When should I apply for a Fulbright Grant?
Please check the scholarship section for the deadlines of each scholarship for Fulbright Grants. Fulbright application forms are available for download. All application requirements, including the application form, must be received by AMINEF in printed form on or before the published deadline of each year.
What are an applicant’s chances of receiving a grant?
An applicant’s chances for selection depend on the strength of the submitted application. Additional factors influencing an applicant’s chances may include the number of applicants in any given year, as well as the total number of grants available.
What do you want to see in my application?
Your application statement is your opportunity to explain why you want to study in the U.S. It must be clearly stated and should highlight areas of interest and academic preparation. It should relate them in a closely reasoned and concisely presented format, taking into account career objectives, home-country program priorities, specialized experience, and other relevant considerations. You should be specific in describing specialized objectives or research goals within your field of study.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
You should seek out strong, supportive references that speak to your accomplishments generally, but also specifically to your ability to teach or carry out your proposed project (depending on grant type). Applicants should seek out letters of recommendation from people who have supervised you in work relevant to your proposed study.
I earned a degree in a country that does not use 4.0 scale grades. What should I do?
You can ask your institution for a description to convert your grades, especially if the grades are only Pass/Fail.
How many recommendation letters do I need?
You need to provide 3 recommendation letters. Letters of reference play a very important part in the scholarship application. Unrevealing and ambiguous letters can jeopardize your chances of success as much as negative ones can.
Should the application be bound together?
No, please do not bind documents together. This makes it more difficult for us prepare applications for the selection committee. You may simply staple the documents.
Do I have to apply in English?
You have to fill in the application, including the study objectives, personal statement, and academic writing sample in English. Please note that application documents such as transcripts, diplomas, letters of recommendation, and others that are not in English must be translated into English. The address does not have to be in English. Addresses must be stated as they are.
How many copies of my application and other documents do I have to send?
You only need to send one copy of your application to AMINEF.
Can I send the application by email?
No. Depending on the program you're applying and its method of application, you have to either apply online, or print your application and send it along with the supporting documents via postal service or courier, or you can drop the application off in person at AMINEF's office in Jakarta (the complete address is available on the AMINEF website's home page).
Do my certificates and transcripts (list of grades) have to be certified for my application?
Yes. Both your certificate and transcript in its original language have to be certified by the academic institution if the degree was received at an Indonesian institution. For degrees taken overseas including in the U.S, please contact the academic institution for a copy. Certificates and transcripts in a language other than English must be translated into English and certified by a notary of a professional translator or a language center. Personal translation cannot be accepted.
Can I submit the same application submitted for last year’s competition?
This is not recommended as there might be some changes or updates of details.
How can I download an application from the website?
Go to the Grants for Indonesians menu and find the specific grant program. The online application or application form and the grant program information will be available there.
If I am not selected for the grant, can I have my application back?
No. All applications which are not selected will be properly removed from the batch. Please do not send an original copy of documents.
Does my application have to arrive on or before the deadline or just be postmarked by the deadline date?
Applications must be postmarked by the deadline date.
Should I send my original copy of my ITP TOEFL test result?
if you have more than one copy, please send us one of the originals. You need to have the copy certified by the institution you took the test for.
I want to apply for a master's degree scholarship. What are the eligibility requirements?
First of all, as for all Indonesian applicants for Fulbright scholarships, you must:
• Be an Indonesian citizen currently living in Indonesia
• Be proficient in English
• Have an outstanding academic record
• Demonstrate that you can realistically accomplish full-time graduate study
• Have preparation in and commitment to your chosen field
• Possess leadership qualities and show experience in community service
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to return to Indonesia upon completion of the Fulbright scholarship program. This means you’re willing to work for at least 5 years before you retire upon completion of the degree
Specifically for the MA scholarship, you must:
• Hold a bachelor’s degree (S1)
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.00 scale)
• Have a minimum TOEFL ITP score of 550 or IELTS equivalent
You will be ineligible if you are:
• An employee, close family member of an employee, or dependent of an employee of AMINEF, the US Embassy, or the US Department of State
• Currently pursuing another degree
• Receiving another scholarship at the time of the application
• Pursuing another similar program for a double degree
Is there an age limit to be eligible for this scholarship?
