The Fulbright US Student Program 2026–2027 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for US citizens to travel the world, gain international experience, and make global connections.
The program supports recent graduates, master’s and doctoral candidates, and young professionals from any background. Participants can choose from over 140 countries to conduct research, enroll in a graduate program, or teach English through the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) role.
Funded by the US Department of State, this flagship international exchange program helps build mutual understanding between the United States and other countries. It’s perfect for those who want to make a global impact while advancing their academic and career goals.
Quick Overview of Fulbright US Student Program 2026–2027
- Host Countries: 140+ countries around the world
- Host Institutions: Universities, research institutes, or schools (depends on the award)
- Deadline: October 7, 2025 (5:00 PM Eastern Time)
- Programs: Graduate Study, Research, and English Teaching Assistantships
- Value: Full funding (stipend, travel, health coverage, and more)
- Age Limit: No age limit, but must hold at least a bachelor’s degree before the grant starts
- Eligibility: US citizens with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by the grant start date
Perks of the Fulbright Scholarships for US Citizens
- Monthly stipend based on the host country’s cost of living
- Round-trip airfare to and from your host country
- Accident and sickness health benefits during your stay
- Pre-departure and in-country orientation
- 24/7 support line for emergencies
- 12 months of Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) for US federal jobs after your grant
- TESOL certification courses for English Teaching Assistants
Depending on your award type and host country, you may also receive:
- Tuition support
- Language training
- Research or book allowances
- Mid-term enrichment seminars
Benefits of the Fully Funded Scholarships in the US
- Study or conduct research at top institutions around the world.
- Gain international experience and boost your resume for global opportunities.
- Build relationships and mutual understanding across borders.
- Improve communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
- Serve as a cultural ambassador for the United States.
Exclusions of the Leadership Development Program for US citizens
- Only US citizens are eligible (green card holders and permanent residents are not).
- You cannot apply for both the Fulbright Student and Scholar programs in the same cycle.
- Applicants who have lived abroad for 5 of the past 6 years are ineligible.
- Current doctoral degree holders (Ph.D.) are not eligible.
- Those applying to enroll in a medical program abroad are not eligible.
- Employees of the US State Department or USAID (and their immediate families) are restricted based on when their employment ended.
Eligibility Criteria of the Fulbright US Student Program
To apply, you must:
- Be a US citizen at the time of application
- Have at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) before the grant begins
- For Arts applicants, four years of professional experience may qualify instead of a degree
- Meet language requirements for the specific host country or project
- Does not currently hold a Ph.D.
- Meet additional country-specific criteria, such as educational background or host-country policies on dual nationals
Preference is given to:
- Applicants who have not previously received a Fulbright grant
- Candidates who have not lived in the host country for over 6 months (excluding study abroad)
- Veterans and US Armed Forces service members
- Applicants with degrees primarily from US-based institutions
Important Dates of US State Department Scholarships 2026–2027
- Application Deadline: October 7, 2025 (5:00 PM ET)
- National Screening Committees: November – December 2025
- Host Country Review & Final Selection: January – June 2026
- Grant Period Begins: Must start before March 31, 2027
- Final Notifications: Rolling from March to June 2026
How to Apply to the Fulbright US Student Program
- Visit the official website: https://us.fulbrightonline.org
- Choose the type of award: Research/Study, Graduate Degree, or English Teaching Assistant (ETA)
- Review the Award Descriptions for your host country
- Create your online account and begin your application
- Prepare and submit the following by October 7, 2025:
- Statement of Grant Purpose
- Personal Statement
- Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
- Affiliation Letter (for research/graduate study)
- Language Evaluation Form (if applicable)
Need help? Contact: fbstudent@iie.org
Required Documents for the Fulbright US Student Program
- Statement of Grant Purpose
- Personal Statement
- Academic Transcripts
- Three Recommendation Letters
- Affiliation Letter (if applicable)
- Language Proficiency Report (if required)
- Resume/CV
Country-Specific Criteria for the US Government Scholarships
- Each country may have specific eligibility, language, or academic requirements
- Some countries give preference to graduate-level applicants
- A few may not accept applicants who have resided in that country in the past year
- Visit the Award Descriptions for your selected country to review all details
