The US Government’s Fulbright Program is one of the world’s most prestigious and widely-known academic exchange programs. The main goal of the Fulbright Program, initiated in 1946 by Senator J. William Fulbright, is to strengthen the basis for peace by strengthening mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the peoples of partner countries around the world. Student and faculty exchanges at the highest possible level of academic excellence are the principal means employed by the Fulbright Program to achieve this goal.
The United States-Israel Educational Foundation (USIEF), established by the Governments of the United States and Israel in 1956, is responsible for the administration of Israel’s participation in the Fulbright Program.
In the years since USIEF’s establishment over 1,200 US citizens and over 1,500 Israelis have taken part in a variety of Fulbright exchanges. US alumni have made their mark primarily in the academic world. Israeli Fulbright alumni fill leading roles in academia, in government, in medical and social services, and in literature.
Who may apply:
- Candidates must be Israeli citizens. Dual American-Israeli citizens or permanent residents of the United States are not eligible to apply.
- Candidates must be resident in Israel at the time of application and must continue to be resident in Israel until the beginning of their post-doctoral research in the United States as Fulbright Fellows. Researchers who have already begun their projects in the United States or who are planning to depart Israel for the United States before July 2011 are not eligible to apply.
- Candidates who have received a USIEF Fulbright Student Fellowship are not eligible to begin a visit to the United States as Fulbright Post-Doctoral Fellows until five years have passed from the conclusion of their stay in the United States as Student Fellows. See the regulations regarding repeat fellowships in the Fellowships section above.
- Holders of tenured or tenure-track positions are not eligible to apply.
- Researchers in medicine, dental medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing and other fields whose research proposals include clinical contact with patients are not eligible for Fulbright grants. Candidates with medical degrees are not allowed to pursue medical residencies or internships in the United States as Fulbright Fellows.
- Prior to activation of grants awarded, candidates selected must give proof of completion of all requirements for receipt of the doctoral degree.
- Prior to activation of grants awarded, candidates selected must give proof of acceptance as a post-doctoral research fellow at a recognized institution in the United States.
- Candidates must be in good health. All applicants selected for a Fulbright grant are required to submit a Medical History and Examination Report before their grants can be activated.
- Prior to activation of grants awarded, candidates selected must give proof of having obtained adequate financial support for their stay in the United States.
- Prior conviction or current indictment for a felony may result in disqualification.
Selection Process:
- Academic excellence is the primary criterion for the evaluation of candidates.
- English language proficiency is an important evaluation criterion.
- Leadership qualities are an important evaluation criterion.
- Preference will be given to applicants who have not had a substantial, recent, academic experience in the United States, or other English speaking country.
- Preference will be given to candidates who have received their doctorates within two years prior to the presentation of their applications.
- Preference will be given to candidates under 35 years of age.
- Preference will be given to candidates who have not had previous Fulbright grants.
- Possession of skills required to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Israel is an important evaluation criterion.
How to apply:
Application Deadline:
January 15, 2011
