What is the Fulbright foreign student program?
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a one-year scholarship opportunity that enables graduate students to research and study at any United States’ universities.
The primary goal of the FFSP program is to boost African universities by providing higher degree training via empowering their academic staff.
The grant covers everything all expenses except travel of dependents. Thus, you can’t travel with your spouse or children for this program.
The U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education (IIE) in New York are major funders of this research program.
Every year, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program online application starts in February and closes in June.
To apply, you must be at least two years into your doctoral program in any discipline at a university or research institute.
Fulbright Scholarship Requirements for International Students
To be eligible to submit applications for the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Program, you must meet the following requirements:
You must either be a citizen, national, or be a permanent resident holding a valid passport of the eligible countries (more on that later).
You must be a current DOCTORAL OR PHD student with endorsement from your program institution.
In addition, you need to have an outstanding academic record with at least 90 as your TOEFL test score.
They expect of you a powerful motivation to complete your study and return home after completion of the program.
To receive an invitation for interview, it takes a sound proposal listing your research objectives, methodology and timeframe.
Last, you have a higher chance of getting this grant if you have not studied in the USA before.
U.S. institutions rarely accept research students in business, law, and accounting because of the high demand for full-time programs and tuition concerns.
If you do not meet these requirements, you may want to check this list of the best postgraduate scholarship opportunities in the US.
How to Apply for Fulbright Scholarship for International Students
To apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, you must confirm at the US Program site if your country is eligible for the scholarship.
Visit website of the US Exchange Programs to confirm your country eligibility.
If eligible, create an account, fill in your details and upload the following documents.
- Three academic and professional references,
- Curriculum Vitae and TOEFL test score report,
- Student copy of academic transcripts and your writing sample.
In selecting your objectives while submitting your application online, choose either: “Visiting Researcher” or Non-Degree”.
Last, send hard copies of your official academic transcript from your tertiary institution to the US embassy in your country.
(Remember to keep your password safe to prevent falling victim of internet fraud.)
