How much is a Fulbright grant award?
The exact amount awarded depends on the nature and length of your project, as well as the host country. All grants cover round-trip travel, a living stipend, health insurance and research allowance.
Who funds the Fulbright Program?
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State. Foreign governments that host students (as well as those that send students for projects and research conducted in the United States) also contribute funding.
What kind of project should be proposed?
The Fulbright Program gives grants to students in all disciplines. A list of example projects is available here.
The most important part of the project proposal is that it can feasibly be completed in less than one academic year (and in no less than six months), and that it will benefit the host community. Projects that are innovative and unique, addressing topic in which there is little current research, have a greater chance of being accepted. It is essential that you review the country summary available on the Fulbright website to see what kind of specific project and research needs they have.
How competitive is the Fulbright Program?
The short answer is very competitive. This is especially true for English-speaking countries, Central American counties, and parts of Africa. However, there is no single acceptance statistic for all Fulbright proposals, and the competition varies greatly from region to region.
When should I apply for a Fulbright grant?
You must have completed your Bachelor’s degree before you begin your Fulbright project. Many people apply for the grant in the first semester of their senior year of undergraduate school. You can also apply after you have graduated, either through your alma mater, or one your own through the Institute for International Education website.
Can I apply multiple times, to multiple countries for the Fulbright grant?
Each year, you can submit one application for one project in one country each year. But you can continue to apply in subsequent years if you are not awarded a Fulbright grant the first time.
What are the main elements of the online application?
Fulbright applications include a Statement of Research/Study (or Statement of Teaching Assistantship), Personal Statements, and Letters of Reference. Strong applications include a letter of reference from someone currently living in the proposed host country. The Fulbright website contains a comprehensive list of all of the questions that should be answered in your personal and proposal statements to make your application complete.
Who reviews the Fulbright application? When will I find out the results?
Fulbright applications are reviewed in three rounds. First at the university level (if you are applying through your current university or alma mater), then by the Institute for International Education, and finally by the host country. Unfortunately, there is no specific date by which you will hear about whether or not you will receive a Fulbright grant since the process varies from country to country.
Where can I find the online application?
The Fulbright website for U.S. Students is www.fulbright.state.gov. It contains all of the information about the Fulbright program, and should be your first stop during the application process. The online application is available at us.fulbrightonline.org.
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