Fulbright Denmark Selection Criteria and Process
Fulbright Denmark's Commitment to Academic Freedom and Transparency
Fulbright Denmark is committed to a selection process that respects and protects academic freedom. Part of the selection process includes a national screening and review in Denmark. Our national selection is based on merit, academic quality, and the potential for cultural exchange.
However, final approval for Fulbright grants rests with the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) in the United States, which is appointed by the President of the United States. FFSB may be instructed to ensure that selected projects comply with executive orders issued by the U.S. President.
This means that even if a candidate is positively recommended by Fulbright Denmark, their project could still be declined at the U.S. approval stage due to non-compliance with current executive orders. Should such a situation occur, Fulbright Denmark will do its utmost to secure alternative funding for the affected candidate. Fulbright Denmark has no insight into these final decisions, but will share U.S. decisions directly with applicants and clearly communicate any remaining options for the applicant. We strongly encourage all applicants to contact us during the application process if they have concerns about whether their proposed research topic may fall within areas of contention. Our team is to some degree available to provide guidance and discuss potential implications.
How We Select Winning Projects
Below are some of the factors that may influence Fulbright Denmark’s review results:
- Project feasibility (well defined, realistic)
- Project objectives (new view, original approach)
- Level of project preparation (well structured, strong affiliation with host)
- Relevance of the host institution/need to conduct study or research abroad
- Academic background of the applicant (grades, publication activities, academic merit, etc.)
- Potential contribution to the development of the field/benefits for society
- Potential for multiplier-effect (continued collaboration between the applicant’s home and host institution)
- Potential for Fulbright and home country ambassadorship
If candidates have comparable qualities, preference will be given to candidates who have not previously had the opportunity to stay long-term in the U.S. or Denmark. An important aspect is also securing the disciplinary and local/geographical diversity of host/home institutions. Lastly, if two or more final candidates have comparable or equal qualities, preference can be given to candidates whose project topic is affiliated to one of Fulbright Denmark’s strategic areas.
Rejections made by Fulbright Denmark may generally be based on factors like ineligibility, incomplete application, lack of quality, feasibility issues etc.
Selection Process: What Applicants Should Know
To always maintain transparency and fairness, Fulbright Denmark will adhere to the following principles in selection cycles:
- Selection Based on Quality
We will continue to base our nominations on academic excellence and the quality of the proposed project, without pre-screening for alignment with U.S. executive orders. - Applicant Advisory on Risks
Applicants will be informed in advance that projects in certain areas may face a higher risk of rejection at the U.S. level. We will provide guidance on what these areas currently include, based on available information. - Transparency in National Process
Our selection process will remain transparent as detailed below. - Alternative Funding Options
In cases where U.S. approval is not granted, Fulbright Denmark will seek to secure alternative Commission-funded or partner-supported grants whenever possible. Alternative funding cannot be guaranteed.
We Encourage You to Apply
We strongly encourage all eligible applicants to apply. Fulbright Denmark is fully committed to supporting Danish and U.S. students, scholars, and professionals in pursuing academic excellence and international collaboration. The program continues to be a unique opportunity for professional growth, research advancement, and cultural exchange.
We are actively monitoring developments and advocating for a fair, transparent, and academically driven selection process.
Data protection for grant register
Fulbright Denmark: Processing of Personal Data for grant register
The purpose for processing the personal data / the purpose for the use of a register
Personal data is collected for processing grant applications and awarded grants, for evaluation, decisions, communications and for reporting purposes. The legal basis for the processing is the applicant’s voluntary, ascertained, informed and unambiguous expression of consent with which applicants approve of the processing of their data.
The Fulbright Denmark Commission may carry out following processes as a part of the management of the program:
- Application/Selection (Collecting and reviewing applications for the purpose of selecting potential program participants and/or notifying them of their selection for a program)
- Academic Review and Placement (Reading, reviewing, submitting and/or analyzing applications).
- Record Creation/Management (Creating and maintaining a record in the Commission systems, electronic or otherwise, in order to carry out the management of the program.)
