Program information:
Q: What is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program?
A: 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 offers programs for talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals to study, teach, and conduct research, helping to build mutual understanding and find solutions to critical international concerns. Fulbrighters enrich their educations, advance their careers, and make meaningful contributions to communities abroad and at home. As Fulbrighters, they join a network of thousands of alums serving as leaders across the globe.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from over 160 countries and territories worldwide to research and study in the United States for one year or longer at U.S. universities or other appropriate institutions. Participants also have the unique opportunity to experience life in the United States and share their unique culture and traditions with Americans.
Q: Can Fulbright participants stay in the United States after their program, or do they need to return to their home?
A: Upon completion of their program, participants must return to their home country or territory to complete a two-year home residency requirement before they may apply for immigrant and certain nonimmigrant U.S. visas.
Q: Can I participate in the Fulbright Foreign Student Program if I have a disability?
A: Fulbright Program opportunities are available to qualified individuals. Please contact the Amideast field office or U.S. Embassy to discuss any assistance you may need to apply to the program. If selected, Amideast will help advise on accommodations on U.S. campuses.
Q: What are the benefits of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program?
A: Besides earning your master’s degree or pursuing graduate-level study at a U.S. university, there are many benefits of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, including, but not limited to:
- Learning about the United States and American culture and sharing your own culture and traditions.
- Enriching your knowledge and improving employment prospects with a graduate degree or graduate-level research.
- Forging lasting connection and joining a global Fulbright network.
- Participating in Pre-Academic Programs and Enrichment Seminars.
- Obtaining opportunities for professional development and research at U.S. universities.
- Covered award costs include tuition, a living allowance, and round-trip travel.
Q: When does the Fulbright Foreign Student Program start?
A: The academic year in the United States typically starts in the fall (autumn) in August or September and runs until the end of the following spring in May or June. However, if you are selected to be part of a Long-Term English program or Pre-Academic Program, you will travel to the United States before your academic program begins.
Q: What is the Long-Term English program?
A: The Long-Term English (LTE) program helps qualified Fulbright nominees to enhance their English language proficiency and strengthen their applications for admission into a U.S. university. LTE programs are six to eight months with start dates in January and March. These intensive English programs are hosted by university partners.
To be considered for an LTE program, you must first apply to and be nominated for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. Dependents cannot accompany LTE participants.
Q: Is there is a specific number of Fulbright participants, or does the number vary each year?
A: The number of Fulbright awards varies year to year, subject to funding and other factors.
Eligibility:
Q: Are high school students or recent high school graduates eligible for the Fulbright Program?
A: No, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate-level studies or research only. However, the U.S. Department of State offers many other educational and cultural exchange programs. To find out more, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ website. The U.S. Embassy in your country or territory may also have additional information on country-specific exchange programs.
Q: Does the Fulbright Program provide support for undergraduate degrees?
A: No, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate-level studies only.
However, the U.S. Department of State offers many other educational and cultural exchange programs, for various audiences. To find out more, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ website.
Q: Does the Fulbright Program provide support for PhDs?
A: Most Fulbright Foreign Student Program awards are for master’s level studies. However, a few countries provide opportunities for Ph.D. study. Please see your country’s page for further information. Those that may be eligible include Egyptian and Moroccan students.
Q: Which nationalities can apply?
A: Amideast administers awards for students from select countries and locations throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Applicants from the following countries are invited to apply: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Please note that you must be a national and current resident of the country which nominates you.
If you are from another country or region not listed above, please check the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your country for details regarding Fulbright Program opportunities.
Q: I am currently living outside my home country. Can I still apply?
A: Applicants may only apply through the country or territory of their citizenship and must be physically residing there for the duration of the application, selection, nomination, and placement processes.
Q: I do not see my country on the list of countries Amideast works with.
A: If you do not see your country listed, please visit https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/ .
Q: Can I still apply if I have previously received a U.S. Department of State or other U.S. government-sponsored scholarship?
A: Applicants who do not have significant experience in the United States are preferred, but outstanding applicants who have previously received other U.S. government-sponsored scholarships may be considered.
Q: I completed my undergraduate degree in the United States. Can I still apply?
A: Preference is given to applicants who have not had significant experience living in the United States.
Q: Does the Fulbright Foreign Student Program support medical or dental degrees?
A: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program does not support clinical studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine due to restrictions on the U.S. visa category issued for Fulbright Foreign Student Program participants. However, applicants with undergraduate degrees in clinical fields may pursue relevant master’s degrees in related subjects such as public health, global health, biology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and more. Contact your local U.S. embassy, Amideast field office, or Fulbright Commission for additional guidance on restricted fields of study.
Q: Is there an age limit for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program?
A: There is no age limit for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
Q: Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
A: There is no minimum required GPA, but applicants should have a strong academic record.
Q: Can I apply to the Fulbright Foreign Student Program to pursue a second master’s degree?
A: Applicants may apply to pursue a second master’s degree, provided that it is in a different field and not a repetition of work or research of the first master’s degree. The research or the focus of the second master’s degree must be different from that of the previous master’s degree.
Application:
Q: How do I apply?
A: Please see our website for country-specific information.
Q: When can I apply?
A: Application deadlines vary by country. Most applications are due between May and June. Please see each country for specific deadlines and details. In 2025, the application opens on February 10th for most countries.
Q: Can I resubmit an application that I used last year?
A: No, you cannot re-use an application that you submitted in previous years. To be considered, you must submit a new application with updated supporting documents, as applicable.
Q: How long does it take a Fulbright Commission, Amideast field office, or U.S. Embassy to review applications?
A: In general, applicants are notified of their nomination status in the fall (autumn). However, as the selection process is a comprehensive, merit-based, and multi-step process that takes place over several months, the U.S. Embassy, Fulbright Commission, or Amideast field office determines the timeline each year based on the number of applications received.
Testing questions:
Q: Will my English proficiency score affect my chance of being nominated for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program? If I have a high English proficiency score, am I more likely to be nominated?
A: Several factors are considered when selecting nominees. A selected applicant must be able to attend an interview which will be conducted in English. TOEFL, IELTS, and/or Duolingo scores are taken into consideration but are not the only factor in the final selection.
Q: Can I submit an application without an English proficiency test score?
A: Yes, you can apply with or without a score. The absence of a score will not negatively affect your application. However, you must be able to speak and understand English if you are invited to a selection panel interview. If you are nominated for the Fulbright Program, you must take tests required for admission, such as the TOEFL, GRE or GMAT. Fees for nominee testing will be covered by the Fulbright Program.
Q: Do I need to submit GRE or GMAT scores with my application?
A: No, it is not required to submit a GRE score with your application. If you are nominated for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, you may need to take the GRE or GMAT. Fees for nominee testing will be covered by the Fulbright Program.
Finalist Questions:
Q: How should I prepare for the interview?
A: Here are some tips from previous successful applicants:
“Don’t try and over-impress with your words in the interview. If you’re passionate about your field and have a clear vision, you will be impressive. Just be yourself during the interview. Focus on your goals and how they are related to what you are applying for.”- Alia, 2015, Fulbrighter from Egypt
“Choose an area of study that you’re really passionate about. That goes a long way in the interview. They can tell who’s really passionate about their field and who’s not.”- Aissa, 2017 Fulbrighter from Tunisia
“Originality is not overrated, and selection committees who review about a thousand applications every year value it highly.” – Gaya, 2016 Fulbrighter from Algeria
“Have a clear vision of what you intend to study and what kind of career path you are planning to take after finishing your academic program.” – Soumaya, 2016 Fulbrighter from Tunisia
“In your application and interview, show the panel your motivation and dreams for a better future for your country and your people.” – Muhammed, 2017 Fulbrighter from Egypt
“Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to show your uniqueness. Find what makes you different from everyone else and embrace it.”– Zeyad, 2017 Fulbrighter from Jordan
Q: Will I get to choose the universities to which I apply? How many applications can I submit?