No.
I am an Indonesian citizen living abroad. Am I eligible to apply to AMINEF for a Fulbright scholarship?
No. You must be a resident in Indonesia at the time of application, and you must be available for an interview. In addition, if you are chosen, you must be available in Indonesia to attend a pre-departure orientation which is usually held in May.
How many years of study are covered by the Fulbright scholarship for a master's degree?
Two years (four consecutive semesters). An additional semester may be covered in exceptional cases, decided on a case-by-case basis.
Can the Fulbright grant be used for all fields of study? Or are their limitations on the fields of study?
Fulbright grants may be used for research in most disciplines and fields of study such as humanities, arts, social sciences, natural science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM). Graduate study of medicine related to patient care or involving clinical patient contact, however, is excluded.
I have a bachelor’s degree (S1) in one field, but want to apply for a master's degree in another field. Is that possible?
Generally, no, we do not favor proposals involving a change of discipline, though exceptions can be made for those with professional (non-academic) career goals. However, you must provide good reasons for the change of field supported by extensive work experience in the new field.
I have a bachelor’s degree in medicine, but want to study for a master's degree in another field. Can I still apply?
Yes, applicants with a bachelor's degree in medicine who propose additional study in a non-clinical field are still eligible. However, the Fulbright cannot be used for medical or study that involves clinical training, patient care, or patient contact.
I am not a civil servant or government employee. Am I eligible for the scholarship?
Yes. Fulbright scholarships areavailable to anyone who meets the above general and specific requirement regardless of their employment status at their home institution.
I don’t have work or professional experience. Am I still eligible for the scholarship?
Yes.
I have a bachelor’s degree from a US university. Do I still have to take the language proficiency test (iBT/ITP) and graduate admission tests (GRE/GMAT)?
Yes. Applicants must meet the minimum language proficiency requirement for academic purposes, and previous study in the US is not sufficient proof of this. If your test results are still valid within two years of the application, you do not need to retake the test.
Do I need to take the GRE and supply my scores to AMINEF when I apply for the Fulbright scholarship?
No. The test is not required at the grant application stage, but it will later be required for the US university application. If you pass the interview stage of selection and are nominated as a finalist, you will be expected to take the GRE (or GMAT for a business degree). AMINEF will cover the costs of taking the GRE.
Can I waive the GRE test or find a US university that does not require these tests?
GRE requirements depend on the university and also on individual departments. Different disciplines have different GRE score requirements. For example, English literature will require a higher score in the verbal section, and engineering fields will require a higher score in the quantitative. Based on our experience, we recommend that you keep your options open by not waiving the GRE test or seek a university not requiring it, as it is usually required by the better universities.
My bachelor’s degree GPA is 2.99. Can I apply for the Fulbright Program? Will other qualifications (e.g. extracurricular activities) help?
Although the cumulative GPA is slightly less than 3.0, your core subjects’ grades should have a minimum of B grade and these grades will be the determining factor. The selection committee will review these grades and other qualifications (such as extracurricular activities) will be considered as well.
I am currently studying for my master’s degree in a US institution, but I am running out of funds. Can I apply for a Fulbright scholarship to help me to fund my ongoing study?
No.
I already hold a master’s degree. Can I apply for a Fulbright scholarship for a second master's degree?
No.
Will AMINEF find a US university for me or should I apply by myself?
At the initial application stage, it is not necessary for you to have applied for admission to a US university or to supply a letter of admission from a US university. Once you have gone through the stages of the selection process, including interview and nomination as a Fulbright grantee, your application will be forwarded to the Institute of International Education (IIE) in New York, which is the contracted partner of the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and manages the Fulbright Foreign Student program. Experienced placement professionals at IIE match Fulbrighters with universities in the US that they think best match the student’s profile and program needs. You may also express a preference for particular universities and programs—up to five—and these will be taken into account by IIE, which will apply on your behalf. In the application process, IIE will review your list of five universities and, depending on your qualifications and application, may decide to substitute other names.
Do I need to apply to a university before submitting a grant application? Or do I need to be accepted by a university before I apply for a Fulbright scholarship?
