Fulbright Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by United States Government

The evaluation of applications for the 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Scholar program is ongoing as per the schedule mentioned on our timeline pages (US Scholar and IEA). Any significant updates regarding applications will be shared with applicants via email. The application process for the 2026-27 U.S. Scholar Program is now open to interested individuals.

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

Key Eligibility Criteria for U.S. Scholars

Non-U.S. citizens are advised to check out the Non-U.S (Visiting) Scholar programs.

Applicants for the Fulbright U.S Scholar program are required to fulfill all program eligibility prerequisites by the deadline. All award eligibility conditions must also be met by the deadline unless exceptions are explicitly mentioned in the award.

The comprehensive Fulbright rules for U.S. Lecturers and Research Scholars are available here (Chapter 600).

U.S. Citizenship

Applicants need to be U.S. citizens by the time of the application deadline. Merely having permanent residency is not adequate.

Dual Citizenship: Eligibility of dual citizens to participate in a Fulbright program in their second nationality country might be compromised due to the laws or policies of the host country. Each award description will specify if this aspect disqualifies the applicant in the award requirements section.

1. Fulbright Scholar Awards

The majority of the awards offered are Fulbright Scholar Awards, offering opportunities for professionals, artists, and scholars at different career stages. The location and eligibility differ for each award, and certain ones may be limited to specific career levels or types of scholars. These details are included in the award description.

Here are some opportunities within the U.S. Scholar program:

• Scholar Award
• Global Scholar Award
• Arctic Initiative
• Amazonia

2. Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Awards

The Distinguished Scholar awards represent the most prestigious accolades in the Fulbright Scholar Program. These awards are available to scholars who have over seven years of experience in their expertise or discipline. However, certain awards may have additional eligibility restrictions. Distinguished Scholars are expected to actively collaborate with host institutions for promoting mutual understanding and knowledge exchange.

3. Fulbright Postdoctoral Awards

Postdoctoral Awards offer recently graduated scholars a chance to conduct research and gain professional training abroad. These awards might involve limited teaching. They are open to scholars who will have earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D., J.D., M.D., Ed.D., etc.) within five to seven years from when the fellowship begins, as stated in the award description. Degree conferment before the award commencement is a must. An affiliation with a U.S. institution is not necessary.

4. Fulbright International Education Administrator Awards

This award offers international education professionals and senior higher education officials the chance to participate in a two-week intensive seminar. Participants will learn about the host country’s education system and form networks of U.S. and international colleagues.

Distinguished Scholar awards are recognized as the most elite appointments within the Fulbright Scholar Program. These awards are open to scholars with more than seven years of experience in their field, although some awards may have further eligibility restrictions. Distinguished Scholars are expected to actively engage with host institutions to foster mutual understanding and knowledge sharing.