Deadline: 20 July 2025
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program awards grants to students to conduct Master’s degree studies at U.S. universities.
These studies will be funded for one year, pending: a successful application for a J-1 visa; receipt of medical clearance; successful academic placement at a U.S. institution of higher education by the Institute for International Education (IIE); and availability of funds.
Costs Covered
- Round-trip international airfare
- Tuition at a U.S. university
- Monthly stipend (up to 12 months)
- Supplemental health and accident coverage
- Book and materials allowance
- Participation in Fulbright enrichment activities
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship & Residency: Must be a Maldivian citizen and resident.
- Education: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree by the start of the grant.
- Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate English proficiency through successful TOEFL score.
- Application Submission: Must complete and submit an online application, including a study plan.
- Recommendations: Must provide three reference letters.
Selection Criteria
- Professional qualifications.
- Study plan and or Research proposal (quality, feasibility) depending on area of study.
- Plan for utilizing acquired knowledge upon return.
- English language proficiency.
- Necessity of conducting the project in the U.S.
- Quality of references.
- Preference will be given to candidates with little or no prior experience in the United States.
Application Requirements
- Personal Statement – A written essay explaining the motivation for studying in the United States.
- Field of Study Essay – A detailed description of academic goals and research interests.
- Recommendation Letters – Names of three individuals who will provide letters of recommendation, preferably those who can evaluate academic abilities and professional aspirations.
- TOEFL Scores – The most recent TOEFL scores, if available. Applicants who have not taken this exam may still apply, as the Embassy will arrange testing for final candidates. Duolingo is not accepted in certain U.S. universities.
- Ensure all documents are ready before beginning your application.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Maldives.