- Financial Verification (Verifying availability of funds or income to cover program-related costs/expenses, financial need, or other financial requirements of a program.)
- Participant Agreements (Drafting, sending, or receiving an agreement document such as Terms of Agreement or any other type of agreement document with program participants.)
- Event Management (Planning and/or executing events including registration, scheduling of participants, or any other event-related activities for purposes including program enrichment or external engagements by the Foundation.)
- Program Reporting (Producing and sharing reports, usually with the sponsors or donors, about progress, activities and other program related information.)
- Participant Progress Management (Collecting and analyzing any academic, employment or other information to ensure a participant is meeting the requirements of a program or on track for successful completion of an award.)
- Financial Management (Processing payment transactions to or from participants.)
- Emergency Management (Assisting, corresponding and handling emergencies during a program participation.)
- Tax Reporting (Annually reporting to the Finnish Tax Authority grant amounts paid to grantees.)
- Program Evaluation (Reporting, exporting, or compiling of data for the purposes of understanding and/or evaluating the state of the program/participants, impacts, or any other legitimate interest.)
- Alumni Management: (Managing data of participants whose programs have ended, including the production of statistical reports, alumni correspondence and organizing alumni events.)
With whom do we share your data
In order to process your grant applications, the Foundation may share your data with following third parties:
- External selection committees members
- Nordic Fulbright Commissions
- The American Embassy in Denmark
- U.S. Department of State (ECA)
- Program and award sponsors
- Program and award partners
- Academic and research institutions
Third parties who have access to your data will process it according to the EU General Data Protection Regulations.
If the applicant accepts the grant then the Nordic Fulbright Commissions may publish following information from the registry to its website:
- Name of the grant recipient
- Project title
- Projects description
- Home institution
- Host institution
- Grant length
The principles how the data file/register is secured
Data that is collected via Google Forms and is processed by the Commission. Google Forms are certified and comply with the EU GDPR and with the EU-US Privacy Shield program.
To process you data, the Commission transfers your data from Google Forms to the Commission’s servers.
The data stored at Fulbright Denmark’s Commission is secured and protected by firewalls and other technology and is accessible only to selected individuals.
Google Forms are responsible for the technical protection and data security of the information stored in their servers.
Deleting applications and their personal data
Awarded grants
The Commission stores received applications and their personal data and any additions to them for communications, administration and statistical purposes for seven years from the end of the financial year or the necessary amount of time considering notices to the authorities and possible audits. Grant applications and reports related to the programs are long-term archived.
Incomplete applications
The Commission deletes incomplete applications and personal data associated with it after application deadline.
Rejected applications
The Commission removes the applications with their appendices, related personal data and any additions to it that have not been awarded a grant after 2 years when there is no need for them to be stored for payment or statistical purposes, except applicant first and last name.
Payment data
Payment data is stored for seven years years from the end of the financial year.
The data subject rights
Data subjects are entitled to view stored information about themselves, they have the right to demand changes to erroneous information and incomplete information to be completed or deleted if there are no legal grounds to store the information. The data subjects are also entitled to request restrictions to the processing of their information, to oppose the processing of information pertaining to them and the right to transfer information pertaining to them from one system to another.
The data subject has the right to withdraw their consent at any time provided the withdrawal does not affect the legality of previous processing done on the basis of the previous consent.
Note on changes to this statement
We reserve the right to change this Statement and any other relevant policies or procedures at any time without notice to you.
Contact Fulbright Denmark regarding personal data processing
If you have any queries or concern about the way Fulbright Denmark processes your personal data, or wish to exercise any of your rights pursuant to the data protection legislation, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (“GDPR”) you can get in touch by post or by email:
Address: Fulbright Center Denmark, Nørregade 7A, 1. tv., 1165 Copenhagen K, Denmark
Contact: Fulbright Denmark (fulbright@fulbright.dk).
Returning Home
Many of our Fulbrighters share that returning home after living abroad can seem challenging and even daunting. To assist with this transition, we’ve compiled a list of 9 tips to make the process more tangible.
