The Fulbright Transatlantic Diplomacy Program is one of the most strategically designed scholarship opportunities available for German students pursuing a Master of Public Policy, because it is not designed as a standalone scholarship. It is built to fit seamlessly inside your MPP at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt, letting you spend one or two semesters studying at a top US policy school without extending your degree timeline and without paying US tuition fees.
You apply before your MPP begins, in the summer before your programme starts, meaning you can benefit from the Fulbright network, the training, and the American academic experience from the very beginning of your postgraduate career.
The application deadline for students starting their MPP in October 2026 is 31 August 2026.
What Is the Fulbright Transatlantic Diplomacy Program?
The TAD programme is a partnership between Fulbright Germany and five leading US universities with strong international affairs and public policy schools. It provides German MPP students at the Willy Brandt School with a funded semester or academic year at one of the partner universities in the United States — building transatlantic professional networks, deepening US policy expertise, and connecting participants to the global Fulbright alumni community.
The programme is explicitly designed around a key insight: that future German (and European) policy leaders benefit enormously from deep first-hand experience of how American public policy works — not just theoretically, but institutionally, culturally, and professionally.
What the Programme Covers
| Duration | Funding |
|---|---|
| 4 months | $13,800 USD (living costs and, where applicable, enrollment fees) |
| 9 months | $31,000 USD |
| US tuition fees | Not charged to TAD participants |
| J-1 visa | Issued free of charge |
| Health insurance | Fulbright ASPE health coverage (subject to host university acceptance) |
The key financial structure: you pay no US tuition fees regardless of which partner university you attend. The funding of $13,800–$31,000 covers living costs during your US stay, with the amount scaling with the duration of your placement.
Additionally, it may be possible to complete the MPP mandatory internship in the United States after your study period, combining academic and practical US experience in a single Fulbright-supported period.
The Partner Universities
Five US universities participate in the TAD programme, each with a distinct policy and international affairs focus:
George Washington University — Elliott School of International Affairs, Washington DC
One of the US’s most connected international affairs schools, located in the capital. Direct proximity to the State Department, World Bank, IMF, and major US think tanks.
University of Denver — Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, Denver, Colorado
Named after the father of former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Strong in international security, human rights, and global governance.
University of Pittsburgh — School of Public and International Affairs, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Strong research focus on public policy, international development, and comparative politics.
University of Washington, Seattle — Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies
One of the US’s leading international studies schools, with strong Asia-Pacific and global security programming.
University of Washington, Seattle — Evans School of Public Policy and Governance
One of the top-ranked public affairs schools in the US, with strong programmes in policy analysis, management, and leadership.
Who Can Apply
Nationality: German citizens only. This programme is exclusively for German nationals, not for international students enrolled at the Willy Brandt School.
Programme: You must have already been admitted to the Master of Public Policy at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt.
Timing: You apply before you start your MPPÂ in the summer prior to your October programme start. This means for students beginning their MPP in October 2026, the application deadline is 31 August 2026.
The Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 31 August 2026 (for October 2026 MPP starters going abroad in Fall 2027) |
| Notification of selection | Around mid-December 2026 |
| US study period | Fall 2027 or 2027/28 academic year |
The structure is important to understand: you apply now (before October 2026), receive your result in December 2026, begin your MPP in October 2026, and then go to the US in Fall 2027, after completing your first MPP year in Erfurt. This allows you to arrive in the US with a year of postgraduate policy education already under your belt.
Network and Training Benefits
Beyond the financial and academic components, the TAD programme provides:
- Full access to the worldwide Fulbright Alumni Network — one of the most valuable professional networks in international affairs, spanning governments, international organisations, academia, and civil society globally
- An accompanying programme with trainings, workshops, and contacts to transatlantic organisations and policy stakeholders
- Long-term network building with other Fulbright scholars and programme alumni
The Fulbright brand is significant in the international policy world. Being a Fulbright scholar is a career credential that opens doors in diplomatic services, international organisations, think tanks, and policy-focused institutions in Germany, the US, and globally.
How to Apply
The TAD programme strongly recommends getting in touch with Fulbright Germany before submitting your application to identify the right partner university and develop your study plan. Visit fulbright.de for the application portal and current guidance.
Your application should be submitted by 31 August 2026 if you are starting your MPP in October 2026 and planning to go abroad in Fall 2027.
Honest Assessment: Who Should Apply
For German MPP students at the Willy Brandt School, the TAD programme is an exceptional opportunity with essentially no downside. You do not extend your degree. You pay no US tuition. You get $13,800–$31,000 in living support. You study at a top US policy school. And you join the Fulbright network for life.
The only genuine requirement beyond German citizenship and MPP admission is a compelling application, demonstrating why US policy experience is relevant to your career goals, which partner university is the right fit for your interests, and what you will contribute to the transatlantic dialogue the programme is designed to support.
Apply before 31 August 2026. Contact Fulbright Germany at fulbright.de before submitting.
FAQ
Is this only for German citizens?
Yes. The Fulbright Transatlantic Diplomacy Program is exclusively for German nationals admitted to the Willy Brandt School MPP.
Do I pay US tuition fees?
No. TAD participants are not charged US tuition fees at any of the five partner universities.
Does this extend my MPP duration?
No. The programme is specifically designed to fit within the regular MPP study period, and you complete your degree on the standard timeline.
Can I do an internship in the US as part of this?
Potentially yes. The TAD programme notes the possibility of completing the MPP mandatory internship in the US following the study period.
What is the J-1 visa?
The J-1 is a US exchange visitor visa — the standard visa category for Fulbright scholars. It is issued free of charge as part of the TAD scholarship.
Where do I apply?
Through Fulbright Germany at fulbright.de. Contact them before submitting to identify your ideal partner university.
For more information and application:Â
Visit the official website of the Fulbright Transatlantic Diplomacy Program 2026