A: After consulting with your Amideast advisor on your qualifications, preferences, and academic interests, and in consultation with your Amideast advisor, Amideast will help you to identify and apply to U.S. universities. The U.S. Department of State and/or the relevant Fulbright Commission will make the final decisions regarding placement at a U.S. university.
Pre-Departure Questions:
Q: Can I take English classes before beginning my academic studies?
A: Fulbright grantees are eligible to participate in long-term and short-term pre-academic English language courses. The U.S. Department of State or Fulbright Commission invites students who would benefit from a pre-academic English course to attend. These courses are offered in various locations across the United States and run prior to the start of a student’s academic program. Amideast will provide more specific information before the program start date.
Q: Can I apply for graduate assistant jobs in my first semester?
A: It is recommended that you wait at least one semester before beginning employment. This gives you time to adjust to your academic program and familiarize yourself with campus opportunities. Some students, however, will be required to serve as a graduate assistant immediately due to the terms of their award package. These students will be notified of this position during the placement period.
Q: How and when should I choose elective courses?
A: Some electives may only be offered at specific times of the year, so you should discuss options with your academic advisor during the first advising appointment. Please note, however, that only the minimum number of required course credits are covered by the grant, and you will be required to pay for any additional elective courses you choose to take.
Q: Is it possible to change my schedule once I arrive?
A: Yes, you can make changes to your schedule upon arrival; however, you must consult your academic advisor and Amideast Program Officer before finalizing the schedule to ensure that the proposed changes do not extend your program past the maximum funding date of the grant.
Q: Do you have any tips on how to efficiently manage the stipend and make better use of it?
A: Cities across the United States can have vastly different costs of living, so one of the best ways to manage a stipend within a specific city is to reach out to other students living in the area for advice and recommendations. University international offices are also a great resource for information about affordable housing, transportation, and local amenities. Finding housing with roommate(s) will greatly decrease monthly rent and utilities costs. Please note that stipend amounts are set and cannot be increased.
Q: Am I required to apply for a Social Security Card?
A: Yes, all Fulbright grantees are required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Occasionally, grantees will need to visit the Social Security Office several times before the office issues them a number and a card. If you are unable to attain an SSN, only then should you apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Q: Will I have health insurance during my program?
A: Yes, you will be covered under the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges Health Benefits plan (ASPE). This plan covers accidents and illnesses, but will not cover routine checkups or preventative care. Your host university may require you to enroll in their health care plan or to purchase an additional plan to cover more routine services.
Q: Am I responsible for finding my own housing? If so, how can I find suitable housing? And can Amideast act as a guarantor for my new apartment?
A: You are responsible for securing and paying for your own housing. Amideast will provide general guidance on the housing search and resources available to graduate students. Please note that Amideast cannot serve as a guarantor on any lease.
Q: How do I open a bank account?
A: You will receive detailed information about how to open a bank account upon arrival in the United States. Amideast issues the first monthly stipend in the form of a check, which you must use to open a bank account. You will receive more information during the Pre-Departure Orientation. Please check the grantee resource page for more information.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: Fulbright grantees from some countries are eligible to bring dependents with them on a J-2 visa. This visa status is restricted to immediate family members only (spouse, children).
Q: What information do I need to provide if I want to bring dependents?
A: In order to bring dependents, you must provide proof of sufficient funds and purchase commercial health insurance coverage for all dependents as your stipend is not intended to cover a family’s expenses. All financial support for accompanying dependents must be paid from your personal funds. You can find more information on the grantee resource page.
Q: Whom should I contact for dependent health insurance questions?