Tips for returning home
1. Prepare for the adjustment process: Consider the differences and similarities between going abroad and returning home. This will help you to anticipate how you may react or feel, and remember that some level of worrying is not only natural but can be helpful.
2. Allow yourself time and slow down: Returning home, just like adapting to a new foreign culture, is a gradual process. Reflect on your reactions and emotions thoroughly, and grant yourself permission to ease into the transition you are going through. Mood swings and snap judgements are common in the initial stages so slow down your reactions by choosing to respond thoughtfully. If need be, take some time to rehearse how you want to express yourself and handle various situations.
3. Cultivating sensitivity: Show genuine interest in others’ experiences to reestablish rapport. Mutual sharing is key, and being a good listener is essential to avoiding frustration.
4. Understand that the familiar will seem different: Acknowledge that changes in yourself and your home environment will lead to new perspectives on familiar people, places, and behaviors. Expect some emotional and psychological reactions to being back home.
5. Cultural catching up: Be prepared for and to accept significant cultural updates in linguistics, politics, entertainment, social, economic and current events after returning home. Returnees often report gaining major insights into themselves and their home countries during reentry.
6. Beware of comparisons: While it’s natural to make cultural comparisons, avoid being overly critical of home or excessively praising foreign experiences. Maintain a balanced perspective on both.
7. Remain flexible and stay open: Strive for a balance between maintaining old patterns and embracing new social and intellectual aspects. Keeping options open is crucial for a successful return. A ‘yes’ to an opportunity you otherwise would have declined may bring about a desired outcome.
8. Seek support networks: Connect with people who have experienced reentry, such as academic faculty, exchange students, international development staff, diplomatic corps, military personnel, church officials, and business professionals. Seek support from university study abroad and foreign student offices for country-specific advice. You may also want to connect to expats in your country or other internationals. You can also join the Fulbright network.
9. Stay connected: Make sure to stay in touch with people you have connected and worked with during your Fulbright stay.
Worksheet
Our Returning Home worksheet consists of questions to help you reflect on three key aspects of your Fulbright grant:
- The Fulbright mission
- Your personal experience
- Identifying related competencies
Furthermore, you get a list of skills and qualities to add to your CV!
Data Protection
Fulbright Denmark: Processing of Personal Data
Fulbright Denmark processes personal data in a number of different contexts in order to carry out the tasks that fall under the auspices of Fulbright Denmark, tasks which center around grant administration and related advising.
Consequently, in managing these tasks Fulbright Denmark will receive information concerning individuals which may identify the individual or make it possible to do so. Personal data and information thus figure into Fulbright Denmark’s work in various contexts.
Processing of personal data in specific contexts
Below you can read more about how Fulbright Denmark processes your personal data. Please note that Fulbright Denmark also processes personal data in other contexts than those described below. In such cases, you will be informed directly about how Fulbright Denmark will process your personal data.
Enquiries from interested parties:
Fulbright Denmark receives enquiries from individuals, university representatives and other entities regarding various aspects of grant administration/advising and processes personal data in order to handle the given enquiry.
- Purpose of processing: The purpose is to handle the specific enquiry to the enquirer’s satisfaction. The personal data in question is provided to Fulbright Denmark by the enquirer.
- Personal data processed: The volume and type of personal data processed will depend on the enquiry.
- Length of processing period: Personal data will only be processed for the amount of time necessary to handle the given enquiry.
Grant applications:
When applying for a grant administered by Fulbright Denmark, you will be provided a Data Protection Notice and Consent Form tailored to that specific context.
Contact Fulbright Denmark regarding personal data processing
If you have any queries or concern about the way Fulbright Denmark processes your personal data, or wish to exercise any of your rights pursuant to the data protection legislation, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (“GDPR”) you can get in touch by post or by email:
Address: Fulbright Center Denmark, Nørregade 7A, 1. tv., 1165 Copenhagen K, Denmark
Contact: Fulbright Denmark (fulbright@fulbright.dk).
