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Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. The program awards more than 2,100 grants annually in all fields of study, and operates in about 140 countries worldwide. All students and recent alumni are encouraged to consider this great opportunity, whether as part of your academic program or outside of it.

UW DEADLINE: August 27, 2025

Information sessions for UW students and alumni

Attending an information session is vital to preparing a successful Fulbright application. Information sessions will be hosted online throughout spring quarter—check out our Calendar of Events.

Unable to attend an information session this cycle? Global Fellowships Prep is available to all UW students and alumni. The site hosts recordings of all workshops and panel events, as well as additional resources to help UW applicants prepare competitive proposals.

Learn More About Global Fellowships Prep

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens (international students may be eligible for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program)
  • Master’s or doctoral degree student, professional degree student (without a Ph.D.), graduating senior, or alumni who hold at least a bachelor’s degree but not a Ph.D.

Application process

Current UW graduate students must apply through the UW campus process and meet our earlier campus deadline. The UW campus deadline for the 2026–2027 Fulbright U.S. student competition is August 27, 2025. Although the official Fulbright deadline is later, currently enrolled students MUST complete and submit all application materials by our earlier deadline. 

Graduate alumni are invited to apply through the UW campus process if they choose but may also apply at-large; applying through the UW campus process requires that you also meet the earlier campus deadline.

UW applicants are required to attend a virtual interview. Interviews will take place between Sept. 15-17, 2025. (NOTE: This is BEFORE autumn classes begin.)

The Institute of International Education (IIE)’s Fulbright website provides detailed information on the award itself and the application process.

Prospective applicants should check the eligibility requirements first. Then, closely read the country summary for the country to which you wish to apply. Each country has different guidelines, procedures and priorities. This is especially true of language and affiliation requirements. Pay close attention to the details in the country summary to make sure your interests match before proceeding with an application.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to register for Global Fellowships Prep (GFP) to gain access to UW application support, including application workshops, panel events, feedback sessions, and a wealth of curated online content to assist with putting together a competitive proposal.

Open a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Application

UW Fulbright Program Advisors

Several different Fulbright Program Advisors (FPAs) at the UW will assist you with understanding the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and putting your application together. We encourage you to connect with an FPA to discuss the process and your plans.

UW Seattle graduate and professional students (and recent Seattle campus graduates with master’s degrees but not PhDs) will apply through the Graduate School’s Office of Fellowships & Awards. FPA is Michelle Sutton; contact gradappt@uw.edu with application questions or to make an appointment to discuss your application.

UW Seattle undergraduate students (and recent bachelor’s degree graduates of the Seattle campus) will apply through the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards. FPA is Chetana Acharya; contact scholarq@uw.edu with application questions or to make an appointment to discuss your application.

UW Bothell students and alumni at all levels will contact Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards. FPA is Natalia Dyba, nataliak@uw.edu, UW1-160.

UW Tacoma students and alumni at all levels will contact UWT Global Affairs. FPA is Vanessa de Veritch Woodside, vdw@uw.edu.

UW alumni have the option of applying through the campus process, no matter how long it has been since they graduated. FPAs can help you determine if this is the best path for you to pursue, or whether you should apply as an At-Large candidate.

Materials and resources

Looking for more interactive support? Think about joining the UW Global Fellowships Prep community.

Following are links regarding the Fulbright program that are helpful during the application process:

Information for those writing reference letters


Awardee Stories

Four UW graduate students receive Fulbright awards for 2021–22
Four UW graduate students received Fulbright Fellowships for the 2021-2022 year, with awards to teach and conduct...
Q&A with 2024-25 Fulbright grantee Claire Rater
Claire Rater holds Master’s degrees in Epidemiology and Social Work and was awarded a Fulbright...
Megan Wing is the Fulbright recipient for 2022–2023
This year, one UW graduate student received a grant through the U.S. Fulbright Student Program...

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DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF)

Established in 1991, the Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) provides outstanding benefits and opportunities to students pursuing doctoral degrees in fields that use high-performance computing to solve complex science and engineering problems.

The program fosters a community of energetic and committed Ph.D. students, alumni, DOE laboratory staff and other scientists who want to have an impact on the nation while advancing their research. Fellows come from diverse scientific and engineering disciplines but share a common interest in using computing in their research.

Read More and Apply

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David L. Boren Graduate Fellowship

National Deadline: Jan. 22, 2025, 2 p.m. (Pacific)

David L. Boren Graduate Fellowships, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and regions that are underrepresented in study abroad programs, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are excluded.

Boren fellows represent a vital pool of highly motivated individuals who wish to work in the federal national security arena. In exchange for funding, Boren fellows commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.

The fellowships provide up to $25,000 for overseas study. In addition, Boren Fellowships can provide limited funding for domestic language study to supplement the overseas component. The maximum award for a combined overseas and domestic program is $30,000.

Information sessions

Check our Events & Deadlines calendar for upcoming information sessions. Sessions are typically held in autumn quarter.

