Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Information Session: 2025 campus competition closed

2026 and later info - NISO Week Sept 16-19, 2024 and Fulbright Week Feb 17-21, 2025

Campus Deadline: August 22, 2024

Fields of Study: Open

Begin Application: Junior or senior year, recent grad or graduate student (applications are started approx 15 months in advance of the grant period)

Funding for: Travel abroad to conduct independent research in academics or the arts, pursue study, or serve as an English teaching assistant

Program Website: us.fulbrightonline.org

Description

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides post-baccalaureate funding for 8-12 months for individuals to study, research, or teach abroad while promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Eligible applicants include undergraduates entering their senior year, alumni who earned a bachelor's or master's degree from Purdue as their most recent degree, and current Purdue graduate students who will not have completed a Ph.D prior to the beginning of their grant year.

There are two major types of Fulbright awards for U.S. students:

1) Study/Research grants, for conducting independent research or study in over 140 countries. Applicants develop an independent project proposal, which may include university coursework, independent library, lab, or field research, or special projects in the social sciences, life sciences, or visual and performing arts. Applicants must identify a contact in their host country and procure a letter stating that he or she will serve as the applicant's institutional affiliation during the student's stay.

In the majority of cases, students applying for study/research grants do so to fund a research experience. Students applying for study/research grants in the creative and performing arts must submit supplementary materials in addition to their application.

2) English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) grants are available in select countries and provide recipients with the opportunity to teach English as a second language to students from elementary school through the university level, depending on the country. ETAs serve as supplemental instructors in a classroom, generally providing conversation practice and teaching American culture for approximately 20 hours per week. Unlike research/study grants, for which an applicant must identify a specific location within the host country, ETAs simply apply to a country and those awarded grants are assigned a location based on need. Applicants cannot request specific assignments.

Fulbright Grantees receive non-competitive eligibility (NCE) for future employment. This is a special hiring authority granted by the U.S. government.

Eligibility Requirements

U.S. citizen
Bachelor's degree but not a Ph.D. by the beginning date of the grant
Language proficiency, in non-English-speaking countries, commensurate with the proposed project (varies by country and grant type)
May be additional expectations that vary by country and grant

Candidate Profile

General

Strong academic record (GPA of at least a 3.0 - higher if pursuing degree-seeking grant)
Compelling rationale for study, research, or teaching in your chosen country
Demonstrated ability and desire to foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange
Explanation of how the Fulbright experience will support your future goals
Demonstrated preparation, maturity, and adaptability
Kowledge of your host country, including its language and culture

Relative to Study/Research Grants

Feasible project proposal with clear purpose, methodology, and timeline
Previous research experience and demonstrated preparation for proposed project
Description of the significance and/or innovation of your research/study

Relative to ETAs

Previous teaching/instruction experience (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, classroom teaching, or related experiences)
Description of the pedagogical theory and/or practices you will bring to a classroom in your host country
Well-developed, specific ideas for engaging second-language learners

Application Components

Online application
Statement of Grant Purpose essay (1-2 pages)
Personal Statement (1 page)
Three letters of recommendation
Certified transcript(s)
Letter of affiliation from an appropriate contact in the host country for study/research grant applicants
Foreign language assessment when specified on the host country's profile page
Supplementary materials may be required by country/grant

Helpful Resources

Application Procedure

All applicants currently enrolled at a university MUST be reviewed and certified by their college or university. As such, Purdue applicants are reviewed by an internal committee who provides support and helpful feedback. Recent alums may apply at-large, but we recommend applying through our process to receive the most guidance as well as to allow participation in the committee review process.

Detailed campus application information is provided directly to applicants once they declare their intention to apply.