Board members
Meet our board
Honorary Chair of the Fulbright Denmark Board
Kenneth A. Howery
U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark
Kenneth A. Howery is a respected diplomat, accomplished venture capitalist, and entrepreneur with a proven record of creating and funding transformative technology companies. He previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden, where he strengthened transatlantic ties and advanced shared priorities in defense and security, trade and investment, technology and innovation, and Arctic cooperation.
American members
Meg Young
Public Affairs Counselor, U.S. Embassy Copenhagen
Vice Chair of Fulbright Denmark
Prior to this assignment Meg Young served in the Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy’s office of Policy, Planning and Resources leading their Outreach and Communications unit. She has also served as Deputy Director of the China Division in the State Department’s Global Engagement Center, as an Advisor to the Office of the Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy and as a Member of the Secretary’s Policy Planning Staff. In addition, she was the deputy public affairs officer at U.S. Embassy, Lisbon, the press officer for Afghanistan and Pakistan in the Bureau of South-Central Asian Affairs, and consular officer in Shanghai, China.
Before joining the Foreign Service, Meg received her master’s in public diplomacy from the University of Southern California. She also worked as a researcher at USC’s Center on Public Diplomacy where she focused on Chinese soft power. She previously worked for Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation in the areas of youth exchange and international leadership development. Meg received her undergraduate degree in theatre and philosophy from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
Bradley T. McGuire
Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Embassy Copenhagen
Treasurer of Fulbright Denmark
Bradley T. McGuire is a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, who joined the Foreign Service in 2010. His previous professional experience includes roles at a startup in Silicon Valley, the American public affairs television network C-SPAN, and as a senior copywriter at Marriott International.
Brad has held prior diplomatic postings as Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau; Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels; Vice Consul at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest; and Information Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat. In Washington, D.C., he has served as the Public Diplomacy Officer on the Russia Desk and as a Watch Officer in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR).
He holds an A.B. in Government and a J.D., both from Georgetown University, as well as an M.A. in Journalism from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Brad has studied Dutch, French, Romanian, and Russian. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar.
Amanda Rasmussen
SVP Global Head of Order Management Solutions, DHL Global Forwarding
Amanda Rasmussen currently serves as SVP Global Head of Order Management Solutions at DHL Global Forwarding, based in Copenhagen. She has held leadership positions across North America, Asia, and Europe, including key roles at Maersk, Expeditors, and DHL. Amanda holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and an MBA in International Business Systems from Loyola Marymount University. She has served as a Board Member and Chairwoman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and is currently a Board Member of the Maritime Network of Women, also previously serving as Board President. Amanda’s work is driven by a commitment to building strong communities and expanding opportunities for growth and innovation. She believes in the transformative power of learning and strives to ensure that organizations and individuals have the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed and thrive.
Vacancy
Danish members
Lotte Bøgh Andersen
Professor, King Frederik Center for Public Leadership, Department of Political Science
Lotte Bøgh Andersen is Professor of Public Leadership and part of King Frederik Center of Public Leadership at Aarhus University, Denmark. Her research interests include leadership, motivation, behavior, and performance of public employees; she also has contributed to research concerning professionalism, economic incentives and motivation crowding theory. She is member of the assessment committee for Crown Prince Frederik Fund and an active reserve officer at the Danish Engineer Regiment. She is also an ambassador at InterForce, the organization connecting the armed forces to the civilian sector and thus building support for Denmark’s defense and emergency preparedness. This links to her empirical research interests, where she publishes books and journal articles that investigate employees and leaders in the military, police, health care units, educational organizations, job centers, assisted living facilities, state agencies and private compagnies.
Jacob Gerner Hariri
Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen
Jacob Gerner Hariri is Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on political regime dynamics, the drivers of democratization and democratic decline, and the ways economic factors shape group affiliations and political attitudes. He is principal investigator on several projects examining the origins of the modern state in early modern Europe, the role of arms technology in long-term political development, and the dynamics and legacies of empire in contemporary politics. In addition, he serves on the academic assessment committee for the Crown Prince Frederik Fund and is Ph.D. program coordinator at the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen.
