US Embassy invites Eastern Caribbean applicants for renowned Fulbright foreign scholarship program

The U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown is inviting qualified graduates from Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean to apply for the prestigious Fulbright Foreign Student Program. A release from the Embassy said that the initiative aims to support students seeking to pursue advanced degrees—either a Master’s or a Ph.D.—at accredited universities across the United States.

The report also explains that candidates must hold either a first-class honors or upper-second class honors Bachelor’s degree. Applicants should be citizens and residents of one of the Eastern Caribbean nations: Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is essential that applicants are not holders of U.S. “green cards” or residing in the United States at the time of application. Additionally, candidates must not currently be enrolled in or pursuing studies at any U.S. institution. Successful applicants are expected to return to their home countries upon completing their studies in the United States.

According to the release, prospective scholars are required to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), depending on their intended field of study. These scores must be submitted along with their application to be considered for interviews.

The Embassy emphasized that it is important to note that Fulbright recipients are subject to a two-year home-country foreign residency requirement. This stipulation mandates that scholars spend two years residing in their home country after completing their studies in the U.S. While traveling to the U.S. during this period is permitted, certain employment and family-based visas may be restricted until the residency obligation is fulfilled.

Application

Applicants must submit their applications online via https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2026 by July 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The application package requires three letters of recommendation—at least two of which should be from academic referees who can attest to the applicant’s academic potential and performance.

These recommendations can be submitted electronically or in hard copy. Hard copies should be sent via email to the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown at [email protected].

Candidates are advised to review the provided guidelines and forms, which include the Application Flyer, 2026 Application Checklist, Essay Tips, Reference Form, Recommendation Letter Guidelines, Plagiarism and Essay Guidelines, Resume Tips, and instructions for submitting transcripts and diplomas.

All supporting documents—transcripts, university diplomas, and recommendation letters—must be addressed to:

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Public Affairs Section
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
Wildey, St. Michael
Barbados

Applications must be completed and submitted electronically; incomplete submissions will not be considered. Once the review process concludes after the July 1 deadline, applicants will be notified of the outcome by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown.