U.S. Applicants

University campuses Australia

U.S. applications open February 2

This is Fulbright

The Australian-American Fulbright Commission offers Scholarships to American citizens across all career stages. Awardees take part in a bi-lateral academic and cultural exchange, pursuing research or study at an Australian institution, experiencing life in Australia, and bringing back their knowledge and experience to share with their communities in the U.S.

A Fulbright award is more than a Scholarship – it is, in the words of Senator Fulbright, a means of fostering “leadership, learning, and empathy between cultures… It is a modest program with an immodest aim–the achievement in international affairs of a regime more civilized, rational and humane than the empty system of power of the past.”

Fulbright Qualities

U.S. Fulbright Scholarship recipients are selected by panels of experts from academia, government, professional organisations and the U.S. Embassy. The panels are looking for the following:

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High academic and professional merit

Fulbrighters have a record of high achievement in their chosen field, including academic records, professional standing and recognition, publications, exhibitions, performances, public lectures, or presentations.

Strong program proposal

Successful applicants propose a program that is feasible within the allocated time period and is relevant / beneficial to their chosen field. Program proposals should identify:

  • An educational component of study and/or research;
  • Definitive goals to be achieved as part of the proposed research, and the unique role of Australia and its institutions in achieving these goals;
  • The relevance and value of the proposed program in furthering mutual understanding and institutional partnerships / collaboration between the United States and Australia;
  • A definitive plan and goals to achieve the proposed research.

Defined potential outcomes

Further to the above, the proposed program proposal should:

  • Define the potential benefits to the applicant’s institution, profession, employer and/or industry;
  • Outline how results and/or outcomes will be disseminated;
  • Outline the long-term linkages and collaborations that may be established at a personal, industry, academic and professional level.

Ambassadorial skills

The Fulbright program is unique in its exchange nature and ambassadorial emphasis – Fulbrighters are chosen on their ability to promote mutual understanding between Australia and the United States. Successful candidates also demonstrate their willingness to share their knowledge on return, and to productively build ongoing partnerships and linkages.

For examples of current and past awardees and their Fulbright supported projects, please visit our Current Scholar and Alumni pages.

Which Fulbright is right for me?

The Australian-American Fulbright Commission offers scholarship opportunities to American citizens across various academic and career stages. Click on the links below to access information for each category; including opportunities available.

Distinguished Chair Scholarships

Scholar Awards

Postdoctoral Scholarships

Doctorate and Graduate Students

For leading U.S. academics (associate or full professor) to undertake research at the sponsoring Australian institution. For senior level academics (at associate professor or full professor level) and appropriately qualified professionals to undertake research at an Australian institution. For researchers who have completed their PhD in the past two to three years and are seeking an opportunity to undertake postdoctoral research at an Australian institution. For doctorate students undertaking their PhD to conduct research and/or study in Australia; or to support enrolment in an Australian graduate student (Master’s/PhD) program.

Scholars interested in applying for additional grant opportunities please Click Here

Eligibility & Conditions

To qualify for a Fulbright scholarship through the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, you must meet and/or be aware of the following requirements.

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Citizenship and Eligibility

Applicants meet the citizenship requirements for Fulbright awards if they:

  • are a U.S citizen
  • are not a permanent resident or citizen of Australia;
  • are not currently living in Australia
  • not hold dual U.S.-Australian citizenship OR Australian permanent residency
  • meet all Australia government immigration requirements to obtain a Temporary Wok International Relations (subclass 403). Please note that it is a condition of the 403 visa that holders cannot receive any remuneration from any other Australian sources during their program. This includes undertaking any paid work, receiving honorariums and more.

To qualify for a Fulbright scholarships through the Australian Fulbright program, you must:

  • be prepared to commence your program the following Australian academic year e.g. apply by September to start the following January/February.
  • not already hold another major scholarship or funding source for the period/project you plan to undertake on your Fulbright program but may continue to receive their regular salary. Recipients of additional grants or funding sources should contact the Commission prior to application.
  • have obtained an invitation letter from the proposed host (which is to be included in your application).

Terms and Conditions

General Award Terms and Conditions

  • recipients must be in Australia to attend the Fulbright Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner, which runs February/ March of their scholarship year
  • recipients will be required to undertake a full medical examination before applying for their visa;
  • international travel will only be funded between the U.S. and Australia and must be on either an American or Australian carrier;
  • recipients must provide Fulbright Australia with electronic copies of any articles, research papers or theses resulting from the award. A final report must also be completed before recipients depart Australia.
  • recipients should hold any additional scholarships/grants during their Fulbright period, but may continue to receive their regular salary. Recipients of additional grants should contact the Commission.
  • travel outside of Australia during the scholarship period must be approved by the Fulbright Commission and should not exceed 14 days – this includes for conferences
  • recipients cannot receive remuneration for any activities whilst undertaking their program and should not teach intensive seminars or coursework.

Please see our Diversity and Inclusion Statement

How do I apply?

Application access & instructions for the upcoming cycle will be posted here.

  • Prior to applying, we strongly encourage applicants to read the FAQs page. 
  • To discuss you application aspirations with persons in your selective area, consider reaching out to our Campus Advisers.
  • The following prerecorded webinar demonstrates key information on the available scholarships and how to apply via the website.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)