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Fulbright

Fulbright Program

Program Uncertainty — Funding Instability & Political Interference

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Overview​

Program Uncertainty — Funding Instability & Political Interference

The Fulbright Program has faced significant disruption since early 2025 under the Trump administration. In March 2025, a funding freeze paused grant disbursements for all Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs programs. In June 2025, 11 of 12 members of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board resigned, citing "unlawful" political interference — including the denial of awards to selected scholars and an unauthorized review of 1,200 foreign recipients. The White House FY2026 budget proposed a 93% cut to educational and cultural exchanges. As of July 2025, Congress included $287.8 million for Fulbright in its draft appropriations bill, and the Lebanon program continues to accept applications for the 2027-2028 cycle. However, the program's long-term future remains uncertain. Verify the latest status before applying.

References: Fulbright Program Status | NPR — Board resigns | Washington Post — Funding freeze | CNN — Board resignations

  • Provider: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA); administered locally by AMIDEAST Lebanon
  • Type: Government-funded scholarship (US-backed)
  • Founded: 1946 (globally); operating in Lebanon through AMIDEAST
  • Description: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides grants for Lebanese graduates to pursue Master's-level study or graduate research at U.S. universities. It is the flagship international educational exchange program of the U.S. government, designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. The program covers a maximum of two academic years of graduate study, beginning in August of the award year. Recipients must return to Lebanon for at least two years upon completion of their program (J-1 visa home-residency requirement).
  • Official links:
  • U.S. Embassy Beirut — Fulbright 2027-2028
  • ECA — Fulbright in Lebanon
  • Fulbright Online Application Portal

Sources:AMIDEAST — Fulbright LebanonU.S. Embassy Beirut

Grade & background requirements​

Nationality
Lebanese citizen, or permanent resident holding a Lebanese passport, or holder of the Special Travel Document for Palestinian Refugees issued by the Lebanese Government. U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents are not eligible.
Residency
Must reside in Lebanon throughout the application, selection, nomination, and placement processes.
Academic level
Must hold a U.S.-equivalent bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by the program start date.
GPA
Strong academic background required; no specific minimum GPA is published, but competitive applicants typically have high academic standing.
English proficiency
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores must be submitted. Recommended minimums:

TestRecommended minimum score

TOEFL PBT
550
TOEFL iBT
79-80
IELTS
6.5 overall
Duolingo
Accepted (no minimum published)

Source:AMIDEAST — Fulbright Lebanon

Applicants who do not meet the English requirement may be placed in a Long-Term English (LTE) program (6-8 months) prior to their academic program.

Work experience
Two years of professional work experience required by May of the application year for MBA applicants only.
U.S. experience
Preference is given to applicants with little or no previous experience studying or living in the United States. Applicants who have resided in the U.S. for 5+ consecutive years in the preceding 6-year period are ineligible.
Employment restriction
Cannot be employed by a U.S. diplomatic mission or AMIDEAST during the application period.

Source:AMIDEAST — Fulbright Lebanon

Application window​

The most recent open cycle is for 2027-2028 (study begins August 2027):

StageDate

Applications open
February 2, 2026
Applications close
May 4, 2026 (11:59 PM Beirut time)
Interviews (shortlisted)
June 2026 (in Beirut)
Program begins
August 2027

Required documents

  • Online application via apply.iie.org/ffsp2027
  • Academic transcripts with certified English translations
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores
  • Current resume / CV
  • Three recommendation letters in English
  • Personal statement (max 600 words)
  • Study / research objective statement
  • Passport copy

Note: Applicants needing computer or internet access can use the AMIDEAST advising center in Beirut for free.

Source:AMIDEAST — Fulbright Lebanon

Supported universities​

Fulbright funds graduate study at accredited U.S. universities. There is no fixed list of partner institutions — AMIDEAST advisors help nominees identify and apply to suitable programs, but the U.S. Department of State and/or the relevant Fulbright Commission make final placement decisions.

Eligible fields of study: Humanities, social sciences, science, technology, and engineering.

Excluded fields: Clinical medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and nursing degree programs. However, related fields such as public health, nursing administration, and pharmaceutical sciences are permitted.

Sources:AMIDEAST — Fulbright FAQAMIDEAST — Fulbright Lebanon

Benefits​

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is fully funded:

BenefitCoverage

Tuition
Full tuition for the minimum required course credits
Living stipend
Monthly living allowance (approximately $3,231/month as of Fall 2025; varies by location)
Round-trip travel
Airfare to and from the United States (most direct route per the Fly America Act)
Health insurance
Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) plan; covers accidents and illness (not routine or preventative care)
Books and supplies
Book and supplies allowance
J-1 visa
J-1 visa sponsorship provided
Duration
Up to 2 academic years; LTE pre-program of 6-8 months if needed
Alumni network
Access to the global Fulbright alumni network and enrichment seminars

Post-award obligation: Recipients must return to Lebanon (or country of nomination) for at least two years upon completion of the program.

Official program contacts

U.S. Embassy Beirut — Public Diplomacy: BeirutPD@state.gov

Fulbright Program Status: fulbright.org/status