Is Fulbright at risk?

Yes, the Fulbright Program is currently at significant risk due to proposed deep budget cuts and alleged political interference by the Trump administration, impacting funding, award revocations, and increased vetting, causing uncertainty for scholars and sparking advocacy efforts to protect the program. Proposed cuts for FY2026 include a drastic reduction in funding for educational exchanges, with potential elimination of programs like Fulbright, while past actions have seen grants revoked and board members resign over concerns about politicizing the selection process.

Is the Fulbright scholarship at risk?

The Fulbright Program is under threat—and your voice can make a difference. As Congress considers funding for Fiscal Year 2026, now is the time to speak up for this essential program that strengthens American diplomacy, fosters international cooperation, and empowers future leaders.

Is Fulbright going away?

This decision effectively ended the Fulbright Program, which had been established in the USSR during the 1973–74 academic year. In February 2025, the Trump administration initiated a funding freeze on State Department programs, including the Fulbright Program, disrupting financial support for thousands of scholars.

What are the odds of getting a Fulbright?

The Fulbright Scholarship is highly competitive, with overall acceptance rates often cited around 20%, meaning roughly 1 in 5 applicants gets an award, though rates fluctuate. For U.S. Students, the average award rate from 2021-2024 was about 18-21%, but this varies significantly by country, region (like Europe being lower), and program type (study/research vs. English Teaching Assistant - ETA).
 

What is happening with Fullbright?

Fulbright board resigns over alleged political interference Former Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board members said the Trump administration usurped their authority by denying awards to "a substantial number" of the individuals it had selected for the program.

Why Fulbright board members resigned in mass last week

Is Rhodes or Fulbright more prestigious?

Ok, perhaps the Fulbright scholarship isn't as prestigious as the Rhodes Scholarship, but we're splitting hairs. So, which of America's universities produced the most Fulbright Scholars for the 2022-2023 cycle? Let's find out!

Did Trump suspend Fulbright?

This effectively suspends international education and exchange programs including academic exchanges like Fulbright, Gilman, and IDEAS; professional exchanges like the International Visitor Leadership Program and young leaders initiatives; youth exchanges like YES, FLEX, and CBYX; virtual exchanges like the Stevens ...

Is getting a Fulbright a big deal?

Yes, the Fulbright Program is a very big deal, considered one of the most prestigious international exchange programs globally, offering significant career boosts, unparalleled cultural immersion, and access to a powerful alumni network, even though it's highly competitive. It's a U.S. government-sponsored initiative focused on mutual understanding, providing scholarships for study, research, and teaching abroad, with alumni including Nobel laureates and world leaders. 

Which university has the most Fulbright scholars?

Pennsylvania State University is the nation's top producer of Fulbright Scholars, with 12 of its faculty and researchers chosen to receive Fulbright awards for the 2023-2024 academic year.

What GPA do I need for Fulbright?

Successful applicants for the Fulbright program are enthusiastic about the prospect of participating in an intensive, year-long cross-cultural exchange. Solid Academic Record. There is no GPA requirement for any of the Fulbright programs.

Is Fulbright 2025 cancelled?

The Department of Education has cancelled several prominent programs associated with studying and teaching abroad for fiscal year 2025.

Is it prestigious to be a Fulbright Scholar?

Yes, the Fulbright Program is widely considered highly prestigious, recognized globally as a premier scholarship and cultural exchange program that funds study, research, and teaching abroad for students, scholars, and professionals, with its alumni achieving distinction in many fields, including Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes.
 

Can I stay in the US after Fulbright?

Q: Can Fulbright participants stay in the United States after their program, or do they need to return to their home country? A: Upon completion of their program, Fulbrighters are required to return to their home country to complete the two-year residency requirement before becoming eligible to apply for other visas.

Is Fullbright getting cut?

The Fulbright Program — a cultural exchange grant program — faced sizable reductions in its 2025-26 cohort as the Department of State sent letters of rejection to "a substantial number" of scholars who had been selected.

How hard is it to get a Fulbright?

Getting a Fulbright scholarship is very competitive, with roughly a 20% success rate, but this varies significantly by country and region, as the process is lengthy and demands a strong, well-crafted application highlighting a clear project, cultural exchange, and personal narrative, often requiring significant lead time (6-12 months) to secure host affiliations and build relationships. 

Which country has the highest Fulbright acceptance rate?

Kiribati, which is a country of 33 islands in the Pacific Ocean near Australia, has the highest award rate in the world. Kenya, in East Africa, has the lowest award rate.

Is Fulbright or Rhodes more prestigious?

Rhodes Scholarship. This is widely considered the most prestigious international scholarship. Recipients of this award receive a full ride to the University of Oxford in London, England, with a monthly stipend that covers accommodations and living expenses.

What are my chances of getting a Fulbright?

The Fulbright Scholarship is highly competitive, with overall acceptance rates often cited around 20%, meaning roughly 1 in 5 applicants gets an award, though rates fluctuate. For U.S. Students, the average award rate from 2021-2024 was about 18-21%, but this varies significantly by country, region (like Europe being lower), and program type (study/research vs. English Teaching Assistant - ETA).
 

What is the #1 university in the world?

There's no single "No. 1" university as rankings vary by methodology, but the University of Oxford (THE 2026) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (QS 2026) are often at the very top, with Harvard University also consistently #1 (U.S. News). Other top contenders frequently appearing include the University of Cambridge, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley. 

Why is Fullbright so prestigious?

Fulbright is a highly prestigious grant that supports an individual's academic and professional development.It is also the US's largest exchange program, offering students the chance to live abroad, conduct research,receive post-secondary degrees, develop teaching skills, and/or expand their artistic practice.

What are two key things you should never do when applying for scholarships?

1. The 6 Most Common Mistakes When Applying to. Scholarships.
2. Ignoring the Instructions.
3. Uploading Files that are Incompatible.
4. Submitting an Incomplete Application.
5. Providing Incorrect Contact Information.
6. Forgetting to Proofread.
7. Not Checking the Deadline.

How much do you get paid as a Fulbright Scholar?

How much does a Fulbright Scholar make? As of Jan 11, 2026, the average annual pay for a Fulbright Scholar in the United States is $57,505 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $27.65 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,105/week or $4,792/month.

Is Fulbright money taxed?

A Fulbright grantee who begins a grant in January will usually receive the first check in December of the previous year, and thereby incurs an income tax liability for the year in which they received the first check.

Can I do Fulbright twice?

Yes. Roster candidates are eligible to participate in multiple projects during their tenure on the Fulbright Specialist Roster. However, Fulbright Specialist candidates who completed a previous Fulbright Specialist grant must wait two years before they are eligible to complete another Fulbright Specialist grant.

Was Fulbright a Democrat?

A member of the Democratic Party, he is best known for his strong multilateralist positions on international issues, opposition to American involvement in the Vietnam War, and the creation of the international fellowship program bearing his name, the Fulbright Program.