One of the best and most famous scholarships available to students who are applying for higher education in the US is the Fulbright Scholarship Program. Founded in 1946 by the then U.S. Forerunner of the US Senator James William Fulbright, the scholarship is designed to promote global education and cooperation. In its focus on scholarly excellence and training future leaders, the Fulbright Scholarship is an envoy of scholarship and opportunity for ambitious young people from around the world.
The Fulbright Program: A Brief History and Legacy
In September 1945, the U.S. senator James William Fulbright proposed a bill in the Senate that created the Fulbright Program. The initiative was created to help people in the United States and in other countries to understand one another. It has offered thousands of students, researchers and young professionals, since its inception in 1946, the chance to study, teach and research in the US.
The programme has international standing: it’s graduated 54 Nobel Prize laureates and 82 Pulitzer Prize laureates. We can’t underestimate its contribution to global education and to the world at large, having defined the careers of people who went on to make great contributions in a wide range of disciplines.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Programme: A Brief Guide.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Fulbright is an incredible program that allows foreign students to go to college in the US. That is, it’s designed for excellent students who are interested in studying for a Master’s or PhD in top US universities. With this scheme, students from 160+ countries like Bangladesh can get access to the best of the educational and research facilities, for better academic and professional opportunities.
The programme is diverse, offering study opportunities in many fields such as:
- Commercial: MBA in HRM, Global Commerce, Logistics, Medical Administration.
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pharmacy.
- Economics: International Economics, Trade and Finance, Policy, Environmental and Natural Resources Economics.
- Education: Administration of Higher Education, Education Policy, Planning and Management, Curriculum and Instruction.
- Studies in the Environment: Disaster Relief, Planning, etc.
And it’s because of this wide range of disciplines that the Fulbright Program is open to researchers from a truly international and interdisciplinary community.
Benefits of the Fulbright Scholarship
The Fulbright Scholarship consists of a suite of benefits that will support the student during the entire course of his studies in the US. These benefits include:
Travel & Baggage Allowance: In-full coverage for round-trip airfare and additional luggage allowance.
Tuition and Fees: Full reimbursement of tuition & related fees, plus a book allowance for the aid of study material.
Health and Accident Insurance: Coverage for health and accident insurance so that students get protected during their stay.
Monthly Stipend: A monthly stipend to live and eat while in the program.
Unexpected Expenses: A stipend for non-advanced expenses, giving money security while in the scholarship program.
This generous assistance means recipients can spend all of their time on their education and career without fear of budget limitations.
Selection Procedures for Fulbright Scholarships 1.
Applications for the Fulbright Scholarship are considered on the following grounds:
Qualifications: Candidates must possess 4-year BBA degree and have good record. It is a scholarship that is given to Master students, so good academic record is essential.
Profession Experience: Applicants should have two years of professional experience. This means the scholarship will be granted to someone who is ready to do their own part in their area of expertise and has a solid background of practical experience.
Language Proficiency: Minimum TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 7.0 to prove your English ability.
No Previous U.S. Degree: Candidates should not have a prior US degree or a Master’s from a foreign country. But third-country Master’s students are eligible too.
Conditions of Health / Citizenship: Candidates should be healthy and well-versed in English and citizens of Bangladesh or their home countries.
Further, candidates must be between 24 and 30 years old when applying.
Application Process
Apply for the Fulbright Scholarship on-line. It’s generally launched in April – June, so candidates should keep their eyes peeled over the official website for information. Candidates must apply through an online application and provide supporting documents, such as:
- Academic Certificates and Transcripts
- Recommendation Letters (3 required)
- Form for Academic Report (from official site)
- Sign-Up Form (found at the official site)
- TOEFL/IELTS Scores
- Scores on GRE/GMAT (These competitive tests are required for university admission and can help the applicant increase his or her chances of receiving the scholarship).
Key Dates and Resources
Applications generally open in April through May, so make sure to start working on your documents earlier. Applying individuals may visit the Fulbright Program official website or the U.S Embassy in Dhaka for more information.
You can apply online on these sites:
- Fulbright Program Official Application Portal
- U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh – Fulbright Program Information
Conclusion
This Fulbright Scholarship Program is an amazing opportunity for individuals of great talent looking to impact the world in their own special ways and make a difference. Not only is it financially rewarding, but you also have the opportunity to join an international community of researchers, academics and practitioners. With a long history and great alumni, the Fulbright Program is one of the most sought-after scholarships available for those who wish to continue their education and careers in the United States.
The road to a Fulbright Scholarship is not an easy one, but with hard work, preparation, and a strong application it’s open for anyone willing to make a stand.
