Who can apply

Potential applicants should ensure that they meet the following eligibility criteria before applying:

1. student status: anyone regardless of age that intends to enrol on a US Masters or PhD degree program or conduct independent research (minimum 6 months) as part of an Irish or European PhD program.
    
2. excellence in their academic / professional and personal qualifications:
   • a recognised third-level degree of at least 2:1 honours standard. Applicants will be accepted from outstanding students in their final year of study. Graduates who have achieved a 2.2 grade in their primary degree, and who have subsequently demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in their post-graduate degree/s, are eligible to apply
   • deaf studies, visual and performing arts applicants may be exempt from the requirements to have a third level qualification if they have equivalent professional qualifications and / or experience
   • an clear sense and or demonstration of leadership and
   • an understanding of the Fulbright Program and the role and benefit of being a “Fulbrighter".
      
3. a concise and clearly defined course of study or research. In their application, applicants should outline what program of study or research they intend to complete in the US, why they need to go to the US and how the period in the US will enhance their knowledge, skills and understanding in the discipline. Preference will be given to degree – seeking candidates (those who are proposing to enrol on a post-graduate course of study in the US) or current PhD candidates in advanced stages of their research.
    
4. application to a recognised institution in the US. Successful candidates must secure admission to a US college before commencing an award and ensure that they have enough funds to cover all the costs of study (e.g. tuition, accommodation, living costs, travel). These costs can average around $60,000 per year. Students should be applying directly to US colleges for admission and financial aid at the same time or prior to applying for a Fulbright award. Requests for financial aid are usually a separate process from the admission process and may have an earlier closing date. Check the US college’s website for course and admission details or see the About the US section.
    
5. citizenship:

The following applicants are eligible:

• Irish citizens who are resident on the island of Ireland
• Irish citizens who are ordinarily resident in other EU member states and who are not eligible to apply for a Fulbright award in their country of residence
• EU citizens who are ordinarily resident in Ireland. A person is deemed to be ordinarily resident in the State if s/he has been living here for the past three consecutive years.

The following applicants are ineligible:

• US citizens / dual nationals and holders of US immigrant visas (green cards), or applicants for same, are not eligible to apply
• applicants with extensive previous experience in the United States (e.g. currently studying at or recently graduated from a US academic institution, resident for five or more years in the previous six years).