It is not necessary for you to apply to or to be accepted by a university before you apply for Fulbright scholarship. If you are selected as a Fulbright scholarship candidate by the AMINEF selection committee, IIE will assist you in applying to US universities (see previous question).
I have received a letter of admission from a US university. Can I still apply for a Fulbright scholarship?
Yes. But all Fulbright scholarship applicants must go through the same procedures, so holding a letter of admission does not guarantee you a Fulbright scholarship, or a quicker process of selection. Also, please note that, given the 18-month lag between application deadline and matriculation at the US university, it may be necessary to defer your acceptance to the university that has admitted you.
I have contacted a professor in a US university and she is willing to consider me as her graduate student. Does this imply that I have been admitted to the university? Do I still need to have AMINEF and IIE apply on my behalf to other universities?
No. A response from a professor should not be construed as admission to a university. Official admission to a university can only be made by the university’s and the department’s admission office.
I am an accountant and want to take a professional program in the US to get certified as a CPA. Can I apply for a Fulbright scholarship?
You could apply for a master’s degree in accounting, but Fulbright scholarships are not intended to help people obtain licenses to practice a profession – medicine, nursing, accounting, etc.
Can I change my field of study after I have been accepted to a US university?
No. The Fulbright grant does not allow a change of field. We recommend that you consider well the choice of study that best matches your education and professional experience prior to beginning your application for a Fulbright scholarship.
How can I make my application more successful?
There is no “formula” for a successful application. Each individual’s application should be about the candidate, how the program time will be spent, and what outcomes can be reasonably expected. What is successful for one applicant may not be effective for another applicant.
Will AMINEF staff review my application before submitting? Can staff give me feedback on improving it?
No. Please do not ask AMINEF staff, or potential Selection Committee Members, to review your actual written application. This is in keeping with Fulbright Policy on not providing feedback, and furthermore it aims to ensure equity to all applicants.
What is the selection process? How long does it take? Who does the selection?
• Round 1: All applications received by February 15 are screened for completeness and minimum qualifications. (March)
• Round 2: Complete applications that meet the minimum qualifications are evaluated according to a set of established criteria and shortlisted. (March-April)
• Round 3: In-person interviews of shortlisted applicants take place in Jakarta and other cities. The interview panels are made up of both US and Indonesian citizens, who may be scholars, professors, Fulbright alumni, US Embassy staff, et al. (April)
• Round 4: Final candidates and alternates are selected. All interview panel recommendations have been approved by the AMINEF Board’s Educational Exchange Committee, a 12-member committee of distinguished Americans and Indonesians. Only finalists or alternates will be notified by e-mail of official acceptance. (June)
Do I have to attend an interview? If so, do I have to cover my own travel costs to the interview?
Yes. All candidates who are applying for Fulbright Scholarships must be available for an interview. You will be informed later of the date and location of the interview if your application has passed to the interview stage. AMINEF will provide ground transportation, or an air ticket where necessary, from your home base to the interview location, plus an allowance for accommodation.
How many master's degree scholarships will AMINEF award per year?
Assuming budget allocations from the US Department of State is similar to previous years, about 50 grants for master's degree scholarships, not counting the DIKTI-funded Fulbright Grants for Indonesian Lecturers, which is funded jointly with the Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education.
What are my statistical chances of being selected for this award?
From 6 to 8 percent, if past years are used as a future indicator.
Can you tell me why I was not selected?
No. As with all Fulbright awards, applications to this program are evaluated by panels in accordance with normal Fulbright standards that are competitive, merit-based, open and transparent. The US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as a sponsoring agency of the worldwide Fulbright Program, and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB) issue final approval and selection of candidates. This Fulbright MA program for Indonesians is administered in accordance with the relevant FSB Policies.
The policy on selection and non-selection stipulates, “It is the policy of the Board not to give to individual applicants, to others inquiring on their behalf, or to the public generally, the specific reasons for selection or non-selection of applicants for awards under the program.” AMINEF follows this policy, and thus reasons for non-recommendation of candidates will not be provided, including feedback on individual applications.
If I am not selected, can I apply again the following year?
Yes. Because the competition for Fulbright awards in Indonesia is quite intense, with many excellent candidates competing for a limited number of awards, it is inevitable that some otherwise excellent candidates will fail to be chosen. Therefore, we strongly urge you to reapply the following year. There are several inspiring stories of Indonesian applicants who failed to receive an award on first or second application, but then after reapplication and acceptance, went on to distinguished careers in academia, government, or industry.
What if I don’t get accepted to a US university?
In some rare instances, a candidate selected for a Fulbright award cannot be placed at a US university – that is, she or he is not accepted or the costs of studying at a university where she or he is accepted exceed the Fulbright award and the candidate cannot come up with the necessary supplemental funds. In that case, it is unfortunately necessary for the candidate to reapply the following year.
Can you return my original supporting documentation contained in my application?
No. Original documents should not be included in the application, only certified copies.
Do I need to pass a medical examination to qualify for a Fulbright Scholarship?
Yes. You will need to pass a medical examination and you may be asked to provide information about your medical history, certification of good health, and vaccinations. You may also be asked to undertake a chest x-ray if required.
Does the Fulbright Scholarship provide health insurance that will cover me if I become ill or injured while in the US?
Yes. The US Department of State provides Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) coverage during your grant period at no cost to you. This plan should not be construed as an insurance policy, however. The ASPE is a self-funded health benefits plan designed to pay covered medical expenses for eligible Exchange Participants. Covered medical expenses are subject to limitations as defined in the ASPE health benefits plan program guide book ”
Will this health benefits plan cover me for existing medical complaints?
No. It is important to note that pre-existing conditions are not covered. You are advised to have any treatments completed before leaving home and it is strongly recommended that you take out additional insurance coverage for yourself and any accompanying dependents.
What is covered by the award?
The grant funds tuition fees, round-trip airfare, settling-in allowance, book allowance, computer allowance, J-1 visa application fees (for scholarship recipient) and J-2 visa application fees (for dependents), excess baggage allowance (upon the completion of the program), hotel allowance (upon the completion of the program), monthly living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses, and Fulbright health benefit (ASPE). Fulbright awards enable grantees to live at the same standard as most American graduate students.
How much will I receive?
The maximum amount for a Master's degree is $35,000 per year, for a maximum of two years or four semesters. This amount covers your tuition and fees, living expenses, and book and computer allowances. Your round-trip domestic and international tickets, standard Fulbright program Insurance, and the costs of the pre-academic program or gateway program, if any, will come from a separate grant.
Does this amount always cover all costs or are there other costs I will need to cover myself?
No, it may not always cover all costs. There are many variables with regards to cost: some universities have very high tuition, some may grant tuition waivers, some university towns have lower living costs than those in big cities, and so forth. In some cases there may be a shortfall between the Fulbright award maximum and the amount required to pay tuition and cover living costs. In that case, the grantee will have the choice to find funds from other sources or to turn down the acceptance offer at one university and opt for going to a less expensive one.
Will the funds for tuition be paid directly to the university?
If the cost is within the grant amount allocated, AMINEF, through IIE, will pay the tuition and fees directly to the university and transfer the monthly stipend for living expenses to your US bank account. However, if you have a shortfall between the grant amount allocated and the actual tuition and living expenses and you need to provide your own funds to meet the difference, you will receive the entirety of your grant in 3-4 different installments. You will then be responsible for paying the tuition and fees directly to the university, and using any grant balance plus your own funds to cover your living expenses.
I am married and have two children. Can my husband and children accompany me?
Yes. But please note that the Fulbright grant from AMINEF does not support accompanying dependents. You may request to bring your dependents after completion of the first semester, but you will need to demonstrate your financial ability to support them while they are in the US, including obtaining medical insurance for them. Only spouses and children up to the age of 21 are considered dependents.
I want to apply for a PhD scholarship. What are the eligibility requirements?
First of all, as for all Indonesian applicants for Fulbright scholarships, you must:
-
Be an Indonesian citizen currently living in Indonesia
-
Be proficient in English
-
Have an outstanding academic record
-
Demonstrate that you can realistically accomplish full-time graduate study
-
Have preparation in and commitment to your chosen field
-
Possess leadership qualities and show experience in community service
-
Demonstrate a strong commitment to return to Indonesia upon completion of the
Fulbright scholarship program. This means you’re willing to work for your home
institution for at least 5 years before you retire upon completion of Fulbright scholarship program. This means you're willing to work for your home institution for at least 5 years before you retire upon completion of the degree
Specifically for the PhD scholarship, you must:
-
Hold a master’s degree or equivalent (S2)
-
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.00 scale)
-
Have a minimum TOEFL ITP (paper-based TOEFL) score of 575 or IELTS equivalent.
-
Intend to take up, or return to, an academic or professional position upon your return
You will be ineligible if you are:
-
An employee, close family member of an employee, or dependent of an employee of AMINEF, the US Embassy, or the US Department of State
-
Currently pursuing another degree
-
Receiving another scholarship at the time of the application
-
Pursuing another similar program for a double degree
Is there an age limit to be eligible for this scholarship?
No.
I am an Indonesian citizen living abroad. Am I eligible to apply to AMINEF for a Fulbright scholarship?
No. You must be a resident of Indonesia at the time of application, and you must be available for an interview. In addition, if you are chosen, you must be available in Indonesia to attend a pre-departure orientation, usually held in May.
How long does it generally take to complete a PhD in the US?
There is no standard number of years. In general, PhDs should take between four to six years to complete, though it depends on the field, your prior preparation, how strong your MA degree coursework was, and whether courses you took earlier can be applied to your PhD coursework requirement. A PhD is basically a research degree, but before moving to the research stage, a student in the American graduate school system must normally take courses in the first couple of years and then pass what are called preliminary exams before moving on to “candidacy.” A student is advanced to candidacy for the PhD when he or she has satisfactorily completed all the requirements, departmental and general, requisite to beginning work on the dissertation. The coursework phase can be two or three years, and the dissertation requires research and a write-up, and the number of years required for that will vary as well. It is, in other words, a multi-year commitment.
How many years of doctoral study are covered by the Fulbright scholarship?
Three years.
Since it is not possible to do a PhD in three years, how can I fund the years beyond the Fulbright funding?
In the fourth and following years, grantees are encouraged to seek funding from other sources such as from your US University or your home institution back in Indonesia. This may seem challenging, but, in fact, most Indonesian PhD grantees are successful in finding funding through Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, or other fee waivers from their universities in their fourth and fifth years. It has even happened that an Indonesian grantee finished his program in three years!
Will Fulbright fund my doctoral dissertation research?
No. The Fulbright covers the expenses of your study excluding the research. Usually, students can apply for and receive funds from their US university, for instance as a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant, and there are a number of other small grants provided by universities and other research donors to support dissertation research.
Can the Fulbright grant be used for all fields of study? Or are their limitations on the fields of study?
Fulbright grants may be used for research in most disciplines and fields of study such as humanities, arts, social sciences, natural science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Graduate study of medicine related to patient care or patient contact, however, is excluded. Also, it should be noted that certain fields are much more competitive—for instance, there are far fewer universities offering them or accepting doctoral students—than others.
I have a Master’s degree in one field, but want to apply for a PhD in another field. Is that possible?
No, if you don’t have prior graduate training in the field you’re applying in, it is not possible to apply for a doctorate scholarship.
I am a professional engineer working for the government, and not a university lecturer or researcher. Am I still eligible to apply for a PhD degree, even if I don’t plan to be a lecturer or researcher?
Yes. In general, PhD degrees are research degrees meant to prepare future professors or researchers, or those interested in managerial or administrative positions in higher education. However, professionals like yourself—or, for example, a lawyer working for a human rights organization who wants to do a PhD in international human rights law, or other professionals—are also encouraged to pursue a higher degree, and to apply the knowledge they get from overseas study in their professional work upon their return.
I teach at a local university as a non-permanent teaching staff member. I am not a civil servant. The university will offer me a permanent position if I earn my PhD later. Am I eligible for the scholarship?
Yes. Fulbright scholarships are intended for those who are in teaching, research, or professional careers, regardless of their employment status at their home institution.
I don’t have work or professional experience. Am I still eligible for the scholarship?
Probably not. The Fulbright PhD program requires that you have some experience in teaching, doing research, working in a professional sector, or publishing work. So it is unlikely that if you lack this experience that your application would be successful at this stage in your career.
