The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers graduating seniors, graduate students, and early-career professionals fully funded, one-year awards to conduct research, pursue graduate study, or serve as English teaching assistants abroad, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global collaboration
About the Fulbright Program
Established in 1946 by Congress, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s premier academic exchange initiative, awarding about 8,000 grants annually to scholars, students, teachers, and professionals from over 160 countries to foster mutual understanding through academic and cultural exchange (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, n.d.).
FACULTY NOMINATE A STUDENT
If you are a faculty member, you can nominate a student (undergrad or grad) who would be a great fit for the Fulbright US Student Program. The Fulbright Program Advisor will contact them to discuss award options.
The Fulbright US Student Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards one‐year, fully or partially funded fellowships to graduating seniors, graduate students, early‐career professionals, and artists for study, research, or English teaching abroad (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, n.d.).
Grant Categories
- Study and Research Awards: Support self-designed projects in academic or creative fields.
- English Teaching Assistantships: Place participants in K–12 or university classrooms overseas.
- Country-Specific Grants: Fund study or research at designated partner institutions.
Program Features
- Round-trip travel, living stipends, and health insurance.
- Pre-departure orientation and in-country support.
- Access to a global alumni network of over 370,000 participants.
Eligibility and Application
- Open to U.S. citizens with a bachelor’s degree by program start
- Requires a project statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and host-institution affiliation (if applicable).
Application Process and Support at WMU
WMU’s Fulbright Program Advisor (FPA) offers extensive support throughout the application process:
- Individual Advising: One-on-one meetings to discuss project ideas and application strategies.
- Workshops and Resources: Workshops to help you write your personal statement and statement of grant purpose, and opportunities to connect with fellow applicants.
- Detailed Review: Submit your draft for feedback through our campus review process to strengthen your application.
Steps to Apply:
- Consider your project: Reflect on how studying, teaching, or researching abroad aligns with your personal and career goals.
- Meet with an advisor: Contact Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland to discuss your ideas and understand the application requirements.
- Work on drafts: Collaborate with the advisor to develop and refine your application drafts, ensuring they align with program expectations.
- Submit for review: Share your draft by the campus deadline to receive valuable feedback.
- Finalize and submit: Incorporate feedback and submit your application by October.
Note: WMU students and recent alumni interested in applying for the Fulbright should contact the WMU Fulbright Program Advisor (FPA), Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland.
Campus application deadline: 2nd Monday of September
Recommended application timeline
- April: Online application opens.
- April-August: Meet with the WMU campus Fulbright advisor and begin an application. Secure letters of recommendation and language evaluation forms (if necessary).
- August: Finalize draft of Fulbright application.
- Mid-September: WMU campus deadline
- Late September: Complete campus Fulbright committee interview process.
- Early October: Post-interview revision and application finalization.
- Mid-October: Fulbright national deadline.
For more information, visit the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.