The 2025-2026 application is now closed. The 2026-2027 competition will open in Spring 2025.

US Fulbright Logo

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.

Global Resources:

Cross-Cultural Adaptation

Living abroad can be exciting, but it can also be challenging to adapt to a new culture with its own set of norms, values, and expectations. Even seasoned travelers experience culture shock when faced with cultural and linguistic differences. This section is designed to introduce you to some of the biggest challenges of cross-cultural adaptation and communication and to help prepare you for a successful Fulbright Program.

Additional Information

Cultural Awareness and Why it is Important

Learning to live in a new culture can be an exciting and stimulating experience. It is also a tremendous challenge as we realize that our "normal" way of perceiving and behaving may not be appropriate in the new cultural setting. Building cultural awareness is an essential step in communicating successfully across cultures.

In the process of becoming culturally aware, it is important to take time to understand your own cultural lens and how it impacts your ability to function in a new and unfamiliar environment. “What’s Up With Culture?” is a set of modules where you can reflect on your own culture and learn more about the stages of cross-cultural adaptation. The modules will help you explore the nuances of culture, prepare you for culture shock, and provide you with strategies for communicating more effectively. You will also find guidance for coping with the potential stresses of returning to the United States.

Getting to Know the Culture of Your Host Country

Every country has its own culture, social mannerisms, etiquette, habits, dos and don’ts. Before you go, take time to learn more about the culture and customs of your host country. The resources below include reports on daily life and culture of over 200 countries. To access this resource, you will need to enter the following login information:

Tips for Successful Cross-Cultural Adjustment

Returning Home

Additional Resources