The United States Government Fulbright Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international graduate students to pursue Master’s and PhD studies in the United States of America.
Through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support covering tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, visa costs, and round-trip travel to the USA.
In this guide, you’ll find detailed information about the Fulbright Scholarship 2026, including eligibility criteria, benefits, required documents, and a step-by-step application process.
Fulbright Scholarship 2026 Summary
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Host Country: United States of America
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Study Destination: Study in USA
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Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
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Eligible Countries: All Countries
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Scholarship Benefits: Full Tuition | Monthly Living Stipend | Accommodation | Travel Costs
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Application Deadline: June 1, 2026.
About the Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals, and researchers from over 160 countries to study and conduct research at accredited U.S. institutions.
Each year, approximately 4,000 international students are awarded Fulbright scholarships worldwide. The program is administered by binational Fulbright Commissions, Foundations, or U.S. Embassies in participating countries, which handle all application and selection processes.
Requirements for Fulbright Scholarship 2026
To be eligible for the United States Government Fulbright Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Be a citizen or national of Nigeria, or a permanent resident holding a valid Nigerian passport
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Be a Doctoral (PhD) student who has completed a significant portion of their program at a Nigerian university
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Obtain official endorsement from their home institution
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Possess an excellent academic record and strong English language proficiency
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Meet required standardized test scores, including TOEFL (minimum score of 90)
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Submit TOEFL results no later than September 2026
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Demonstrate strong motivation, leadership potential, and commitment to completing the program and returning home
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Submit a well-structured research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, timeline, and justification for conducting research in the U.S.
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Preference is given to candidates who have not previously studied in the United States
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Applicants may not receive more than one Fulbright Student grant (except FLTA alumni)
Benefits of Fulbright Scholarship 2026
The Fulbright Scholarship provides comprehensive funding, including:
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Round-trip airfare to and from the United States
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Monthly living stipend
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Housing allowance
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Settling-in allowance
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Books, supplies, and computer allowance
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University health insurance and Fulbright ASPE health benefits
Required Documents for Fulbright Scholarship 2026
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
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Completed online application form
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Clearly written research objective or statement of purpose
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Professional curriculum vitae (CV)
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Three letters of recommendation (submitted electronically)
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Scanned copies of academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
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TOEFL score report
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Official hard copies of academic transcripts sent by mail (if required)
How to Apply for Fulbright Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Follow the steps below to apply:
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Visit the official Fulbright application portal
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Select your home country from the dropdown menu
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Carefully read country-specific requirements and instructions
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Complete the online application form
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Upload all required supporting documents
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Submit your application before the deadline
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Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email
Application Deadline
📌 June 1, 2026
