US Government Fulbright Teaching Excellence Program 2026/27 (Fully Funded). The United States Department of Education, in collaboration with the Fulbright Program, annually offers the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program to outstanding educators from developing countries around the world.
This prestigious, fully funded fellowship brings international secondary school teachers to the United States for an intensive six-week professional development programme hosted by U.S. universities. The programme is designed to strengthen teaching practice, promote international educational exchange, and build long-term professional networks.
This guide explains what the programme offers, who is eligible, the benefits provided, and how to apply step by step.
About the Fulbright Teaching Excellence Program
The Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program is part of the broader Fulbright Teaching Exchanges, which provide professional learning opportunities for K–12 educators in the United States and participating countries.
For international participants, the programme focuses on:
- Enhancing classroom instruction
- Strengthening subject mastery
- Introducing innovative, student-centred teaching approaches
- Promoting cross-cultural understanding
Participants attend structured academic seminars, complete supervised teaching practicums, and engage in cultural and professional exchange activities across U.S. communities.
Programme Summary
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Programme Type: Training | Fellowship
- Sponsor: U.S. Government (Department of Education)
- Eligible Countries: Developing countries
- Programme Duration: Six (6) weeks
- Funding: Fully funded
- Application Deadline: Varies by country
Programme Structure and Learning Experience
Academic Seminars
Participants are placed at a U.S. host university, where they attend academic seminars covering areas such as:
- New and innovative teaching methodologies
- Student-centred and inquiry-based learning
- Instructional technology in the classroom
- Content-based instruction strategies
These sessions are designed to be practical and immediately applicable to participants’ home classrooms.
Field Experience (Teaching Practicum)
Each participant completes a minimum of 40 hours of supervised field experience in a U.S. secondary school. During this practicum:
- Participants are paired with a U.S. partner educator
- The partner teacher works in the same or a closely related subject area
- Participants observe, co-teach, and exchange instructional practices
Cultural and Community Engagement
Beyond the classroom, the programme offers:
- Cultural activities and community engagement events
- Opportunities to learn about American society, education systems, and local cultures
- Networking with educators, administrators, and fellow Fulbright participants
Programme Options
Applicants may:
- Apply to the general Fulbright TEA programme, or
- Choose a thematic cohort, focusing on:
- Gender education
- Media literacy
- Environmental education
Eligibility Requirements for Fulbright Teaching Excellence Program 2026/27
While specific requirements may vary slightly by country, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
Professional Background
- Must be a current, full-time secondary school teacher
- Must teach in an institution serving primarily a local population
- Eligible subjects include:
- English
- English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Special Education teachers within the above subject areas
Secondary-level teachers include middle and high school educators, typically teaching students aged 12 to 18.
Teachers responsible for additional grade levels must spend more than 50% of their teaching time at the middle or high school level to qualify.
Academic Qualifications
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Teaching Experience
- Must have at least five (5) years of classroom teaching experience
English Language Proficiency
- Must demonstrate strong written and spoken English
- Required minimum:
- TOEFL score of 450 (paper-based), or
- An equivalent English-language proficiency examination, where applicable
Career Commitment
- Must demonstrate a clear commitment to continue teaching after completing the programme
Application Status
- Must submit a complete and accurate application
Benefits of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program
The programme is 100% fully funded. Successful applicants receive a comprehensive support package, including:
- J-1 visa sponsorship and official programme administration
- Pre-departure orientation in the participant’s home country
- Round-trip airfare to and within the United States
- Full academic programme fees at the U.S. host university
- Free housing and daily meals throughout the programme
- Health coverage for accident and sickness
- Local transportation to practicum schools
- Daily allowance for personal incidentals
- Baggage allowance
- Welcome orientation and end-of-program workshops
- Eligibility for Fulbright alumni small grants after programme completion
Participants incur no personal costs for core programme activities.
How to Apply for Fulbright Teaching Excellence Program 2026/27 (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Confirm Country-Specific Details
- Application deadlines and procedures vary by country
- Applicants must contact:
- The U.S. Embassy, or
- The Fulbright Commission in their country or territory
to confirm eligibility, deadlines, and local application requirements
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Programme Track
- Review available programme options
- Select the track that best aligns with:
- Your subject area
- Your professional experience
- Your country’s eligibility framework
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Complete the application using the official Fulbright application portal
- Ensure all required documents and information are submitted before the local deadline
Step 4: Await Selection and Interview
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional screening, depending on country procedures
Final Advice for Applicants
The Fulbright Teaching Excellence Program is highly competitive and places strong emphasis on:
- Teaching impact
- Professional experience
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to education in the home country
Successful applicants are typically educators who:
- Clearly articulate how the programme will improve their teaching practice
- Demonstrate long-term commitment to their students and institutions
- Show readiness to share knowledge gained with colleagues after returning home
Because deadlines and processes vary by country, early contact with your local Fulbright office is essential.
