I want to apply, what do I do?
Fulbright New Zealand does not manage the initial stages of application and long-list selections for the US Graduate Awards. You must apply using the Embark online application system, through Fulbright USA.
I have questions about the application process, who do I ask?
Any application specific questions (i.e. what documents you need to supply, GPA and transcript questions) need to be directed to Fulbright USA, not Fulbright New Zealand.
How do I create an affiliation with a New Zealand tertiary institute?
A letter of invitation or proof that you’ve been in communication with a potential host institute in New Zealand is required in your application. To create an affiliation you will either need to use pre-existing contacts within relevant faculties, or you will need to do some research on which New Zealand institutes are best suited to your field of study, and then reach out to the appropriate people in those departments or faculties. We suggest that you do not limit your potential host affiliations to one institute, as sometimes plans change or the programme of study that the institute eventually suggests isn’t suited to what you want to achieve while in New Zealand. Having two or three possible hosts gives you a wider range of options.
Please refer to the Host expectations template which provides further information about approaching potential hosts and what their roles and responsibilities are.
This is a Sample host letter of invitation.
If you have any questions about host affiliations you can email Paul Altomari at Fulbright New Zealand.
New Zealand has eight universities:
- AUT University (in Auckland)
- Lincoln University (near Christchurch)
- Massey University (in Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington)
- The University of Auckland
- University of Canterbury (in Christchurch)
- University of Otago (in Dunedin)
- University of Waikato (in Hamilton)
- Victoria University of Wellington
Do I have to know exactly where I am going to study and what I am going to study before I apply?
No, you just need to be able to show that you have reached out and had a positive response from at least one tertiary institute. The finalising of arrangements around course of study and enrolment are worked out after the awards have been granted, and Fulbright New Zealand will help you with all of this. However, it is important to give a clear and concise indication in your application of what you want to do with your time in New Zealand.
Do I have to go to a tertiary institute/university?
No, but any other possible host organisations need to be approved by Fulbright New Zealand. Please contact us to check.
How long do I have to wait between submitting my application and learning whether I’ve been successful or not?
It takes approximately seven to eight months from submission deadline to the point at which you are notified of your success.
If I apply by the October deadline, what is the earliest I can come to New Zealand to begin my award if I am successful?
All successful Fulbright US Graduate Students arrive to New Zealand in late January each year to begin their award on February 1st. As an example, if you applied by the October 2024 deadline, you would arrive in January 2026 to begin your academic year in mid-February. So, there is around a 14 month wait time between application and arrival to New Zealand.
Can I begin my award mid-way through the academic year in New Zealand?
No. The New Zealand academic year runs from February through to November. The Fulbright experience is about far more than just academic pursuits, and so it is vital that all successful Fulbright US Graduate students take part in our Orientation programme (February), our mid-year programme (June) and our end-of-year programme and Thanksgiving (November).
Is it possible under special circumstances to start my award a few weeks earlier than February 1st?
Yes, it may be possible. If you are coming to New Zealand to engage in a programme of study that requires you to be here several weeks earlier than our usual February 1st award start date, we may be able to accommodate you to do so. This is usually only granted for those students whose research involves natural phenomena that cannot be observed at any other time of the year. We will need proof from your supervisor that this is an absolute necessity for your course of study or research. However, you would need to fund your own living expenses for this extra period of time, and Fulbright New Zealand would provide no extra financial assistance with course costs if it were required.