Fulbright U.S. Student Program — 2027-2028 competition (U.S. applicants)

Overview

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program places U.S. citizens in awards across multiple countries for postgraduate study, research, or teaching. The 2027-2028 competition is open to U.S. applicants who meet the program’s eligibility rules. Awards and benefits vary by the specific award and host country, so applicants should consult the official award descriptions for details.

What the scholarship pays for

Funding under the Fulbright U.S. Student Program differs by award and host country. Some awards provide partial support rather than full funding. Because grant length and covered items are award-specific, applicants must review each award’s description on the program site to learn what is included for tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, or other costs.

Who can apply

  • Eligible applicants: U.S. citizens. Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the application deadline.
  • Level: Masters (as listed for this entry).
  • Geographic scope: Host countries are worldwide; specific awards place applicants in particular partner countries.
  • Note: Eligibility details vary by applicant type and by award. Non-U.S. applicants follow their own country’s Fulbright commission or U.S. embassy application process.

How to apply

  1. Begin your application through the US Fulbright application portal (apply.iie.org) and create an account if needed.
  2. If you are enrolled at a U.S. campus, consult your campus Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA) and follow any campus procedures or internal deadlines your school sets.
  3. Select the specific award(s) and host country you want and read the award-specific instructions and benefit details on the official site.
  4. Complete the application materials required for your chosen award(s) and submit them via the Fulbright application portal before the national deadline.
  5. Follow up on any additional steps noted in the award description (for example, country-specific forms or institutional endorsements) and monitor your application through the portal.

Key dates

  • Competition: 2027-2028 (U.S. applicants).
  • National application deadline: 2026-10-06.

Practical tips

  • Read award descriptions carefully: Because benefits, grant length, and application requirements vary by award and country, review each award page before you apply.
  • Use your campus adviser: If you are a current U.S. student, work with your campus Fulbright Program Adviser early — they can explain institutional steps and help with materials.
  • Plan documents in advance: Allow time to prepare essays, project statements, letters of recommendation, and any country-specific forms required by the award description.

For full program details, award listings, and the official application portal, visit the Fulbright U.S. Student Program site: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/about/fulbright-us-student-program.

Confirm every requirement, deadline, and benefit on the official Fulbright site before submitting your application.