Frett '09 brings short film full circle at Sundance
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers graduating seniors, graduate students, and alumni the opportunity to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad while building mutual understanding between the United States and communities around the world. Each year, Fulbright awards fund academic, professional, and cultural exchange experiences in more than 140 countries that typically last six months to one year.
Apply Through Central
Fulbright strongly encourages students to apply through their home institution. Central students and alumni must apply through Central to receive advising, application feedback, campus review, and institutional endorsement.
Important Deadlines
Central's Fulbright application process begins one year before the national application deadline. The Fulbright application opens each spring for each new competition cycle. Visit the Fulbright U.S. Student Program website for current application dates and the national submission deadline.
| September - October | Fulbright Interest Complete Fulbright Interest Form and attend a Fulbright information session. |
| March- April | Fulbright Application Goes Live Create Fulbright application account, review award requirements, and begin preparing your application materials. |
| August | Campus Review Deadline Upload complete Fulbright grant application on the Fulbright online portal for institutional review and endorsement. |
| October | Fulbright Program National Deadline Submit final application through the Fulbright Online Application Portal. |
Eligibility Requirements
U.S. Citizenship
To be eligible for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
- Permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens are not eligible and should explore the Fulbright
Education
- A current undergraduate or graduate student, or an alumni.
- You must earn your bachelor's degree before your Fulbright grant begins
Language
- Language requirements vary by country and award type.
- Some awards require proficiency in the host country's language, while others recommend language skills or have no language requirement. Review your selected country's award description to determine what is expected.
Award Opportunities
English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Awards
Teach English abroad while serving as a U.S. cultural ambassador. Placements may be in elementary, secondary, or university classrooms, depending on the country. Because you may apply to only one country, review each country's award description for eligibility requirements, placement details, and award availability before applying.
Graduate Degree and Field-Specific Awards
Pursue a graduate degree or explore specialized opportunities in fields such as the arts, business, journalism & communication, STEM, and public health. Available awards, eligibility requirements, and project expectations vary by country and academic discipline.
Open Study, Research and Creative Project Awards
Design your own academic, research, or creative project in one of approximately 140 participating countries. Projects may include independent research, graduate study, coursework, or creative and performing arts.
Fulbright-National Geographic Award Program
If you apply for a Fulbright Study/Research Award, you may also be eligible to receive up to $20,000 in additional funding to advance your research and share stories that inspire global understanding through science, education, or storytelling.
Your project should align with one or more National Geographic Society focus areas:
- Human histories & cultures
- Land
- Ocean
- Planetary health
- Space
- Wildlife
In addition to Fulbright benefits, you will become part of National Geographic's global community of Explorers, with access to mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities.
Campus Review
Campus Review Process
August 1 is the deadline to submit your complete Fulbright application for campus review.
All applicants applying through Central must participate in the campus review process. A committee of faculty and staff with relevant disciplinary and regional expertise will review your application, conduct a 20-minute interview, and submit a confidential institutional evaluation to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in support of your application. This review and institutional evaluation are intended to support your application and advocate on your behalf.
Submit the strongest application possible by the campus deadline. Although you may revise your application before the national deadline based on committee feedback, the institutional evaluation cannot be changed after it is submitted.
A complete campus application includes:
- Fulbright online application
- Statement of Grant Purpose
- Personal Statement
- Transcripts
- Language Evaluation(s), if required
- Affiliation Letter(s), if required
- Supplemental materials (creative and performing arts applicants only)
- Letters of Recommendation submitted through the Fulbright application portal
Do not submit your application to Fulbright. Instead, lock your application for campus review by August 1. Following campus review, you may make final revisions before submitting your application by the Fulbright national deadline.