Fulbright Scholarship for Tunisians

The Fulbright Scholarship is the US government's flagship academic exchange programme. For decades, it has enabled Tunisian students, researchers and professionals to go to the United States for a master's, a doctorate, a research stay or a teaching experience. Here are the programmes available, the requirements and the procedure.

The Fulbright programme is funded by the US government and managed locally with the US Embassy and a partner organisation. The programmes open, the number of scholarships and the timeline may change from one year to the next: always check the current call.

The main programmes open to Tunisians

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

For a master's or a doctorate (or part of a doctorate) at a US university. This is the best-known programme. It is aimed at graduates with an excellent record and a clear plan.

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA)

For young teachers or graduates who will teach Arabic at a US university for one academic year, while taking courses. An excellent way into the American system.

Fulbright Visiting Scholar

For experienced researchers and academic staff, for a research stay in the United States.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship

For mid-career professionals (public sector, NGOs, companies): a year of non-degree study and professional development in the United States.

What the scholarship covers

Depending on the programme, the scholarship can include:

• tuition fees (or a fee negotiation with the university);

• a monthly stipend;

• the flight ticket;

• health insurance;

• a J-1 visa sponsored by the programme.

The usual requirements

• Be a Tunisian citizen and live in Tunisia at the time of application.

• Hold the required degree (bachelor's for a master's, master's for a doctorate).

• Have an excellent academic record.

• Have a good level of English, often proven by a test (TOEFL or IELTS).

• For some programmes, work experience.

• Commit to returning to Tunisia at the end of the programme: the J-1 visa often involves a two-year home-country residence requirement.

People with dual US citizenship or living in the United States are generally not eligible.

The application file

• the online form;

• essays: study objective statement and personal statement;

• generally three recommendation letters;

• diplomas and transcripts translated into English;

• a CV;

• test results (English and sometimes GRE or GMAT depending on the programme and field).

The essays are decisive: they must show a precise plan, your background and the impact you will have in Tunisia when you return.

The selection process

1. Online submission of the file before the deadline.

2. Shortlisting by a committee in Tunisia.

3. Interview with a panel (in English).

4. Nomination of the selected candidates.

5. Placement in US universities, often with the help of the organisation managing the programme, and possible tests.

6. Departure about a year after applying.

So allow 12 to 18 months between applying and starting your studies in the United States.

Our advice

1. Start early: tests, letters and essays take several months.

2. Be precise: which programme, which field, which target universities, and why.

3. Show your commitment: associations, projects, volunteering, responsibilities.

4. Explain your return: what you will do in Tunisia with this degree.

5. Prepare for the interview in English with concrete examples.

6. Keep a plan B: direct applications to universities with merit scholarships, or other international scholarships.

Sample structure for the study objective

The study objective essay is the centrepiece of the application. An effective structure:

1. Your field and your question: what problem interests you, and why.

2. Your background: how your studies and experience led you there.

3. The target programme: what you want to study in the United States, with which types of courses or research.

4. Why the United States: what the American system specifically offers in your field.

5. Returning to Tunisia: what you will concretely do, and the expected impact.

Be precise: mention methods, research areas, types of projects. Avoid generalities about "excellence" or "the cultural experience".

Recommended preparation timeline

• 6 to 9 months before the deadline: choice of Fulbright programme, registration for tests (TOEFL or IELTS, GRE or GMAT if needed).

• 4 to 6 months before: first drafts of the essays, contacting the authors of the recommendation letters.

• 2 to 3 months before: translating diplomas, finalising the essays, proofreading.

• 1 month before: complete check of the online file and submission.

• After shortlisting: interview preparation.

Documents to prepare

• diplomas and transcripts for all higher education, with English translation;

• CV in English in the American format;

• three recommendation letters, ideally from professors and employers who know you well;

• test results;

• valid passport.

The Fulbright interview

The panel wants to understand who you are, how solid your plan is and your future role in Tunisia. Prepare:

• a two-minute presentation of your background;

• precise answers about your field of study;

• examples of commitment (associations, teaching, volunteering);

• your vision of life after Fulbright;

• a few questions about the United States and your field in the United States.

Fulbright and other funding

If you are not selected, your file is not wasted: your essays and test results will serve for direct applications with merit scholarships, for other programmes such as Chevening or DAAD, or for a new Fulbright application the following year.

Our support

Worldwide Studies helps you choose the right programme, write the essays, prepare for the tests and the interview, and put together direct applications in parallel. Also read Studying in the United States: SAT, F-1 visa and budget and our page Study in the United States.

👉 The call dates change every year: talk to an advisor to prepare your Fulbright application.