Fulbright and External Scholarships

Fulbright U.S Student Program

Fulbright U.S Student Program

A world of knowledge begins with one application.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers graduating seniors, graduate students, and early-career professionals fully funded opportunities to conduct research, pursue graduate study, or teach English abroad for one academic year. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the program fosters cross-cultural understanding and global collaboration.

Faculty and Global Program Development
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-3908

WMU alumna, Kelsey Dovico poses for a picture in a park in Spain
Spend some time learning about the Fulbright experience by reading blogs from Kelsey Dovico, a WMU alumna and 2018-2019 Fulbright recipient. Dovico works as an English teaching assistant in Madrid at the Gypsy Secretariat Foundation. Read more about her work.

About the Fulbright Program

Established in 1946 by the United States Congress, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange initiative (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, n.d.). The program awards approximately 8,000 grants each year to participants from over 160 countries, including students, scholars, teachers, and professionals, with the shared goal of promoting mutual understanding through academic and cultural engagement.

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. 

NOMINATE HERE

The Fulbright US Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fellowships for graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals, and artists from the United States to study, conduct research, or serve as an English teaching assistant abroad for one academic year.

More than 1,500 Americans annually receive grants to study, research, or teach abroad with either full or partial support from the Fulbright Program. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers three kinds of grants:

  1. Study and research: offer up to one academic year of support for study and research in academic fields and the creative and performing arts. Applicants propose their own research and/or graduate study project and find their own host affiliation. Grants to study at specific universities are also available for some host countries.
  2. English Teaching Assistantships—ETAs: places recent college graduates and young professionals as English teaching assistants in primary and secondary schools or universities overseas. English teaching assistants help improve foreign students’ English language abilities and knowledge of the U.S. while simultaneously advancing their personal language skills and knowledge of the host country. They may also pursue individual study and research plans in addition to their teaching responsibilities.

The Fulbright Program is open to U.S. citizens who are graduating seniors, recent graduates, or alumni. Key requirements include:

  • Education: Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree by the time the grant begins.
  • Language Skills: Some host countries may require intermediate or advanced language proficiency, depending on the project.
  • Personal Qualities: Competitive applicants are adaptable, open to new experiences, and motivated to engage with other cultures.
  • Language Skills: Some host countries may require intermediate or advanced language proficiency, depending on the project.

Preference is given to applicants whose primary education took place in the United States. Studying abroad during undergraduate years, whether in the intended host country or elsewhere, does not affect eligibility.

Candidates who have received a Fulbright grant in recent years remain eligible but may face added competition, especially if they were grantees in 2022-2023, 2023-2024, or 2024-2025. These applicants must meet all other requirements.

Applicants who have spent limited time (no more than six months) in the host country are preferred, as the program aims to provide new cross-cultural experiences. Undergraduate study abroad is not included in this time limit. Applicants with significant, recent experience in the host country may face additional competition.

Veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces receive preference if their qualifications are comparable to other candidates. Service duty abroad is not counted as time residing or studying in the host country (source: Fulbright website).

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:
  1. Consider your project: Reflect on how studying, teaching, or researching abroad aligns with your personal and career goals.
  2. Meet with an advisor: Contact Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland to discuss your ideas and understand the application requirements.
  3. Work on drafts: Collaborate with the advisor to develop and refine your application drafts, ensuring they align with program expectations.
  4. Submit for review: Share your draft by the campus deadline to receive valuable feedback.
  5. 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.

Schedule and an appointment today to receive personalized advising and take the first step toward your Fulbright journey.
Book an appointment

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.

 

FAQs

The Fulbright Program is prestigious and highly competitive, with selection based on factors such as academic and professional achievement, as well as leadership potential. Each year, approximately 2,000 U.S. students receive Fulbright awards.

Grant benefits include funding to cover travel, living expenses, health benefits, and, in some cases, tuition. Additionally, grantees receive 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government.

No, applicants may apply to only one country and for one grant type (Study/Research or ETA) per application cycle. It's essential to choose the country and grant type that best align with your goals.

Language proficiency requirements vary by country and grant type. Some countries may require advanced proficiency, while others have no language requirement. Applicants can demonstrate proficiency through coursework, standardized tests, or a Language Evaluation Form completed by a qualified evaluator.

A strong application typically includes:

  • Clear and Feasible Proposal: A well-defined project or teaching statement that is achievable within the grant period.
  • Personal Statement: Insight into your background, motivations, and how the Fulbright experience aligns with your goals.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Strong endorsements from individuals who can speak to your qualifications and suitability for the program.
  • Cultural Engagement: Demonstrated interest in cultural exchange and adaptability to new environments.

There is no minimum GPA, but most successful applicants have excellent academic records and stellar letters of recommendation from professors and/or professionals in their field. Leadership, community service, demonstrated interest in the host country, and a background in the proposed subject area are also important.

There are no specific age limits for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Applicants range from recent graduates to early-career professionals.

Yes, applicants who are not selected may reapply in subsequent application cycles. It's beneficial to seek feedback on your application to strengthen future submissions.

Prior teaching experience is not always required for ETA positions. However, demonstrating teaching skills, tutoring experience, or a strong interest in education can strengthen your application.

No, at WMU, students must meet with the university’s Fulbright Program Advisor before applying. The advisor will guide you through the application process, provide feedback on your materials, and ensure your application is submitted correctly. Direct applications through the official Fulbright website without going through the advisor are not permitted.

To begin your application process, schedule a meeting with Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland.