible for arranging their own affiliation and 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.  
 

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

Tuition covered in grant benefits

The Fulbright-Loughborough University Award covers up to three years of fee-liable PhD studies, however, the Fulbright grant period and associated grant benefits will only last for the first academic year.

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.

1923.70 monthly stipend amount in
£ [British Pound Sterling]

The UK Research and Innovation’s minimum amounts for studentship stipends are used as a guide for the monthly stipend amounts. The figures are based on the monthly amount over a 10-month grant period. 

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
Dependent financial support is NOT available
Grant Amount
  • Full tuition waiver
  • Three years living stipend: 
  • 2026-2027: £19,237 
  • 2027-2028: £19,237 (minimum) 
  • 2028-2029: £19,237 (minimum) 
  • $1500 travel stipend
  • A small travel allowance and accommodation to attend required Fulbright Commission enrichment events

The living stipend is intended as a contribution towards general maintenance costs towards life in the UK. 

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EUR@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
http://www.fulbright.org.uk/