About the Award

The Australian-American Fulbright Commission is pleased to offer an award for an Australian student to complete a master’s degree at one of the leading private universities in Houston, Texas – Rice University. To be considered for this award, applicants should propose to complete any master’s degree program offered by Rice University. 

 

Eligibility

General Criteria

Must be an Australian citizen.
Must not be a dual citizen of the U.S.
Must be residing in Australia at the time of application (exceptions may apply – please see link below). 
Must not have already commenced this degree in the U.S. 
Must not have held a J1 or J2 visa in the 24 months before program commences. 
For more details on general eligibility criteria, see the Australian Applicants page

Award Criteria

Must include Rice University in university preferences. 
Must identify a master's program at Rice University. 
Must hold an undergraduate degree. * 
Acceptance to Rice University is not required at the time of application. **  
* Applicants may be in their final year of study if applying for a postgraduate degree award. Must complete their undergraduate degree before commencing their program. 
** Successful degree-seeking candidates must apply to Rice University following notification from Fulbright regarding application success. 

Benefits

Monthly Stipend: 

For the duration of the program based on the current approved Monthly Maintenance Rate set by the U.S. Department of State. 

Tuition Waiver: 

For a maximum period of 2 academic years (provided by Rice University). 

International Travel Allowance: 

Round-trip, economy class airfare directly to and from the scholar’s home city and the city of the host institution plus baggage allowance (capped at AUD$4,000 including baggage allowance up to AUD$300). 

Settling-in Allowance:

USD $1,393

Accident and Sickness Program for 
Exchanges (ASPE):

A limited Health Benefits Plan designed by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Seven Corners, Inc. Please note this plan is NOT an insurance policy.

Orientation and Gala:

Travel, accommodation, transport and meals at the Fulbright Orientation and Gala Presentation Dinner.

Visa:

J1 visa (and J2 for traveling family members) organized by the Fulbright program.*

Support and Guidance:

From the Commission prior to and during program.
* J2 visas are contingent on eligibility, including whether or not the dependent has held a previous J1/J2 visa and duration of stay with the awardee. Only spouses and children under 21 are eligible for J2 visas.

Special Application Requirements

Must include Rice University in university preferences in the application.  

Must identify a master’s program at Rice University. See the Rice website for more details.

 

About the Sponsor

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

 

Master's Degree-Seeking Students
1-2 academic years
1 award
Houston, Texas
Closing — 01 July 2026
Apply Now