Niels Andersen
Vice Director, DTU Space & Head of Polar Activities, DTU
Niels Andersen is on the DTU Space Executive Board and the Head of Department for Innovation and Public Authorities at DTU Space. Niels is the national representative in the International Association of Geodesy (IAG), a member of the Danish Delegation regarding United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a member of the International Law Association (ILA), and Chair of the IHO/IAG Advisory Board to United Nations on the Law of the Sea. Niels has a Ph.D. in Geodesy from University of Copenhagen, a Master’s in Physics/Mathematics from University of Aarhus and a Diploma in Business Excellence from Columbia University in New York.
Mikkel Buchter
Head of Division, Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science
Mikkel Buchter is a senior civil servant with 30 years of experience from various positions within Danish ministries and government agencies. He has served within the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, and Ministry of Higher Education and Science working extensively with regulation and administration of admission to higher education in Denmark, recognition of foreign qualifications, international mobility, and supervision of Danish public institutions within these fields. Mikkel Buchter has a Master in Political Science from University of Copenhagen.
Broad Opportunities
Fulbright Denmark strives to create an atmosphere of respect, acceptance and mutual understanding.
Fulbright Denmark strives to create an atmosphere of respect, acceptance and mutual understanding.
Fulbright Denmark welcomes all individuals irrespective of their background. We reach out to all communities and encourage all qualified individuals to apply to the program. We can assure that everyone will get a fair and equal treatment. This un-biased approach applies to the advising, selection and pre-departure processes and all communication during and after an exchange. Admittance into the Fulbright program is merit-based, and we appreciate extracurricular engagement and a curious personality.
The Fulbright Program is committed to supporting all grantees’ overall well-being when abroad. To support this, grantees will have access to relevant resources and information about support networks if needed.
We offer personalized, professional and independent advising before, during and after the exchange experience.
Our alumni are cultural ambassadors and they are positioned to succeed in the world by fostering friendly connections and lasting collaborations with their international counterparts.
USA vejledning for danske studerende og forskere
Fulbright Center tilbyder fremragende vejledning om akademiske studier og forskning i USA. I partnerskab med EducationUSA, vejleder vi ift. at studere på bachelorniveau, og i Fulbright regi vejleder vi ift. kandidatstudier, PhD, postdoc og ift. forskning.
Fulbright Center's støtte var absolut uundværlig for, at mit at ophold i Boston blev en realitet; især den praktiske bistand med visumansøgning og generel vejledning i hele planlægningsfasen var uhyre hjælpsom.
— Dansk Fulbright student, 2017/2018
USA vejledning for bachelorstuderende - "Undergraduates"
Ønsker du at studere i USA?
Fulbright Denmark samarbejder med EducationUSA om at vejlede studerende der vil til USA. EducationUSA er et korrekt og neutralt afdelingsnetværk i USA med over 400 internationale vejledningscentre i mere end 170 lande. Hos Fulbright Center i Danmark har vi gruppemøder, individuelle vejledninger, og informationsmøder om forskellige amerikanske uddannelsesrelaterede emner.
USA vejledning for kandidatstuderende - "Graduates"
Ønsker du at studere i USA?
Fulbright Danmark kan vejlede potentielle ansøgere ift.kandidatstudier i USA. Fulbright Danmarks vejledning tager for det meste udgangspunkt i såkaldte “free-movers”, som planlægger deres egne studier i USA.
Er du en kandidat eller ph.d.-studerende og interesseret i vores legater? Kontakt Fulbright Danmark for de bedste 30 minutter til at planlægge dine amerikanske studier.
USA vejledning for Postdoc & forskere
Forskning og undervisning i USA. USA tilbyder mange muligheder for Postdoc og forskere inkl. kortere forskningsophold, gæstelærer, gæsteprofessor og andre former for beskæftigelse. Vi kan hjælpe med vejledning til postdoc og forskere.
