Fulbright Programs

Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by late Senator J. William Fulbright, the Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government.

The program is under the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of other countries.

Fulbright Programs are competitive and require significant advanced planning to prepare an application. Explore the relevant program(s) below

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. The Fulbright Scholar Awards for professionals, artists, and scholars at all career levels constitute the majority of the awards granted each year.

Additional Fulbright U.S. awards

• Distinguished Scholar Awards
• Postdoctoral Awards
• International Education Administrator Awards

Fulbright Canada Opportunities

American and Canadian students and scholars may also want to explore opportunities through Fulbright Canada. The program provides support to students, scholars, teachers, and independent researchers through a variety of programs which are open to individuals in all academic fields with the exception of medical training.

The mandate of Fulbright Canada is to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the U.S. by providing support to outstanding individuals. These individuals conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the other country.

How to Apply

UIC faculty and administrators interested in applying for any of these awards should review the helpful FAQs about the U.S. Scholar Program.

You can also reach out to past UIC recipients of the award.

You can connect with Fulbright in a variety of ways, from the the My Fulbright newsletter with the latest updates on programs and upcoming webinars, to office hours with the experts who can answer any questions you might have about programs and the application process.

Faculty interested in applying for the U.S. Scholar Program should consult with the leadership of their College/School to get a clear understanding of any requirements to qualify for sabbatical or educational leave, which might be necessary to participate in such a Program.

Please note that UIC does not have central funds available to “top up” a potential gap between a Fulbright recipient’s regular salary and the Fulbright award amount.

Campus contact: Shawn Conner-Rondot, Director of International Affairs and Outreach, Office of Global Engagement, sdconron@uic.edu

Fulbright Foreign Students Program

Around 4,000 graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad receive Fulbright scholarships to study and conduct research in the U.S. The program is administered by binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or U.S. Embassies. All Foreign Student Program applications are processed by these offices.

• Learn more about the Fulbright Foreign Students Program

Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program

The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence (S-I-R) Program is designed to enhance internationalization efforts on U.S. university campuses. You would host an international scholar for a semester or academic year to teach courses, assist in curriculum development, guest lecture, develop study abroad or exchange partnerships, and engage with the campus and the local community.

S-I-Rs work across departments and curricula in a variety of ways to widely enhance or expand an existing international program, develop new world area studies programs, add an international dimension to existing coursework or provide an opportunity for U.S. students to learn about a particular world region or country.

• Learn more about the S-I-R Program

Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program

UIC academic units may be contacted by scholars from foreign institutions of higher education who are interested in visiting UIC under the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program. Each year, Fulbright awards grants for advanced research and teaching in the United States to approximately 850 scholars from around the world.

Scholars who meet the eligibility requirements apply for grants through the Fulbright commission/foundation or public affairs section of the U.S. embassy in their home countries.

• Learn more about the Visiting Scholar Program

Who to Contact

Prospective applicants should direct questions to the Fulbright Scholar team or the Fulbright Student Program team at the Institute for International Education (IIE).

Non-U.S. students and scholars selected for these programs should contact Melissa Hickok, Associate Director of International Employee and Scholar Services in UIC’s Office of International Services, mhickok@uic.edu