Who is a Fulbright student grantee?
The Fulbright U.S. Student program awards grants to U.S. students for one year of study or a research period in Finland. The grantee’s grant term in Finland can have one of the following purposes:
- to complete a full master’s or doctoral degree
- to take courses as a non-degree student
- to conduct research*
- to conduct research* and take courses
* A research student comes to Finland to conduct an individually designed research project in an institution selected by the grantee. The project can include working as part of a research group or working on an independent research project. Research student work under the supervision of a research adviser provided by the host institution.
Background of the grantee
The Fulbright student grantee must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and does not need to be enrolled in a U.S. university during the Fulbright period in Finland. Thus, the grantee’s research or studies in Finland are not necessarily included in a degree in the U.S.
The Fulbright program is very selective and all the grantees have gone through a thorough screening process in the U.S. and in Finland.
When does the applicant apply for the grant?
The candidate applies for the Fulbright student grant approximately one year prior to starting their studies/research in Finland. The grant selections are normally published each year in April and the Fulbright period starts in the following fall semester.
What benefits does the Fulbright U.S. student grantee receive?
The grantee receives a monthly grant (EUR 1 000 - 1 900), a travel allowance (USD 1 600), and a residence permit allowance through the Fulbright program as well as additional support services, networking opportunities, and a supplemental accident and health benefit.
Some of the grants also include a separate scholarship to cover tuition fees during the first year of studies. The tuition scholarship can also be granted for the second year of studies provided that the grantee has been successful in their studies during the first year.
Also, some of the grants provide the grantee an opportunity to participate in a subsidized Fulbright Finland Foundation pre-approved summer school in Finland before the start of their studies (pending the availability of suitable programs). The summer school consists of courses on Finnish language, culture, and society.
What is the role of the Finnish host institution?
Whether the grantee's purpose in Finland is to study or conduct research, the host institution is expected to provide the grantee with all the support services available for international students and visitors at the host institution, such as orientation and tutoring.
The role of a Finnish institution hosting a research student
The host responsibilities of a research student are described in detail in the Commitment to Host a Fulbright Research Student form. This form needs to be filled out and attached to the Fulbright application by the applicant.
The role of a Finnish institution hosting a student wishing to take courses/complete a full degree
- Inform the applicant about the university application procedure and deadlines
- Provide a letter of admission after the candidate has been accepted to a degree program or given a right to take courses at the university (for example as a visiting student). Often however, the university application period has not started before the Fulbright grant application period ends, and thus the candidate is not able to attach such a statement to their Fulbright application. In this case, the candidate needs to submit the university application as soon as the university application period opens. The candidate is then requested to send a verification of the submission to the Fulbright Finland Foundation. An automated message from the application system about successfully submitting the application is sufficient for this purpose.
Further information
Karoliina Kokko, Senior Program Manager
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel. +358 44 5535 268