I don’t have any academic publications to my name. How will this affect my chances of getting this scholarship and being accepted to a US university?
It will be taken into account, but it is not an absolute requirement to have a sole-authored publication. The Fulbright selection will take into account work in which you are a co-author of a peer-reviewed publication, so it is not essential to be the primary or sole author. In addition, conference papers, research in limited publication formats, or MA theses, are also proof of writing ability.
I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from a US university. Do I still have to take the language proficiency test (iBT/ITP) and graduate admission tests (GRE/GMAT)?
Yes. Applicants must meet the minimum language proficiency requirement for academic purposes, and previous study in the US is not sufficient proof of this. If your test results are still valid within two years of the application, you do not need to retake the test.
Do I need to take the GRE and supply my scores to AMINEF when I apply for the Fulbright scholarship?
No. The test is not required at the grant application stage, but it will later be required for the US university application. If you pass the interview stage of selection and are nominated as a finalist, you will be expected to take the GRE (or GMAT for a business degree). AMINEF will facilitate (e.g., cover the costs of) taking the GRE.
Can I waive the GRE test or find a US university that does not require these tests?
GRE requirements depend on the university and also on individual departments. Different disciplines have different GRE score requirements. For example, English literature will require a higher score in the verbal section, and engineering fields will require a higher score in the quantitative. Based on our experience, we recommend that you keep your options open by not waiving the GRE test or seek a university not requiring it, as it is usually required by the better universities.
My master's degree GPA is 2.99. Can I apply for the Fulbright Program? Will other qualifications (e.g. extra-curricular activities) help?
Although the cumulative GPA is slightly less than 3.0, your core subjects’ grades should have a minimum of B grade and these grades will be the determining factor. The selection committee will review these grades as well as other qualifications.
I am currently studying for my PhD at a US institution, but I am running out of funds. Can I apply for a Fulbright scholarship to help me to fund my ongoing study?
No.
I am currently studying for a doctoral degree at a university in Indonesia and have completed the required coursework. I would like to continue my study in the US for my dissertation research and get my degree from a US university. Is this possible with a Fulbright scholarship?
No. This scholarship does not support ongoing study. However, there is the Fulbright Doctoral Dissertation Research award, which would support your research in the US for six months. This program requires that you return to your home institution in Indonesia to write your dissertation, thus your degree would be from your home institution.
I already hold a doctorate. Can I apply for a Fulbright scholarship for a second doctoral degree?
No.
I am a lecturer at an Indonesian university. Can I apply to the core Fulbright program or do I have to apply to the Grants for Indonesian Lecturers (RISTEK-DIKTI) program? Or can I apply to both simultaneously?
If you are a lecturer holding an NIDN, you should apply to the Grants for Indonesian Lecturers (RISTEK-DIKTI) program. There is no point in applying to both programs simultaneously, since if we know that you qualify for the RISTEK-DIKTI program, your application will automatically be directed to that program.
Will AMINEF find a US university for me or should I apply by myself?
At the initial application stage, it is not necessary for you to have applied for admission to a US university or to supply a letter of admission from a US university. Once you have gone through the stages of the selection process, including the interview and nomination as a Fulbright grantee, your application will be forwarded to the Institute of International Education (IIE) in New York, which is the contracted partner of the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and manages the Fulbright Foreign Student program. Experienced placement professionals at IIE match Fulbrighters with universities in the US that they think best match the student’s profile and program needs. You may also express a preference for particular universities and programs—up to five—and these will be taken into account by IIE. Therefore, it is advisable for you to be in touch with US universities beforehand and especially to try to interest an American professor in your future research project or goals. In the application process, IIE will review your list of five universities and, depending on your qualifications and application, may decide to substitute other names.
Do I need to apply to a university before submitting a grant application? Or do I need to be accepted by a university before I apply for a Fulbright scholarship?
It is not necessary for you to apply to or be accepted by a university before you apply for Fulbright scholarship. You are strongly encouraged to contact several US universities’ professors to seek their availability in accepting your research proposal, which may lead to university admission.
If you are selected as a Fulbright scholarship candidate, IIE (see previous question) will assist you in applying to US universities.
