The 2025-2026 application is now closed. The 2026-2027 competition will open in Spring 2025.

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Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Philippines

7 Open Study/Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
August Start
Grant Length
9 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research
Award Profile

Applications are particularly sought in the following disciplines: Environmental Sciences, International Relations, Philippine Area Studies, Geography, History, Arts & Humanities, Anthropology/Archaeology, Law, Education, Linguistics, Journalism, Literature, Political Science, Math, Engineering, Sciences, Public/Global Health, Urban & Regional Planning and Agriculture.

Grant Length
9 Months
Grant Period
August Start

Applicants should propose 9 month projects that begin mid-August 2025 or mid-January 2026, so that their arrivals will correspond with the beginning of the academic terms of higher education institutions in the Philippines.

Orientation
In-Country Orientation

When requested, PAEF can conduct virtual meetings with selected grantees to assist with pre-departure requirements.

What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

The Philippines, an archipelago consisting of 7,641 islands, is a country that promises a rich academic and cultural experience for selected Fulbright grantees.  Over seven decades of US-PH relations puts the Philippines as an ideal host country for Fulbrighters.  The educational system of the Philippines is similar to the United States and English is widely spoken, even in parts of the country outside of Manila.  The cost of living in Manila is also relatively cheaper than in most U.S. states.

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
9 Months
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Recommended - Novice

Additional Information: In some cases, knowledge of Tagalog, Cebuano, or other local languages will be helpful, but is not a requirement for grant eligibility. Applicants without Filipino language skills should include plans for language study in their Fulbright projects and should plan to study the language concurrent with their research after arriving in the Philippines.

Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation
Independent Study/Research:
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline

Candidates affiliate with Philippine universities and must include affiliation letters in their Fulbright applications. Applicants are encouraged to check the website of the Commission on Higher Education at https://chedro3.ched.gov.ph/ (or search the web) for information about the Philippine educational system and its universities, and to directly contact professors at prospective host universities. Other factors being equal, priority will be given to applicants with projects outside of metro Manila.

Selected applicants should discuss possible housing options with their proposed Philippine host institutions.

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits
Award Benefits
  • A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
  • International travel benefits
  • Accident & sickness health benefits
  • 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
  • 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

1,100 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]
One-Time Allowances

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

  • Excess baggage fees
  • Language training allowance

Excess baggage fees shall be processed after the grant and via reimbursement of actual cost not exceeding USD 470.  Other allowances may include a one-time language training allowance (USD 150) and books and supplies allowance (USD) 1,000.

Estimated Cost of Living

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

Selected grantees are encouraged to visit https://www.numbeo.com to compare cost of living between Manila and select U.S. cities.  For reference, data via Numbeo presents cost of living in Manila as relatively cheaper than in Washington D.C.  Based on indices, consumer prices including rent in Washington D.C. are 189.7% higher than in Manila.  Restaurant prices and grocery prices in Washington D.C. are both higher than in Manila (287% and 103.4%, respectively).

Dependents
Dependent financial support is NOT available
Housing Arrangements

Selected grantees are encouraged to coordinate with their host institutions for housing arrangements.  PAEF can also connect grantees to Filipino Fulbright alumni who might be able to assist in housing options.

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EAP@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://www.fulbright.org.ph
Geographical Restrictions

Proposals to conduct research in Mindanao will not be considered. Applicants should check the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines' website for travel advisories.

Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Fulbright Philippines: fulbright@fulbright.org.ph