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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STUDY/RESEARCH GRANTS
If you are applying for a Fulbright research or study grant, you will invite three individuals to write thoughtful and thorough letters of recommendation. You should meet with the individuals to discuss your Fulbright plans and give them a draft of your statement of grant purpose to inform their letters.
In general, the recommenders should accomplish two key things in their letters:
First: Address, with specific examples, their experiences working with you (e.g., in an academic, co-curricular, or professional setting), including their observations about your work.
Second: Then offer their perspectives about your Fulbright candidacy, based on their previous work with you. Fulbright gives the following guidance about topic areas they should discuss:
- Feasibility of the applicant's proposed project in terms of the resources available and the research environment within the host country
- Appropriateness of the project and subject matter for the host country
- Suitability of the proposed research methodology given the topic and the applicant’s background
- Ability of the applicant to successfully carry out the proposed research project and/or degree program within the allotted grant period
- Linguistic preparation for the proposed plan
- Applicant's ability to adapt to a different cultural environment and to represent the U.S. as a cultural ambassador
- If in the arts, comment on the applicant's talent and potential for growth
- Any other factors which you believe may have a bearing on the applicant's grant experience, if selected.
Process and Timeline
It is incredibly important to engage with recommenders now - if you have not already. This conversation will allow individuals to learn more about Fulbright's mission and your specific plans for the grant award, as well as give them adequate time to write a thorough letter. Don't wait! (Recommenders might also provide you with valuable feedback as your project ideas develop!)
Tip: In the "Personal message to recommender" (image below from the application portal), be sure to thank the recommender and language evaluator, while noting, "This recommendation or language evaluation is due no later than September 1, 2026, at 12 PM NOON ET."
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