Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program is the premier international educational exchange program, designed to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and of other countries. Sponsored by the U.S. government, the program offers awards to students, scholars, and specialists for study, research, and teaching across all fields. Competition is high, and candidates are approved by a board appointed by the President of the United States.

Since its creation in 1945, the Fulbright Program has formed agreements with approximately 50 bi-national commissions, U.S. embassies in more than 100 countries, and other cooperating organizations. World-class Fulbright alumni include numerous Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Foundation Fellows, heads of state, and a Secretary-General of the United Nations.

There are Two Fulbright Programs for Visiting (non-U.S.) Scholars:

  • Core Visiting Scholars Program: Each year approximately 850 scholars from over 100 countries are awarded Fulbright grants to conduct postdoctoral research and/or lecture at U.S. institutions for an academic semester or a full academic year. The University of Minnesota hosts 15-25 Fulbright scholars annually.
  • Outreach Lecturing Fund: The Outreach Lecturing Fund provides short-term opportunities for Fulbright Visiting Scholars already in the U.S. to speak at other U.S. institutions underrepresented within the Fulbright Program.
Last updated: June 3, 2021