How to apply

The following questions and answers relate to the application process:

When should I apply for a Fulbright award?
You should start planning and thinking about your intended US study/research program in advance of the application. You may only apply for a Fulbright award when the competition is open. Competitions open the previous year of the award year.  Applications must be submitted by the closing date.

I have not yet received a letter of invitation/admission offer from a US university. Can I still apply?
Yes. Most candidates will not have an admission offer or letter of affiliation by our application deadline. You should, however, indicate the US institutions that you are in the process of applying to or have already applied to on your Fulbright application form.  If you are interviewed and are successful for a Fulbright award, you will be offered an award on the condition that you have an affiliation at a US institution.

How do I apply?
The Fulbright Commission requires all applicants to complete an online application that is accessed through the relevant award section on the website and to submit hard copies by the application deadline. The Fulbright Commission does not provide paper application forms to applicants. If you feel you are unable to apply online, please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for advice.

Is the application deadline ever extended?
No. Application deadlines are firm and cannot be extended for any individual applicant or to accommodate personal circumstances. Application competitions are announced well in advance and are open for a suitable length of time for applicants to prepare and submit their application forms.

The online application has prompted me to get permission from the Fulbright Commission before I can continue with my application. What does this mean?
This message is intended to ensure that you have met the minimum eligibility requirements and understand the application process. If you have read our guidelines, the application instructions on this website and applications instructions on the online application module, you do not need to contact the Commission; you may proceed with your application.

I am applying for a Student award, what should I write about in my Study/Research Objective essay?
You should write a clear and detailed description of the academic program you want to pursue in the US. You should clearly identify the area(s) within your field of study in which you want to specialise in or concentrate. If there is a specific research project you wish to accomplish, you should describe how you intend to meet your goals.  You should outline why you need to go to the US and how the period in the US will enhance knowledge, skills and understanding in the discipline. 

I am applying for the Student award, what should I write about in my Personal Statement?
Your personal statement is a narrative statement that tells us about you. It should not repeat your Study / Research Objective.  It should tell the Fulbright Commission what makes you unique, your special interests, why you are applying for a Fulbright Award, why we should give you an award, your aspirations and your expectations of the award.

Should my references be academic or professional/employer?
You must have 3 reference forms submitted on your behalf. References should be prepared by a professor with whom you have studied or researched in your proposed field of study that can confirm your academic and personal qualities. Alternatively, a reference may be someone that has supervised you in work related to your proposed field of study. Reference forms should not be prepared by persons related to you or by personal friends. At least one academic and one professional or work related reference should be included among your three references. Ideally reference forms should be submitted through the online system.

May I submit more than three letters of reference?
Yes, but only three references are required for an application. Additional letters will be reviewed and kept on file.

May my referees submit a letter to your office instead of the Reference Form?
If your referees cannot complete the online reference form, please provide them with a hard copy of the Fulbright Reference Form for them to complete. Your referee must submit the reference form with their letter. The reference form is available to be downloaded as a PDF from the Supplementary Forms link on the online system. As with the printout of the online Reference, referees must give your their reference in a sealed envelope.

Does Fulbright require the GRE or GMAT to be included in my application?
No. The Fulbright Commission does not require results of the standardised tests. As a general rule, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) result report is required for admission into postgraduate courses in the U.S., however there are many exceptions. The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a requirement for admission consideration for most Business Administration (MBA) programs.  You should review U.S. admission websites to determine what you are required to submit in order for your application to be considered for admission into the academic program you are applying well in advance of the deadline to ensure your application obligations are met.

May I submit any part of my application by email or fax?
No. You will need to submit four hard copies of your complete Fulbright application form to the Fulbright Commission along with the supplemental documentation outlined in the How to Apply section of the award of the relevant award. 

Where do I send hard copy materials to?
To assist us in processing your application documents, be sure to include your name and program to which you are applying on the enveloped. All original hard copy application materials must be sent to:

Fulbright Commission
Brooklawn House
Shelbourne Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4

What is the next step after I submit my online application?
You must ensure that 4 hard copies of your online application, any supplemental documentation and your 3 references have reached the Fulbright Commission by the deadline.

Who selects the award recipients?
Interview panels are assembled comprising three representatives from relevant academic fields from Irish higher education institutions, Fulbright alumni and the Fulbright Commission Board.  The interview panels make recommendations to the Fulbright Commission Board who make initial grant offers to candidates that are subject to final approval by the J. Williams Scholarship Board in Washington, DC.

I will not be available the date of my interview. Would it be possible to make an alternative arrangement, a telephone interview?
No, as interview dates and panellists are organized months in advance. We do not conduct telephone interviews for short-listed candidates. If you are short-listed for interview, you will be expected to attend.

Will I be reimbursed for travel costs to attend the interview?
The Fulbright Commission does not cover any costs incurred to attend your interview.

What do I need to bring with me to my interview?
You are not required to bring any additional material or documentation with you to your interview.

How long will the interview last?
Interviews for Student awards last approximately 20 minutes. Interviews for Scholar awards last approximately 30 minutes. Foreign Language Teaching Assistantship (FLTA) candidates are required to complete a two part selection process; a written assessment (approximately 45 minutes) and an oral interview (approximately 30 minutes).

How long after the interview do I have to wait before I am notified if I am successful or not?
Interviewees are usually notified within 4 weeks if they are successful.

Can you provide me with feedback why I was or was not selected for a Fulbright award?
Yes. The Fulbright Commission will share with you, upon written request, feedback for your selection or non-selection.