QUESTIONS ABOUT FULBRIGHT
What is the Fulbright Program?
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship international educational and cultural exchange program, present in 157 countries worldwide. It has benefited over 400,000 people selected based on their academic and professional merits, providing them the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research. More importantly, it allows for the exchange of ideas and helps find solutions to global challenges and interests.
I am not a Panamanian citizen but a resident of Panama. Can I apply for the Fulbright scholarship in Panama?
No. Foreign nationals must apply through their country of citizenship.
Can a Panamanian studying abroad apply for the Fulbright scholarship?
No, the individual must reside in Panama at the time of application and remain in the country throughout the entire process leading up to the studies in the U.S.
Can I apply for the Fulbright scholarship if I have dual Panamanian and U.S. citizenship?
No, those with dual Panamanian and U.S. citizenship or those with automatic eligibility for U.S. citizenship (e.g., born in the U.S., children of U.S. citizens, or U.S. residents) cannot apply.
Can I study at any university in the U.S.?
Yes. Applicants must propose three preliminary university options when applying for the scholarship. If selected, they can apply to up to four universities based on their profile, research/professional experience, and academic interests.
What fields of study are included in the scholarships?
The fields of study vary according to the postgraduate scholarship program. In general, Fulbright offers scholarships for all fields except clinical health areas and MBA programs (Master’s in Business Administration). We recommend reviewing the study areas for each scholarship.
Are medicine and related fields considered under the Fulbright program?
Applications for programs involving clinical practices with unsupervised direct patient contact in the U.S. are not accepted. Programs focused on the administrative aspect of medicine or research purposes, without direct patient contact or clinical treatment, are considered.
Why is the call for 2024-2025 and not 2023?
Those selected will begin their academic year in August 2024.
What does the scholarship include?
Fulbright master’s and doctoral scholarships are fully funded and include:
Round-trip airfare to the U.S.
Monthly stipend for housing, food, and transportation (amount varies by state).
University application fees.
J-1 Visa application fee.
Intensive English classes in the U.S., if needed. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
University tuition (amount varies by institution).
Academic materials.
Health insurance.
What type of studies are covered by the scholarship?
Fulbright master’s and doctoral scholarships are for full-time, on-site studies in the U.S. Semi-presential or online study modalities are not accepted.
If I applied for the Fulbright postgraduate scholarship in previous years, do I need to submit the form again?
Yes, even if you participated in previous years, you must complete and submit the form again according to the application requirements for the current call.
Is there an age limit for application?
No, but the program’s goal is for the applicant to return to their country and contribute their acquired knowledge and experience as an active professional for as long as possible.
Can I stay in the U.S. after completing my studies?
No. All Fulbright scholars travel to the U.S. with a J-1 study visa (non-immigrant visa) that includes the “two-year home residency requirement.” Fulbright is a public program, and this requirement ensures that scholars “give back” to their home country the investment made in their education. Therefore, scholars must return to their home country for at least two years after their scholarship period before they can apply for a residency or work visa (immigrant visas) in the U.S. However, it is possible to extend the stay in the U.S. for activities covered by non-immigrant visas, such as further studies or research.
I have already studied in the U.S. Can I apply?
Yes, but preference will be given to those who do not have previous academic experience at the university level in the U.S.
Are there scholarships for university students who have not yet completed their studies?
No, all our scholarships are aimed at individuals who have completed their university studies.
Can I apply if I already have an academic degree obtained in the U.S.?
No, this is a restriction set by the Fulbright program.
Can I apply for two scholarships simultaneously?
No, you cannot apply for multiple Fulbright scholarships at the same time.
Do I need to know English?
Since you will be immersed in an environment where all classes will be taught in English, it is necessary to demonstrate an intermediate-advanced level of English, i.e., a B2 level.
What is the TOEFL? Do I need to take this exam?
The TOEFL exam measures English language proficiency and is recognized and required by U.S. universities. TOEFL scores are valid for two years. The score required by Fulbright is set by the competition rules. However, each study program in the U.S. has its own minimum English requirements, which may not necessarily match Fulbright’s requirements for its scholarships. The cost of this exam is covered by the scholarship if you are pre-selected.
What is the GRE? Do I need to take it before the scholarship application deadline?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by most master’s and doctoral programs in the U.S. This exam evaluates verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills. It is not necessary to take the GRE before the application deadline.
Can I apply if I have technical studies?
No, the scholarships are only for individuals who have completed their bachelor’s degree.