Additional informational resources and webinar recordings are available on the Boren Awards website.

Eligibility

Boren Fellowships are for graduate students. You are eligible to apply if you are:

  • A U.S. citizen at the time of application.
  • Either matriculated in or applying to a graduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the United States. Boren Fellows must remain matriculated in their graduate programs for the duration of the fellowship and may not graduate until the fellowship is complete.
  • Planning an overseas program that meets home institution standards in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Boren Fellowships are not for study in the United States.

Application process

All application materials will be submitted online directly by the applicant; be sure to select the University of Washington as your current institution. We encourage you to seek application feedback from our office prior to submitting your materials.

Apply for the Boren Fellowship

Additional resources

Questions?

Michelle Sutton in the Office of Fellowships and Awards can assist you with questions and provide application support.

Awardee Stories

Introducing Boren Fellow Benjamin Kantner
David L. Boren Graduate Fellowships, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide funding for U.S....
Boren Fellows on the application process
The Boren Fellowship is a unique opportunity for U.S. graduate students to study less commonly taught...
Leoma James reflects on her Boren Fellowship experience in Tanzania
During her Master of Education program at the University of Washington, Leoma received an additional...

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UWRA Patricia Dougherty Fellowship in Aging

Award Information

The Graduate School is pleased to announce a competition for a fellowship for the 2025–26 academic year made possible through the generosity of the University of Washington Retirement Association (UWRA).

The UWRA Patricia Dougherty Fellowship in Aging is a one-quarter fellowship that supports graduate students of outstanding academic merit who have a demonstrated academic and personal interest in aging-related issues or concerns. The fellowship will provide a monthly stipend equivalent to the standard TA II level (currently $3,291/month), GAIP health insurance, and a waiver of state tuition for up to 18 credits (excluding U-PASS and international student fee) in the quarter when the student takes the fellowship. The choice of the quarter will be left to the discretion of the graduate student in consultation with his or her department.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 4 p.m. (Pacific Time) 

Eligibility

At the time of application, students must be matriculated in a UW graduate degree tuition program (fee-based programs are not eligible) and not in their last year of study. The recipient of the award must be enrolled in full-time credits (at least 10) during the fellowship quarter. Students in fee-based programs are not eligible to apply.

Application Materials

  1. Academic/research statement (maximum of two double-spaced pages) describing the applicant’s academic/research interests in aging-related issues and concerns.
  2. Personal statement (maximum of two double-spaced pages) describing the applicant’s personal interests and background in aging-related issues and concerns—e.g. personal experience, community service, work experience or other involvement.
  3. Curriculum vitae (maximum of two-pages)
  4. Unofficial UW transcript showing graduate coursework (available as a PDF from MyUW). Undergraduate transcripts are not required but can be submitted if they show evidence of relevant coursework in aging studies.
  5. Letter of recommendation from the applicant’s faculty advisor, addressing the applicant’s academic and personal commitment to aging-related issues and concerns. The letter of recommendation should be submitted directly by the writer. Students will send out recommendation requests via the application in MyGrad.

Apply Now via MyGrad

Selection Criteria

  • Demonstrated academic focus on aging-related concerns or issues as evidenced through the academic/research statement, curriculum vitae, and letter of recommendation.
  • Personal commitment to aging-related concerns and issues as evidenced through the personal statement, letter of recommendation, curriculum vitae, etc.
  • Academic merit as evidenced through GPA, letter of recommendation, transcript, and curriculum vitae.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Fellowships and Awards.

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Sinegal UW Graduate and Professional Fellowship

Award Information

The Sinegal UW Graduate and Professional Fellowship was established in honor of Jim Sinegal and his commitment to educational access and equity. The Sinegal Fellowship provides support for Costco Scholars who graduated from either the University of Washington or Seattle University and who are pursuing an advanced degree at the UW.

The Sinegal Fellowship is a 2-year award with a stipend of $10,000 each year ($20,000 total plus tuition coverage if the awardee is in a state-based program).  

Application deadline: Monday, May 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

Eligibility

  • Enrolled full-time in a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree program at the University of Washington for the 2025–26 academic year. Priority given to students enrolled in a 2+ year graduate program (2025–26 and 2026–27). 
  • Undergraduate Costco Scholars at either the University of Washington or Seattle University. 
  • Demonstrated financial need. Determination of financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) as evaluated by the University of Washington’s Office of Student Financial Aid. 

Selection Criteria

  • Active participation in the Costco Scholars program while an undergraduate
  • Academic merit
  • Financial need
  • Demonstrated commitment to community service

Expectations

Sinegal Fellowship recipients are expected to remain in good academic standing. Recipients will be expected to help the UW properly thank donors who contributed to their award by participating in stewardship activities which include:

  • Promptly completing a thank you letter
  • Attending the annual Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast event (September)

How to Apply

Newly admitted graduate students and continuing graduate students enrolled in a professional degree program apply directly to the Sinegal UW Graduate and Professional Fellowship via this application form.

