Fulbright Application Timeline

  • SUBMIT your Fulbright Campus Pre-Application by June 1.
  • CHOOSE your host country carefully after reading the country specifics and preferred candidate profiles online.
  • CREATE a project statement following Fulbright proposal guidelines.
  • CONSULT faculty, at least one with discipline-specific expertise and one with country specific knowledge.
  • Whether applying for an ETA or study/research grant, create a plan for culturally engaging with your host country.
  • DEVELOP a personal statement. What in your personal and academic life has led you to your proposed plan of study in your proposed country?
  • IDENTIFY three faculty members to serve as references. Provide them with a copy of your essays. All three should be able to address your project.
  • OBTAIN letters of affiliation if required for your project. Start your search now.
  • TEST your language proficiency. Plan to upgrade your proficiency level as much as possible before your departure.

 

Timeline

MARCH — APRIL — MAY

  • Attend campus information sessions and schedule individual meetings with ONSA advisors. Choose your host country, select project type, and determine your language proficiency.

MAY — JUNE

  • Contact faculty members who have expertise in your research area to discuss your project. Research country affiliations.
  • June 1: Submit your Fulbright Campus Pre-Application.
  • By the end of June, write your first draft of project proposal and personal statement. Discuss and review your drafts with ONSA advisors.

JULY

  • Create an online application account via the Fulbright national website. You can do this step at any time after June 1.
  • Continue improving your draft of project proposal and personal statement. Discuss and review your drafts with faculty and mentors in your department.
  • Establish your country affiliation.
  • Secure commitment for letters of recommendation from three faculty members. Request official transcripts.
  • Continue to review your drafts with ONSA advisors and the UMass Amherst Writing Center.

AUGUST

  • Continue to review your drafts with ONSA advisors, your recommenders, and the UMass Amherst Writing Center.
  • Ask three faculty members to write letters of recommendation for you. These letters are due by September 8th on the Fulbright application portal. Supply your recommenders with a copy of your project proposal, personal statement and any other relevant materials.
  • Obtain your affiliation letter.
  • Review final application procedures with ONSA advisor.

SEPTEMBER

  • September 8: Submit your completed Fulbright application via Fulbright's online application portal. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by September 8 as well.

JANUARY

  • Notification from the US Fulbright Commission as to whether your application has been selected to be forwarded to the country Fulbright Commission. 

MARCH — JUNE

  • Award notification from the country Fulbright Commission.