FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAM FOR WEST BANK AND GAZA

Make Lasting Connections

Group of students holding Fulbright signs

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational and cultural exchange program, creating connections in a complex and changing world.

Led by the U.S. government in partnership with 160 countries worldwide, Fulbright builds lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries—building mutual understanding between nations, advancing knowledge across communities, and improving lives around the world.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables Palestinian students to pursue master’s-level study in the United States. Participants are chosen through an open, merit-based competition in which leadership potential, academic excellence, and the ability to adjust to life in the United States are all considered. Once accepted into the Fulbright Program, every Fulbrighter becomes part of a global network of engaged, dedicated Fulbright 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

Tuition, living stipend, and travel and academic allowances.
Opportunity to experience life in the United States and share your culture with Americans.
Pre-academic training and enrichment seminars.
Induction into the global Fulbright alumni network.
Earn a graduate degree in a field of your choice from a U.S. university.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is for graduates and professionals from diverse social, economic, 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. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously studied or lived in the United States. Fulbright Program opportunities are available to qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, geographic location, socio-economic status, disability, or gender identity. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants interested in pursuing a master's degree must:

Be a Palestinian resident of Gaza,Jerusalem, or West Bank.
Reside in Gaza, Jerusalem, or West Bank throughout the application, selection and placement processes.
Have a strong academic background.
Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
Be proficient in English and/or able to attend a Long-Term English (LTE) program prior to the start of the study program.
Be interested in learning about American history and society, as well as sharing knowledge of the participant’s own culture.
Have one year of professional work experience (after graduation).

U.S. citizens or green card holders are not eligible to apply. 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 a grant.

Amideast staff members and consultants and the employees of U.S. missions who work for the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development are not eligible to apply, nor are their immediate family members, during the period of their employment and until one year following the termination of employment.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications will be accepted in most fields of study, including the humanities, social science, science, technology, and engineering. However, graduate programs related to clinical studies, such as medicine and nursing, are not permitted. Applicants may apply for related academic degrees such as nursing administration, nutrition sciences, and public health.

Applications and materials must be submitted through the online system. You can apply at https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2025/.

When you apply, make sure to:

Choose 2025-2026 cycle and answer all questions accurately and completely.
Write the essays carefully, which are key components of the application. Cite any outside sources used in your essays, as plagiarism will result in disqualification.

Applicants must submit:

Official academic transcripts and diplomas in English. Documents in a different language must be accompanied by certified translations.
An up-to-date CV or resume detailing all prior education and work experience.
Three letters of recommendation in English; these should be from past or current employers, or professors or academic advisors.
A personal statement in English up to 600 words in length.
A study/ research objective essay in English relating to the intended research and/or field of study.
Copy of passport and identification card (ID);

An English language proficiency assessment is optional but not required. If you have taken the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test within the last two years, please include a copy of your results.

Selected candidates should be available for interviews in Gaza/Ramallah in July 2024.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Applications must be completed online. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
All recipients of the Fulbright Program must return to their nomination location for at least two years upon completion or termination of the program.
Any applicant requiring assistance or access to a computer and internet connection to complete the application is welcome to contact Amideast office for assistance, if available.
Applicants must reside in the nomination location throughout the application, selection, 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 will be immediately disqualified. To learn more about plagiarism, you can download our presentation on plagiarism and writing your application. You can also find a free plagiarism check here.

CONTACT INFORMATION

AMIDEAST WEST BANK/GAZA

For more information, call the Amideast offices at 02-2408023 ext. 111 or 300 or email westbank-gaza@amideast.org. You can also read our Frequently Asked Questions which may answer any questions you may have.

UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS

To learn more about this program, register attend an upcoming virtual information session:

Applicants from West Bank and Jerusalem:

Monday, February 12, 2024, at 13:00PM through Zoom. Click here to register.
Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 16:00PM through Zoom. Click here to register.
Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 13:00PM through Zoom. Click here to register.
Monday, April 1, 2024, at 13:00PM through Zoom. Click here to register.
Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 15:00PM through Zoom. Click here to register.

Applicants from Gaza:

Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 18:00PM through Zoom. Click here to register.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 18:00PM through Zoom. Click here to register.
Monday, March 18, 2024, at 21:00PM through Zoom. Click here to register.
Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 21:00PM through Zoom. Click here to register.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 18:00PM through Zoom. Click here to register.

VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS

If you have questions about the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, our Fulbright team will be available for a virtual office hour through Zoom to answer your questions. Join and get direct answers from the program staff.

Applicants from West Bank and Jerusalem: