Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
Fulbright is the U.S. Department of State's flagship educational and cultural exchange program, and the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers awards in more than 120 countries for faculty (who are U.S. citizens) to teach, conduct research and/or carry out professional projects abroad.
The 2026-27 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Competition is now open!
What types of programs/awards are offered?
Fulbright Scholar Awards comprise the bulk of awards offered and include opportunities for professionals, artists and scholarsfaculty at all career levels. Location and eligibility vary across all awards, and some may be restricted to certain career levels or types of scholars. This information is outlined in each award description.
- Distinguished Scholar Awards are viewed as the most prestigious appointments in the Fulbright Scholar Program. Awards are open to faculty who have more than seven years of experience in their discipline or area of expertise, though some awards may further restrict eligibility. Distinguished Scholars are expected to actively engage with their host institution.
- Fulbright Postdoctoral Awards provide recently graduated scholars an opportunity to conduct research and receive professional training abroad. Awards may involve limited teaching. Postdoctoral awards are open to scholars who will have received a doctoral degree (PhD, JD, MD, EdD) within five to seven years of the fellowship start date, as noted in the award description. Degrees must be conferred before the award begins.
- Fulbright International Education Administrator Awards provide international education professionals and senior higher education officials an opportunity to engage in a two-week intensive seminar to learn about the host country's education system and establish networks of U.S. and international colleagues.
- The Fulbright Specialist Program is a unique opportunity for U.S. academics and established professionals to engage in brief (two- to- six-week), project-based exchanges at host institutions across the globe. Distinct from the Fulbright U.S. Scholar programs described above, it is possible to apply for both at once (there are distinct application processes and application cycles for each).
IIE administers the Fulbright on behalf of the State Department, and has many resources available to Fulbright Scholar Program applicants:
- Start the exploration and application process here
- Search for award opportunities by keyword or filter
- Review application components
- Join the Fulbright U.S. Scholars Programs listserv to stay informed
- Register to attend an upcoming webinar
- Attend Office Hours to connect with IIE staff
While IIE staff provides crucial support to Fulbright Scholar applicants and grantees, you also have access to a resource closer to home in the Office of Fellowships. As WSU’s Fulbright Scholar Liaisons, we can:
- Help you identify a Fulbright opportunity that matches your goals and expertise
- Connect you with WSU Fulbright Scholar alumni
- Collaborate with IIE to offer application support
- Offer input on application materials upon request
- Promote the news of your award campuswide, and offer opportunities for you to share your Fulbright experience upon return
You can reach us by email at fellowships@wayne.edu, and we invite you to join our Fulbright Scholars Program interest listserv to receive updates from us by email.
