USA University of Utah Fulbright U.S. Student Scholarship 2026

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program 2026–2027 is now open for applications. This prestigious program provides opportunities for U.S. students and recent graduates to pursue study, research, or English teaching abroad in over 140 countries. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Fulbright aims to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and the world.

About the Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright Program awards approximately 8,000 scholarships annually, including:

• 1,900 U.S. students

• 4,000 international students

• 1,200 U.S. scholars

• 900 visiting scholars

Applicants can choose from self-designed study/research projects, established research collaborations, or serve as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA). Specialized fellowships, such as the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship and Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health, are also available.

The Fulbright grant provides comprehensive financial support, which may include:

• Living stipend for 9–12 months

• Round-trip travel stipend to host country

• Accident and sickness health insurance

• Books and research allowance (if applicable)

• Full or partial tuition coverage (in select cases)

• Language training program (depending on country requirements)

• Pre-departure and in-country orientation sessions

• Mid-term enrichment activities

• Open to undergraduate seniors, graduate students, and recent alumni.

• Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before the start of the award.

• Ph.D. holders are not eligible (except J.D. holders at the time of application).

The Fulbright Program accepts applications from all academic fields and disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Arts & Humanities

• Social Sciences

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

• Public Health

• Education & Language Studies

• Environmental Studies

• International Relations and Policy

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals by the start of the award.

To apply for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or national at the time of application.

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent by the start of the grant.

• Not hold a Ph.D. (except J.D. holders).

• Be in good health to participate in the program.

• Demonstrate language proficiency required for the host country.

• Preferably not have lived in the host country for more than 6 months.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated on the following:

• Quality and feasibility of the project proposal

• Academic excellence and/or professional record

• Personal qualifications and adaptability

• Language preparation and cultural readiness

• Alignment with Fulbright’s mission of fostering mutual understanding

• Relevance to the host country’s program needs

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Fulbright Online Application

2. Statement of Grant Purpose (2 pages for research, 1 page for ETAs)

3. Personal Statement (1 page)

4. Letters of Recommendation (3 required)

5. CV/Resume

6. Academic Transcripts

7. Language Self-Evaluation & Foreign Language Evaluation (if required)

8. Letter of Affiliation/Endorsement from host institution (for research applicants)

Timeline

• March/April 2025 – Application opens

• August 22, 2025 – University of Utah deadline (for endorsement consideration)

• September 2025 – University interviews and feedback

• October 7, 2025 (3 pm MST) – National Deadline

• January 2026 – Semi-finalist notifications

• March–June 2026 – Final selection results

Length of Award

• 9–12 months, depending on host country and program type.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply online via the official Fulbright portal.
For University of Utah students and alumni:

• Contact the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (ONCS)

• Email: [email protected]