Fulbright Programs
The Fulbright Program represents the highest ideals of international education, promoting mutual understanding, academic excellence, and meaningful engagement across cultures. As one of the world's most prestigious exchange programs, Fulbright provides students, scholars, and professionals with opportunities to conduct research, teach, and study abroad while serving as ambassadors of cultural exchange. At Montclair State University, Fulbright reflects the university’s commitment to global learning, innovation, and public service. The success of Montclair State’s Fulbright recipients highlights the exceptional achievements of our students and faculty, while reinforcing the university’s role in preparing globally minded leaders who make a positive impact in communities both locally and around the world.
Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright programs provide funding for faculty, students, scholars and professionals to undertake advanced research, university teaching, graduate study, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright Program has provided approximately 318,000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Montclair State University is proud of our continuing participation in the Fulbright, and the Office of International Academic Initiatives is the central resource on campus for both U.S. Student and U.S. Scholar Fulbright Programs.
Current Montclair students who are interested in participating in the Fulbright application process can visit this page to learn more.
Montclair State University Representatives:
Timothy White
Director, International Academic Initiatives
Fulbright Program Advisor for the U.S. Student Program
whitet@montclair.edu
David Schwarzer
Professor, Teaching and Learning, College of Education and Human Services
Fulbright Scholar Liaison, Faculty and Scholar Programs
schwarzerd@montclair.edu
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
Which Type of U.S. Scholar Award is Right for Me?
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers more than 380 awards in more than 120 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research, and carry out professional projects around the world. College and university faculty, research and development professionals, as well as artists and professional practitioners from a wide range of fields can join nearly 450,000 Fulbrighters who have come away with enhanced skills, new connections, and greater mutual understanding.
For the full list of our award offerings, visit the U.S. Scholars Awards Search. Location, activity type, and eligibility vary across awards. Some awards may be restricted to certain career profiles or disciplines. Awards range from a few months to a full year. Each award outlines the duration and potential start dates, and some offer a Flex option for multiple visits to the host country. All of this information and more is available in the award description.
The U.S. Scholar Program includes the following Award Types:
Fulbright Scholar Awards comprise the bulk of awards offered and include opportunities for professionals, artists, and scholars at all career levels. These include opportunities to pursue a project in multiple countries and world regions, such as the Global Scholar Award.
Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Awards are open to scholars who have more than seven years of experience in their discipline or area of expertise, though some awards may further restrict eligibility. Mid-career, senior academics, and professionals may want to consider these awards. Distinguished Scholars are expected to actively engage host institutions in a spirit of promoting mutual understanding and sharing knowledge.
Fulbright Postdoctoral Awards provide recently graduated scholars an opportunity to conduct research and receive professional training abroad. Awards may involve limited teaching. Postdoctoral Awards are open to scholars who have received their doctoral degree (Ph.D., J.D., M.D., Ed.D., etc.) within five to seven years of the fellowship start date, as noted in the award description. Degree conferment before the start of the award is mandatory. While institutional affiliation in the United States is not required, be sure to view the award for any citizenship/residency requirements.
Fulbright International Education Administrator Awards provide international education professionals and senior higher education officials an opportunity to engage in a two-week intensive seminar to learn about the host country’s education system and establish networks of U.S. and international colleagues. View IEA awards.
Other Opportunities
In addition to the four awards listed above, there may be other awards and seminars being offered. Please check the CIES listing of Fulbright Programs for the latest opportunities.
This program brings visiting scholars and professionals from abroad to lecture at U.S. colleges and universities for one semester or one academic year. Preference is given to minority serving institutions, but others may apply as part of a partnership.
An opportunity which enables Fulbright Visiting Scholars who are currently in the U.S. to accept short, guest lecturing invitations at colleges and universities.
Application Deadlines and Eligibility Requirements
The application deadline for awards varies – see individual programs for details. U.S. citizenship is required. For other eligibility requirements and detailed award descriptions visit the CIES website or contact them at scholars@iie.org.
How Can I Apply for Fulbright as a Montclair student?
Rising seniors, graduate students, and recent graduates can receive funding to study, research, or teach English abroad through the Fulbright Program. Applicants from ALL academic fields are welcome!
In order to become an official applicant through Montclair State University, and be recommended by our university, you must complete an Applicant Support Interview with the Montclair Campus Committee. Fulbright Program Advisor Dr Tim White is holding Information Sessions and completing advising every summer so that students can apply for the right Fulbright award, and so they can craft the most competitive applications possible.