The 2009-2010 Fulbright Foreign Student Program in Central Asia
 
The State Department of the United States of America and the U.S. Embassy are pleased to announce the new Fulbright Foreign Student Program in Central Asia for two-year master’s degrees beginning in academic year 2009 -2010.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to research and study in the United States for one year or longer. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program encourages applications in the humanities, hard sciences such as engineering, and social sciences.  The following 6 fields are not eligible for interested students to apply for a Fulbright award: Medicine, business administration, economics, law, public administration, and public policy.

Participants will be recruited through a merit-based, open competition and chosen based upon their leadership potential, academic excellence, maturity, ability to adjust successfully to life in the U.S., strong interest in engaging Americans, and potential to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Central Asia.

Program Requirements:

• Applicants must be citizens or nationals of Kyrgyzstan or permanent residents qualified to hold a valid passport issued by the nominating country.
• Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education and hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's degree by the start of the grant period.
• Applicants holding a Master degree from U.S. university are not eligible to apply for this program.
• Applicants should have a sufficient level of English to enable them to successfully complete full-time graduate study in the U.S. with a recent paper-based TOEFL score of 550 or higher or equivalent test (i.e. internet-based TOEFL (IBT) or computer-based TOEFL (CBT)).
• Strong preference will be given to applicants who have not had extensive recent experience in the U.S.
• An applicant who is currently in the U.S. is ineligible for a grant.
• An applicant’s financial need or status should not be a factor in the selection process.

Important: All grantees are expected to return to their home countries for at least two years at the conclusion of their grant in compliance with the J-visa requirements and to promote mutual understanding.

Program Provisions:  All grantees receive tuition, a monthly stipend for up to 24 months, supplemental health and accident benefits, a book and equipment allowance, travel support, and the opportunity to attend Fulbright enrichment activities.

Application Procedures and Deadline:
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program application should be completed online at the Embark website: https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/international/20/
You must read the application instructions that are provided on this website very carefully.

In addition to the online application, you must mail the following supplemental materials in hard copy to the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy:

• Signature form
• Three letters of reference (or complete online)
• Report on Proficiency in English
• Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Copies of diplomas from all post-secondary institutions
• Original English translations of all document

Submitting your application:
• Four hard copies of all supplemental materials should be delivered to:
U.S. Embassy  Bishkek
171 Prospect Mira,
Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic