Submissions Open: Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Philippines)

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program Philippines supports Filipino citizens to pursue master’s or doctoral studies, or non-degree doctoral dissertation research, in the United States. The fully funded program covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance, with eligibility based on academic excellence, professional experience, and a commitment to return to the Philippines after study.

Program Overview

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program Philippines is a prestigious international scholarship program that enables Filipino citizens to pursue graduate-level study or doctoral research in the United States.

Administered by Fulbright Philippines, the program aims to strengthen academic exchange, professional development, and mutual understanding between the Philippines and the United States by supporting high-achieving Filipino scholars.

The program supports degree and non-degree academic pursuits across a wide range of disciplines, with clearly defined eligibility and return requirements.

Fields of Study Supported

The program supports academic fields aligned with Fulbright priorities and global development needs.

Eligible fields include:

• Study of the United States

• Global Issues

• Open Grants covering a broad range of disciplines

These include humanities, social sciences, international studies, public health (non-clinical), and STEM-related fields.

The following fields are not supported under the program:

• Medicine

• Nursing

• Allied health professions

• Clinical psychology

• Medical technology

• Accountancy

Applicants must ensure their proposed field of study aligns with the program’s approved disciplines.

Types of Grants and Duration

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers different grant types depending on the academic pathway.

Grant duration is structured as follows:

• Non-degree programs: Up to one academic year

• Master’s degree programs: One to two years

• Doctoral degree programs: Up to two years

All grants are awarded for a maximum period based on the approved program of study.

What the Fulbright Grant Covers

The Fulbright grant provides comprehensive financial support for study in the United States.

The grant includes:

• Round-trip international airfare

• Monthly maintenance allowance

• Tuition and required university fees

• Book and supplies allowance

• Health and accident insurance coverage

This funding structure allows scholars to focus fully on their academic and research commitments.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all general eligibility requirements to be considered.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of the Philippines

• Demonstrate proficiency in English

• Hold a college degree with a major in the proposed field of specialization

• Have an excellent undergraduate academic record

• Be in good physical and mental health to pursue graduate study in the United States

• Commit to returning to the Philippines immediately after completing the program

Meeting these criteria is mandatory for all applicants.

Professional Experience Requirement

In addition to academic qualifications, professional experience is required.

Applicants must:

• Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience after completing college

• Possess experience directly related to their field of specialization

Assistantships, internships, or work undertaken during college do not count toward this requirement.

Additional Requirements for Non-Degree Applicants

Applicants pursuing non-degree doctoral dissertation research must meet additional criteria.

They must provide:

• Proof that essential research materials are not available in the Philippines

• Evidence that these materials are accessible in the United States

This requirement ensures that non-degree research grants address genuine academic gaps and resource needs.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following individuals are not eligible to apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program Philippines.

• Dual citizens of the Philippines and another country

• Permanent residents of the United States

• Individuals currently studying in the United States

Applicants must hold only Philippine citizenship at the time of application.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Applications must be completed online and supported by required documentation.

1. Complete the online application form through the Fulbright Philippines application portal.

2. Upload official or certified transcripts of records from all colleges or universities attended.

3. Upload a certified true copy of the diploma.

4. Complete the Reference Materials Waiver on the Study Plan page.

5. Ensure three letters of reference are submitted through the system after the waiver is completed.

6. Upload an NBI Clearance issued within the past six months as a PDF file under the Country-Specific Materials section of the Additional Information tab.

Incomplete applications or missing documents may result in disqualification.

Supporting Documents Checklist

Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents:

• Official or certified transcript of records

• Certified true copy of college diploma

• Three letters of reference

• Recent NBI Clearance (issued within six months)

All documents must be clear, legible, and uploaded in the correct sections of the portal.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated through a competitive selection process.

Selection is based on:

• Academic excellence and quality of prior education

• Professional experience and relevance to proposed study

• Clarity, feasibility, and relevance of the study or research plan

• English language proficiency

• Leadership potential and future contribution to the Philippines

Final selection decisions reflect both merit and alignment with Fulbright program goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants can strengthen their applications by avoiding these common issues.

• Applying for ineligible fields of study

• Submitting incomplete or uncertified documents

• Failing to meet the two-year professional experience requirement

• Overlooking additional requirements for non-degree research applicants

• Applying despite holding dual citizenship or current U.S. residency

Careful review of eligibility criteria is essential before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program Philippines?

It is a fully funded scholarship program supporting Filipinos pursuing graduate study or doctoral research in the United States.

What levels of study are supported?

The program supports master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and non-degree doctoral dissertation research.

How long does the grant last?

Grants last up to one year for non-degree programs, one to two years for master’s programs, and up to two years for doctoral programs.

What expenses are covered by the grant?

The grant covers travel, living allowance, tuition, books, and health and accident insurance.

Is work experience required?

Yes. Applicants must have at least two years of professional work experience after college.

Can dual citizens apply?

No. Dual citizens and permanent residents of the United States are not eligible.

Do scholars need to return to the Philippines after study?

Yes. All grantees are required to return to the Philippines immediately upon completion of their program.

Conclusion

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program Philippines offers Filipino scholars a highly competitive and fully funded opportunity to pursue advanced study or research in the United States.

By supporting academic excellence, professional development, and cross-cultural exchange, the program equips participants to contribute meaningfully to national development upon their return to the Philippines.

For more information, visit Fulbright Philippines.