Postgraduate Student Awards

Each year between 12 and 16 awards are offered to UK citizens for the first year of postgraduate or doctoral study, or for 'special student research', in any subject at any accredited US institution. Successful candidates will work with the Fulbright Commission and the Institute of International Education (IIE) to identify and apply to the university departments which offer the best academic fit for them.

The Commission also offers specific awards for Journalism, an MBA, an MBA at Harvard or a PhD in Science or Technology.

Award Benefits

Grants are for a minimum of $25,000 paid in instalments directly to the grantee, the first of which is typically given just prior to departure from the UK. This funding is intended as a contribution towards the first year of tuition fees and general maintenance costs whilst in the US. University application and entrance exam fees, limited sickness and accident benefit coverage, visa sponsorship and processing and participation in a number of Fulbright Scholar events are also included.

The final award amount will depend on the choices the candidate makes during the university placement process and in the end she/he will choose from 4 or 5 award packages that will typically range from $25,000 to a fully-funded programme.

Selection Criteria

Minimum eligibility for this award category:

Preference will be given to those who do not have extensive, recent experience in the US (6 months).  Please read the Terms and Conditions for this award before making an application.

 

In making these awards the Commission is looking not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Programme and a plan to give back to your home country upon returning.

Applying

To complete an application, please read and follow the UK Country-specific application instructions.

Applications are made online but must be printed and signed, along with several supplemental forms, and posted to the Fulbright Commission. You will need to register to the Fulbright Commission’s website. You will then be directed to and asked to register with the online application site. You will be able to log in and out of your application account and will not be required to complete the application in one sitting.

The online application is facilitated by IIE and is used by Fulbright Commissions worldwide.  Each Commission sets its own policies and procedures and country-specific instructions for using the online application system.  When making an application for a US-UK Fulbright (Traditional) Postgraduate Award it is imperative you follow the application instructions.

Successful applicants will be invited for interviews at the Fulbright Commission on the date(s) listed below. Interviews will only be held on the indicated date(s) only and may not be rescheduled.

Applications will need to be posted to the Fulbright Commission. Successful applicants will be invited for interviews at the Fulbright Commission on the date(s) listed below. Interviews will only be held on the indicated date(s) only and may not be rescheduled.

Timeline

1 February - Competition opens, applications available
31 May - Application deadline
June-August - Applications evaluated, short-listed candidates invited to interview
16 August - 2 September - Fulbright Interview Fortnight
early-September - Notification, finalists revise for standardised exams 
4 October - Fulbright Candidate’s Workshop in London, finalists book and sit standardised exams
October 2010-May 2011 - US university application and placement process, and Fulbright scholar and J1 visa paperwork preparation
6-8 July - Fulbright Orientation and pre-departure planning in London
August 2011-April 2012 - Independent departures, Your Fulbright Year begins!