Frequently Asked Questions

What is the British Fulbright Scholars Association?

The British Fulbright Scholars Association (BFSA) was started in 1982 for British Fulbright Scholars (Alumni) to maintain contact with one another, create an active network, and to contribute to relationships between the US and UK. Membership costs £35 per annum and benefits include regular newsletters and invitations to prestigious social events as well as to lectures and debates attracting high profile speakers throughout the year.

For further information contact the BFSA Alumni Manager.

I received a Fulbright Travel scholarship - am I eligible to join the BFSA?

Yes. Contact the BFSA Alumni Manager.

I want to contribute to US/UK relationships - but I was not a Fulbright Scholar - can I join the BFSA?

Yes, you may join as an 'Associate Member'. Details can be obtained from the BFSA Alumni Manager.

What events do the BFSA run? Are there events outside London?

The BFSA have hosted receptions in the House of Lords, the US Embassy, the US Consul in Edinburgh, Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge and Grays' Inn Court among others. Our Annual Concert, featuring world class players, mostly recipients of Fulbright scholarships, has been held on various occasions at the US Embassy, Stowe School in Buckinghamshire and Browsholme Hall in Lancashire. In January we hold our annual Forum Debate attracting international politicians and speakers to discuss topical issues and in October we hold an autumn reception to welcome our Fulbright scholars back from the US. Speakers at our Annual Lecture, held each December, have included Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, himself a Fulbrighter, Jim Woolsey, head of the CIA during the Clinton administration and more recently Senator John Kerry delivered a lecture to the BFSA at the Royal College of Physicians in London.

Who finances the BFSA?

The BFSA is a registered charity. Apart from private donations and membership subscriptions it receives sponsorship from the US Embassy.

Who funds Fulbright scholarships? Who is eligible to receive them?

Fulbright scholarships are funded directly by the US and UK Governments, and by corporations who recognize that the Fulbright Programme represent the very best of British and American talent. Scholars include people in business, leading academics, medical practitioners, musicians, and artists.

Prominent Fulbright scholars include, Baroness Shirley Williams; Lord Lloyd of Berwick; Charles Kennedy MP and Leader of the Liberal Democrats: Lord Rogers; Artists Andrew Pepper and Mike Addington Journalists Katherine Whitehorn, Toby Young and Melanie McDonagh, Sir Karl Popper and choreographer Siobhan Davies.

Any British citizen is eligible to apply for a Fulbright scholarship. The rewards are immense but the competition is intense. Please see the US-UK Fulbright Commission website on www.fulbright.co.uk for a list of awards and conditions for applications.

How can I join the BFSA?

Contact the BFSA Alumni Manager.