Study Abroad in UK

Fulbright UK Summer Institutes 2026: Fully Funded US Study Program

The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes offer an exceptional opportunity for US undergraduate students to experience British culture, heritage, and higher education through three to four-week programs at prestigious UK universities. These institutes are specifically designed for students with limited or no travel experience outside North America, making them ideal for first-time international travelers.

The US-UK Fulbright Commission has partnered with some of the UK's top institutions to make these programs possible, including Queen's University Belfast, University of Bristol, University of St Andrews, King's College London, Lancaster University, and University of Birmingham. These programs are funded through generous donations from private individuals.

Program Benefits and Opportunities

Participants in the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes will have the opportunity to:

Study alongside leading academics and professionals
Develop knowledge in specific fields
Experience cultural and social events
Visit UK cultural sites and areas of scenic beauty
Receive transferable academic credit
Meet people from different backgrounds and cultures
Become an ambassador for studying in the UK, the Fulbright Commission, and their host institution(s)

Financial Support

The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes provide comprehensive financial support, covering:

Round-trip airfare
Airport transfer to accommodation in the UK
Tuition and fees at the host institution
Accommodation and some meals
Social and cultural program with free activities
Small daily meal allowance (where meals are not provided)

Participants are expected to cover their own travel, health, and accident insurance.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes, applicants must:

Be a US citizen and possess a US passport
Have had no or very little study/travel experience outside of North America
Have a minimum GPA of 3.6
Be at least 18 years old by the start of the program
Be able to participate in the program in its entirety
Have at least two years of undergraduate study remaining after the Institute finishes
Not participate in any other study abroad programs during the Summer of 2025

Selection Criteria

The Fulbright Commission seeks well-rounded applicants from diverse backgrounds who have had limited opportunities for cultural immersion abroad. Successful candidates should be willing to:

Respectfully engage with participants from different backgrounds and viewpoints
Adapt to living on or off campus, sharing accommodations, and adjusting to cultural, social, and academic practices different from those in the US

Candidates should also demonstrate:

Strong academic ability
Ambassadorial skills
Intercultural sensitivity
Genuine desire to learn more about the UK and share aspects of American culture
Involvement in extracurricular activities and community service
Leadership potential
Plans to further the Fulbright mission and give back to the US upon return

Program Options

Each UK Summer Institute is hosted by a different university and focuses on a specific historical, cultural, or subject-related theme. Students are encouraged to explore their personal interests when choosing a program. While in-depth background knowledge is generally not required, any specific prerequisites will be mentioned in the individual program descriptions.

Application Process

Applications for the 2025 UK Summer Institutes are now closed. To stay informed about future opportunities, interested students can join the Fulbright mailing list by selecting 'Short-term placements for undergraduates' at their website.

The application process typically involves:

Reading the FAQs, terms and conditions, and Privacy Policy
Applying online and uploading a transcript (preferably official) as a PDF
Selecting two references and entering their email addresses into the application

All application materials, including reference letters, must be submitted by the deadline for consideration. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.