FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAM FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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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 Emirati students to pursue graduate-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, 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

This 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, determination, or gender identity. People of determination are encouraged to apply.  

Applicants interested in pursuing a master's degree must:

  • Be a citizen of and physically reside in United Arab Emirates 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. 
  • Preferably having two years of work experience but not a requirement. 

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/

Applicants must submit:

  1. Official academic transcripts and diplomas in English. Documents in a different language must be accompanied by certified translations. 
  2. An up-to-date CV or resume detailing all prior education and work experience. 
  3. Three letters of recommendation in English; these should be from past or current employers, or professors or academic advisors. 
  4. A personal statement in English up to 600 words in length. 
  5. A study/ research objective essay in English relating to the intended research and/or field of study. 
  6.  Copy of U.A.E. Passport or 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 Dubai/Abu Dhabi in June/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 student requiring assistance or access to a computer and internet connection to complete the application is welcome to use the student advising center at Amideast for free. 
  • 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

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT AMIDEAST UAE 

DOS logoFulbright logoThis is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by Amideast.