We know how complicated the application can be. Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions to provide you with the information you need to complete your application. Please carefully read through the information below. If any of your questions are not answered, please contact the student program officer for further clarification.
You've got questions, we've got answers
General application information
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 1 May.
What has to be submitted by 1 May?
The application deadline is 23:59 CET on 30 April. The complete application must include copies of your transcript(s) and/or diploma(s), a writing sample, and three letters of recommendation.
If you are an arts applicant and are unable to upload your required work samples/portfolios using the online application system, you should contact Fulbright Austria directly to determine the best delivery method.
What will happen if I submit an incomplete application?
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Can I apply for the Austrian Fulbright Student Program if I do not have Austrian citizenship but currently live in Austria?
No. Austrian citizenship is a prerequisite for participation in the Austrian Fulbright Student Program. Applicants who do not have Austrian citizenship should refer to the Fulbright commissions in their country of citizenship for further information on potential awards. To find the right Fulbright commission, consult this website.
Can I apply for the Austrian Fulbright Student Program if I have Austrian citizenship and do not currently live in Austria?
Yes. With the exception of a current residency in the US (see question below), your current country of residence has no bearing on your eligibility for the program.
Can I apply for the Austrian Fulbright Student Program if I have Austrian citizenship and am currently living in the US?
No. According to the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) guidelines, applicants who live in the US at the time of application are not eligible for this award.
Can I apply for the Austrian Fulbright Student Program if I did not complete my undergraduate studies in Austria?
Yes. A completed undergraduate degree is a prerequisite for participation in the Austrian Fulbright Student Program, but where you complete your undergraduate degree has no bearing on your eligibility for this program.
How long should my personal statement/study objective be and what should the documents focus on?
Your personal statement and your study objective should each be no longer than 1–2 pages. Remember that these documents are your opportunity to represent yourself in your own voice, so please take your time to craft sound statements that are true to your personal and professional goals.
Course of study and grade point average (GPA)
Is there a grade point average (GPA) that one must have to be considered for the Austrian Fulbright Student Program?
No. While good grades are advantageous, there is no set GPA that one must have to be considered for the program. Fulbright Austria takes a holistic approach to its application review and considers all factors as part of its assessment.
Do I need to have completed my undergraduate studies by the time of application?
No. Applicants must have either completed their undergraduate degree or stand to complete their undergraduate degree by 1 October (approximately five months after the application deadline has passed) in order to be eligible to participate in the Austrian Fulbright Student Program. Depending on the circumstances and the application deadlines at relevant US universities, students may be able to submit their undergraduate degree documentation by 30 October. Applicants who are currently enrolled in diploma programs (Diplomstudien), such as a law degree, may submit their degree documentation by 1 May of the following year (approximately one year after the application deadline has passed).
University selection
To which US universities may I apply as a candidate in the Austrian Fulbright Student Program?
Students may apply to any accredited US university that offers a master’s degree program in a discipline that is supported by the Fulbright Program. Candidates for the Austrian Fulbright Student Program may apply to up to four US universities. During the second phase of the application process, in which you apply to US universities, Fulbright Austria reserves the right to recommend up to two US universities for the applicant’s consideration.
Do I have to submit my university selection at the time of application?
No. Students do not have to submit their university selection when submitting their application to Fulbright Austria during the first phase of the application process. However, having an idea of what universities and/or programs interest you is advantageous, as it will help Fulbright Austria make more suitable recommendations.
Can I edit my university selection at a later date?
Yes. The university selection that is submitted during the first phase of the application process is a useful guide as you move forward in the Fulbright application and coaching process. Once you have been nominated to the program and enter the second phase of the application process, you will have the opportunity to revise your university selection.
Program selection
Can I apply for any master’s program in the US?
The Austrian Fulbright Student Program funds master's programs at all accredited US institutions. So-called “professional degrees” cannot be funded. This includes, for instance:
- MBAs and similar programs in business, management, marketing, and finance (with the exception of not-for-profit management and social entrepreneurship, public management and administration, public affairs, and/or public policy (MPA/MPP)
- LLM programs (with the exception of constitutional law, human rights law, international public law, legal theory and philosophy, comparative law, and/or legal history)
- Medical programs, veterinarian medicine, and/or pharmacy (with the exception of public health)
What if I wish to apply for an MBA or LLM in corporate law?
As these degree categories are not supported by Fulbright Austria, your application will not be considered.
Tests
Do I have to complete the GRE or TOEFL at the time of application?
No. If you are nominated to the Fulbright Program during the first phase of the application process, you will receive vouchers to take the GRE and TOEFL tests free of charge.
As a general rule, applicants to law programs do not need to take the GRE.
Where should the official test scores be sent?
The test scores must be transmitted directly by the testing organization to the Institute of International Education (IIE) with the following code: 2326 (TOEFL + GRE). Candidates are also encouraged to include Fulbright Austria’s codes (TOEFL Code: 7517; GRE Code: 4800) to have test results shared directly with Fulbright Austria.
Letters of recommendation
How many letters of recommendation are required?
Three letters of recommendation are required. All letters of recommendation must be written in English.
How should the letters of recommendation be submitted?
You must register the email addresses of professors who have taught you or supervised your academic work to complete and submit their respective letters. Your professors will be prompted by the application software to complete a reference form and upload the letter of recommendation directly. Fulbright Austria cannot accept letters of recommendation that are not submitted using the online system.
Who should write a letter of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should originate from academic sources who have taught you or supervised your academic work and are in a position to share observations about your achievements and ability to succeed in a US classroom. If you have considerable work experience, one letter of recommendation may also come from a current or previous employer.
Can I submit more than three letters of recommendation?
No. Additional letters of recommendation will not be considered.
Interview
How will I be notified of my interview?
Following the successful submission of their complete online application, candidates will receive an email invitation to an interview. Invitations will be sent to the email address provided in the application, so please be sure to include a current, valid email address that you check regularly. Please also be sure to check your junk mail to be sure that you do not miss important communications from Fulbright Austria.
Is it necessary to attend the interview in person in Vienna?
No. All interviews are conducted virtually.
Can I reschedule my interview?
Generally, no. Since interviews are organized per discipline, it is not possible to reschedule your interview for a different day; however, it may be possible to reschedule your interview at a different time, depending on the circumstances. Please contact the student program officer to discuss the possibility of rescheduling your interview for an earlier or later time if necessary.
Additional information
Can I apply to the Austrian Fulbright Student Program if I have already received a Fulbright grant?
Yes. According to the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) guidelines, preference will be given to applicants who have not had previous Fulbright grants. However, recipients of a basic Fulbright grant are eligible to receive another basic Fulbright grant five years after the date of completion of their previous grant.
