Opportunities

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Graduate Study, Independent Research or Teaching English Abroad

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering fellowships abroad for one academic year to graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals, scientists and artists.

Program participants pursue graduate or professional study, advanced research projects, or English teaching in elementary or secondary schools or universities. Each year, approximately 1,900 Americans from a wide range of academic fields, travel to more than 140 countries through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Grant Types

The Study or Research Grant is the traditional award opportunity, where a candidate designs a proposal to pursue an independent research project or one-year master’s degree in a specific country.

The English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) Program places grantees in schools overseas to supplement local English language instruction and to provide a native speaker presence in the classrooms.

Who are Fulbrighters?

  • Recent college graduates, post graduates, artists, scientists and other young professionals
  • Those who foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by learning from their hosts overseas while sharing American experiences with their counterparts
  • Representives of the richness and diversity of the United States through varied backgrounds, hometowns and academic institutions
  • Cultural ambassadors of their international experiences, enhancing their academic and professional careers to become leaders in their fields

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens at the time of application (permanent residents are not eligible)
  • Conferred bachelor's degree or the equivalent before the start of the grant (It is not necessary to be enrolled in a college or university at the time of application, however, as a current USF student or USF alumni, you will be applying through USF, to receive the benefits of applying through your institution)
  • Good health - grantees will be required to submit a satisfactory Medical Certificate from a physician
  • In some cases, sufficient proficiency in the written and spoken language of the host country sufficient to communicate with the people and to carry out the proposed study/research (especially important for projects in the social sciences and the humanities)

Ideal Candidates

  • Highly motivated, open-minded individuals
  • Any academic field and from any background
  • No minimum undergraduate GPA requirement, but academic success is considered
  • Flexible self-starters with a strong interest in promoting international mutual understanding
  • Capable of contributing to, and benefitting from, an intensive cultural exchange program

To learn more general information about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and working with the Office of National Scholars (ONS) view our Fulbright Workbook!

Timeline

Application Deadline
Early October

It is important for potential applicants to know that applying for a Fulbright is a long and rigorous process. Students apply for a Fulbright a year before they would go abroad with a Fulbright. For example, students applying for a Fulbright in fall 2024, would be starting their Fulbright in fall 2025.

When should you engage with ONS?
At least six months before the deadline

Application Process

  • Meet with the USF Fulbright Program Advisor (FPA) to discuss grant type and country choice
  • Declare intent to apply (typically in April)*
  • Participate in campus interview with Fulbright faculty panel to get feedback on proposed Fulbright plan
  • Work on application components, including essay drafting, over summer
  • Submit materials for campus deadline in August (faculty panel will review)
  • Receive feedback and complete last revisions
  • Submit application before national deadline

*To declare intent to apply, students will email the following information to Ms. Lauren Chambers at lschumac@honors.usf.edu:

  • Name, USF Email Address, Phone Number
  • Major, GPA, and whether you are an Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student or Alumni
  • Grant type (Research, Study or ETA)
  • Country you are applying to
  • Current Resume or CV
  • Unofficial USF Transcript

Please note: Research grant applicants must include the name of their proposed research project, and study grant applicants must submit the name of the graduate program and university they are applying for.

The benefit of getting started early cannot be overstated. It is important that students start the preparation of their applications as far in advance of the August campus deadline as possible. Preparing a competitive application takes a great deal of time and effort.

Application Components

To intentionally participate in the campus application process, students must submit a complete application by the campus deadline. Fulbright applications are submitted entirely online through the Fulbright US Student Program website.

A complete application will consist of the following:

  • Biographical Data (basic resume/CV information)
  • Statement of Grant purpose (one- to two-page grant proposal)
  • Personal Statement (one-page narrative essay)
  • Letters of Recommendation for a Research or Study Grant (three); Reference Forms for the ETA (three)
  • Transcripts

Depending on the type of grant and the requirements of the host country, applicants may also need to submit the following:

  • Affiliation Letter (proof of agreement from host institution)
  • Language Self- Assessment and Foreign Language Evaluation
  • Supplementary Materials (for students in the creative and performing arts)

Get Started

ONS Contact
Lauren Chambers, Fulbright Program Advisor - lschumac@usf.edu

Program Website: