Focus on Fulbright

Five students huddle together to talk

You could be one of UMB’s first students to win a Fulbright award!

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program competition opens on April 2, 2024! Register for an informational webinar April 3 from 6-7:15 p.m. to learn more about studying or researching abroad through this prestigious program. To learn more, complete this brief form and we'll reach out to you.

UMB Named Fulbright Top Producing Institution

The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is excited to launch its Focus on Fulbright Initiative to increase UMB’s representation in this prestigious international program. CGE will host webinars and workshops for students* interested in applying in 2024 for the 2025-2026 competition. Students must apply through UMB, and CGE will provide application advising and feedback.

* Faculty also are encouraged to apply, but for the 2024 cycle, CGE is specifically focusing on student applications. Faculty applicants do not officially apply through UMB, but we highly encourage them to reach out to CGE for advice and resources.

What Is the Fulbright U.S. Student Program? ▾

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute for International Education, offers diverse opportunities in more than 140 countries for research, graduate study, teaching abroad, and cultural exchange for current U.S. students and recent graduates. Fulbright fellows are immersed in the culture and daily life of the country of their choice. Successful applicants to this program will promote leadership, learning, and mutual understanding between cultures.

Award benefits include round-trip transportation; a stipend to cover room, board, and living expenses; and accident and sickness health benefits. Some grants may include additional funding for study and research, including language study and full or partial tuition.

There are more than 1,600 grants/awards available for U.S. students. Specific opportunities that relate to UMB’s professional fields are: 

Who Is Eligible? ▾

The essential requirements are that applicants must: 

  • Be citizens or nationals of the United States (permanent residents are not eligible)

  • Have at least a bachelor’s degree*

  • Meet any language requirements for the award

Check out additional details on Fulbright Eligibility.

*Doctors of Medicine may receive grants for advanced academic study, but not for internships or residencies. Scholars with an MD degree who have completed their formal postgraduate training and propose attachment to a hospital or clinic for the purpose of independent or collaborative research should apply to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Grants shall not authorize activity for which a license to practice medicine or nursing is required. The Fulbright Program cannot authorize proposals for medical research that involve clinical training, patient care, or patient contact. 

Key Dates and Timeline ▾

  • Late April 2, 2024: Applications open for 2025-2026 awards 

  • September 15, 2024: Internal UMB deadline for application review and feedback 

  • October 8, 2024: National deadline for applications (exact day to be announced) 

Next Steps ▾

  • Research the type of Fulbright award you hope to pursue and in which location

  • Learn more about the application components for Fulbright

  • If the award you are thinking about asks for an affiliation letter (e.g., a letter from an organization you will conduct research with during your Fulbright or a letter from a program where you will study during your award), begin engaging with individuals/organizations and requesting letters as soon as possible

  • Determine if you will need a Foreign Language Evaluation form and, if so, identify an individual to complete it, particularly, according to Fulbright, “a professional language teacher, preferably a university professor” 

Read more about Getting Started.

Interested in learning more? Complete a brief form or email one of the Fulbright Program advisors: 

Learn More