Fulbright Scholar Program

Established by Congress in 1946, the Fulbright Scholar Program remains to this day the United States' flagship international educational and cultural exchange program for professionals and academics.

Every year, more than 900 awards are made to U.S. scholars who are looking to teach, conduct research, and engage in professional projects abroad. With many programs geared toward faculty, we welcome our educators to apply to the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The strength of this program is its ability to reach into many communities and share experiences. This strength aligns with our desire to continually grow a vibrant and globally-engaged campus. One where faculty – as well as students and staff - reach beyond their experiences to learn about other cultures and perspectives. And to grow from that knowledge.

With each participant’s contribution, The Fulbright Scholar Program builds networks of scholars, promotes collaborations, encourages international partnerships, strengthens international competencies, and increases global understanding. 

The benefits for faculty participating in the Fulbright Scholar Program are many:

• Expand your professional networks
• Bring a global context to your scholarship
• Become more multicultural in the classroom
• Be an ambassador for international exchange
• Gain professional recognition
• Become part of a robust alumni network

The program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and funded by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar 2025-26 Competition is now closed!

Details about the next program cycle will be available in Spring 2025.

Read about all of the award opportunities on the competition page. Please note you can only apply to one award per cycle.

Applications are submitted directly by you and awards are issued directly to you (not through Seattle University) and are typically aligned with your planned sabbatical.  However, the Office of Global Engagement is here to help support your application! If you would like discuss award options to find ones best suited for you—or receive help with the application process—please contact the Office of Global Engagement: global@dos5.net.

This year's Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program competition offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for faculty, artists and other professionals to teach, conduct research, and carry out professional projects.  Fulbright awards are budgeted to cover travel and living costs in-country for the grantee and their accompanying dependents, but costs can vary by host country and award type.