How to Apply

The Application Process for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program

You will have a dual application procedure.

  1. The Fulbright grant competition and
  2. admission to the university.

Fulbright Program Application Process

Candidates will apply either through a U.S. institution or At-Large.

  • If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you are required to apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there.
  • If you are not currently enrolled, you may apply through your alma mater, provided that the institution is willing and able to accommodate alumni applications.
  • All other candidates will apply as At-Large applicants from their states of permanent residence, even if they are currently overseas.

Application deadline

  • The National Fulbright application deadline for the academic year 2027-28 will be published soon on the Fulbright U.S. Student Program . Typically, the deadline has been in October.
  • Please note that Campus Deadlines will precede the National Deadline. The campus-specific deadlines typically range from August 1 to October 1, 2025. Please contact the Fulbright Program Adviser at your campus for information on campus-specific deadlines.

Candidates applying through a U.S. institution usually have a separate campus deadline for their Fulbright application, which is typically 4-6 weeks earlier than the final October deadline. Confirm the campus deadline with your home institution's Fulbright program advisor.

Fulbright application form

  • Use this .

Instructions for filling in the application

  • Follow the .

Evaluation criteria

University Application Process

  • Fulbright applicants must independently apply for admission to the university.
  • Find the university's application procedures and deadlines on the university's website, or contact the program coordinator or the university's international office directly.
  • Verify that the program is offered in the academic year in which you intend to begin your studies in Finland. Some programs accept new students only every other year.
  • If you are applying to a joint or dual degree program, confirm with the university whether the program is eligible for the specific Fulbright award you are interested in.
  • To find suitable master's programs for you, use the .

Do I need a University Affiliation Letter for the Fulbright Application?

  • You do not need a university affiliation letter for the Fulbirght application when applying to a master's program in Finland. You will receive an admission letter from the university once accepted into a master's program.
  • Typically, the university application schedules in Finland are such that you would not have your university admission letter at the time of the Fulbright application deadline. Explain this situation and the university application schedule clearly in your Fulbright application (for example, in the study plan section) and submit the university application as soon as the university application period opens.
  • If, however, you already have a university admission letter by the Fulbright application deadline, you should attach it to your Fulbright application. 

You do not need a letter of affiliation from the university for your Fulbright application when applying to a master's program.