The 2027 Fulbright Foreign Student Program application is open!
Apply by June 30, 2026! Applications and materials must be submitted through the online system. You can apply at this link.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government
Led by the U.S. government in partnership with more than 160 countries worldwide, Fulbright offers life-changing international academic and cultural exchange opportunities to study, research, and contribute to finding solutions to complex global challenges. Fulbright provides participants, who represent the best and brightest of U.S. society and of societies abroad, are chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate students, early career professionals, and researchers from The United Arab Emirates to research and study in the United States for one year or longer at U.S. universities or other educational institutions.
Participants will be selected through an open, merit-based competition in which leadership potential, academic excellence, and the ability to adjust to life in the United States are considered. By receiving a Fulbright Foreign Student Program award, participants become part of a global network of Fulbright participants and alumni.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and is administered by Amideast in the Middle East and North Africa region.
BENEFITS
Besides earning your master’s degree or pursuing graduate-level research at a U.S. university, there are many benefits of the Fulbright Program, including, but not limited to:
Enriching your knowledge and improving employment prospects with a graduate degree or graduate level research.
Joining a global Fulbright community and finding solutions to complex global challenges.
Contributing to professional development and research at U.S. universities.
Collaborate with U.S. host and businesses.
Covered award costs include tuition, a living allowance, and round-trip travel.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is for graduates and professionals from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. A competitive applicant should have an excellent academic record, strong English language skills, and the commitment to return to their country or territory of nomination upon completion of the Program.
The requirements to apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program are:
Applicants must be a citizen of or permanent resident able to hold a passport with Khulasat Al-Qayd from the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents are not eligible to apply.
Must reside in the United Arab Emirates throughout the application, selection, nomination, and placement processes.
Must hold a U.S.-equivalent bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by the program start date.
Must have a strong academic background.
Preference is given to applicants who have little or no previous experience studying or living in the United States.
Must be proficient in English or able to attend a Long-Term English (LTE) program prior to the start of your academic program.
A candidate who has resided in the United States for five or more consecutive years in the six-year period preceding the date of application is ineligible for an award.
Employees and consultants of Amideast, employees of U.S. missions who work for the U.S. Department of State or the former U.S. Agency for International Development, and their immediate family members are ineligible to apply for the Fulbright Program during the period of their employment and until one year following the termination of employment.
In addition, employees of an organization responsible for nominating or selecting individuals for participation in any exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs are not eligible to apply during and for a period ending one year following the termination of such employment, association, or service.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications will be accepted in most fields of study, including the humanities, social science, science, technology, and engineering. However, graduate programs involving clinical studies, such as medicine and nursing, are not permitted. Non-clinical programs, such as public health and nursing administration, are permitted.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents with their application:
Original academic transcripts and their certified translations, if originals are not available in English
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores (if available).
A current résumé or CV detailing all prior education and work experience.
Three letters of recommendation, in English or certified translations into English.
A personal statement, in English, up to 600 words in length.
A study/research objective statement, in English, relating to field of study or research.
Emirates ID or passport with Khulasat Al-Qayd.
Proof of degree completion or copy of diploma, in English or certified translations into English.
Selected candidates should be available for interviews in Dubai or Abu Dhabi in July 2026.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Applications must be completed online. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- All recipients of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program must return to their country or territory of nomination for at least two years upon completion of the program.
- Any applicant requiring assistance or access to a computer and internet connection to complete the application can use the advising center at Amideast for free.
- Applicants must reside in the country of nomination throughout the application, selection, nomination, and placement processes.
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own. The Fulbright Program has a zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism. Applicants who plagiarize any part of their application may be immediately disqualified. To learn more about plagiarism, download the presentation on plagiarism and how to successfully prepare your application.
All submitted work should be your own, based on your own original thoughts, ideas, and level of English language proficiency. While individual U.S. institutional policies range widely and policy responses from U.S. universities will continue to evolve, copying language/content produced by Generative AI directly into your application may negatively impact admission or affiliation decisions.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information, contact Amideast/UAE:
- Phone Number: 04-8565 7477 / 02-4456720
- Email Address: uae.fulbright@amideast.org
- Address: 100 Al Batoul St, Unit100 - Villa13B (Main Entrance), Ground Floor, Plaza 30 - Al Nahyan Area, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi
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