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Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides a one-year grant for independent research, graduate study, or teaching English in any of over 140 countries around the world.

Graduating seniors and alumni who are U.S. citizens or nationals are eligible to apply. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a meeting with Jason Chan to discuss their interest as early in the process as possible.

  • Intent to Apply Deadline: May 1, 2023 (preferred)
  • Haverford Campus Deadline: September 1, 2023 by 11:59pm local time
  • Fulbright Official Deadline: mid-October 2023

What is Fulbright?

“During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with, and learn from the people of the host country . . . allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think. Through engagement in the community, the individual will interact with their hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.”

(Source: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/about/fulbright-us-student-program)

Am I a Good Fit?

Fulbright seeks applicants with a genuine interest in cross-cultural engagement, a strong curiosity about people and the world, and a clear sense of purpose in their academic and career pursuits. As such, grantees are selected based on the quality and feasibility of their grant proposal, their potential to advance cultural exchange, their leadership and other personal characteristics, and how well a Fulbright experience aligns with their future goals.

Applicants must also be willing to commit to a 5-6 month application process spanning approximately April through October.

How to Apply: Timeline and Process

Below is the recommended timeline for students/alumni interested in applying for the 2024-2025 grant year. Remember: early preparation is key to a strong Fulbright application!

January—March 2023

Review the Fulbright website and watch the online tutorials to familiarize yourself with the program, including the award types and the application components.

Begin reflecting on why the Fulbright program is the good fit for your academic, career, and personal goals. These suggested reflection prompts may help jumpstart your thought process.

Watch the recordings and review the materials from information sessions from previous years:

March 31, 2023

Fulbright Application Opens

April 2023

Explore potential opportunities in different host countries and begin brainstorming ideas/themes for the Statement of Grant Purpose and the Personal Statement . Review the instructions for both statements so you know what you need to include.

May 1, 2023

Submit the “Intent to Apply” form so CCPA is aware you’re applying and can provide guidance, support, and important updates throughout the summer application process.

May 2023

Begin writing your Statement of Grant Purpose and Personal Statements. At this stage, outlining, free-writing, and testing out different ideas is an appropriate start.

June 2023

Submit first drafts of your essays for review and feedback.

Create an account on the Fulbright online application portal so you know exactly what information the application is requesting. (For example, there are several short answer responses, in addition to the Statement of Grant Purpose and the Personal Statement.)

Study/Research award applicants only: Begin identifying potential affiliates in your intended host country. These are individuals who can vouch for the validity and feasibility of your proposed study and agree to provide you guidance and/or resources during your Fulbright year.

July 2023

Submit second drafts of your essays for review and feedback.

Study/Research award applicants only: Contact potential affiliates to see if they’re willing to support you and write you a letter of affiliation.

August 2023

Submit third drafts of your essays for review and feedback.

Start working on the Biographical Data and Program Information sections of the application, if you haven’t already.

Request recommendation letters (study/research applicants) or recommendation forms (ETA applicants), as well as language evaluations, no later than August 11 - though even earlier is better!

September 1, 2023

Haverford’s Campus Application Deadline

Applications should be submitted through the Fulbright online portal and must include:

  • Biographical Data and Program Information
  • Statement of Grant Purpose and Personal Statement
  • 3 Recommendation Letters or Forms
  • Letter of Affiliation (if required)
  • Foreign Language Evaluation
  • Unofficial Transcript

Mid/Late September 2023

Participate in an interview with a campus committee of faculty/staff to discuss your motivations and qualifications for your proposed Fulbright project, the skills you would bring to a cultural exchange experience, and your familiarity with the country you've chosen. You will also receive feedback on your application.

Early October 2023

Continue to revise your application.

Mid-October 2022

Fulbright Official Deadline

Applications are due at 5pm EST on the Fulbright online portal.

November-December 2023

U.S. National Screening Committee Selections

January 2024

Semifinalists Announced

February-May 2024

Host Country Selections (select countries may conduct interviews)

March-May 2024

Finalists Announced