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A Fulbright participant's first semester
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Read moreGraduate study in the United States
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Graduate study in the United States for outstanding students and young professionals. Amideast administers Fulbright applications in several countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
Announcement
Fulbright applications are country-specific. Each country page lists its own eligibility, recruitment status, application route and contacts.
See country availabilityOverview
Program overview
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international academic exchange program sponsored by the United States Government. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. Government, and administered by Amideast in the Middle East and North Africa region. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate students, early career professionals, and researchers from abroad to research and study at U.S. universities for one year or longer. Participants are selected through an open, merit-based competition based on leadership potential, academic excellence, and the ability to adjust to life in the United States. Participants become part of a global network of Fulbright participants and alumni.
For over five decades, Amideast has placed students from across the MENA region into universities throughout the United States, provided support and assistance to students on the program and worked with alumni.
- Graduate study or research at a U.S. institution
- Professional connections in your field
- Academic and cultural exchange
- A lifelong Fulbright alumni network
Check
Eligibility
Use this checklist as a starting point, then review the guidance for your country.
To see country-specific eligibility, choose your country.
A qualifying bachelor's degree
A strong academic record
English readiness, or an applicable English preparation pathway
Commitment to return home after the program
Country guidance
Iraq
Applications open (preview)Applications for the last cycle are closed.
Two years of post-graduation professional experience.
Amideast Iraq: Erbil
Timeline: Applications close December 25, 2026. (Preview-only demonstration date)
Local eligibility
- Must be a citizen of or permanent resident able to hold a passport from Iraq.
- Must reside in Iraq throughout application, selection, nomination and placement.
- U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are not eligible.
- Must hold a U.S.-equivalent bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by the program start date.
- Must have a strong academic background.
- A candidate who has resided in the United States for five or more consecutive years in the six years preceding application is ineligible.
Work experience
- Two years of post-graduation professional experience (required)
English testing
- Must be proficient in English or able to attend a Long-Term English (LTE) program before the academic program begins. TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores are submitted if available.
Documents
- Original academic transcripts, with certified English translations where needed
- TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores, if available
- A current résumé or CV detailing education and work experience
- Three letters of recommendation in English or certified English translations
- A personal statement in English, up to 600 words
- A study/research objective statement in English relating to the proposed field
- Copy of passport, if available
Fields of study
- Applications are accepted in most fields, including the humanities, social sciences, science, technology and engineering.
- Graduate programs involving clinical studies, such as medicine and nursing, are not permitted. Non-clinical public health and nursing administration are permitted.
Who is not eligible
- Employees and consultants of Amideast, employees of U.S. missions who work for the U.S. Department of State or the former U.S. Agency for International Development, and their immediate family members are ineligible during employment and until one year after employment ends.
- Employees of organizations responsible for nominating or selecting participants for exchange programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs are ineligible during and for one year after such employment, association or service.
Application instructions
- Complete the application online. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Recipients must return to their country or territory of nomination for at least two years after completing the program.
- Applicants needing a computer or internet connection to complete the application can use the Amideast advising center for free.
- The Fulbright Program has zero tolerance for plagiarism. Applicants who plagiarize any part of the application may be immediately disqualified.
- All submitted work should be your own original work. Copying content produced by generative AI directly into an application may negatively affect admission or affiliation decisions.
Interviews
- Last cycle: Virtual (Online), August 2026. Dates for the next cycle will be announced.
Step by step
How to apply
General process. Application links, forms and timing come from your country panel.
Step 1
Select your country
Review its eligibility and recruitment status.
Step 2
Check documents
Confirm required documents and any local instructions.
Step 3
Apply
Use the verified application destination when applications are open.
Step 4
Interview & selection
Follow your country's interview and selection instructions.
Common document checklist
Exact requirements and exceptions are listed in your country details.
- Academic records
- CV
- Recommendations
- Personal statement
- Study / research objectives
- Identity documentation
- English testing information
Original work, AI use, exclusions, submission rules and post-award obligations.
Prepare
Fulbright resources
For applicants
For advisors
Advisor Resources
Resources for advisors who answer questions and help guide Fulbright participants during the recruitment, application and placement process. Access is password protected.
For Participants
Participant Resources
Resources for Fulbright participants before departure, on arrival and during their time in the United States. Access is password protected.
These are existing resources. No new documents are created for this prototype.
Alumni
Connect with Amideast Fulbright Alumni
If you are interested in receiving updates and alumni grant announcements, make sure we have your current contact information. Email updates to: fulbrightmena.alumnigrants@amideast.org
Alumni Information
Help
Frequently asked questions
Citizens of participating countries who hold a bachelor's degree and meet the English-language and academic requirements. Country-specific rules are on each country page.
Get in touch
Country Fulbright contact
Select a country for local contact
- Each country page lists its local office and contacts.
Fulbright inquiry
Alumni community
Stay connected after your program
Join the Amideast alumni community to hear about learning opportunities, events, and stories from fellow participants.