Myth 1: Fulbright grants are only for graduate students.
Not true. An applicant does not need to be a graduate student proposing Master's or doctoral dissertation research to be eligible for a Fulbright grant. In fact, there is a preference in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for younger, recently graduated students who are free to propose projects ranging from enrolling for courses to independent research. Limitations or requirements for specific countries are in the brochure, "Fulbright and related grants for graduate study or research abroad."
Myth 2: Fulbright grants are only for academic research
Not true. Fulbright grants are also available for course work at foreign universities and for practical training in the creative and performing arts, as well as projects in creative writing and journalism. In certain instances, the awards also support internships or teaching English, as well.
Myth 3: Only enrolled students need apply.
Not true. Applicants for Fulbright grants do not need to be enrolled currently to be eligible. Each year approximately 20% of the applications received are from "At-Large" applicants, individuals not enrolled in a U.S. college or university at the time of application.
Myth 4: Only applicants with a 4.0 GPA will be considered.
Not true. There is no minimum GPA requirement for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program Academic achievement is only one of the factors that contribute to the selection of Fulbright Fellows.
Myth 5: Only students from large, prestigious universities are awarded Fulbright grants.
Not true. Fulbright Fellows come from large and small universities, liberal arts institutions, state colleges and universities, schools of music and art, and professional schools. Indeed, the Fulbright Program seeks to achieve the broadest representation of U.S. academic institutions on all levels and from all geographical areas of the country.
Myth 6: You have to speak a foreign language fluently in order to apply.
Not true. Only some Fulbright grants require fluency in a foreign language. In many countries, English is sufficient. In some countries, applicants can propose to make language study part of their grant experience and for others, the Fulbright Commission will provide language training before the grant begins.
Myth 7: Fulbright grants require an invitation from a host institution overseas.
Not true. While this may be true for some countries, grantees often are assisted with placements by the Fulbright Commissions in the host countries.
Myth 8: You can only apply once for a Fulbright, even if you are not selected.
Not true. If you apply and are not selected, you are free to reapply in a subsequent competition. Each competition is separate and distinct and some applicants have applied several times before they have been successful.
Myth 9: Applying for a Fulbright grant is a time-consuming, grueling exercise.
Not true. You will have to devote some quality time and energy to preparing a successful application, but most grant programs require similar effort. All the information you will need to complete the application is contained in the brochure Fulbright and related grants for graduate study or research abroad, in the application form and at Fulbright FLTA Program.
Myth 10: There's nowhere to go for help with the application.
Not true. Program Managers in the U.S. Student Programs Division at IIE welcome your questions and will help you through the application process. While they cannot critique your project, they are available to give insight into what will make your application more competitive. In addition, each month from June to October, open information sessions are held in each of our offices in New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Denver, Houston and San Francisco. All potential applicants are invited to attend for an orientation to the application, our process, and to have specific questions answered.
