Austrian Fulbright Student Program

Type
Austrian Fulbright students
Application Period
1 February 2026–1 May 2026
Grant Length
One- and multi-year programs
Starting Date
August/September 2027
Back

Obtain a Fulbright grant to pursue a master's degree and study in the US.

Submit an application

Applications for the Austrian Fulbright Student Program must be submitted online using the IIE platform linked below. Before applying, please read the frequently asked questions below and download the application .zip file to access detailed application instructions and country-specific materials.

 

Applications are not currently being accepted. The link to the online application management system will be available on this page when the application period starts.

1. Submit an application
2. Program background and objectives
3. Program requirements
4. Selection criteria
5. Benefits
6. Roadmap: From application submission to program start
7. Frequently asked questions
8. Contact us
1. Submit an application
2. Program background and objectives
3. Program requirements
4. Selection criteria
5. Benefits
6. Roadmap: From application submission to program start
7. Frequently asked questions
8. Contact us

Program background and objectives

The Austrian Fulbright Student Program offers generous scholarship support for Austrians who are interested in enrolling in one- or multi-year master's programs at leading universities all over the United States. We also coach candidates throughout the entire process of submitting applications to four US universities. Austrian Fulbright students challenge themselves and enhance their skill sets in a master's program of their choice while enjoying all the benefits of being part of an international network of Fulbright program participants and alums.

Applicants for Fulbright scholarships are evaluated based on the strength of their academic record as well as their personal communication skills and social engagements. Following our mandate to "promote mutual understanding between the peoples of Austria and the United States of America," Fulbright Austria is particularly interested in applicants whose personality, interests, and career plans will contribute to the advancement of intercultural understanding.

Program requirements

  • Austrian citizenship (Dual citizens of Austria and the US are not eligible due to program regulations.)
  • Candidates must already have a degree from an accredited university or university of applied sciences or be close to completing their degree.
    • Bachelor's programs: after submitting your application by 1 May, your degree must be completed by 1 October at the latest (degrees completed by 30 October will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
  • 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:
    • 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) 
  • Funding cannot be awarded for study programs to which candidates have already been admitted or for which they have already applied outside of the Fulbright Program.
  • Candidates who meet the qualifications to apply for the Austrian Fulbright Scholar Program (postdocs and professionals) cannot apply for an Austrian Fulbright student grant.
  • Candidates who have already received a Fulbright student grant, a postgraduate grant (with the exception of internships) from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF), or a grant from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) or the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) are also not eligible to apply.
  • It is also not possible to receive funding through Fulbright if you also receive a grant from any of the institutions noted above.
  • Austrian Fulbright students are funded through the BMFWF; as such, they are not eligible to apply for other grants offered by the BMFWF.
  • Nominations for a Fulbright grant are contingent upon approval from the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB). According to the FFSB’s rules and regulations, candidates who are already in the US at the time of their application are not eligible to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to candidates who do not have extensive and/or recent experience living and studying in the US.
The Fulbright experience is truly unique and different from other exchange programs in that it challenges you in so many ways, makes you leave your comfort zone multiple times, enables friendships across the globe, and provides a wonderful support network. The Fulbright Program helps you grow academically, personally, and professionally at every stage of your journey. Make the most of it and do not doubt yourself!
Stefanie Haller, 2024–25 Austrian Fulbright student

Selection criteria

  • Excellent study record (US institutions consider each applicant's cumulative grade point average (GPA))
  • Qualifications relevant to the study program for which the applicant would like to apply
  • Scholarly, artistic, social, and political commitment and work (also on a volunteer basis)
  • Career objectives
  • Study proposal
  • English skills and communication skills
  • Test results of the mandatory standardized tests required for the admission to a US institution
    • All candidates must pass the GRE with a good score after admission to the Fulbright Program (i.e., not before the 1 May application submission deadline).  Applicants for law programs are exempt from this rule.
    • All candidates must pass the TOEFL with a good score after admission to the Fulbright Program (i.e., not before the 1 May application submission deadline) to evaluate the candidates' language skills. 

Benefits

  • Tuition and maintenance grant of up to $50,000 for one-year programs or up to $75,000 for multi-year programs
  • Travel and relocation allowance of up €2,000
  • Enrollment in the US Department of State's Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) with a maximum coverage of $100,000
  • Negotiation of (partial) tuition waivers or additional financial support conducted with the relevant US institution by IIE
  • Coaching and administrative support during the application phase, which increases the probability of acceptance to a US institution
  • Vouchers for GRE and TOEFL examinations after admission to the Fulbright Program
  • Application submission to four US institutions as a "Fulbright candidate" and coverage of associated application fees by IIE
  • Visa sponsorship: J1 visa (exchange visitor) requires grantees to return to their home country for at least two years after the completion of their studies before they can apply for a residence or work permit (you can, however, re-enter on a tourist or student visa at any time)
  • Pre-academic training in the US (occasionally) and/or participation in "enrichment seminars" in the course of one's stay
My Fulbright grant has truly transformed both my professional and personal life. As I begin my second semester, I can already see how many doors it has opened. If you’re considering pursuing a graduate or post-graduate degree in the US, I highly recommend applying for the Fulbright Program—it offers incredible opportunities to connect with people both within the program and across the US. Madeleine Pumberger, 2024–25 Austrian Fulbright student

Roadmap: From application submission to program start

The Austrian Fulbright Student Program has a significant lead time and takes place in two phases. In the first phase, interested parties submit an application to Fulbright Austria. If applicants are nominated to the program, they begin the second phase of the application process, which involves tailoring their applications to four US universities. Throughout this entire process, applicants receive guidance and support from both Fulbright Austria and our partner in the US, the Institute of International Education (IIE). Before starting your application, please be sure to factor the timeline below into your study plans.

 

2026

  • The application deadline is 1 May.
  • The most qualified applicants will be invited for a virtual interview in June.
  • Candidates will be notified whether or not they were selected by the end of June or the beginning of July.
  • A virtual half-day seminar will be held for nominated candidates in July to optimize their applications.
  • Candidates revise their application documents by 15 September.
  • TOEFL and GRE test results must be submitted by 15 September.
  • Applications are submitted to four US institutions via the Institute of International Education in fall.

2027

  • Candidates receive their university admissions decisions between February and May.
  • Candidates make a final decision on which university to attend by April/May.
  • Candidates attend the annual Fulbright Seminar in American Studies in April/May.
  • Candidates travel to Vienna to attend a predeparture orientation and to submit their US visa applications in June. 
  • Austrian Fulbright students depart for the US in August/September to start their master's program.

Frequently asked questions

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. Questions and answers have been divided into the following categories:

  • General application information
  • Course of study and grade point average (GPA)
  • University selection
  • Program selection
  • Tests
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Interview
  • Additional information

Please carefully read through the information below. If any of your questions are not answered, please contact the student program officer for further clarification.

 

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 00:00 CET on 1 May. 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:
    • 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.
Darrah Lustig
Contact Person

Darrah Lustig

Student and FLTA Program Officer
TEL. +43-1-236 7878 - 16
DLustig@fulbright.at

Contact now

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