Do I need to translate and/or apostille my documents at the time of application?
No, it is not necessary to translate or apostille academic documents at the time of application. We accept academic documents in Spanish during the application process.
I am in my final year of my degree and expect to receive my diploma after the Fulbright application deadline. Can I apply for the scholarship this year?
Yes, you can apply for the scholarship this year as long as you can obtain and submit a certification of completion of studies. However, you need to have your diploma before the personal interview. When applying for the scholarship, you must present the academic credits of all university studies completed until the application deadline.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
How can I find a program that fits my profile and interests?
If you are considering pursuing a master’s or doctorate in the U.S., it is important to study the program offerings in your field to find those that meet your academic and professional expectations and if your profile meets the admission requirements. You can find all this information on the websites of universities and postgraduate departments. You can contact EducationUSA Panama for help or information.
On each university’s website, under the “Graduate Admissions” section, you will find the admission criteria to evaluate whether you are an appropriate/competitive candidate for the university and program: average grades, scores on admission tests (GRE/GMAT) and English proficiency tests (TOEFL), and other statistics.
Is there a guarantee of being admitted to one of the three universities I propose in my application?
No. In the Fulbright scholarship application, you must propose three possible programs, but it is possible that a Fulbright scholarship candidate is not admitted to any of the chosen programs. Therefore, we recommend carefully studying the admission statistics of the programs and making a realistic selection to increase the probability of obtaining a place. The more universities and programs you research to find those most suitable for your profile, academic and professional interests, and other factors, the better you can defend the feasibility and value of your project and candidacy.
I have admission to a university in the United States. Can I start my studies and apply for a scholarship to fund the studies I am doing or for a second course?
No. Fulbright scholarships are awarded to start master’s or doctoral studies and cannot be used to continue previously initiated studies in the United States. In fact, the call requires not having started or completed master’s or doctoral studies aimed at obtaining a degree in the United States before applying for the scholarship.
Do I need to be admitted to a university to apply for the scholarship?
No. Once you are informed of your status as a finalist candidate, IIE will manage your access to the university.
In what language should I submit the application? What about the study project?
You must complete your application, including the study project, in English. Recommendation letters should be submitted in English whenever possible, but they are also accepted in Spanish.
What aspects should be reflected in my study project?
It is important that your project conveys that you have clear ideas, have studied your options, and that your interest in completing a postgraduate degree in the U.S. is genuine and well thought out. You must provide the selection committee with the necessary information to assess your trajectory, verify the coherence of your proposal, understand the impact the scholarship can have on your professional and personal development, and evaluate the contribution you can make to society in the medium and long term.
Who should write the reference letters?
It is important to carefully select the people who will support your application. They should know you well and be willing to write a recommendation that reflects your trajectory and strengths and genuinely considers that you deserve the scholarship. A reference signed by a well-known person but completely standard and impersonal has no value. They can be professors, tutors, mentors, or people who have supervised your professional work. We recommend contacting them in advance, explaining your goal, and even sending them the project you will submit so they know what they are recommending you for and can be specific. In the Recommendation Letters section, you must complete the form with the recommenders’ details (full name, email, etc.); the recommender will receive an email with a link to complete a brief survey and a specific field to write their recommendation and sign it digitally. There is also an option to upload the recommendation letter in digital PDF format.
What if my recommenders do not speak English?
Although it is preferable that the letters are written in English, they are also accepted in Spanish. These must be translated into English by an official translator.
Is there a predetermined distribution of scholarships by field of study?
The scholarships are open to all branches of knowledge, and a certain balance is sought among all fields.
SELECTION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS
What happens after I submit my application?
Your application is reviewed by the Fulbright Program. If approved in the first phase, you will have to take an English test as well as the PAEP test, which is a general knowledge test. If you meet the minimum score, you will be called for an interview. If not accepted, you will receive a notification letter. The process takes approximately one year from the time the call is published.
I know the interview is mandatory and in person in Panama City, but I live in the interior. Is there an alternative?
No. The candidate must travel to the city to attend the interview in person. You will be informed with sufficient time to plan the trip.
How long does each interview last?
The interviews last approximately 20 minutes and are conducted in English.
What is the timeline for applying for and receiving a master’s and doctoral scholarship?
February – April: Calls for master’s and doctoral scholarships open
July – September: Selection process and interviews
October – December: Preparation for university applications (Fulbright assists selected candidates in improving their profiles and securing university admissions).
March – April: Universities issue admission and funding decisions
August: Start of studies in the U.S.
