INTERNATIONAL FULBRIGHT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS
FOR OUTSTANDING FOREIGN STUDENTS

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State is pleased to announce a new International Fulbright Science and Technology Award for outstanding foreign students. The award is designed to be among the most prestigious international scholarships in science and technology.

The International Fulbright Science and Technology award is for PhD study at top U.S. institutions in science, technology, or engineering. The program is funded by ECA and aims to convey the message that the U.S. remains the premier destination for serious scientific study and research, and that America not only welcomes top notch talent, we encourage future leaders to shape their careers here. At the U.S. University Presidents Summit on International Education held in January 2006, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes announced this new award to "ensure that America will remain the center of scientific inquiry and cutting-edge technology... (and) to demonstrate America's openness to science, engineering and technology students even at a time when the competition for those high-achieving students is more intense than ever before."

For its first year (academic year 2007-08), approximately 25 awards will be given worldwide for candidates who demonstrate unique aptitude and innovation in scientific fields.

DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting applications to the Moscow office of the Fulbright Program in Russia is August 15, 2006.

ELIGIBLE FIELDS OF STUDY: Aeronautics and Astronomics/Aeronautical Engineering, Astronomy/Planetary Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences/Engineering, Engineering (electrical, chemical, civil, mechanical, ocean, and petroleum), Environmental Science/Engineering, Geology/Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Information Sciences/Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Mathematics, Neuroscience/Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Oceanography, and Physics.

FUNDING: ECA will fund grants for up to three years for this competition, beginning in August/September 2007. After three years, U.S. universities will be expected to cover the remaining expenses toward completion of a PhD. Placement of students will be handled by the Institute of International Education (IIE), a Fulbright cooperating agency.

ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be citizens and residents of the Russian Federation and must apply through the Moscow office of the Fulbright Program in Russia. Applicants must have received their first university (diplom) before August 1, 2007 and be proficient in English with a recent minimum TOEFL score (or equivalent) of 580 (paper-based test) or 237 (computer-based test). (Note: The Fulbright Program in Russia will provide financial assistance to nominated candidates who need to take TOEFL.)

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Each applicant must submit an online or paper application to the Fulbright Program in Russia by August 15, 2006. The Fulbright Program in Russia and the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Moscow will review applications, interview the most promising applicants in early September, and nominate two candidates for this award. Approved candidates will then be forwarded to both the U.S-based screening committee and ECA for review and Fulbright Scholarship Board approval.

NOMINATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA: Up to two nominees from Russia will be reviewed by a U.S.-based selection committee, which will include prominent academics and professionals in the appropriate scientific fields. Selection of principal and alternate nominees will be determined by October 15, 2006. The Institute of International Education (IIE) will identify the appropriate U.S. universities for each finalist and submit university applications on his/her behalf.

PROCEDURES FOR CANDIDATES: Candidates can access the online application at https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/international. A PDF version of the Science and Technology application can be downloaded from www.iie.org/fulbright/apps or the Fulbright Program in Russia website.

APPLICATION PACKAGE: A complete academic package includes an application (on line or paper), academic transcripts, letters of reference, supplemental forms, and TOEFL score report. General GRE and GRE Subject exams will be required for final university admissions. A valid passport will be required prior to issuance of Form DS-2019. Grantees will receive J-1 visa sponsorship under the Fulbright Student Program for up to five years and will be required to return to Russia for a minimum of two years after completing the PhD. After five years, ECA will transfer visa sponsorship to the host university assuming satisfactory continuing progress toward Ph.D. completion. Grantees who are not able to secure an entry visa in accordance with their program start date may lose their fellowships. Candidates will be notified of their status by November 2006.

U.S. UNIVERSITY PLACEMENT: IIE will be responsible for placement of all Fulbright Science and Technology award nominees and will work closely with nominees to ensure the best placement available for the nominee's field of study and research interests.

FUNDING: All grantees will receive tuition, a monthly stipend for up to 36 months, health and accident coverage, a book and equipment allowance, research allowance, professional conference allowance, travel support, and specially tailored enrichment activities. After three years, U.S. universities will be expected to cover the remaining expenses toward completion of a PhD.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact the Moscow office of the Fulbright Program in Russia.