I have received a letter of admission from a US university. Can I still apply for a Fulbright scholarship?
Yes. But all Fulbright scholarship applicants must go through the same procedures, so holding a letter of admission does not guarantee you a Fulbright scholarship, or a quicker process of selection. Also, please note that given the 18-month lag between application deadline and matriculation at the US University, it may be necessary to defer your acceptance to the university that has admitted you.
I have contacted a professor in a US university and she is willing to consider me as her graduate student. Does this imply that I have been admitted to the university? Do I still need to have AMINEF and IIE apply on my behalf to other universities?
No, a response from a professor should not be construed as admission to a university. Official admission to a university can only be made by the university’s and the department’s admission office.
Can I change my field of study after I have been accepted to a US university?
No. The Fulbright grant does not allow a change of field. We recommend that you consider well the choice of study that best matches your education and professional experience prior to
making an application for a Fulbright scholarship.
The application requires I attach a research proposal. How long should this be, and is there a specific format I must use?
The research proposal is intended to convince a US university that you have a worthwhile future research project and that you have the competence and a feasible work-plan to complete it. The research proposal should address the questions, what do you plan to accomplish? Why do you want to undertake this research? How are you going to do it? It should include all key elements involved in the research process and sufficient information to make sure it can be properly evaluated. In general, it should be 5-10 pages, double-spaced, in 11- or 12-point font, on A4 or letter-sized paper.
How can I make my application more successful?
There is no “formula” for a successful application. Each individual’s application should be about the candidate, how the program time will be spent, and what outcomes can be reasonably expected. What is successful for one applicant may not be effective for another applicant.
Will AMINEF staff review my application before submitting? Can staff give me feedback on improving it?
No. Please do not ask AMINEF staff, or potential Selection Committee Members, to review your actual written application. This is in keeping with Fulbright Policy of not providing feedback, and furthermore it aims to ensure equity to all applicants.
What is the selection process? How long does it take? Who does the selection?
- Round 1: All applications received by February 15 are screened for completeness and minimum qualifications. (March)
- Round 2: Complete applications that meet the minimum qualifications are evaluated according to a set of established criteria and are then shortlisted. (March-April)
- Round 3: In-person interviews of shortlisted applicants take place in Jakarta and other cities. The interview panels are made up of both US and Indonesian citizens, who may be scholars, professors, Fulbright alumni, US Embassy staff, et al. (April)
- Round 4: Final candidates and alternates are selected, all interview panel recommendations having been approved by the AMINEF Board’s Educational Exchange Committee, a 12-member committee of distinguished Americans and Indonesians. Only finalists or alternates will be notified by e-mail of official acceptance. (June)
Do I have to attend an interview? If so, do I have to cover my own travel costs to the interview?
Yes. All candidates who are applying for Fulbright Scholarships must be available for an interview. You will be informed later of the date and location of the interview if your application has passed to the interview stage. AMINEF will provide ground transportation, or an air ticket where necessary, from your home base to the interview location, plus an allowance for accommodation.
How many PhD scholarships will AMINEF award per year?
Assuming budget allocations from the US Department of State is similar to previous years, there will be about 6-10 grants for PhD scholarships, not counting the Grants for Indonesian Lecturers (RISTEK-DIKTI), which is funded jointly with the Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education.
What are my statistical chances of being selected for this award?
From 5 to 8 percent, if past years are used as a future indicator.
Can you tell me why I was not selected?
No. As with all Fulbright awards, applications to this program are evaluated by panels in accordance with normal Fulbright standards that are competitive, merit-based, open, and transparent. The US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as the sponsoring agency of the worldwide Fulbright Program, and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB) issue final approval and selection of candidates. This Fulbright PhD program for Indonesians is administered in accordance with the relevant FSB Policies.
The policy on selection and non-selection stipulates, “It is the policy of the Board not to give to individual applicants, to others inquiring on their behalf, or to the public generally, the specific reasons for selection or non-selection of applicants for awards under the program.” AMINEF follows this policy, and thus reasons for non-recommendation of candidates will not be provided, including feedback on individual applications.
If I am not selected, can I apply again the following year?
