United Kingdom
1 Fulbright/University of St Andrews 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 St Andrews Award covers a postgraduate degree programme, at Masters or research level (including PhD, MPhil, MLitt, et al.), for up to four years in any discipline.
Founded in the 15th century, the University of St Andrews is Scotland’s first university and the third oldest in the English-speaking world. Teaching began in the community of St Andrews on the east coast of Scotland in 1410 and the University was formally constituted by the issuance of a Papal Bull in 1413.
- The university is now one of Europe’s most research-intensive seats of learning – over a quarter of its turnover comes from research grants and contracts.
- It is one of the top-rated universities in Europe for research and teaching quality. St Andrews was named the top university in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2024 and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
- Its international reputation for delivering high quality teaching and research and student satisfaction make it one of the most sought-after destinations for prospective students from the UK, Europe and overseas.
- It is Scotland’s most international university – over one third of the student body is from outside of the UK.
- The university enjoys a 1:12 academic staff to student ratio, ranks among the top five in the UK for student satisfaction and maintains one of the strongest records in Europe for teaching quality, academic excellence and student support.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The Fulbright/University of St. Andrews Award covers up to four years of fee-liable study at Masters or research level (including PhD, MPhil, MLitt, et al.); however, the Fulbright grant period and associated grant benefits will only last for the first academic year. Associated grant benefits including enrichment events, travel and domestic travel stipends and Fulbright support are available for a 10 month period. After which, the grantee becomes a Fulbright alum, but continues their course of study at the University of St. Andrews with tuition fees and monthly stipend covered.
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 Fulbright University of St Andrews 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
As part of your application, you will need to include a letter of affiliation by the University of St Andrews.
If you are applying for a Postgraduate Research programme (e.g. PhD, MPhil, MSc(Res), MSt(Res), etc), you should include a letter of support from your proposed supervisor as the letter of affiliation.
If you are applying for a Postgraduate Taught programme (e.g. MSc, MLitt, MRes, etc), in most cases, you would need to use your offer letter of admission as the letter of affiliation. You may want to approach a member of staff of the relevant department and ask if they would be willing to provide a letter of reference for you. If yes, then that letter of reference would be used as a letter of affiliation. This would usually be possible only if the member of staff already knows your work and background, and you already have an offer to study with St Andrews.
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.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
The Fulbright/University of St. Andrews Award covers up to four years of fee-liable study at Masters or research level (including PhD, MPhil, MLitt, et al.); however, the Fulbright grant period and associated grant benefits will only last for the first academic year. Associated grant benefits including enrichment events, travel and domestic travel stipends and Fulbright support are available for a 10 month period. After which, the grantee becomes a Fulbright alum, but continues their course of study at the University of St. Andrews with tuition fees and monthly stipend covered.
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 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.
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
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Full tuition waiver
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£19,237 living stipend (minimum)
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$1,500 travel stipend
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A small travel allowance and accommodation to attend required Fulbright Commission enrichment eventsThe living stipend is intended as a contribution towards general maintenance costs towards the first year in the UK.