USA vejledning træning og praktik
Ønsker du at blive trainee eller være i praktik i USA?
Hvis du overvejer et praktikophold i USA, skal du have visum. Det er ikke tilladt at være trainee eller praktikant som turist, heller ikke hvis et er ulønnet og varer mindre end tre måneder. Uanset hvor du er praktikant, om det er lønnet eller ej – så skal du have et visum.
Relevante links
EducationUSA: www.educationusa.state.gov
Institute of International Education (IIE): www.iie.org
Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES): www.cies.org
ETS: www.ets.org.
Danish Representations in the U.S.: www.usa.um.dk/en/about-us
The U.S. Embassy in Denmark: dk.usembassy.gov
Populære spørgsmål
No. Our advising is completely free, correct and neutral.
We have info meetings every semester. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page where we advertise these. We have info meetings on studies in the U.S., how to apply for grants, internships, LL.M., sports scholarships etc.
Yes. We can easily set up a private advising session. Please contact us before to do so.
We will gladly help you with all the questions you might have regarding studies in the U.S. on university-level, academic research, internships etc. If we don’t know the answer to your question, we will refer you to someone who does.
Alumni
Once a Fulbrighter – Always a Fulbrighter
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Can you imagine what could be done when you put the best and the brightest from all over the world together?
Stay in touch, become part of the global Fulbright Alumni Community – and continue the Fulbright mission while boosting your own career. Join the network!
Fulbrighter is a new and exclusive online networking platform specifically designed for Fulbright alumni and grantees. It is a space where you can connect, network and engage with the global community of Fulbrighters.
As well as keeping up to date with your Commission’s news and activities, you can:
- Create your own profile and connect with Fulbrighters from around the world
- Discover the dynamic research and practice going on around the world
- Build networks of like-minded thinkers, practitioners and professionals
- Offer support to new grantees and established Fulbrighters
- Share your news, events and best practice
- Collaborate on projects and ideas to enrich understanding of our complex, changing world.
Find out more about Fulbrighter and join the platform here.
Fulbrighter Podcast
Listen to the Fulbrighter Podcast available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Advice on Returning Home
To learn more about returning home after living abroad, click on the link below. The page will provide a worksheet with questions to help you reflect, as well as get advice on how to make the process more tangible.
Advising
Studies and research in the U.S.
Fulbright Center offers free and unbiased advising to students at graduate level and above seeking academic opportunities in the U.S.
The Fulbright Center's support was absolutely indispensable for my stay in Boston to become a reality; especially the practical assistance with visa application and general advice throughout the planning phase.
— Danish Fulbright student, 2017/2018
Relevant links
EducationUSA: www.educationusa.state.gov
Institute of International Education (IIE): www.iie.org
Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES): www.cies.org
ETS: www.ets.org.
Danish Representations in the U.S.: www.usa.um.dk/en/about-us
The U.S. Embassy in Denmark: dk.usembassy.gov
Partners
Why become a Fulbright Denmark partner?
Fulbright Denmark is known as the flagship program for top students and scholars with strong recognition in the academic world. To strengthen our commitment to a better future, Fulbright Denmark is about to evolve and become a more dynamic builder of affiliations between knowledge institutions, students and scientists and corporate partners.
Our grants open new avenues for our recipients. In the same manner, Fulbright present opportunities for our partners to associate yourself with the best and the brightest, and to use this affiliation actively in building your own corporate culture and brand.
Fulbright Denmark presents an opportunity for Danish companies and institutions to shine brighter by committing to help shape the future of the graduates of tomorrow.
For information regarding partnership opportunities, please contact:
Sophia Vejlgaard
Executive Director, Fulbright Denmark
sophia.vejlgaard@fulbright.dk
+ 45 33 18 10 03
International educational exchange is the most significant current project designed to continue the process of humanizing mankind to the point, we would hope, that men can learn to live in peace
— Senator J. William Fulbright, 1976
Thanks to our partners
Funding for Fulbright Denmark is provided in annual state budget allocations by
Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science
