Planning collaboration

Evaluation Criteria

Fulbright Finland Scholarship applicants are evaluated by committees comprised of alumni and other experts from academia as well as for instance professional organizations and government. The committees use the criteria below in assessing the applications and interviews.

Motivation for Applying to the Fulbright Finland Foundation Programs

The Fulbright Finland Foundation programs promote cultural exchange and exchange of knowledge between Finland and the U.S., in addition to promoting diplomacy through science and education. Due to the nature of the program, the following factors of the candidate are considered not only relevant but critical:

  • motivation for joining the program and acting as an Ambassador of the Fulbright Finland Foundation, home country and institution
  • adaptability to a new country and culture
  • willingness to share knowledge during and after grant
  • willingness to continue active engagement after the grant term in the role of an alum 

Strength of the Proposal

The following factors of the proposal (objectives and goals) are evaluated:

  • relevance
  • clarity, specificity
  • innovativeness
  • feasibility
  • rationale for conducting the project in Finland/U.S

Potential Outcomes and Impact

The proposal’s potential outcomes and impact are evaluated. A strong proposal includes a clear description of its benefit or contribution to/advancement of some of the following targets:

  • the chosen field of specialization and profession
  • creation of long-term linkages and collaborations that benefit the field
  • a wider audience, the society at-large
  • Finland or Finland-U.S. relations
  • the applicant’s home and host institutions

Academic and Professional Merit

A candidate must have strong academic and professional standing as appropriate to the grant category. The following factors of the candidate’s academic and professional background are evaluated:

  • qualifications and professional experience
  • recognition and accomplishments
  • academic records (when applicable)
  • publications (when applicable)
  • exhibitions, performances (when applicable)
  • extracurricular activities