FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAM FOR IRAQ

Enrich Educations

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international educational and cultural exchange program, creating connections in a complex and changing world.

Led by the U.S. government in partnership with 160 countries worldwide, Fulbright builds lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries—building mutual understanding between nations, advancing knowledge across communities, and improving lives around the world.

The Fulbright Program enables Iraqi students to pursue master’s-level study in the United States. Participants are chosen through an open, merit-based competition in which leadership potential, academic excellence, and the ability to adjust to life in the United States are all considered. Once accepted into the Fulbright Program, every Fulbrighter becomes part of a global network of engaged, dedicated Fulbright alumni.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and is administered by Amideast in the Middle East and North Africa region.

BENEFITS

Tuition, living stipend, and travel and academic allowances.
Opportunity to experience life in the United States and share your culture with Americans.
Pre-academic training and enrichment seminars.
Induction into the global Fulbright alumni network.
Earn a graduate degree in a field of your choice from a U.S. university.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is for university graduates and professionals from diverse social, economic, academic, and professional backgrounds. A competitive applicant should have an excellent academic record, strong English language skills, and the commitment to return to their country of nomination upon completion of the program. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously studied or lived in the United States. Fulbright Program opportunities are available to qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, geographic location, socio-economic status, disability, or gender identity. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants interested in pursuing a master's degree must:

Must be an Iraqi citizen or a permanent resident able to hold a passport from Iraq.
U.S. citizens or green card holders are not eligible to apply.
Must reside in country throughout the application, selection and placement process.
Must have two years of professional work experience after graduation.
Must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution at the time of the program start date.
Must have a strong academic background.
Must be proficient in English and/or able to attend a Long-Term English (LTE) program prior to the start of the study program.
Preference is given to students who have little or no previous experience studying or living in the United States.
Persons of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

U.S. citizens or green card holders are not eligible to apply. A candidate who has resided in the United States for five or more consecutive years in the six-year period preceding the date of application is ineligible for a grant.

Amideast staff members and consultants and the employees of U.S. missions who work for the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development are not eligible to apply, nor are their immediate family members, during the period of their employment and until one year following the termination of employment.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications will be accepted in most fields of study, including the humanities, social science, science, technology, and engineering. However, graduate programs related to clinical studies, such as medicine and nursing, are not permitted. Applicants may apply for related academic degrees such as nursing administration, nutrition sciences, and public health.

Applications and materials must be submitted through the online system. You can apply at https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2025/.

Applicants must submit:

Official academic transcripts and diplomas in English.
An up-to-date CV or resume detailing all prior education and work experience.
Three letters of recommendation in English; these should be from past or current employers, or professors or academic advisors.
A personal statement in English up to 600 words in length.
A study/ research objective essay in English relating to the intended research and/or field of study.
Copy of passport and/or identification card (ID).

An English language proficiency assessment is optional but not required at the time of the application. If you have taken the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test within the last two years, please include a copy of your results.

Selected candidates should be available for interviews in August 2024.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Applications must be completed online. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
All recipients of the Fulbright Program must return to their nomination location for at least two years upon completion or termination of the program.
Any student requiring assistance or access to a computer and internet connection to complete the application is welcome to use the student advising center at Amideast for free.
Applicants must reside in the nomination location throughout the application, selection, and placement processes.

PLAGIARISM

The Fulbright Program has a zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism. Applicants who plagiarize any part of their application will be immediately disqualified. To learn more about plagiarism, you can download our presentation on plagiarism and writing your application. You can also find a free plagiarism check here.

FULBRIGHT PROGRAM POLICIES FOR IRAQIS

Two-year home residency requirement: The J-1 visa is an exchange visa which requires all Fulbright scholarship recipients to return to their home country for at least two years upon successful completion of the program.
Intention to return to Iraq: Your eligibility for a Fulbright scholarship is based, in part, on your intention to return to Iraq following completion of your program.
No dependents: J visa sponsorship is offered only to the Iraq Fulbright scholarship award recipient. J-2 visa dependents (spouses and children under the age of 21) cannot accompany the Iraqi scholarship recipient on his/her study program.