Fulbright Scholar Program AI policy
In short
There is no Fulbright-wide AI rule, and the U.S. Scholar application instructions do not mention AI. For the Visiting Scholar Program (non-U.S. scholars), the 2027-2028 application instructions warn that copying text produced by generative AI directly into your application may hurt admission or affiliation decisions at U.S. host institutions. At least one country commission sets stricter rules: the Fulbright Commission in Egypt requires disclosure of any AI use and disqualifies applicants who use AI to replace their own thinking or without disclosure.
For applicants
- Visiting Scholar Program applicants: some U.S. institutions may scan applications for language produced by generative AI. Institutional policies vary widely and are evolving, and copying generative AI content directly into your application may negatively affect admission or affiliation decisions.[1]
- Egyptian Scholar Program applicants (Fulbright Commission in Egypt): any use of AI tools in any part of the application must be clearly disclosed.[2]
- Egyptian Scholar Program applicants: using AI tools to replace your own original thinking, or without proper disclosure, leads to disqualification.[2]
Sources
- [1]Instructions for Completing the 2027-2028 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Application (Plagiarism Agreement section)
Institute of International Education, for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (U.S. Department of State)
“While individual institutional policies range widely and policy responses from US universities will continue to evolve, copying language/content produced by GenAI directly into your application may negatively impact admission or affiliation decisions.”
“Some institutions may scan applications for the use of language produced by GenAI.”
- [2]Fulbright Egyptian Scholar Program: Research Grant
Fulbright Commission in Egypt
“Use of AI tools in any part of the Fulbright application must also be clearly disclosed.”
“An applicant who is found to have plagiarized in any form (including unintentional or accidental plagiarism), or to have used AI tools to replace his or her original thoughts or without proper disclosure in his or her application will be disqualified.”
This page summarizes published guidance and is not legal advice. Policies change, and a specific solicitation can add its own rules, so confirm against the funding announcement before you apply. See every funder's AI policy.