Nine San Diego State University students have been named semi-finalists for the 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Student Program, a prestigious international exchange initiative offering fully funded opportunities for research, graduate study, and English teaching abroad, with final selections expected between April and May.
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Nine students from San Diego State University have been named semi-finalists for the prestigious 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which offers opportunities for research, graduate study, and English teaching abroad, with final selections expected between April and May.
The semi-finalists aim to travel to various countries, including Albania and Senegal, with six applying as English teaching assistants and three pursuing research or binational business programs. Among the 15 applicants who submitted through SDSU’s advising program, eight advanced to the semi-finals, along with one independent applicant.
To reach this stage, candidates passed an initial review by Fulbright’s U.S. National Screening Committee and were recommended to their prospective host countries for further consideration. Finalists will be chosen by the host countries and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
“It is a significant achievement to be named a semi-finalist for such a competitive scholarship,” said Cristina Alfaro, associate vice president of SDSU International Affairs. “I commend all who applied and encourage students to continue seeking international opportunities that foster global awareness.”
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, established by the U.S. Department of State, is the world’s most prominent international exchange program, providing 2,200 grants annually for research, graduate study, and English teaching in over 140 countries.
This year’s SDSU research semi-finalists are Robert Lang and Joaquin Ramoso, while Callista Helms is pursuing a transborder business program. English teaching assistant semi-finalists include Kelly Sierra, Erin Cragg, Julianna Deras, Marina Godinez, and Dorothy Ntchougan Sonou, with one additional student choosing to remain anonymous.
Fulbright recipients receive a fully funded year abroad, including airfare, and gain preferential hiring status with the federal government for one year, along with lifetime access to a Fulbright email.
“When applying for graduate school or jobs, being a Fulbrighter carries significant prestige,” said Yoshiko Higurashi, professor emerita of Japanese and SDSU’s Fulbright advisor. “It’s a major accomplishment.”
SDSU will host virtual and in-person information sessions for students interested in applying for the 2026-27 Fulbright cycle, beginning in February and continuing through the spring semester.
In the previous cycle, 20 SDSU students applied through the university’s advising program, with 10 reaching the semi-finals. Of those, seven were ultimately awarded Fulbright scholarships, along with an additional independent applicant.