United Kingdom
1 Fulbright/University of Kent UKA Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
- Yes
Award Profile
The Fulbright University of Kent UKA Award covers the first year of any master's or doctoral degree programme offered by the University. The award is co-sponsored by the University and the University of Kent in America (UKA).
Here at the University of Kent we understand your passion to progress. Whether you are looking to gain advanced skills or join a global academic research community, our networks and facilities will help you achieve your ambition.
Challenge yourself.
Become a critical, creative, and strategic thinker and develop the attributes employers want - high-level research, planning and communication.
Kent is known for its teaching excellence and for the interdisciplinary nature of its programmes and research. Here are just a few options we offer our students:
- Many subject areas offer professionally accredited courses.
- Part-time and full-time options for our taught Master’s and research degrees
- Short courses and online distance-learning options are available with some of our degrees.
- Career-focused conversion courses for those looking for a change of direction.
Take a look at our extensive list of postgraduate courses on our online prospectus.
Leading the way
Kent’s approach to research has always been interdisciplinary and collaborative. In the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), our reputation was confirmed as a world-leading research university across the arts and humanities, sciences, and social sciences. For you, this means that you will be joining a community that pushes boundaries, which is ambitious, innovative and intent on making a positive difference to people’s lives. You’ll learn from leading thinkers whose work informs their teaching and who understand what it takes to produce research that matters.
University of Kent in America (UKA)
The University of Kent in America (UKA), the co-sponsor of the award, is a US-based charitable organization which raises funds for exciting student and alumni-focused initiatives and grants. The UKA Board is composed of alumni and university staff. UKA chapters have been established in major US cities and areas, such as Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Boston, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest, to reach as many alumni as possible and provide networking and social events. Activities are coordinated by an advisory committee made up of alumni who guide the group to facilitate reunions, promote networking, and assist with international recruitment. All University of Kent and UKA Award scholars are recognized as alumni by the UKA and are welcome to participate in local chapters when Fulbright scholars return stateside. Find out additional information about UKA at the following site and connect on LinkedIn.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The UK Research and Innovation’s minimum amounts for studentship stipends are used as a guide for the monthly stipend amounts. The figures are based on the monthly amount over a 10-month grant period.
Stipend amounts are set and do not change based on length of the degree.
Orientation
Candidate Profile
The Commission is seeking applicants who demonstrate:
- Rigor in scholarly enquiry and academic or professional excellence
- Strong reasons for wishing to pursue the proposed project in the UK and at a particular institution
- A desire to gain a better understanding of the peoples and cultures of their host country
- Commitment to the community through volunteer and extra-curricular activities
- Flexibility and dynamism necessary for active involvement in the host country
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Step into Fulbright in the United Kingdom—a vibrant exchange opportunity that has weaved strong bonds between the UK and the US since 1948. From the buzzing energy of large metropolitan cities to the charm of quaint towns, daily life as a Fulbright Postgraduate to the United Kingdom offers a wide array of experiences. Our awards unfold across the UK's diverse landscapes throughout England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Navigating the country is made easy with efficient public transportation networks, allowing scholars to explore cities, countryside, and coastlines. Throughout the year, grantees engage in cultural events and festivals, immersing themselves in the arts, music, and local traditions. To name a few opportunities, previous Fulbrighters have participated in Highland games, organised writing workshops in picturesque locations, and visited National Trust properties across the UK.
With over 160 universities, the UK is home to innovative and globally significant research and teaching projects spanning all disciplines and sectors. Fulbright awards are offered across all 4 nations and the British Virgin Islands, with a range of all disciplines awards and subject-specific awards.
Candidates interested in applying for an award in the United Kingdom are advised to visit the US-UK Fulbright Commission's website for more information on the awards offered by the Commission and to hear from our alumni community.
Explore firsthand accounts from US Postgraduates like Asael Rodriguez, who engaged with his host community of Canterbury through volunteering opportunities, and Katelyn Barnes and Paul Kyumin Lee, who deepened their work in peacebuilding and conflict resolution while researching in Belfast.
Hear about Fulbright experiences from Cesar Cortorreal, 2022-23 Postgraduate Awardee here:
Applicants may also wish to consult Universities UK, Universities Scotland, Universities Wales, and UK Research and Innovation for more information about higher education in the UK.
Applicants may contact the US-UK Fulbright Commission with any queries by emailing fulbrightprogrammes@fulbright.org.uk
Eligibility
6 Months
The following applicants are ineligible for consideration:
- Applicants who have extensive previous experience in the UK
- Applicants whose proposals are to complete any part of a medical degree, including internships or residencies, or applicants who hold a Ph.D. at the time the grant is to begin
- Applicants who have previously spent time at their selected university will be at a competitive disadvantage
- Applicants who have spent six or more months in the host country in the year prior to the grant are ineligible for consideration
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
In your Fulbright online application, for Award Name, please select the Fulbright/University of Kent UKA Award from the drop down menu.
Applicants will complete two applications, the Fulbright application and the university’s application (according to the university’s admissions procedures). Applicants must submit their university applications as early as possible, ideally before January 13, 2026. Applicants who fail to do so may be at a competitive disadvantage. The Fulbright Program does not cover the application fee for the university.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
Applicants are responsible for arranging their own affiliation and must apply for admission according to the relevant university’s admissions procedures. Applicants are not expected to have a letter of admission/affiliation at time of application, but awards are made conditional upon acceptance by the chosen institution before arrival.
Letters of recommendation are recommended but not required for master’s degree applicants. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the relevant faculty far in advance of the deadline to secure a letter.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Tuition for the first year of study will be waived internally by the host university.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
The stipend amounts are in line with the UK Research and Innovation’s minimum amounts for studentship stipends and allowance.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
For an idea of what to expect with regards to living costs within the UK, please refer to the British Council’s guidance on the cost of study for international students: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/cost-studying
Dependents
Grant Amount
- Full tuition waiver for the first year of study
- £19,503 living stipend
- $1,500 travel stipend
- A small travel allowance and accommodation to attend required Fulbright Commission enrichment events
The living stipend is intended as a contribution towards general maintenance costs towards the first year in the UK.