If you have been waiting to become part of the Fulbright foreign student program, this is the perfect time for you.
The 2024-2025 Fulbright foreign application phase has been made open for the next academic session, allowing you to enrol and further your studies in some selected courses.
Note: DO NOT be in a haste to read and go! Take your time. The information that can help you secure the scholarship may just be in a paragraphy you might have skipped.
The Fulbright Foreign Student program is designed to help young foreign graduates and professional students, especially those from Nigeria, to study and conduct their research in the United States.
The program is funded by the US Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in New York.
The Fulbright Student Program is within a few months to one year and is strictly for students carrying out their doctoral or PhD research only.
To apply, you must be at least two years in your doctoral program studying at any recognized Nigerian University or Research institution as of the time of your application.
Over the years, many Nigerians who have become part of the program have shared countless testimonies on how the program has benefited them and helped shape their career.
The registration process is very simple, but you must ensure you have the required documents before applying.
Benefits of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program
As a Nigerian Applicant, you are entitled to the following grants and benefits if selected for the program
- Round-trip airfare to the US
- Settling-in allowance
- Monthly Stipends
- Housing Allowance
- Book and Supply allowance
- Computer allowance
- University Health Insurance
- Fulbright ASPE health benefit
Eligible Courses Offered in the Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Student program covers a wide range of academic disciplines, which includes:-
- Science
- Engineering
- Technology
- Arts
- Journalism/Public Relations/Media Studies
- Agricultural/Food Science
- Economics
- Environmental Science
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Public Administration/Policy
- Public Health
- Tourism
Eligibility Requirements for Fulbright Foreign Student Program
To become eligible to apply and take part in this program, you need to meet the following requirements.
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Nigeria or a permanent resident holding any government-approved identity card.
- Study Program: You must be a Doctoral or PhD student who has finished an important aspect of your program at a Nigeria University with an endorsement of their country
- Academic Excellence: You must be intelligent with evidence of an educational track record
- English Language Test: Your proficiency in English Language should be high. You must have taken your TOEFL Exam by May 2023 and attained a minimum score of 90
- Study Passion: As an applicant, you must show a deep sense of passion and willingness to complete your program study as stipulated and return to your country
- Proposal Letter: The selection process is tedious. Candidates with strong study proposals explaining their research objectives, methodology, time frame and justification for conducting the research have a higher chance of being selected for the interview.
- Preference: those not studying in the US will be highly considered first.
- Possession of Documents: Make sure to have all your major and supporting documents available before starting your application.
Major and Supporting Documents Required for the Program
- Three Academic and Professional Reference Letters
- Professional Resume/CV
- Academic Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended with Writing Samples
- TOEFL Score Report
- Clear written Research Objective
How To Apply For Fulbright Foreign Student Program
To kickstart your application journey successfully without any error, follow these guidelines.
- Visit Application Portal: visit the Fulbright Foreign Student Online application portal and create an account using your email address and a desired password.
- Fill in your information: You will be redirected to another page to fill in your details and information. You are to read the instructions carefully or request the assistance of benefactors of the program to avoid filling in the wrong information.
- Select your Field of Research Studies: You are to select your field of Research studies for the program.
- Upload Your Documents: upload all your major and supporting documents before submitting your application form to the online portal.
- Physical Submission of Transcripts: Hardcopies of your various academic transcripts should be submitted to the Fulbright Program agencies in Nigeria through their mail postal address
- Interview: An interview will be scheduled after the application deadline, leading to the final selection. If you pass the application phase, a notification will be sent to your email address for the interview.
READ ALSO: 9 anadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students.
FAQS
Are Nigerians Eligible for Fulbright Scholarship?
Yes, Nigerians are eligible for the Fulbright scholarship.
Can International Students Get a Fulbright?
Yes, international students whose country is eligible can get a Fullbright scholarship.
Can I Work in USA After Fulbright Scholarship?
No, after the Fulbright scholarship, you are mandated to return to your home country.
How Do I Get a Fullbright Scholarship?
You can get the Fulbright scholarship by applying at their online registration portal.
Final Thought
Application and registration dates for those in Nigeria start on 1st February and close on 1st June with no avenue for extension.
As mentioned, the Fulbright Foreign Student program is open to international students globally.
In Nigeria, the selection process is conducted by the Public Affairs Section of the US mission and the US Embassy and Consulate Nigeria.
The most interesting thing about the program is that there is no age limit to its application, provided you are doing a doctoral program. You do not need to be accepted by a US university to apply; placement will be done by the Institute of International Education (IIE) if selected.
As an applicant, you must not have a University degree from any US higher Education Institution.
While mailing the hard copies of your transcripts to the Selection Agency within the country after a successful online registration, ensure they are sent to the right postal address.
Suppose you are an applicant in Nigeria’s South/South-East/South-West Geopolitical Zone. In that case, you must address the envelope to “Fulbright Program Officer, Public Affairs Section US Consulate General, 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos”.
But if you are from the North-Central/North-East/North-West Geopolitical Zone in Nigeria, you must address the envelope containing your transcripts to “Cultural Affairs Assistant, US Embassy, Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central Area, Abuja”.
