Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright awards two main types of grants: Study/Research Grants and English Teaching Assistantships.

Study/research grants allow recipients to spend 8-12 months in a foreign country conducting independent research or studying at an academic institution. 

For the 2024-2025​ grant cycle, current Ohio State undergraduates MUST apply through the Undergraduate Fellowship Office and must meet the campus deadline. 

Recent alumni not enrolled in graduate studies may apply through the UFO and complete the campus evaluation process. For alumni applying through the UFO, applicants must meet the August 2023 campus deadline.

Academic grants allow recipients to spend 8-12 months in a foreign country conducting independent research or studying at an academic institution. 

English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) grants provide opportunities to spend 8-12 months in a foreign country teaching English language and conversation classes.

• ETAs are only available in select countries and teach students from elementary school through the college level, depending on location (see country descriptions for specifics)
• ETAs are not expected to be the primary English instructor in their classrooms; they serve as supplemental instructors focusing on teaching American culture and providing conversation practice with a native speaker.
• More specifics on the ETA program and available countries can be found here. The Fulbright also offers several other grants. More information on these can be found here.

To be eligible for the Fulbright, students must meet the minimum requirements:

• ​Have a baccalaureate degree by the start of the grant (usually graduating seniors or recent alumni)
• Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application
• Possess language skills commensurate with the proposed project
• Strong academic record (at least a 3.0)

To be competitive for the Fulbright, students will need to demonstrate:

• ​Previous research experience (academic grants)
• Previous teaching/instruction experience (ETAs)
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Projects that correspond with your educational/professional goals
• A compelling reason to conduct a project abroad in a specific country
• Interest in serving as a cultural ambassador abroad

The Undergraduate Fellowship Office is here to help all eligible students with the application process. Our office will provide you feedback on your application materials, especially the two application essays; applicants should be prepared to revise these essays multiple times. For students applying for a research proposal, assistance from a faculty member within your discipline is also critical. 

Students interested in applying must complete the Fulbright Intent to Apply Form. This will start you on the application path. You can also email questions to the Undergraduate Fellowship Office at fellowships@osu.edu.

Where to Apply

For the 2024-2025​ grant cycle, current OSU undergraduates MUST apply through the Undergraduate Fellowship Office and must meet the campus deadline. 

Recent alumni not enrolled in graduate studies may apply through the UFO and complete the campus evaluation process. For alumni applying through the UFO, applicants must meet the August 2023 campus deadline.

Current graduate students must apply through their graduate institution. At Ohio State, this is through the Office of International Affairs.