A: The ASPE insurance plan does not cover dependents, but the dependents of Fulbright grantees are required to purchase and enroll in a health insurance plan while in the United States, per visa requirements. For questions and information about insurance policies and purchase plans for dependents, please contact the international student advisor at your university or your Amideast advisor. The ASPE guide can be found here.
Current Student Questions:
Q: What are our implicit duties as “cultural ambassadors” during our program?
A: We encourage Fulbrighters to find activities and events to join in their local campus and community. Fulbrighters can share their culture with others by participating in clubs and sports, cooking their favorite foods for friends, and more. We also encourage Fulbrighters to give back to their host community by volunteering for community service. In order to maximize their outreach, we encourage Fulbrighters to share their stories with the Fulbright MENA Communications Officer for possible highlights on the Fulbright MENA Blog or on Fulbright MENA social media.
Q: When should I begin searching for a summer internship?
A: Fulbright participants interested in summer employment should begin contacting organizations and sending applications as early as January. Fulbrighters must submit requests for academic training at least 6 weeks prior to the internship start date in order to secure timely authorization.
Q: Do we need to complete a work authorization application for all employment opportunities?
A: In order to work while on your Fulbright grant, you must receive prior authorization from Amideast. The position must be directly related to your field of study, and work cannot exceed more than 20 hours per week during the semester/quarter or 40 hours per week during the summer. You can find authorization forms and instructions on the Participant Resources website.
Q: Do I need to complete a work authorization application for all employment opportunities?
A: Yes, detailed information is available in the grantee handbook located on the Participant Resources website.
Q: Am I required to file taxes every year? If so, why?
A: Yes, all foreign Fulbright recipients are required to file U.S. federal and state taxes each year, because they have received United States-sourced income through their Fulbright grant. Amideast Fulbright grantees will use a service called Sprintax to file their taxes by the required deadline each year.
Q: Do I need to be involved in academic activities to receive my stipend during the summer?
A: Yes, in order to receive a monthly stipend, you must be involved in academic activities in the United States that are related to your Fulbright program. Academic activities include completing summer coursework, research related to a thesis, or academic training.
Q: Do we have to report all travel?
A: Fulbright particpants must report all travel. Information reported should also include dates of travel, location, and an emergency contact in the area. Travel outside of the U.S. must be approved by the Amideast advisor prior to purchase. When reporting international travel, grantees must also send a copy of their travel itinerary that shows the dates of their departure from and return to the U.S. Amideast must ensure that the DS2019 is valid during the period of travel and provide a valid travel signature.
Q: How do I apply for a thesis allowance?
A: Fulbright participants can request a thesis allowance by completing a Thesis Expense Allowance form located on the Grantee Resource page. The form must be signed by the grantee and their advisor, submitted to the Amideast advisor, and include receipts for the expenses.
Q: Do I need to be involved in academic activities to receive my monthly maintenance allowance during the summer?
A: In order to receive the monthly stipend, participants must be involved in academic activities. Academic activities include completing summer coursework, conducting research related to a thesis, or academic training.
Students who will travel out of the United States, are working (such as those on an internship) outside of the United States, or who do not participate in academic activities over the summer will not receive their monthly maintenance allowance.
Q: How can I connect with other Fulbrighters in my community while I’m in the United States?
A: Local Fulbright clubs and the office of international programs on campus are great places to connect with other Fulbrighters in your area. Many local chapters have Facebook groups and other social media accounts that you can join once you are in the United States. Fulbright MENA students may be invited to Slack channels which they can use to contact current Fulbrighters. Please speak to your Amideast advisor for more details or email Fulbright.media@amideast.org
Make sure to register for the Fulbrighter networking platform, the exclusive global community for Fulbright alumni and grantees, where you can meet current and former Fulbrighters across the globe, and form and access local Fulbrighter community groups by interest, academic field, or geographic location.
Q: Where can I find an EFT form?
A: You can find the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form on the Participant Resources website under the Arrival Forms section.
Q: Can I take a lighter course load in my last semester if I have successfully completed all of my courses and only have my thesis left to complete?
