2024-25 Applications Open!

Iowa State University Campus Deadline is September 5, 2023.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. The program currently awards approximately 2,000 grants annually in all fields of study and operates in more than 140 countries worldwide. Grant amounts vary by country but typically cover airfare, tuition, and a living stipend for up to ten months.

Application tips for all Fulbright applicants

Application tips for ETA applicants

Fulbright Process at a Glance

Iowa State graduating seniors, graduate students, and recent alumni interested in applying for a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant should follow the steps detailed below:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Select a host country and program. You can only submit one application. Here are a few tips...
   • Watch Fulbright tutorials and attend a webinar.
   • Review country-specific program information. 
     • Consider language requirements, potential placements for ETA awards, and host country preferences.
     • Review statistics from prior application cycles.
3. Schedule a meeting to discuss your application with the Coordinator of Nationally Competitive Awards. NOTE: This step is required.
   • Complete the Iowa State University Fulbright Candidate Questionnaire
4. Begin the application process HERE.
   • Familiarize yourself with the application components for your award.
     • Find more information about Open Research/Study awards here.
     • Find more information about ETA awards here.
     • Find more information about Creative & Performing Arts awards here.
     • Find more information about National Geographic Storytelling awards here.
   • Each host country commission will have additional requirements. Carefully read the award descriptions for your specific program and bookmark that page for reference while writing.
   • All programs require three letters of recommendation, but you may also need a Foreign Language Evaluation(s) and/or a Letter of Affiliation. 
     • Note: ETAs will need a different recommendation than Open Research/Study applicants. Share the application questions with recommenders early and remind them that they will not submit a formal letter.
5. Request three letters of recommendation.
   • Review the information found HERE and discuss potential reference writers with the campus representative.
6. Download and complete checklists specific to your award.
7. Brainstorm, review, and analyze your application essays with the Coordinator of Nationally Competitive Awards and the Center for Communication Excellence.
   • Meet with the Coordinator of Nationally Competitive Awards to discuss essays and receive feedback on polished drafts during the application cycle.
   • Work with the Nationally Competitive Awards Writing Consultant (Kristin Terrill) to brainstorm and review your essay drafts. Schedule HERE.
8. Attend one of our Fulbright applicant virtual workshops.
9. Submit your application to the Fulbright Online Application before the campus deadline on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
   • Your application materials will go to the Iowa State University campus committee.
10. Complete a campus interview. 
    • Your interview panel will consist of 2-3 ISU faculty or staff. Their goal is to help refine your application and offer additional feedback prior to your final submission.
    • Remember that this is an interview. While the committee’s primary goal is to support your application, they will also evaluate your application.
11. Make final edits and submit the application before the deadline.