2025-26 ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grants Program

ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grants Program is an academic mobility program with 70+ years of history. We support master’s and doctoral studies and research from all fields to a U.S. university or research institution, and to expand horizon through cultural immersion.

Application Requirements

Ambassadorial Requirements

• Cultural ambassador of Finland: You are motivated to learn about other cultures and share your own. The grantees contribute to the enhancement of the Finland-U.S. relations by acting as Ambassadors of their home country and institution and promoting cultural understanding.
• Representing a Fulbright Finland Foundation grant program: You can seek additional funding but you are primarily a representative of the Fulbright Finland Foundation grant program you are selected for.
• Motivated to learn and share: You are motivated to develop your field of specialization and share your knowledge and learning during and after the grant term. After the grant term, you are interested in engaging as an alum.

Academic Requirements

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree: You have completed your degree in a university or university of applied sciences by the end of the application period.
  • If, for administrative reasons, you have not obtained the degree certificate but have completed all courses and thesis required for your degree by the last day of the application period, you can still apply for the grant program.
    Please include an informal certificate provided by your institution as a proof. This certificate needs to state when you will obtain the official degree certificate. Once you receive your the official certificate, please email a copy of it to us immediately.
• Start of studies: Your full-time studies/research visit in the U.S. begins in fall of 2024.
• One-year duration: Your degree lasts for at least one academic year / research visit for 9-12 months.
• Willingness to apply to multiple universities: At the time of applying, you do not have to have a study place in the U.S., or an invitation from the host organization. Yet, you are prepared to apply to several universities you would like to study at. Your university list needs to be balanced and include a back-up plan. You will receive help from us in creating a balanced university list.
  • For visiting student researchers and doctoral degree applicants, it is very important to establish initial contact with potential supervisors to learn about suitable opportunities before submitting the grant application.
  • For your research visit, it is possible to have two different host organizations consecutively.
• Accredited institution: The U.S. universities you apply to must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency or association as recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Check the institution accreditation here.
  • In some cases, visiting student researcher's hosting organization can be a research center or other suitable organization.
• All fields of study are welcomed: Your studies or research during the Fulbright grant term is in or close to your own field. Only studies or research including patient care or other patient contact are excluded.

Visa Requirements

• J-1 Visa: You will travel to the U.S. with an exchange visitor visa (the J-1 visa) organized by the Fulbright program.
• Finnish citizenship and residence: You must be a Finnish citizen. You cannot have Finnish-American dual citizenship or a permanent residence permit in the U.S.
  • The grant cannot be given to an applicant who already resides in the U.S. You have to start your studies in the U.S. with the ASLA-Fulbright grant.
• Previous stay in the U.S. (for both applicant and family members): Due to the 12-month bar and 24-month bar regulations, if you and your family members have visited the U.S. with a J-1 or J-2 visa within the past 24 months, please contact the Fulbright Finland Foundation when writing your application.
• Two-year home country residency requirement: Grantee cannot apply for a work permit or an immigration visa to the U.S. immediately after their study period has finished. One has to reside in their home country for two years after the grant period is over to get a work permit or an immigration visa. However, normal tourist visits and for example studying in the U.S. is possible.

Program benefits

We provide you with a wide range of support services to prepare you for your upcoming journey:

• Grant: Maximum of USD 30 000 for one academic year.
• University placement services (including support for securing university funding): An optional free help in finding U.S. universities that best match your academic and professional goals as well as provide opportunities for university financial support. The service also includes waivers for U.S. university application fees and TOEFL and GRE test vouchers. This service is provided by the Foundation’s program partner Institute of International Education (IIE) in the U.S.. Read more about the service here.
• Personal advising and guidance services: Supporting you before and during the grant term.
• Orientation training: Equipping you with insights to navigate American academic system and society.
• Networking opportunities: Enabling you to build connections professionally and internationally in Finland and the U.S. As a Fulbright grantee, you are provided an opportunity to participate in the Fulbright enrichment activities (seminars, events, and workshops) allowing you to connect with fellow grantees and American community members. In addition, you will be joining a global network of 10000+ alumni as well as the Fulbright Finland alumni community.
• Opportunity to apply for follow-up funding: If you are completing your entire degree in the U.S. for more than one academic year, you can read about the Renewal Grant for further details.
• Fulbright Finland Centennial Travel Grant in Architecture, Design and the Visual Arts: This can be awarded to one of the Finnish or U.S. graduate student grantees representing any of the three fields (additional award provided by an alum for transatlantic and project related travel expenses).
• Free visa: J-1 visa for you, and J-2 visa for family members who travel with you.