Continuing graduate students apply directly to the Sinegal UW Graduate and Professional Fellowship via the MyGrad student portal

Questions?

For further information about the Sinegal UW Graduate and Professional Student Fellowship, please contact the Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (uwgsee@uw.edu, 206.543.9016).

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International Research Fellowships

Funded by the Chester Fritz and Boeing International endowments

These one-quarter grants provide support to UW graduate students doing research that takes place outside of the United States. Successful applicants are awarded either a Chester Fritz Fellowship or a Boeing International Fellowship.

The fellowships are available to fund research periods of one quarter (three full months) abroad during the 2025–2026 year (autumn 2025–summer 2026). These awards DO NOT support faculty-led UW study abroad programs. 

Awardees will receive a stipend of $2,800 per month, and paid health insurance (GAIP). During the quarter of their award, fellows are required to register for independent learning through UW Study Abroad. The program fee is covered by this fellowship. No extra money is included for airfare.

AWARD DEADLINE: Monday, February 24, 2025, noon (Pacific)

Eligibility

  • Must be a currently enrolled student in a UW master’s or doctoral tuition-based graduate program at the time of application and receipt of fellowship. Students who are on academic leave are not eligible.
  • Students in fee-based programs are not eligible.
  • Students who have already received a previous Graduate School International Research Fellowship are ineligible.

Application Materials

All of the following materials must be received by the application deadline in order for applicants to be considered; no late materials will be accepted. For a more thorough description of the required materials, please refer to the online application.

  1. Statement of purpose or outline of research project
  2. Timeline (by week) of proposed research activities
  3. Documentation of affiliation (optional but recommended)
  4. CV/Resume
  5. Unofficial UW Transcript
  6. One letter of recommendation. Applicants will designate a recommender via MyGrad.
Open an application in MyGrad

Selection Criteria

Criteria for selection are not limited to but include:

  • Explanation of the research that will be done on the fellowship
  • Evidence of the relationship between the proposed research and the applicant’s academic program
  • Evidence of the necessity to go overseas to conduct the research and the relevance of the university or locale to the planned research
  • Evidence of appropriate skills (including language competence) and support (including evidence of affiliation, if required or appropriate) to carry out the proposed project
  • If applicable, demonstration of the proposal’s innovativeness or contribution to the field

Applicants are not required to affiliate with an institution; however, your application will be stronger if you have arranged an affiliation that will provide you access and/or facilities to do your research/ study, or if you can demonstrate you are in the process of arranging such an affiliation.

Terms of Award

Successful applicants are expected to be in-country for the three months of the quarter in which they receive this fellowship.

Successful applicants may not receive funding or salary from another source comparable to the Fritz or Boeing Fellowship during the quarter in which they receive this fellowship. One-time travel or research grant funding may be acceptable with prior approval from the Office of Fellowships and Awards.

If the research includes systematic collection of information about or from humans or animals, the fellowship will not be disbursed until the student has received either approval or exemption from the Human Subjects Division or the Office of Animal Welfare. It may take several months to complete the process. Complying with Human Subjects Division or Animal Welfare review is the responsibility of the student, in coordination with their faculty advisor and department chair.

Travel to countries under U.S. travel warnings may not be permitted while on this fellowship. Students can consult with the Office of Fellowships and Awards for more information.

Questions?

Michelle Sutton in the Office of Fellowships & Awards can assist you.

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Bonderman Graduate Travel Fellowship

Bonderman Graduate Travel Fellowships are intended to provide an intensive solo travel experience to expand personal horizons. The fellowship is not for research projects, formal study at a foreign university, or internships abroad.

DEADLINE: January 16, 2025

Eligibility

  • Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must be a University of Washington graduate student, or graduate business, law or other professional student
  • Must be registered in course credits in a degree program during winter quarter 2025 (being on leave is not considered enrolled)
  • Must be in good academic, conduct and disciplinary standing during the quarter the application is due.
  • If awarded, good academic, disciplinary and conduct standing is a prerequisite of receiving the fellowship.

For undergraduate eligibility, please see the Bonderman Fellowship website.

Application process

To view information about the application process and access the application, please visit the Bonderman Fellowship website.

Questions?

Information sessions will be held; dates, times, and locations can be found on the Bonderman Fellowship website.

For questions not answered at a session, you may email bonderman@uw.edu.


Awardee Stories

Channing Nesbitt Looks Forward to Bonderman Adventure
 … “it will be a reformative time of life. I plan to come back very...
Natalie Gasca — A Biostatistician Travels the World
Natalie Gasca, a PhD student in Biostatistics, discusses the transformative experience of the Bonderman Fellowship...
Computer Scientist Gus Smith Seeks Deeper International Connections
Gus Smith, a Ph.D. student in Computer Science, was inspired by international and first-generation American...

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