POSTGRADUATE Scholarships

Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships are available to Australian citizens to engage in 8 - 12 months of research relevant to an Australian PhD; or undertake an approved course of study in an American higher degree or its equivalent. These scholarships are aimed at current PhD students, honours students, or honours graduates who are considering postgraduate study in the U.S.

2008 APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

The Commission offers up to fifteen (15) Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarships annually. These include:

Fulbright General Scholarships (8)

There are up to eight general scholarships open to all fields of study.

Note for Law applicants: The Australian-American Fulbright Commission annually receives a large number of applications from highly qualified and talented law applicants planning to enrol in an LLM program at top ranking U.S. universities. The Commission is committed to ensuring Australian Fulbright Scholars represent a diverse range of professional fields and as such, generally only one or two law applicants are selected each year for a Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship. Competition for these scholarships is thus very strong. As outlined, selection is based on a range of criteria, of which academic and professional merit is one. Applicants are encouraged to consider the full range of Selection Criterion, and review previous Fulbright Scholars in law and the topics they have researched / studied.

Fulbright Sponsored and Endowed Scholarships (7)

The following scholarships are either sponsored by industry or government OR endowed through donations from business, individuals, governments and/or universities and are offered in specific fields of study:

Science and Engineering sponsored by BHP Billiton
Technology and Communication sponsored by Telstra
Visual and Performing Arts sponsored by Anthony Joseph Pratt

The following scholarships are open to applicants in all fields of study, however have specific eligibility requirements. Click on the link for more details.

Indigenous Scholarship supported by the Department of Education, Employment and Workpplace Relations
Tasmania Scholarship sponsored by the Tasmanian Government and the University of Tasmania
Western Australia Scholarship established by WA based Universities, companies and individual donors
Queensland Scholarship established by the QLD government and QLD based universities

Applicants are encouraged to consider Fulbright Sponsored and Endowed Scholarships first, as these scholarships offer the opportunity to develop wider networks. Applicants who apply for a Fulbright Sponsored and Endowed Scholarship are also automatically considered for a Fulbright General Scholarship.

Current Australian Postgraduate Scholarship holders are encouraged to apply. Government guidelines related to Australian Postgraduate Scholarships changed in 2005 to encourage international research experiences related to Australian postgraduate studies through scholarships, such as Fulbright.

Postgraduate Scholarship Benefits

Travel entitlement of A$4,600
Stipend of US$2,100 per month for a maximum of 12 months
Establishment allowance of US$2000
Excess baggage allowance of US$100
Transport and accommodation to attend an Orientation Program and the Fulbright Presentation Dinner in Australia (May)
Transport and accommodation to an Enrichment Seminar with international Fulbright Scholars in the U.S.
Professional network to U.S., Australian and international Fulbright Scholars and distinguished alumni.
Postgraduates can remain in the U.S. for up to one year following their Fulbright program, under ‘academic training’ to undertake work in their field in the U.S.

[Note: The cost of obtaining a degree from a U.S. university can be as much as US$40,000 per year. For this reason, applicants should investigate additional funding sources from their universities along with private and government sources.]

Duration

Fulbright Postgraduate Scholars must spend a minimum of one academic year (8-12 months) in the U.S., the majority of time should be at their host institution.
Fulbright funding is for the first 12 months only and applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient additional funds to support themselves and any dependants during their stay in the U.S.
Fulbright awards support one academic year, applicants are able to extend their stay but without funding from the Fulbright Commission.

Application Information

Read the following sections under Application Information before you apply:

Eligibility to Apply

Selection Criteria and Process

Conditions of the Scholarship

Completing an Application Form

Application and Referee forms

Once you have read and understood the eligibility, conditions, and selection criteria, download the Application and Referee Forms, specific to the Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship.

For further information

Contact the Honorary Secretary of the Selection Committee in your state of residence. If you are a resident of the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory, contact the Program Manager at the Fulbright Commission. Click here to read stories from previous Fulbright Postgraduate Scholars including Postgraduate Scholars:

To assist in identifying a suitable U.S. educational institution, contact your local U.S. Educational Advisor in Australia.