Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Fully Funded Graduate Study in the U.S.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables talented graduate students, young professionals, and artists from over 160 countries to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees, or engage in non-degree research in the United States. Each year, around 4,000 international students receive Fulbright grants to study, research, and exchange ideas in U.S. institutions.

🌍 Who is Eligible?

Eligibility and application procedures vary by country and are managed by either binational Fulbright Commissions or U.S. embassies. Interested applicants must check the specific guidelines for their country. If your country is not listed as eligible, unfortunately, you cannot apply.

There are two types of application models under the program:

• IIE Placement: The Institute of International Education helps with university placements and funding.
• Self-Placement: Applicants arrange their own university admission in the U.S.

💼 What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Fulbright Scholarship is fully funded, covering:

• Full tuition and academic fees
• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Round-trip airfare to and from the United States
• Health and accident insurance
• Visa support and processing
• Pre-academic training and enrichment programs (where applicable)

📝 General Eligibility Requirements (Example: Nepal)

Each country has specific requirements. For applicants from Nepal, here are the common criteria:

1. Citizenship and Residency: Must be a Nepali citizen living in Nepal.
2. Work Experience: At least 3 years for men and 2 years for women in relevant fields.
3. Academic Qualification: Minimum 16 years of formal education (a 4-year bachelor’s degree or 3-year bachelor’s plus master’s degree).
4. Academic Merit: Minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0 or 60%.
5. English Proficiency: Strong written and spoken English; TOEFL is required only after selection.
6. Visa Requirement: Must qualify for the J-1 visa with a mandatory two-year return requirement after completing studies in the U.S.

📅 Application Timeline

The application timeline varies by country. For many countries, the application period for the 2025–2026 academic year begins in early spring (around February or March) and closes in April. Interviews are typically held in June or July, and selected candidates begin their programs in the U.S. in Fall 2025.

🌐 Benefits & Impact

The Fulbright Program provides:

• Access to top-tier U.S. universities
• Global networking with professionals and scholars
• Opportunities to conduct impactful research
• Development of leadership, academic, and cross-cultural skills
• A prestigious addition to your professional and academic profile

🔁 Obligations After the Program

Grantees are required to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their program. This ensures they contribute to their country’s development and apply what they’ve learned in a meaningful way.

✨ Why Choose the Fulbright Program?

• It’s one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the world.
• Fulbright alumni include Nobel Laureates, leaders, and changemakers across every industry.
• You gain access to world-class education and global networks.
• It’s a platform for personal, professional, and societal transformation.