Yes. Because the competition for Fulbright awards in Indonesia is quite intense, with many excellent candidates competing for a limited number of awards, it is inevitable that some otherwise excellent candidates will fail to be chosen.
We strongly urge you to reapply the following year, therefore. There are several inspiring stories of Indonesian applicants who failed to receive an award on first or second application, but then after reapplication and acceptance, went on to distinguished careers in academia, government, or industry.
What if I don’t get accepted to a US university?
In some rare instances, a candidate selected for a Fulbright award cannot be placed at a US university – that is, she or he is not accepted or the costs of studying at a university where she or he is accepted exceed the Fulbright award and the candidate cannot come up with the necessary supplemental funds. In that case, it is unfortunately necessary for the candidate to reapply the following year.
Can you return my original supporting documentation contained in my application?
No. Original documents should not be included in the application, only certified copies.
Do I need to pass a medical examination to qualify for a Fulbright Scholarship?
Yes. You will need to pass a medical examination and you may be asked to provide information about your medical history, a certification of good health, and vaccinations. You may also be asked to undertake a chest x-ray if required.
Does the Fulbright Scholarship provide health insurance that will cover me if I become ill or injured while in the US?
Yes. The US Department of State provides Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) coverage during your grant period at no cost to you. This plan should not be construed as an insurance policy, however. The ASPE is a self-funded health benefits plan designed to pay covered medical expenses for eligible Exchange Participants. Covered medical expenses are subject to limitations as defined in the ASPE health benefits plan program guide book
Will this health benefits plan cover me for existing medical complaints?
No. It is important to note that pre-existing conditions are not covered. You are advised to have any treatments completed before leaving home and it is strongly recommended that you take out additional insurance coverage for yourself and any accompanying dependents.
What is covered by the award?
The grant funds tuition fees, round-trip airfare, settling-in allowance, book allowance, computer allowance, J-1 visa application fees (for scholarship recipient) and J-2 visa application fees (for dependents), excess baggage allowance (upon the completion of the program), hotel allowance (upon the completion of the program), monthly living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses, and Fulbright health benefit (ASPE). Fulbright awards enable grantees to live at the same standard as most American graduate students.
How much will I receive?
The maximum amount for PhD is $40,000 per year, for a maximum of three years. This amount covers your tuition and fees, living expenses, and book and computer allowances. Your round-trip domestic and international tickets, standard Fulbright program Insurance, and the costs of the pre-academic program or gateway program, if any, will come from a separate grant.
Does this amount always cover all costs, or are there other costs I will need to cover myself?
No, it may not always cover all costs. There are many variables in cost: some universities have very high tuition, some may grant tuition waivers, some university towns have lower living costs than those in big cities, and so forth. In some cases, there may be a shortfall between the Fulbright award maximum and the amount required to pay tuition and cover living costs. In that case, the grantee will have the choice to find funds from other sources or to turn down the acceptance offer at one university and opt for going to a less expensive one.
Will the funds for tuition be paid directly to the university?
If the cost is within the grant amount allocated, AMINEF through IIE will pay the tuition and fees directly to the university and transfer the monthly stipend for living expenses to your US bank account. However, if you have a shortfall between the grant amount allocated and the actual expenses of tuition and living expenses, and you need to provide your own funds to meet the difference, you will receive the entirety of your grant in 3-4 different installments. You will then be responsible for paying the tuition and fees directly to the university, and using any grant balance plus your own funds to cover your living expenses.
I am married and have two children. Can my husband and children accompany me?
Yes. But the Fulbright grant from AMINEF does not support accompanying dependents, please note. You may request to bring your dependents after completion of the first semester, but you will need to demonstrate your financial ability to support them while they are in the US, including obtaining medical insurance for them. Only spouses and children up to the age of 21 are considered dependents.
Can I come home to Indonesia in the course of my PhD program?
Yes, presumably during holidays or when your academic course does not require your presence. You must notify IIE and your academic advisor at your US university two to three weeks prior to your trip, providing the inclusive dates of travel, your destination, and contact information while outside the US. Please note that your Fulbright stipend may be reduced if you are out of the US for 30 consecutive days or more. AMINEF cannot cover any costs of this personal travel, please note too.
