The Fulbright Scholar Program is a collection of awards for early-career, mid-career, and senior professionals, teachers, and artists. This public diplomacy program allows US citizens to participate in a public diplomacy project, form lasting connections, and foster mutual understanding between the US and the host country.
Although the program is prestigious, applicants from all disciplines and all backgrounds are welcome to apply. Plus, no international experience is required, and most awards do not require knowledge of a different language.
Remember to get started as early as possible. These applications are lengthy and may require supplemental materials such as example syllabi, portfolios, letters of invitation, research bibliography, and language proficiency reports, if applicable, in addition to a general application form. The 2025-2026 deadline for the Fulbright Scholar Awards is Monday, September 16, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST.
For more in-depth details, see Everything You Need to Know About Fulbright Scholar Awards.
Application Overview
Applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award involves several components, and candidates must take their time to write and prepare a successful application package. Application components include the general form, which will collect personal, academic, and professional information. The Project Proposal will detail the research, teaching, or professional project you’ll focus on. Like other fellowships, you will also need a CV and letter of recommendation. Depending on the specific award, you may also need to include supplemental materials such as syllabi (for teaching awards), a portfolio (for arts awards), or a bibliography (for research awards).
2025-2026 New Fulbright Scholar Awards
With over 400 awards available on Fulbright, check out a selection of some new awards for the 2026-2026 application cycle.
Brazil
Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Awards, Fulbright-FAPESP Network
- Conduct research or teach on bioenergy, biodiversity, or sustainable food production for 2-4 months. Engage with students, other faculty, and the community through lectures, mentoring, and networking. Open to mid-career and senior academics.
- Similarly, mid-career and senior academics and professionals can research or teach in anthropology, archaeology, dance, museum studies, and music.
Chile
Fulbright Chile Distinguished Scholar Awards
- Up to 10 academics can conduct research for 4 months in one of Chile’s partner universities or research institutions in any discipline. Open to mid-career and senior academics, a terminal degree, such as a PhD, is required.
Iceland
Fulbright Iceland-National Science Foundation Nordic Award in Arctic Security
- Open to all scholar levels, one recipient will spend 6 months studying security, sustainability, and geopolitical concerns related to the Arctic in 2 Nordic countries.
Spain
- In this unique program, scholars will spend 4 months teaching and creating training programs in entrepreneurship, business, and leadership and collaborating with UPM faculty.
Denmark
Community College Faculty Award
- Aimed specifically at community college faculty, the award includes activities such as working on a professional project, research, and/or teaching at the undergraduate level. It lasts 4-5 months, and recipients can receive three Danish language courses.
Kosovo
Sharing Lessons from Kosovo’s Post-War Health Experiences
- This award, lasting 6 to 9 months, is aimed at senior academics and professionals and focuses on the long-term mental health impacts of Kosovo’s conflict. The project seeks to enhance international collaboration and improve mental health interventions in post-conflict settings.
Korea
U.S.-Korea Presidential STEM Initiative
- Approximately 7 scholars will have the opportunity to undertake STEM projects in research, teaching, or professional development activities at any suitable Korean institution, spanning 3-10 months.
Additional Details
- The India Fulbright program will be offering more scholar awards as it seeks to expand its Fulbright program further.
- Unlike the other awards, the Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Awards have a greater gender imbalance: Only 40% of applicants are female. Thus, women are especially encouraged to apply for this award.
Conclusion
As the Fulbright Scholar Program continues to bridge cultures and build international relationships, aspiring scholars from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 2025-2026 awards. Whether your interest lies in teaching, research, or professional development, the array of opportunities within the Fulbright portfolio allows you to contribute to global understanding and cooperation.
Learn How To Win a Fulbright
If you need further guidance, register here for the Fulbright Application Mastermind live workshop hosted by ProFellow founder and Fulbright New Zealand winner Dr. Vicki Johnson. Together, these resources can help you maximize your chances of becoming a Fulbright Scholar and embarking on your international journey.
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