UT Austin Named Fulbright Top-Producing Institution for 16th Year, Ranking Among Top Public Universities Nationwide
The University of Texas at Austin has once again earned national recognition as a Fulbright Top-Producing Institution, marking its 16th year on the prestigious list published annually by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, UT Austin selected 11 Longhorns for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, placing the university among the top 12 public universities in the nation for graduating students and recent alumni receiving the highly competitive award.
For many in the Austin community, the honor reflects something deeper than rankings. It represents years of mentorship, late-night application edits, faculty guidance, and students willing to step beyond borders to engage with the world.
What Is the Fulbright Program?
Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s premier international academic exchange program. Its mission is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people around the world.
Each year, Fulbright provides opportunities for Americans and participants from more than 160 countries and locations to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. The program supports international collaboration in science, technology, education, research, the arts, and public service.
The Fulbright Program is funded primarily through an annual appropriation from the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The program operates in partnership with participating governments, host institutions, foundations, corporations, and alumni worldwide.
Implementation partners in the United States include the Institute of International Education (IIE), World Learning, IREX, and Amideast. In 49 countries, binational Fulbright Commissions help administer exchanges; elsewhere, U.S. embassies coordinate the program in collaboration with host governments.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
UT Austin’s Fulbright Legacy
UT Austin’s track record spans more than two decades. During the past 22 years, the university has coordinated Fulbright grants for 267 awardees — a milestone that places it consistently among the nation’s leading public institutions for Fulbright scholars.
“It is a distinct honor to once again be recognized as a leading institution for Fulbright U.S. students in 2025–2026, a reflection of the University’s ongoing commitment to global learning,” said Sonia Feigenbaum, senior vice provost for global engagement and chief international officer. “As we mark this accomplishment, we also reaffirm our mission to provide transformative educational opportunities that empower the next generation of global leaders and deepen UT Austin’s connections around the world.”
The recognition underscores UT Austin’s emphasis on global engagement, international education, and study abroad opportunities — priorities that are coordinated through Texas Global.
How UT Supports Fulbright Applicants
For students wondering how to apply for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, UT Austin provides structured support through the Education Abroad unit of Texas Global.
Promotion for the Fulbright competition begins each April with campuswide information sessions and writing workshops held through May. Students can receive one-on-one advising until the campus Fulbright deadline in September. After applications are submitted, a committee of previous UT Austin faculty and staff Fulbright awardees reviews submissions and provides feedback.
Sonia Seeman, associate professor in the Butler School of Music, serves as faculty committee chair and advisor for the program.
This comprehensive support system helps explain why UT Austin continues to rank among the top Fulbright-producing public universities in the United States.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Why It Matters for Austin and Beyond
Fulbright alumni frequently go on to become leaders in government, business, science, research, education, technology, and the arts. For Austin — a city known for innovation, higher education, and global connections — these students often return with international experience that strengthens local industries, classrooms, and cultural institutions.
The recognition also reinforces UT Austin’s role as a hub for international exchange and academic excellence in Texas.
For students and recent graduates interested in applying, more information is available through Texas Global Fulbright or by emailing fulbright@austin.utexas.edu. Additional details about the national program can be found at fulbrightprogram.org.
As UT Austin celebrates its 16th year as a Fulbright Top-Producing Institution, the milestone represents more than a statistic. It reflects a campus culture that encourages curiosity, global perspective, and a belief that education can build bridges across borders.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.