Fulbright U.S. Open Study/Research Awards

The Fulbright U.S. Open Study/Research Award, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, funds U.S. citizens to carry out self-designed graduate study or research abroad for one academic year. Applicants choose from more than 140 host countries and build their own project in partnership with a university, research institution, or cultural organisation in that country. The award is full funding: it covers round-trip international airfare, a monthly living and housing stipend set to the host country's cost of living, and accident and sickness health benefits, with many countries adding tuition support or language training. Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens who will hold a bachelor's degree before the grant begins; graduating seniors, recent graduates, master's and doctoral candidates, and early-career professionals may all apply, and all academic disciplines are eligible. The 2026/2027 cycle competition closes in October 2025 for grants beginning in 2026, so applicants should start months ahead to secure an affiliation letter and draft a strong proposal. Because stipend levels and benefits are set per country and reset each year, confirm the exact current-cycle figures and country requirements on the official Fulbright U.S. Student Program page before applying.

What's covered

• Living and housing stipend — A monthly stipend set to the host country's cost of living; the total annual package is commonly around ~$25,000 (est.) but varies widely by country.
• International airfare — Round-trip transportation between the United States and the host country.
• Health benefits — Accident and sickness coverage under the Fulbright health benefit plan for the grant period.
• Tuition or affiliation support — Many countries add tuition payments or fees for enrolment or affiliation with the host institution.
• Language training — Selected programmes provide pre-departure or in-country language study to support the project.
• Alumni network — Membership in the global Fulbright alumni community and access to its events and professional connections.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program; enrolled students usually apply via their campus Fulbright Program Adviser.

1. Choose a country and award type — Review the country summaries on the official site and select the Open Study/Research Award for your target country.
2. Design your project — Develop a graduate-level study or research plan and identify a host university, institution, or organisation.
3. Secure an affiliation — Obtain a letter of affiliation or invitation from your host institution confirming it will support your project.
4. Prepare your application — Draft the statement of grant purpose and personal statement, and request recommendation letters and (where needed) a language evaluation.
5. Submit before the deadline — Apply through your campus adviser if enrolled, or as an at-large applicant otherwise, before the national deadline of about 6 October 2026 (est.).