This is Fulbright
Our scholarships support students, researchers, and professionals across all disciplines and career stages, fostering connections that drive innovation and global impact. Whether you are a postgraduate student looking to undertake research in a world-class institution, a mid-career professional seeking new opportunities, or a distinguished academic aiming to enhance international collaboration, a Fulbright Scholarship can help you achieve your goals.
Explore our scholarship categories
1
Postgraduate
Scholarships
For Australians to undertake a graduate degree or research in the U.S.
Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships allow current postgraduate students undertaking their Australian PhD to conduct research in the U.S. for 4 - 8 months OR supports enrolment in a graduate degree program (dependent on award).
2
Postdoctoral
Scholarships
For early/mid-career researchers to collaborate with U.S. institutions.
Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholarships allow individuals who have completed their PhD in the past 5 years or who will have their PhD conferral before the proposed date of departure to undertake postdoctoral research in the U.S. for 4–8 months.
3
Scholar
Awards
For mid-career and senior academics, researchers, and professionals.
Fulbright Scholar Awards are for academics (at Associate or Full Professorial level) and mid-career professionals (with an undergraduate qualification and minimum 10 years’ work experience) to undertake research in the U.S. for 4 months.
4
Distinguished
Chair Awards
For eminent Australian academics to engage in collaborative research in the U.S.
The Fulbright Distinguished Chair award is for an exceptional individual at Full Professorial level to carry out research in the U.S. for 5-6 months.
Application Timeline
Fulbright Australia scholarships follow a structured application and selection process each year.
Application Tutorial
Applications open:
February – July (dates may change annually – see scholarships catalogue for more information)
Interviews for selected applicants:
- Postgraduate applicants: Rolling interviews in August and September
- Postdoctoral, Professional, and Scholar applicants: Rolling interviews in October and November
Final application outcomes:
All applicants will be notified by the end of the year
Scholarship commencement:
Fulbright Scholars must begin their program in the U.S. academic year (August – May) following their selection. Deferrals are not permitted.
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Eligibility & Conditions
Applicants must hold Australian citizenship (by birth or naturalization).
Applicants cannot hold dual U.S.-Australian citizenship or U.S. permanent residency (Green Card).
Applicants must be residing in Australia at the time of application, except for:
- Australians serving overseas in the Armed Forces
- Australian diplomats posted overseas
- Applicants who are temporarily overseas for vacation or short-term work commitments
Fulbright Scholars must travel on a valid Australian passport.
Scholarships are contingent upon securing a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa, which is sponsored by the Fulbright Program.
The J-1 visa includes a two-year home residency requirement (Clause 212e), meaning scholars must return to Australia for a cumulative two years before applying to live or work in the U.S.
- Scholars can still visit the U.S. on a short-term visa (e.g., Visa Waiver Program or other non-immigrant visas)
- Clause 212e does not restrict residency or work in other countries (e.g., the United Kingdom).
The J-1 visa has a 24-month bar on repeat participation for Research Scholars, meaning they cannot return to the U.S. on a J-1 Professor or Research Scholar visa for two years. This restriction also applies to J-2 dependents.
If you previously held a J-1 visa, upload your DS-2019 form with your application. If Clause 212e or the 24-month bar applies, you will not be eligible to accept the Fulbright award within the restricted period.
Applicants must not have already commenced study or research in the U.S.
Scholarship commencement:
- Australian degree-seeking students must begin their program in the Fall Semester (July/August).
- Research applicants must secure placement with a primary U.S. host institution before applying (not required for postgraduate degree-seeking applicants).
Other grants or funding:
- Fulbright Scholars cannot hold another major grant that duplicates Fulbright funding.
- All external funding sources must be disclosed at the time of application and are subject to approval.
Deferrals: Scholarships cannot be deferred.
Medical professionals: Applicants conducting medical research may apply, but clinical practice is not permitted.
Program events: Recipients should plan to attend the Fulbright Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner, held in late February.
- Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree or equivalent at the time of application.
- Final-year undergraduate students can apply, provided they are in good academic standing.
- Postdoctoral applicants must provide proof of PhD conferral before the program start (a letter from an adviser is acceptable during the application phase).
Transcripts:
- Undergraduate applicants who haven’t yet graduated must upload an official university transcript showing academic performance to date.
Graduate program applicants:
- Some host institutions may require GRE test scores—successful applicants will receive a voucher to cover testing costs.
English proficiency:
- Applicants whose primary language is not English may need to provide language proficiency test results with their application.
