U.S. Students

Open Study/Research Awards

The Fulbright Study/Research Award is the traditional award opportunity where a candidate designs a proposal for a specific country. Read the Country Summaries for more information.

English Teaching Assistant Awards

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant programs place grantees in schools overseas to supplement local English language instruction and to provide a native speaker presence in the classrooms. View the countries offering English Teaching Assistant Awards here.

Special Programs

Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health

The Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships are offered through a partnership between the Fulbright Program and the Fogarty International Center of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. These awards were established to promote the expansion of research in public health and clinical research in resource-limited settings.

The Fogarty International Center, NIH, will provide support to the research training site and may provide orientation for the fellows at the NIH. In addition, NIH will provide a pre-departure orientation for selected Fellows in Washington, DC.

To participate in the Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen and:

• Be enrolled in graduate or medical school. Applicants who hold a doctorate are ineligible.
• Have sufficient proficiency in the host language to carry out the project required.

Other basic requirements and process for applying for the Fulbright-Fogarty Program are the same as for any Fulbright U.S. Student Study/Research Grant.

Fulbright-National Geographic Award Program

The Fulbright-National Geographic Award Program, a collaboration between the Fulbright Program and National Geographic Society, offers additional funding and resources to enhance Fulbright experiences. Formerly known as the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship, this program now supports projects spanning research, conservation, technology, education, and storytelling. 

Semi-finalists indicating interest in this program will receive invitations to submit additional materials through a National Geographic-hosted portal in late January/early February 2026. Successful applicants will work with National Geographic Editors to develop global narratives and foster cross-cultural understanding. Content produced will be showcased online, including on a National Geographic-hosted blog. 

Application Criteria Insights:

• Open Study Award: Craft a proposal that showcases your academic curiosity and readiness for independent study or research abroad. Highlight your chosen field of study, project objectives, and how it aligns with your academic background and goals.
• Research Award: Focus on developing a well-structured proposal that outlines your research goals, methodology, and relevance to your academic background.
• ETA Award: Emphasize your teaching skills, community involvement, and adaptability in diverse settings.

Tips for Success:

• Location Justification: Clearly explain why you've chosen a specific location and how it aligns with your goals.
• Compelling story: Craft a narrative that showcases your passion, experiences, and motivations.
• Adaptability and future plans: Highlight your flexibility and how the Fulbright experience aligns with your future aspirations.
• Academic preparedness: Showcase how your academic background aligns with the chosen program's requirements.
• Affiliation letters: Secure strong affiliation letters from the country you wish to complete your Fulbright.
• Seek support: Don't be afraid to reach out to your mentors, professors, or other professionals in your field for support and guidance as you navigate the application process. They can provide valuable feedback and advice to help strengthen your application.
• Tailor your application: Each Fulbright award has unique eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria, so make sure you tailor your application to the specific award you're applying for. This includes focusing on relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that align with the award's objectives.
• Carefully select your recommenders: Select recommenders who can speak directly to your academic preparation, intellectual merit, and ability to carry out your proposed Fulbright study or research. The strongest letters come from faculty members, research advisors, or professional supervisors familiar with your work in the relevant field and who can contextualize your readiness for graduate‑level study and engagement in the host country.
• Be authentic: Your application should showcase your unique strengths, experiences, and passions. Don't try to mold yourself into what you think the Fulbright committee is looking for - instead, be authentic and let your genuine enthusiasm and commitment shine through.
• Proofread carefully: Typos, grammatical errors, and other mistakes can detract from the strength of your application. Make sure to proofread your materials carefully and consider having a trusted friend or mentor review them as well.

IMPORTANT: Before you schedule an appointment you must fully review the information above.

Email Gabby Cudney to make an appointment and to learn more.