Frequently Asked Questions

To assist the application process please review the questions and answers before contacting the Fulbright Commission

Do I need to be in certain field of study to be able to apply for a Fulbright Student award?
Applicants from all fields may apply, with the exception of clinical medical studies. The Commission also has a dedicated Irish language award.

The postgraduate/Master’s course I want to complete in Ireland starts in January 2011, not September 2010, should I still apply by October 2009?
Yes. For all Student awards, you will need to apply by October in the preceding academic year.

When should I apply for a Fulbright award?
You should start planning and thinking about your intended Irish study/research program well in advance of the application. You may only apply for a Fulbright award when the competition is open (March for Scholars and May for Students). Competitions open the previous year of the award year.  The deadline for Scholar applications is usually 1st August and the deadline for Student applications is usually mid to late October.

I have not yet received a letter of invitation/admission offer from an Irish university. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes. Most student candidates will not have an admission offer or letter of affiliation by our application deadline. You should indicate the Irish institutions that you are in the process of applying to or have already applied to on your Fulbright application form.  If you are successful for a Fulbright award, you will be offered an award on the condition that you have an affiliation at an Irish institution. Scholars must receive a letter of invitation as part of their application.  Contact the Commission if you need advice / assistance regarding admission to / affiliation to an Irish university or institution.

How do I apply for a Fulbright Student Award?
The Fulbright Student Program is managed by the Institute of International Education in New York, New York.  IIE requires all US applicants to complete an online application. For full details about the awards and the application process visit: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html.

How do I apply for a Fulbright Scholar Award?
The Fulbright Scholar Program is managed by the Council of International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) in Washington, DC.  CIES requires all US applicants to complete an online application. For full details about the awards and the application process visit: http://www.cies.org/

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

When will I hear if I have been successful?
Students and Scholars are usually offered awards between the March or May before the academic year commences.