Fulbright Scholarship

Fulbright provides educational scholarships annually to Vocational School students who wish to study in the United States. Known as the Community College Initiative Program (CCI), this scholarship program aims to enhance students' technical knowledge in their fields, leadership skills, and English proficiency. The program also offers opportunities for professional internships, fieldwork, and community engagement. Upon completion of the program, participants will not receive a diploma but will be awarded a certificate of participation.

Fulbright Scholarship: Scope and Eligible Fields

The Fulbright scholarship covers tuition and living expenses, health insurance during the program, cultural activities, and round-trip airfare to and from the U.S. The eligible fields for application are listed below:

• Child Development
• Emergency and First Aid
• Banking and Insurance
• Computer Programming
• Foreign Trade
• Graphic Design
• Construction Technology
• Architectural Restoration
• Tourism and Hotel Management

Applicants may only choose sub-specializations within these specified fields.

Application Requirements:

1. Nationality and Residency:
   Applicants must be citizens of the Republic of Turkey and currently reside in Turkey. Those who have applied for or hold U.S. citizenship or a Green Card are not eligible.

2. Previous Participation in U.S.-Sponsored Programs:
   Candidates who have participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs exceeding six weeks and have not fulfilled the J-1 visa’s two-year residency requirement are not eligible.

3. Age Requirement:
   Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

4. Enrollment in a Vocational School:
   Candidates must be enrolled in a vocational school in Turkey. Those enrolled in or graduated from a four-year undergraduate program are not eligible.

5. GPA Requirements:

   • Second-year vocational school students must have a first-year GPA of at least 70 out of 100 or 2.80 out of 4.00.
   • First-year and preparatory students must have a high school graduation GPA of at least 3.50 out of 5.00 or 70 out of 100.

6. English Proficiency:
   Applicants must possess at least an intermediate level of English.

How to Apply?

The application period is announced by Fulbright each November, and applications are accepted in December. Required documents should be mailed to the central office in Ankara. Applicants must submit the following:

1. Application Form:

   • Downloadable via the link provided or through the "apply" button at the top of the page.
   • Complete the form in English, using your own sentences. All fields must be filled, and unanswered sections should be marked "N/A."
   • Sign the last page and, if handwritten, use a blue pen with legible handwriting.
   • Write your name exactly as it appears on your ID, using uppercase letters for the surname and avoiding Turkish characters (e.g., OZTURK, Cagri Ibrahim).

2. Official Transcripts:

   • For preparatory and first-year students: High school transcripts with a GPA of at least 3.50/5.00 or 70/100.
   • For second-year students: Vocational school transcripts showing a GPA of at least 2.80/4.00 or 70/100.

3. High School Diploma:
   A certified copy or an electronically signed version obtained through e-Government.

4. Student Certificate:
   From the vocational school.

5. Vocational School Transcript:
   An official transcript showing courses and grades.

6. ID Copy:
   A photocopy of both sides of your national ID.

7. Photo:
   One passport-size photo with the applicant's name written on the back.

8. Application Checklist:
   Download and review to ensure all documents are complete.

Note: Submitted documents will not be returned.

Post-Application Process:

• Eligible candidates will be invited to an interview conducted in English.
• Selected candidates must attend all Fulbright-organized meetings.
• Depending on their English proficiency, candidates may be required to attend English language courses in Turkey before starting the program in the U.S. The costs will be covered by Fulbright.
• Passport and visa processing fees will also be covered.

Scholarship Details:

• Duration:
  One academic year (approximately 9 months).

• Coverage:
  The scholarship covers tuition fees, health insurance, housing, living expenses, enrichment activities, and round-trip airfare.

• Accommodation:
  Arranged by program officials, usually in dormitories shared with international participants.

• Participating Countries:
  For the 2023-2024 academic year, participants come from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, India, Kyrgyzstan, Colombia, Kosovo, Egypt, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Ukraine.

• Special Provisions for Disabled Applicants:
  Fulbright encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and ensures an unbiased evaluation process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I bring my family?
   No, family members cannot join as dependents. They may visit on a tourist visa during holidays.

2. Can I choose the university I attend?
   No, placements are determined by program officials.

3. Can I stay in the U.S. after the program?
   No, J-1 visa rules require participants to return to Turkey upon program completion. They may not transfer to a four-year program or remain in the U.S. for further studies.

4. Can I travel to Turkey during holidays?
   No, participants are required to remain in the U.S. during holiday breaks.

For more details, refer to the official Fulbright guidelines or contact the Turkish Fulbright Education Commission.