The Fulbright Program offers international educational and cultural exchange programs designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the US and the people of other nations. Fulbright is funded by US government grants and operates through various initiatives in over 160 partner countries. 

There are Fulbright programs in diverse fields for students, scholars, professionals, and more. Fulbright recipients study, teach, or pursue important research and professional projects abroad. Please note that these federally-funded awards are only open to US citizens. International students and scholars can explore Fulbright options for non-US citizens here. 

MSU has been named a Top Producer of U.S. Fulbright Students for the 2024-25 academic year. Ten Spartans were awarded Fulbright grants and are currently pursuing their Fulbrights in seven different host countries. In addition, five MSU faculty members were awarded Fulbright Scholar grants for 2024-25.

Important Fulbright Program Updates

On March 13, 2025, the Institute of International Education posted an update on program-level furloughs impacting many Fulbright initiatives. IIE has administered the Fulbright US Student and Scholar awards—as well as the awards for visiting students, scholars, and professionals—on behalf of the Department of State for nearly 80 years. We do not yet know the long-term impact these actions will have, but we are monitoring the situation closely.

In late May, many IIE staffers returned from furlough, which is wonderful news. It remains to be seen what programmatic impacts the current administration's budget for FY26 might have. 

The 2026-27 Scholar award application cycle is currently open, as is the 2026-27 Student award application cycle. 

Fulbright-Hays programs, which were run through the Department of Education's now-shuttered International and Foreign Language Education office, have been cancelled for at least FY25. This announcement was made May 9, 2025 in the Federal Register.

Meeting with Advisor

Schedule a meeting with MSU's Fulbright Advisor and Scholar Liaison, Joy Campbell, to learn more about your Fulbright options, talk about your application, go over response drafts...whatever you need!

• Find a time that works with your schedule using Calendly.
• Complete the Fulbright Program Interest Survey prior to your first meeting.

Upcoming Deadlines

• NOW OPEN Fulbright US Student Program (for students and recent grads)
• Competition opened: March 31, 2025
• Intent to apply deadline: July 15, 2025
• Mandatory MSU deadline: September 1, 2025
• National deadline for applications: October 7, 2025

• NOW OPEN Fulbright US Scholar Program (for faculty and staff)
• Competition opened: February 18, 2025
• National deadline for applications: September 15, 2025

Events

For All Fulbrighters

• Check back in Fall 2025 for information about our annual Global Get-together!

Fulbright US Student Program

• Fulbright US Student Program Information Session
• Friday, May 9, 2025
• Recording available

• Check the IIE website for upcoming webinars for specific grant types, world regions, and alumni panels.

Fulbright US Scholar Program

• Fulbright US Scholar Program Information Session
• Wednesday, June 4, 2025
• Recording available

• Visit MSU's Fulbright Scholar page for recordings of past events and links to Fulbright Scholar office hours and webinars.

Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program

• Fulbright-Hays DDRA Application Information Session
• Friday, November 8, 2024
• Recording available

At-a-Glance Program Flyers

The flyers linked below give basic details about each of MSU's outbound Fulbright programs for US citizens. Feel free to download and share with advisees, students, colleagues, and peers!

• Fulbright US Student Program (for students and recent grads)
• Fulbright US Scholar Program (for faculty and staff)
• Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program (for PhD students)

MSU Students

There are many Fulbright opportunities for rising seniors, recent MSU graduates, and current graduate students, including research projects, English teaching, and graduate study programs. Students can begin planning during their undergraduate years, and apply as soon as their senior fall for awards to travel following graduation. To help students develop competitive applications, MSU offers advising to students who are applying for Fulbright programs.

MSU Faculty and Administrators

Fulbright offers a variety of programs for faculty, administrators, and professionals, from research and lecture positions to specialized seminars for administrators. 

There are also several opportunities for campus units to host Fulbright Visiting Scholars and professionals to conduct research and give instruction here at MSU.

International Students and Scholars

MSU hosts numerous Fulbright grantees each year, including students, scholars, researchers, visiting professionals, and more. Many resources are available for international students and scholars already on campus, and for those who are interested in pursuing a Fulbright opportunity at MSU, 

Fulbright Advisory Committee

Members of the Fulbright Advisory Committee provide input to applicants and the Fulbright Program Advisor.

West and Mid-Michigan Chapter of the Fulbright Association 

The West and Mid-Michigan Chapter of the Fulbright Association (FAWMM) is a regional chapter serving Fulbright alumni and friends of international exchange. Aspiring, newly named, and returned Fulbrighters are encouraged to connect with this group, which hosts social, cultural, and educational activities.