How to Apply for a Predoctoral Fulbright Fellowship for U.S. Students

This Fulbright Fellowship offers graduate students in the United States the chance to study in another country. It not only provides money, but also a great deal of flexibility in setting up your own program of study and/or research.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers
• Word-processing Software

1. Make sure you fit the criteria: be a U.S. citizen at the time of application; have a bachelor's degree, preferably from a U.S. institution; be a proficient speaker and writer in the relevant foreign language; be in relatively good health.

2. Contact your school's Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA). Your FPA will be able to get you an application, as well as give you detailed information on the application procedure.

3. Think precisely about what sort of program you'd like to design for yourself and about how you'd describe the project to the funding committee.

4. Notify professors and TAs well ahead of time for any letters of recommendation you need from them.

5. Send in all the materials before the deadline, which is usually in late October. Apply well before the application deadline to avoid the risk of missing it.

6. Photocopy your application materials before sending them in, and keep a copy for your records.

7. Keep in mind that the amount of money you'll receive (if you get a Fulbright) will vary according to the local living expenses of the place you want to visit.

Tips & Warnings

• Design your program around the theme of mutual understanding between nations. This is what the fellowship exists to promote.
• If you've previously lived for more than six months in the country you want to go to, you'll be at a disadvantage in the Fulbright competition. (Duty in the Armed Forces doesn't count.)
• You're better off if your bachelor's degree is from a U.S. college.
• Consult with your school's fellowships office for information on other fellowships and financial aid.
• Be wary of any fellowship that sounds too good to be true; it probably is. (See "How to Watch Out for Scholarship Scams.")
• You're not eligible if you already hold a doctoral degree or if you've previously received a Fulbright grant for study or research.