Fulbright US Open Study Research Awards 2026

Ongoing

Fulbright USA Open Study/Research Awards 2026 – Fully Funded

The Fulbright Open Study/Research Awards 2026–2027 are now open for applications. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this prestigious program offers fully funded opportunities for American students, graduates, and early-career professionals to pursue graduate-level study or research projects across more than 140 countries.

With a strong emphasis on global collaboration, cultural exchange, and academic excellence, Fulbright enables participants to design their own projects in partnership with international universities, research institutions, or cultural organizations.

Application Deadline: October 7, 2025
Program Duration: 2026–2027
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens Only
Study Locations: Over 140 Countries Worldwide
Funding Type: Fully Funded (Tuition, Living Expenses, Travel & More)

What You Can Do With a Fulbright Award

The Fulbright Open Study/Research Award allows recipients to:

Design and conduct independent study or research at the graduate level
Collaborate with foreign universities and institutions
Immerse themselves in different cultures and academic environments
Build global professional networks and cross-cultural skills

Fields of Study

All academic disciplines are eligible. Fulbright also offers specialized awards based on country or field of study.

Arts & Humanities

France: Harriet Hale Woolley Awards (Music and Visual Arts)
United Kingdom: LAMDA & Trinity Laban Awards (Classical Acting, Music, and Dance)
Ireland: Creative Writing at University College Cork
Netherlands: Research in Dutch and Netherlandish Art
Taiwan: Master’s in Creative Industries Design

STEM & Environmental Research

Austria: Marshall Plan Foundation Award in Science and Technology
Chile: Fulbright Science Initiative
Iceland: Arctic Studies (supported by the National Science Foundation)
Hungary: Intensive Mathematics Program at Budapest Semesters
Saudi Arabia: Fully Funded STEM Degrees at KAUST
South Korea: U.S.-Korea STEM Research Initiative
Taiwan: Programs in Global Health, Biodiversity, and Consciousness Studies

Public Policy & Business

Australia: Anne Wexler Scholarship for Public Policy
Mexico: Binational Internship Program (Business and Legal Studies)
Spain: MBA and Master’s Programs at IE Business School

Journalism & Media

Germany: Young Professional Journalist Program with media internships and independent research

Scholarship Benefits

Full funding for tuition, research, and living expenses
Round-trip airfare
Health insurance coverage
Cultural and professional integration in the host country
Membership in the global Fulbright alumni network

Eligibility Criteria

You may apply if you are:

A U.S. citizen at the time of application
A graduating senior, recent graduate, or early-career professional
Holding a bachelor’s degree before the start of the program
Open to pursuing research or study in any academic discipline

Applicants should review the country-specific requirements on the official Fulbright U.S. Student Program website to ensure they meet language and institutional criteria for their intended host country.

Application Deadline

Deadline to Apply: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Early preparation is essential. You’ll need time to develop a strong proposal, secure affiliations with host institutions, and align your goals with Fulbright’s mission.

Why Apply for a Fulbright?

The Fulbright Program is more than just a scholarship. It’s an opportunity to become a global changemaker. Through academic excellence, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange, Fulbright participants build lifelong connections and make meaningful contributions to communities around the world.