Fulbright US Student Program

https://us.fulbrightonline.org/

Upcoming events:

Date/TimeFulbright @ MU EventDescriptionRegister
Wednesday, April 3, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.Fulbright @ MU Info Session: VirtualLearn about applying for the 2024-25 Fulbright Program, Fulbright @ MU workshops, and other campus resources. Event will be held on Zoom.MU Engage
Thursday, April 4, 4-5 p.m.Fulbright @ MU Info Session: In-personLearn about applying for the 2024-25 Fulbright Program, Fulbright @ MU workshops, and other campus resources. Event will be held on campus.MU Engage
Tuesday, April 23, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.Fulbright @ MU Launch EventMeet the Fulbright advising team and learn about the process for working with Global & National Fellowships on your 2024-25 Fulbright application. Enjoy light refreshments and snacks.MU Engage
June TBAFulbright Summer Workshop SeriesThis 4-week virtual workshop series will give students a strong start to developing a Fulbright Research, Study or English Teaching Assistant (ETA) application. The program will guide students to write the first draft of their Fulbright application by early July with support from Global & National Fellowships.TBA

About

Fulbright applications are open to undergraduate seniors, graduate students and recent alumni. Fulbright is an opportunity for personal and professional development and international experiences that foster mutual understanding among nations through study, research or teaching abroad. Fulbright grantees design their own projects, which may include university coursework, library or field research, classes in a music or art school, independent projects in the social or life sciences, or a combination of these or other activities. Students may also apply for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) program to help teach English in one of more than 140 countries.

Individuals interested in applying for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program should make an appointment with a fellowships advisor.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be U.S. citizens or nationals of the US at the time of application (October).
  • Have received at least a bachelor’s degree before the start of the grant (usually the following August).
  • Meet the language eligibility requirements for the host country and/or field of study for which they are applying.

Read full eligibility and ineligibility details here.

What They Are Looking For

Selections for Fulbright grants are based on a variety of factors. These grants are more than academic awards. Fulbright looks for applicants who participate in the community, demonstrate leadership potential, and convey a genuine interest in engaging in cross-cultural exchange to name a few key selection factors. Learn more about what makes for strong Study/Research or English Teaching Assistant Fulbright applicants.

Getting Started

The first step in applying for a Fulbright grant is to attend an information session in late-March to early April. In this session, Fellowship advisors will discuss the program and its mission, preferred qualifications of Fulbright applicants, application timeline, and what you need to consider when applying.

As a potential Fulbright applicant, the first two questions to consider are which country and which type of grant you’d like to apply for. You can only apply to one country to do one thing (study/research OR teach English) in your Fulbright application, so finding the right fit within the program is an applicant’s first task (with the advising support of the Fellowships Office). Some good questions to ask as a potential Fulbright candidate are:

  • How does going abroad to study, conduct research, or teach fit within my long-term goals?
  • Where in the world would I want to go?
  • What about cultural exchange interests me?

To learn about offerings within each country, go to the Fulbright U.S. Student website, click on the Country tab, and then either choose a region to see a list of countries or just start clicking on the map directly – you can then read the specific details about that country, the types of grant offered there, the language requirements, the type of candidate they’re looking for, and other relevant selection criteria.

To find inspiration and to learn from other Mizzou students who have applied for and received a Fulbright award, watch these videos:

Once you’ve decided to apply, please register for our Fulbright course on Canvas. There, you’ll find links to the Statement of Intent form that officially enters you into the Fulbright advising process.

The Canvas course contains a host of other helpful resources and will be the communication channel for regular updates from the fellowships advising team.

Award Benefits

A Fulbright grant provides funding for roundtrip airfare, living expenses, and tuition and books (when relevant) for the full duration of your time abroad.

Deadline

Campus Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2024

All MU applicants must submit a complete Fulbright application by the campus deadline to participate in the campus endorsement process. Fulbright requires MU to review and endorse applications from our applicants; therefore, it is important to turn in a polished application at this time. By Sept. 2, applicants should have revised their materials several times.

Shortly after the campus deadline, applicants participate in a 30-minute campus interview in which they receive feedback on their application from three to four faculty or staff members who understand what the Fulbright program is all about. If you have diligently worked on your application prior to the campus deadline, the campus interview is not something to fear. It is a time for you to learn how to make your application stronger.

Suggested Application Timeline

March–May

Although hard to believe, the Office of Global & National Fellowships wants to recruit Fulbright candidates in early- to mid-spring so that you have plenty of time to develop your candidacy and application materials. During this time, we recommend interested candidates:

  • Attend the Fulbright U.S. Student Program Information Session (event details will be posted on MU Engage and at the top of this page).
  • Attend the Fulbright U.S. Student Program Launch Event.
  • Meet with a fellowship advisor to discuss your interest in and credentials for the program.
  • Register for our Fulbright U.S. Student Program Summer Workshop Series, an asynchronous Canvas course (registration details will be posted at the top of this page).

June–August

  • June: Attend the Fulbright Workshop Series.
  • Late June – Late Aug.: Write multiple drafts of your Fulbright application in advance of the campus deadline.
  • Communicate with recommenders so that they submit their recommendations to Fulbright by the campus deadline.
  • Early August: Complete a Statement of Intent form and submit it to the Office of Global and National Fellowships, indicating your intent to apply for a Fulbright award in October and your desire for a campus interview in September.

September

  • Labor Day (11:59 p.m.): Fulbright campus deadline
  • Mid-September: Campus interviews for feedback and formal endorsement

October

  • Early October: MU candidates submit Fulbright application for the final time
  • Second Tuesday of October (usually): Fulbright national deadline

Winter and Spring

  • Late-January: Applicants receive notice whether they have advanced to the semifinalist round. Some semifinalists will have telephone or video conference interviews in February or March.
  • March–April: Semifinalists receive notice whether they have been selected for their awards.