Fulbright Finland Scholars in the U.S.

Fulbright Finland Renewal Grant 

The Fulbright Finland Foundation awards a limited number of small renewal grants for the Foundation's grantees continuing their studies in the U.S. after their initial grant year. Renewal grants can be applied for and awarded multiple times for the same program or studies for which the original grant was received.

Apply by May 12, 2026!

Grantee's Ambassadorial Role

The Fulbright Finland Foundation’s grantees act as ambassadors of Finland and the Foundation in the U.S., sharing their culture and contributing to the relations between Finland and the U.S. 

The Fulbright Finland Renewal Grant recipients are engaged in the Foundation's outreach activities while in the U.S. In this role, the grantees share information in their own networks on the Foundation's grant programs to Finland for U.S. students, scholars, and professionals. The Foundation has prepared outreach materials that the grantees can use in their promotional activities. As ambassadors of the program, the grantees also have an opportunity to share their grantee experience with the new grant applicants, for example, by writing a blog post, news article, or social media post for one of the Foundation's communication channels.

Grant

The Foundation awards a limited number of small renewal grants for the Foundation's grantees continuing their studies in the U.S. after their initial grant year. The size and the number of the grants awarded may vary as they depend on available funding each year.

Schedule

  • Grantees should send their application via the links below to the Fulbright Finland Foundation by May 12, 2026.
  • Graduate students, please note that before submitting your grant application, you need to be in contact with IIE to arrange your Fulbright status and visa sponsorship for your studies for the following academic year.
  • The Foundation makes decisions on the Fulbright Finland Renewal Grants by mid- June. The Fulbright-Technology Industries of Finland program has its own notification time in late August or early September.
  • The grant will be paid to the grantee in September.

Selection Criteria

The following criteria will be used in the selection of the grant recipients:

  • Contribution to the objectives of the Fulbright Finland Foundation grant program, documented by the grantee’s reports, e-mails, and other contacts to the Foundation throughout the grant year, and a statement enclosed with the renewal grant application.
  • Financial need.
  • Academic qualifications and satisfactory progress of the study project.

Application

 A complete application includes:

1.  The application form

2. Justifications. Submit a justification letter (max 500 words) explaining why you are applying for the Fulbright Finland Renewal Grant. In your letter, describe your contributions as an ambassador of Finland and the Fulbright Finland Foundation during your grant period in the U.S. Provide specific, concrete examples of how you have supported or promoted Finland, the Foundation, or its programs. These may include, for example:

  • Communication activities
  • Promotional efforts
  • Public visibility or outreach
  • Highlighting your Fulbright Finland experience or the Foundation in your own channels (e.g., social media, blogs, presentations, events)

Also, outline your plans for the next academic year to continue promoting the Foundation and its programs.

3. A brief supporting statement (200-500 words) from your academic supervisor. Be sure to get in touch with the Foundation immediately if you have any challenges acquiring the supporting statement from your advisor.

How to submit the application?

Submit the application and justification letter here by the deadline. Make sure both the form and supporting statement are signed and typed if possible. Your academic supervisor should send the supporting statement separately.

What is the Fulbright Finland Foundation?

The Fulbright Finland Foundation is a private, independent, not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland. The Foundation’s aim is

  • to promote a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States, and
  • to support the internationalization of Finnish higher education institutions.

What Makes the Fulbright Finland Foundation programs unique?

  • In addition to the grant, the Fulbright Finland Foundation offers the grantees several additional benefits and free support services, as well as access to a global, multi-professional network.
  • We are looking for applicants who want to impact the future and to make a difference – applicants who want to facilitate positive change, develop and advance their own profession or discipline, and find solutions to national and international challenges in their field.
  • The grantees also act as ambassadors for the Fulbright Finland Foundation, their home country, and their home organization and, in this way, do their part in sharing their home country and culture while contributing to the relations between Finland and the U.S.