A: Yes, you may take a lighter course load during your final semester; however, grantees must obtain advance authorization from Amideast and the U.S. Department of State. The Amideast advisor will request a letter of support from an academic advisor.
Q: How can I apply for a conference allowance? Am I eligible for one?
A: Every Fulbright student is eligible for a one-time conference allowance of up to $500. This allowance can only be used for a conference in the United States and directly related to the student’s program of study. Students should submit a request to their Amideast advisor and are eligible for either an advance of funds or may receive the allowance request as a reimbursement. If the student receives the conference allowance as an advance, and does not provide receipts, the balance due will be deducted from monthly maintenance allowance.
Departure and Re-entry Questions:
Q: Am I allowed to plan an extended layover during my return travel?
A: No, extended layovers are not permitted under any circumstances. As Fulbright is a government-funded program, Amideast is required to purchase flights on the most direct route to your home country and in accordance with the Fly America Act.
Q: Can I pursue a Ph.D. in the United States after the completion of my master’s program?
A: Upon the completion of your degree program, you are required to return to your home country for a period of two years. If you wish to pursue a Ph.D. in the United States immediately after you have finished your master’s, you must request a transfer of your J-1 visa sponsorship to the university where you will complete your doctoral studies. Please note that the U.S. Department of State will rigorously review such requests and there is no guarantee of sponsorship transfer. You can find more detailed information on the Grantee Resource page.
Q: Where should I send my final transcript and diploma?
A: Please send your final transcript to the following address:
Amideast-Fulbright
c/o “Name of your Amideast Advisor.”
2025 M Street NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Alumni Questions:
Q: Does Amideast have a Fulbright alumni resources website?
A: Yes. Amideast Fulbright provides its alumni with resources and opportunities on its website.
Q: I am a Fulbright alumnus/na, but I don’t have a Fulbright email address. How do I get one?
A: Please visit the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ International Exchange Alumni website registration page and follow the instructions listed. Upon successful registration, you will receive a Fulbright email address.
Q: As a Fulbright alumna/alumnus, can I write a blog for Amideast?
A: Yes, Amideast Fulbright loves to hear from and promote its alumni! Please email Fulbright.media@amideast.org to receive more information about how you can contribute to the blog.
Q: Are Fulbright alumni eligible for any special funding or grant opportunities?
A: Yes. Amideast administers two different Fulbright alumni grant competitions: The Fulbright Alumni Development grant and the Fulbright Community Action grant.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ International Exchange Alumni site offers many opportunities for registered United States government-sponsored exchange program participants and alumni. It also offers an annual grant competition through the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF): https://alumni.state.gov/aeif
Q: Now that I am a Fulbright alumnus/na, where can I find out more about alumni groups in the MENA region?
A: Amideast Fulbright has a list of Fulbright alumni groups in the MENA region on its website. Please visit:
All current and former Fulbrighters are eligible to join the Fulbrighter networking platform, where you can meet current and former Fulbrighters across the globe, and form and access local Fulbrighter community groups by interest, academic field, or geographic location.
Q: Is there a global Fulbright Alumni directory?
A: Yes! Please visit the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ International Exchange Alumni website.
You will first need to register here and follow the instructions on the website. Once you are a member, you will have access to the alumni directory.
Additionally, the Fulbrighter social networking platform and app debuted in August 2019. This free, private platform allows Fulbright alumni and current Fulbright participants around the world to connect, network, engage, and collaborate with the ease of one shared network.
Within the Fulbrighter platform, participants can establish groups and create pages tailored to their interests. Within the app, users can create and/or join multiple affinity groups based on their current location or the location of their Fulbright experience, shared interests, and field of specialization, among others. The network was established to allow users to expand their personal and professional Fulbright networks across world regions and lead to greater collaboration among Fulbrighters across the globe.
Fulbrighters may access the platform on a browser here or download the app to a smartphone from the App Store and Google Play.
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