Fulbright
The Fulbright program involves the participation of a large set of collaborating partners in supporting Fulbright fellows at the University of Florida.
Selection Process
Prospective Fulbright fellows apply directly to their country’s Fulbright Commission or US Embassy. Once fellows have been selected as candidates for funding, they will be considered as alternates or fellows.
Placement officers will assist alternates and fellows with the application process, and provide updates on funding information as it becomes available.
Application Timeline
August-September: Application submitted to Fulbright Commission
September-November: Initial selection of fellows made; alternates selected
November-April: Applications submitted to US universities by placement officers
February-April: Alternates notified of funding status
Placement Process
The placement process is handled by a variety of organizations working on behalf of the Fulbright applicant. The Graduate School’s Office of Graduate International Outreach (OGIO) works with all participants in the placement process to monitor Fulbright applications, and expedite the review of Fulbright credentials and applications.
A student’s placement is negotiated collectively, typically between the placement office, OGIO, and the student’s intended graduate program.
Admissions Timeline
Applications submitted to UF: November-April
Evaluation of International Credentials (transcripts and degree certificates): requests reviewed in the order they are received, November-April
Acceptance of Admission offers by Fulbright fellows: mostly by April 15
Placement Priorities
Each Fulbright Commission or US Embassy has its own priorities, which it sets based on the applicant pool it receives, as well as the national socioeconomic and political needs each respective country has, as determined by the sponsoring governmental agency and the Department of State.
Funding Package
Each country which hosts a Fulbright Commission or US Embassy creates its own funding package, which is a combination of Department of State funds and foreign government contributions.
The typical funding package contains:
• Yearly Stipend, for 9-12 months (determined by cost-of-living estimates)
• Health Insurance (paid by Fulbright)
• Round-trip travel to the US
• Other allowances as noted (e.g. book/computer)
• Non-resident or resident tuition may be included, per the terms
NOTE – funding packages vary from country to country, based on the terms set by each partner funding the specific funding program. Some countries may have multiple funding programs, each with varying terms.
Extending an offer of admission
To extend an offer of admission, please direct any communication to the fellow’s placement officer. The official letter of admission should also be accompanied by a financial support letter documenting any funding provided by the department, college, or university.
Cost-sharing with Fulbright
Tuition support
The University of Florida can offer cost-sharing in the form of non-resident tuition waivers for incoming Fulbright fellowship offers in one of two forms:
1. For Fulbright fellows from Latin America, the LAC Scholarship program (as set by FL state statute) allows Fulbright recipients to be considered Florida residents for tuition purposes, for as long as they receive their Fulbright award. They qualify for the award as recipients of a fellowship or scholarship of $500 or more of state or federal funds. Provided with International Center assistance.
2. For incoming Fulbright fellows from regions outside Latin America, the Provost’s Office will provide a maximum of 20 non-resident tuition waivers. These waivers will cover the student for the length of the Fulbright funding award (typically 1-3 years). Facilitated by OGIO; please visit our policy page for more information.
Stipend and other support
We encourage Departments and Colleges to cost-share whenever possible, to create the most competitive funding offer for Fulbright applicants. Departments can offer stipend or tuition assistance during Fulbright fellowship years, as well as assistantship or fellowship funding during non-Fulbright-funded years.
After an offer of admission is accepted
After a fellow’s placement officer has confirmed the student’s intention to attend UF, graduate programs can take the following steps to ease his/her transition to campus:
1. Provide information regarding any financial aid from a university source to applicant’s placement officer, for the purposes of processing the applicant’s visa.
2. Provide departmental orientation information and contacts for the fellow.
Contacts
On-campus
UF Division of Graduate Student Affairs:
Dr. Judy Traveis, Associate Dean for Student Affairs (352-392-8525; judiusb@ufl.edu)
UF International Center:
Debra Anderson (danderson@ufic.ufl.edu)
Fulbright Placement
Institute of International Education
LASPAU
AMIDEAST