International Fulbright Science and Technology Awards

The US government's most prestigious and valuable education scholarships, International Fulbright Science and Technology Awards are for promising graduate students to undertake PhD study at top US universities in fields of science, technology or engineering.

Approximately 40 awards are offered each year to graduate students from around the world who demonstrate unique aptitude and innovation in scientific fields, leadership potential and the ability to be a cultural ambassador for their country. Candidates are nominated by their home country's Fulbright commission and selected by rigorous international competition.

Awards cover full tuition and stipend for three years of PhD study in the US, plus a return airfare to the US and allowances for books and equipment, research and professional conferences. The total value of the award is estimated at over NZ$350,000. Grantees' host universities are expected to cover the remaining expenses toward completion of the degree.

Eligible fields include: aeronautics and astronomics/aeronautical engineering, astronomy/planetary sciences, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer sciences/engineering, energy, engineering (electrical, chemical, civil, mechanical, ocean, and petroleum), environmental science/engineering, geology/earth and atmospheric sciences, information sciences/engineering (engineering focus only), materials science/engineering, mathematics, neuroscience/brain and cognitive sciences, oceanography, physics and public health (theoretical research focus only).

Studying in the US is an opportunity to explore America, share your culture and make friends with students from around the world. The quality of teaching, facilities and resources is renowned worldwide.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• have at least a four-year degree (or a three-year degree with honours), but not hold a doctoral degree at the time you take up your award
• plan to complete a PhD at a US institution
• apply to study in one of the eligible fields listed above. Please see also the more detailed Fields of Study Descriptions on the Institute of International Education (IIE) website, and contact Fulbright New Zealand if you are still unsure of your eligibility
• meet the citizenship requirements for this award

Citizenship requirements

• are a New Zealand citizen
• AND are not a permanent resident or citizen of the US
• AND are not currently living in the US*
  

* Applicants outside New Zealand who are unable to attend an interview in person may be disadvantaged.

Preference for Fulbright awards is given to candidates who have not had extensive recent experience in the US.

Entitlement

• Return airfare to the US
• Full tuition and stipend for three years
• Allowances for books and equipment, research and professional conferences
• Basic health and accident insurance up to US$100,000
• GRE test vouchers
• Support and enrichment seminars run by the Institute of International Education (IIE) throughout your stay in the US

The Institute of International Education (IIE) will assist you with identifying and applying to the most suitable US university for your intended course of study.

Award conditions

• You must plan to complete a PhD at a US institution
• Your award must be approved by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in Washington DC
• Your award must be taken up within a year of the award offer, but no earlier than July of the year following the offer
• US immigration documentation must be completed from within New Zealand
• International travel will only be funded between New Zealand and the US
• You may apply for academic training in the US for up to 18 months upon completion of your degree
• In keeping with US immigration requirements and the philosophy of the Fulbright Programme, you will be required to return to New Zealand for a minimum of two years before becoming eligible for permanent residency in the US

Fulbright orientation

It was Senator J William Fulbright's mission to build peace through the mutual understanding of cultures. Fulbright applicants and grantees are expected to understand and support this mission. To support this understanding, New Zealand grantees are required to attend a Fulbright orientation held each June in Wellington.

Application process

• You must complete and submit an online application by the deadline
• Submit all support documents to us by the deadline
• Interviews will be held in Wellington on 5 June (TBC). Fulbright New Zealand will pay the costs of travel to Wellington for applicants residing in New Zealand
• Fulbright New Zealand will nominate up to two candidates and one alternate to the US Department of State for review by US-based selection committees, which will include prominent academics and professionals in the appropriate scientific fields
• Final approval will be made by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB)
• We will advise you of the outcome of your application by mid-October
• If selected for an award, you will be required to undertake a full medical examination

Please note - applicants may elect to also have their application considered for Fulbright-Ministry of Research, Science and Technology Graduate Awards should it be unsuccessful in this competition.

Application and support documents

Online application

Applicants must complete the online application form for the Foreign Fulbright Program.

Please apply to the International Fulbright Science and Technology PhD Program, not the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Information pack

The International Fulbright Science and Technology Awards Application Information Pack includes instructions for completing your application and copies of the extra support documents that need to be submitted to Fulbright New Zealand by the application deadline.

Support documents

The support documents you will need to prepare are:

• Statement for International Fulbright Science and Technology Award Applicants
• three confidential letters of reference (if not submitted as part of your online application)
• certified or original academic transcripts covering the entire period of study at universities and other post-secondary institutions
• certified evidence of each university or post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate
• copies of your GRE test scores, if you have sat these recently
• a current CV outlining any professional practice work experience undertaken, with the work description and the personal responsibilities involved

Confidential Letter of Reference form:

student-reference.pdf (48kB)

student-reference.doc (121kB) - can be filled out electronically

Further information

For further information about International Fulbright Science and Technology Awards, contact our Programme Manager and Educational Adviser.

Fulbright New Zealand has Campus Advisers stationed on all major New Zealand campuses. Our Advisers are all Fulbright alumni who are available to discuss their exchange experiences with students and staff, as well as to give basic information about our awards.

More on Study in the US

Study in the US	Education Services
The Study in the US section gives you all the fundamental information you need to know about studying in the US.	Find out what services Fulbright NZ offers for students and scholars in the Education Services section.