Competition for Fulbright, other grants to close soon

Qualified graduate students may apply for one of the approximately 800 awards available to more than 100 countries, according to the Institute of International Education, New York.

The grants' purpose is to increase mutual understanding among the people of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Grants are provided under the terms of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act) and by foreign governments, universities, corporations, and private donors.

Most of the grants offered provide round-trip transportation, tuition and maintenance for one academic year; a few provide international travel only, or a stipend intended as a partial grant-in-aid.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application, and must generally hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent before the beginning date of the grant. In most cases, they should be proficient in the language of the host country. Except for certain specific awards, candidates may not hold the Ph.D. at the time of application.

Creative and performing artists are not required to have a bachelor's degree, but must have four years of professional study or equivalent experience. Candidates in medicine must have an M.D. or the equivalent at the time of application.

Application forms and further information may be obtained from college or university Fulbright Program advisers, IIE's New York headquarters, or one of its regional offices in Chicago, Denver, Houston, or San Francisco.

The deadline for submitting applications to Mississippi State's Graduate School is Oct. 1.