international FULBRIGHT science and technology awards

The US Government's most prestigious and valuable education scholarships, International Fulbright Science and Technology Awards, for promising graduate students to undertake PhD study at top US universities in fields of science, technology or engineering have closed for 2010.

Approximately 40 scholarships are offered each year to graduate students from around the world who demonstrate unique aptitude and innovation in scientific fields, leadership potential and the ability to be a cultural ambassador for their country. Candidates are nominated by their home country's Fulbright commission and selected by rigorous international competition.

Scholarships cover full tuition and stipend for three years of PhD study in the US, plus a return airfare to the US and allowances for books and equipment, research and professional conferences. The total value of the award is estimated at up to A $300,000. Scholars' host universities are expected to cover the remaining expenses toward completion of the degree.

Eligible fields include: aeronautics and astronomics/aeronautical engineering, agriculture (theoretical or research-based focus only), astronomy/planetary sciences, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer sciences/engineering, energy, engineering (electrical, chemical, civil, mechanical, ocean and petroleum), environmental science/engineering, geology/earth and atmospheric sciences, information sciences and systems (engineering focus only), materials science/engineering, mathematics, neuroscience/brain and cognitive sciences, oceanography, physics and public health (theoretical research focus only).

Studying in the US is an opportunity to explore America, share your culture and make friends with students from around the world. The quality of teaching, facilities and resources is renowned worldwide.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

  • have at least a four-year degree (or a three-year degree with honours) by 1 August of the year following application, but not hold a doctoral degree at the time you take up your award
  • plan to complete a PhD at a US institution
  • apply to study in one of the eligible fields listed above. Please see also the more detailed Fields of Study Descriptions on the Institute of International Education (IIE) website, and contact the Australian-American Fulbright Commission if you are still unsure of your eligibility
  • not currently be studying in the US
  • not have received a previous Fulbright award
  • meet the citizenship requirements for this award

Citizenship requirements

You are eligible to apply for this award if you:
  • are a Australian citizen
  • AND are not a permanent resident or citizen of the US
  • AND are not currently living in the US*

* Applicants outside Australia who are unable to attend an interview in person may be disadvantaged.

Preference for Fulbright awards is given to candidates who have not had extensive recent experience in the US.

Fulbright Scholarships will not be granted for medical programs which include any clinical activities involving direct patient care.

Scholarship benefits

  • Return airfare to the US
  • Full tuition and fee coverage
  • Monthly stipend for 3 years
  • Allowances for books and equipment, research and professional conferences
  • Basic health and accident insurance up to US$100,000
  • GRE test vouchers
  • Support and enrichment seminars run by the Institute of International Education (IIE) throughout your stay in the US

The Institute of International Education (IIE) will assist you with identifying and applying to the most suitable US university for your intended course of study.

Scholarship conditions

  • You must plan to complete a PhD at a US institution
  • Your award must be approved by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in Washington DC
  • Your award must be taken up within a year of the award offer, but no earlier than July of the year following the offer
  • If selected for an award, you will be required to undertake a full medical examination
  • You must travel on an Australian passport, and US immigration documentation must be completed from within Australia
  • International travel will only be funded between Australia and the US
  • You may apply for academic training in the US for up to 18 months upon completion of your degree
  • In keeping with US immigration requirements and the philosophy of the Fulbright Programme, you will be required to return to Australia for a minimum of two years before becoming eligible for permanent residency in the US .

Application process

  • You must complete and submit an online application by 1 May.
  • Submit all support documents to us by 1 May.
  • Shortlisted applicants will need to be available for interview in June.
  • The Australian-American Fulbright Commission will nominate up to two candidates and one alternate to the US Department of State for review by US-based selection committees, which will include prominent academics and professionals in the appropriate scientific fields
  • Final selection will be made by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB)
  • We will advise you of the outcome of your application by mid-October.

Application and support documents

Applications for the International Fulbright Science and Technology Awards have closed.

Applications for 2010 Fulbright Australian postgraduate Scholarships have closed. Applications for 2011 awards will open in June 2010. Please check back then to apply.

Further information

For further information about International Fulbright Science and Technology Awards, contact our Program Manager

 

Page last updated: May 3, 2010