Fulbright Foreign Student Program for Students from Iraq

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international educational and cultural exchange program, creating connections in a complex and changing world. Led by the U.S. government in partnership with 160 countries worldwide, Fulbright builds lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries around the world, building mutual understanding between nations, advancing knowledge across communities, and improving lives around the world. The Fulbright Program enables Iraqi students to pursue master’s-level study in the United States.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

This program is for graduates, artists, and professionals from diverse social, economic, academic, and professional backgrounds. A competitive applicant should have an excellent academic record, strong English language skills, and the commitment to return to Iraq upon completion of the program. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously studied or lived in the United States. Fulbright Program opportunities are available to qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, geographic location, socio-economic status, disability, or gender identity.

Upon competition of their Fulbright-funded graduate studies, all Iraqi Fulbright students must return to Iraq for a minimum of two years.

APPLICANTS INTERESTED IN PURSUING A MASTER’S DEGREE MUST

• Be an Iraqi citizen and physically reside in Iraq throughout the application, selection and placement process.
• Have at least two years of professional work experience (after graduation).
• Have a strong academic background.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Be proficient in English and/or able to attend a Long-Term English (LTE) program prior to the start of the study program.
• Applicants should be responsible citizens who demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity and flexibility needed to adjust effectively to life in the United States and advance mutual understanding.

U.S. citizens or green card holders and/or those applying for permanent residency or the diversity visa lottery are ineligible to apply.

** A candidate who has resided in the United States for five or more consecutive years in the six-year period preceding the date of application is ineligible for a grant.

*** Amideast staff members and consultants and the employees of U.S. missions who work for the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development are not eligible to apply, nor are their immediate family members, during the period of their employment and until one year following the termination of employment.

BENEFITS

• Tuition, living stipend, and travel and academic allowances.
• Opportunity to experience life in the United States and share your culture with Americans.
• Pre-academic training and enrichment seminars.
• Induction into the global Fulbright alumni network.
• Earn a graduate degree in a field of your choice from an American university.