Fulbright Grant FAQs

  1. What is the Fulbright grant? How can it be used?
  2. What is the current application cycle?
  3. Who is eligible to apply for a Fulbright?
  4. Who should apply through the UNT Study Abroad Center? What is the benefit of doing so?
  5. What about non-UNT students?
  6. What should students do now, today?
  7. What is the biggest mistake made by potential applicants?
  8. Do UNT students compete against each other?

What is the Fulbright grant? How can it be used?

Fulbright is a research grant administered by the Institute of International Education. A Fulbright grant may be used for graduate study or research abroad, including scholarly research, study leading to a degree, thesis, or dissertation, or for performance study. It is NOT for people looking for ways to pay for a short-term study abroad program.

What is the current application cycle?

The application process this summer and fall will be for the award year of 2009-2010.

Who is eligible to apply for a Fulbright?

Applicants must have at least a 3.0 gpa and be graduating seniors or current graduate students. The process is very competitive. Students must be fluent in the language of the country where they want to go. The central question of the application process is, "Why do you have to do THIS project in THIS location?" That is, why can't you do it here in Denton, or in Zimbabwe, just as well?

Who should apply through the UNT Study Abroad Center? What is the benefit of doing so?

Any current UNT student who wishes to apply for a Fulbright Grant must do so through the UNT Fulbright Program Advisor (FPA), Mary Beth Butler. The FPA is responsible for assisting and advising applicants, and for arranging for proposal review and evaluation by a campus committee. The committee can make suggestions to make your proposal even stronger.

What about non-UNT students?

Non-UNT students will apply "at-large," or on their own. They may receive applications from their regional IIE office. The online application becomes available in Spring.

What should students do now, today?

Interested students should obtain a copy of the Fulbright booklet (shiny one) along with the information packet. These are typically available in the SAC by late Spring.

What is the biggest mistake made by potential applicants?

Every year, people put off meeting with the FPA because their drafts aren't perfect....and they wait too long! The drafts required prior to the meeting are just that, drafts. Just get something down on paper, and we will work with you from there.

Do UNT students compete against each other?

Only if they are applying to go to the same country, and to work in the same field.