Fulbright Transatlantic Diplomacy Program (TAD) 2026

The Fulbright Transatlantic Diplomacy Program (TAD) aims to educate and empower outstanding students from Germany and the United States to address current and future transatlantic challenges—through academic exchange, the acquisition of diplomatic skills, and the development of leadership competencies.

As part of the program, Fulbright Germany offers German students pursuing a master’s degree in international relations, diplomacy, public policy, global governance, or related departments the opportunity to study in the U.S. for 4–9 months. Participants are placed at outstanding universities specializing in politics, governance, and international relations. No tuition fees are charged to program participants in the U.S.

The TAD program is aimed at master’s students who are enrolled in or plan to enroll in one of the following degree programs:

• University of Duisburg-Essen, MA in International Relations and Development Policy & Master of Development and Governance
• Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt, Master’s in Public Policy
• Hertie School, Master of Public Policy & Master of International Affairs
• TUDDresden University of Technology, Master’s in International Relations
• University of Trier, Master’s in International Relations & Diplomacy

Host Universities

Participants will be placed at one of the following American partner institutions:

• George Washington University – Elliott School of International Affairs
• University of Denver – Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
• University of Pittsburgh – School of Public and International Affairs
• University of Washington, Seattle – Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies & Evans School of Public Policy and Governance

Duration

• 4–9 months in the U.S.
• Start of studies in the U.S.: Fall semester 2027 (beginning in August/September)

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorFulbright Germany
• Course to studyPublic Policy
• Eligible CountryGermany , United States

Benefits

• Fulbright Germany covers living expenses and any applicable enrollment fees at the U.S. partner university with $13,800 for four months or $31,000 for nine months
• Issuance of the fee-exempt J-1 visa
• Participation in the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) (please check which of the above-mentioned U.S. partner universities accept the ASPE insurance)
• Participation in the preparatory and networking seminar from April 22 to 25, 2027, in Berlin as part of the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Fulbright Germany
• Membership in the global Fulbright network
• Support from Fulbright Germany and our partner organization in the U.S.
• Access to political networks and research resources

Combining this with other scholarships is generally possible, provided they do not serve the same funding purpose (living expenses).

Requirements

• German citizenship
• Bachelor’s degree from a state-recognized university, which must be obtained no later than two weeks before the start of studies in the U.S. (August/September 2027), or at least six completed semesters in degree programs leading to a Diplom, Magister, or first state examination
• Good to very good academic performance (at least in the top 20% of the class ranking)
• Good to very good English language skills (no proof required)
• Proof of any necessary self-funding for living expenses and campus health insurance, in the event that the university does not accept the Fulbright-funded ASPE health insurance. Proof of any necessary personal funding is required for the issuance of the scholarship agreement and visa.

• Previous experience living in the U.S.

  Funding is only available if you have not previously completed a longer study stay in the U.S.

  The following are permitted:

• Study stays at the bachelor’s level of up to four months or
• Internships of up to four months

• School and au pair stays in the U.S. are not considered study and are therefore eligible.

Selection Process

• Application deadline for the start of the program in the U.S. fall semester 2027 (beginning in August/September): September 30, 2026
• Preliminary selection takes place in October by your home university
• Notification of selected candidates by Fulbright Germany: expected in mid-December 2026

Application Documents

• Tabular resume / Curriculum Vitae (in English, max. 2 pages)
• Current and completetranscript of records in German or English, including a ranking certificate from the Examination Office
• Bachelor’s degree certificate (if applicable)
• High school diploma / university entrance qualification
• Two letters of recommendation from university faculty members with a Ph.D.

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are submitted online via the Fulbright Portal. After registering on the Fulbright Portal or logging in for returning users, you will be redirected directly to the application form.
• The application can be saved and continued or submitted at a later time. To do so, simply log in to the Fulbright portal and select the “Continue Application” option along with the corresponding application form.

For more information, kindly visit Fulbright Transatlantic Diplomacy Program (TAD) webpage.

Only one application per person is permitted.

Contact

Fulbright Germany: [email protected]