Applying For Fulbright

Applying for Fulbright

Getting Started

Before beginning the application process for the Fulbright U.S. Student program, interested students should thoroughly review the Fulbright U.S. Student program website. Prospective applicants should also carefully read the country summaries for their host countries of interest to ensure that their project is an appropriate match.

Tips for getting started:

Please review the Fulbright website carefully. The application tips and application checklist s sections are very helpful.
The statistics button at the top right of each page can give you a good sense of the competitiveness based on previous application cycles for any given program or country (information that might help you decide between two countries). However, always pursue the country that provides the best “fit” for your interest and background.
The Fulbright website has many tutorials and webinars which are extremely helpful.

Advising

The OU Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA) is here to assist you at all stages of the process, from choosing a program to revising your application essays to scheduling your campus interview. To set up an advising meeting via Zoom or in person, or simply ask questions and discuss the program via email, contact Maura McAndrew at mmcandrew@ou.edu.

There are a number of resources online for Fulbright applicants to connect with one another and with past Fulbright recipients. The r/Fulbright thread on Reddit has collected some great resources onto one page; access at the link below.

Resources for Fulbright applicants

Application Schedule: 2025-26 Cycle

The next Fulbright application cycle is for 2025-2026. It will open April 2, 2024. Check back here for updates!

August 16, 2024: Deadline for priority feedback (optional)

Students who would like early feedback on rough drafts of application essays can email them to OU Fulbright Adviser Maura McAndrew. Feedback will be returned to students by the end of August at the latest.

September 10, 2024 at 4 p.m. CDT: OU Application Deadline

All application materials must be complete Fulbright application portal and locked for campus review. The OU Fulbright Adviser will then set up campus interviews for applicants and provide feedback on applications.

September-October, 2024: Campus interviews

Applicants will attend a scheduled interview with a campus committee, who will evaluate the applicants and give them feedback for final revisions.

October 8, 2024 at 4 p.m. CDT: Official Fulbright Final Application Deadline

Complete applications must be submitted in the Fulbright system.

January: Fulbright semi-finalists notified

March-May: Fulbright awards announced

Application Process Details

Submitting Your Application

All applications are submitted electronically through the Fulbright online application. Those applying through OU will only submit the application for the final deadline (October 8). For our OU deadline, you can "lock" it in the student portal and the Fulbright Adviser will access it from there.

OU Institutional Deadline

You will be able to revise your application after the institutional deadline, but it should be complete, done to the best of your ability in the Fulbright portal and "locked" for campus review. The adviser will unlock it after your interview.

Application includes the following:

Online application including all essays.
3 recommendation letters (open study/research) or 3 recommendation forms (ETA).
- Add recommendation contact information into Embark. Recommenders will receive an automatic login to complete an online recommendation form or upload a letter.
- Guidelines for writing Fulbright Recommendation letters can be found here for study/research, and for ETA.
Language evaluation (if applicable):
- Language self-evaluation form: complete a separate form for each language needed for the proposed grant project and/or required by the host country.
- Foreign language evaluation form: Applicants must secure language evaluation from language instructor or native speaker.
- Language evaluation guidelines for open study/research grants.
- Language evaluation guidelines for ETA.
Host affiliation letter(s) (for open study/research).
Transcripts.
Arts portfolio (for creative and performing arts applicants).

Campus Interviews

Campus Committee interviews will take place in September.
The committee will comprise 2-3 OU faculty members.
The committee will read all application materials prior to the interview.
Since not all applicants are on campus, it is easiest to conduct interviews via Zoom.
The committee will provide constructive feedback on your application and suggestions on how to improve it. Consider incorporating this feedback in final revisions prior to final submission.
The committee will fill out a Campus Committee Evaluation Form which will be uploaded with your final Fulbright application.
This is not a gatekeeping measure and there is no limit to the number of Fulbright applicants allowed from OU – all applicants move forward to the next stage, so long as you submit your application in the Fulbright system.