The US Embassy has announced details for the prestigious Fulbright Foreign Student Program for 2027, inviting applications from students across the UAE. Eligible candidates including students and professionals can apply to the program’s upcoming edition, gaining a chance of scholarships at universities across the United States.
What is the Fulbright program?
Titled the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, it is a flagship international academic exchange initiative sponsored by the US government. It operates in partnership with more than 160 countries worldwide and offers opportunities to study, conduct research and contribute to solving complex global challenges, as per the organisers. Participants, often described as the “best and brightest” from their home societies, are offered to study or conduct research in the United States for one year or longer at US universities or other accredited educational institutions.
What does the program cover?
The program offers funding for tuition and other required fees along with a monthly stipend to cover reasonable costs of living, and a limited health coverage plan for the duration of the programme.
Who can apply?
According to the official website, participants are chosen through an open, merit-based competition in which variables such as leadership potential, academic excellence and the ability to adjust to life in the United States are considered.Applicants are required to be citizens of or permanent residents holding a passport with Khulasat Al-Qayd from the United Arab Emirates and must be residing in the UAE throughout the process from application to placement. They must have a strong academic background with a US-equivalent bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. They also must be proficient in English or able to attend a Long-Term English (LTE) program before the beginning of the academic program.
Eligible fields of study
Applicants in fields of study including the humanities, social science, science, technology and engineering are invited along with non-clinical programs such as public health and nursing. Graduates in clinical studies such as medicine and nursing are not permitted.
Documents required for application
The following documents are required at the time of submission:
- Original academic transcripts and their certified translations
- TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores (If available)
- Resume mentioning all previous education and work experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement is up to 600 words in length
- A study or research objective statement
- Emirates ID or passport with Khulasat Al-Qayd
- Proof of degree completion or a copy of the diploma
How to apply?
Applications for the program are open till June 1st, 2026 and should be submitted online. Selected candidates are required to be available for interviews in Dubai or Abu Dhabi during the month of July 2026. Interested candidates can apply at apply.iie.org/ffsp2027 and visit the Amideast website for more information.
