Fulbright U.S. Student Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fellowships for students and young professionals to pursue international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, or primary or secondary school, or university teaching abroad.
The program awards approximately 2,000 grants per year, and operates in more than 140 countries worldwide. Along with the Fulbright Scholar Program (for faculty, researchers, and other professionals), it is one of the most prestigious and competitive fellowship programs in the world.
For the 2025-26 award cycle, five Geneseo students won U.S. Student Fulbright awards and eight students were named as semifinalists. Over 50 Geneseo Fulbright alumni have been placed on every continent in the world except Antarctica.
In 2025—for the seventh time in eight years—SUNY Geneseo was named a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Student Awards. Geneseo was the first dedicated SUNY institution to receive such a distinction and annually ranks in the top five amongst Carnegie classification masters institutions for producing Fulbrighters.
About the Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants to support recipients' study, research, or teaching in a participating country for the duration of one academic year.
During that year, Fulbrighters live with and learn from the people of their host country. The program facilitates cultural exchange through interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field and home—allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others' viewpoints and beliefs.
Student Highlight
"The main takeaway I have from my Fulbright experience is the importance of intentional living. Every action has far-reaching effects ... every interaction that you have changes people's lives."
-Kiaya Rose Dilsner-Lopez '17, Fulbright recipient
Countries Available
Many countries and many academic areas are included in the Fulbright Program. Generally, each country has its own options and requirements. Applicants should consult the Fulbright region guide for specifics.
Types of Awards
The Fulbright Study/Research Award is the traditional award opportunity where a candidate designs a proposal for a specific country. Also, Fulbright awards are available for graduate degrees in many countries around the world.
The most popular, Fulbright English Teaching Assistant programs place grantees in schools overseas to supplement local English language instruction and to provide a native speaker presence in the classrooms.
In addition to the awards above, there are special programs that may change depending on the application year. More information on the types of student Fulbright awards is available on the Fulbright website.
Application and Eligibility
The Fulbright student program is for high-achieving students from all majors, even alumni. More information about Fulbright eligibility requirements can be found on the Fulbright US Student fellowship website.
The 2026-2027 Fulbright U.S Student competition application is open. The national deadline is in October. The Geneseo on-campus deadline for application materials to be submitted to millsm@geneseo.edu is in mid September. Interested applicants must contact Dr. Mills to apply.
SUNY Geneseo Contact
Students and alumni interested in applying for a Fulbright U.S. Student award are directed to contact the Fulbright Program Advisor Michael Mills, Director of National Fellowships and Scholarships, at millsm@geneseo.edu for more information and assistance with applications.