4 Things UK Students Should Know About the Fulbright Scholarship Programme

If you’ve ever dreamed of studying a Masters in the USA, you’ve probably heard of the Fulbright scheme. Named after the American senator who helped set it up in 1946, the Fulbright Programme is one of the world’s largest international exchange programmes, with over 400,000 people having taken part since its inception.

Every year, the Fulbright Commission grants around 8,000 scholarships for international students to undertake postgraduate study in the USA (as well as providing funding for Americans to study abroad).

Given the much-vaunted ‘special relationship’ between the UK and the USA, it’s unsurprising that the US-UK Fulbright Commission is one of the longest-running branches of the scheme. This blog will explain a little more about how Fulbright works and how you can increase your chances of scholarship success (applications are currently open, by the way!).

#1 There are several different Fulbright schemes for UK students

Depending on your postgraduate study goals, there are actually a fair few Fulbright scholarships open to UK students, with specific funding available for certain subjects and institutions, as well as a more general Fulbright All Disciplines Award.

The Fulbright All Disciplines Award is usually regarded as the most competitive of these scholarships, perhaps due to the flexibility it offers for your study options. It’s tenable in any postgraduate programme at any American university.

These are the more specific Fulbright scholarships you could apply for:

• Alistair Cooke – Available for a Masters in Journalism at any American university.
• Fulbright BAFTA Scholarship – Available for any Masters in Film.
• Nursten Food Security – Available for a Masters in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Florida.
• American University- Available for an on-campus Masters at any of the six schools of American University.

If successful, you’ll receive the following benefits:

• Financial support for the first year of your studies
• Health insurance
• Visa sponsorship
• Membership of the Fulbright alumni network

Some awards offer a full tuition fee waiver and funding for additional years, but this depends on the scholarship.

#2 Eligibility is pretty simple

In order to be eligible for a Fulbright scholarship, you’ll just need to be a UK citizen and have (or expect to achieve) a 2.1 Bachelors degree. Those with a 2.2 degree will only be eligible in exceptional circumstances.

Dual US-UK citizens aren’t eligible. If you’re a non-UK national who has been resident in the UK for a significant period of time you may still be able to apply, although you’ll have to prove that you’re ineligible to apply through the Fulbright Commission in your home country.

#3 Applications will open in February 2024

Applications for the 2025-26 academic year will open in February 2024.

Bear in mind that you can only apply for one award, so do your research carefully and work out which one’s best for you and your goals.

There are two main application tracks for Fulbright: the Independent Placement and the IIE Placement.

If you choose the Independent Placement, you’ll need to apply to an American university separately to your Fulbright application (although you don’t need to have secured an admission before the Fulbright deadline).

For the IIE Placement, the Institute of International Education will help you choose the right university and handle that part of the application on your behalf (if your Fulbright application is successful).

You’ll complete your Fulbright application online through the IIE website, submitting the following documents:

• Academic transcripts
• Admission letter from your American university (if applicable)
• Contact details for three referees
• CV
• Personal statement
• Scanned passport photo
• Study/research objectives
• Your bio and accomplishments

You’ll also need to complete the US-UK Fulbright Commission Supplemental Form, which is separate to the main online application.

#4 It’s not just about academic excellence…

Of course, the Fulbright admissions team are looking for outstanding academic candidates. But that’s not the be-all and end-all of your application. You should make sure that your personal statement and supporting documents show evidence of:

• Leadership skills
• Understanding Fulbright’s goals
• Ambassadorial qualities
• Cross-cultural communication and sensitivity
• Relevant extra-curricular pursuits

It’s also important to demonstrate an authentic passion for the USA and an ability to successfully communicate key facets of British culture. You’ll be expected to act as an ambassador for Fulbright upon your return to the UK.

Once you find out if you’ve been shortlisted for an interview, you'll be invited for an in-person interview in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast. These interviews will typically be conducted by a panel of Fulbright alumni, academics and admissions staff. They’ll follow a similar format to other postgrad interviews.

For more advice and tips, check out our guide to the Fulbright Programme or visit the US-UK Fulbright website.

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