DeadlineFriday, October 2, 2026 at 5:00pm Eastern Time (for recommendations); Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 5:00pm Eastern Time (application deadline)
Award amountup to $20,000 in additional grant funds
Last checkedJun 24, 2026
Eligibility
Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) for Fulbright U.S. Student Program alumni, explaining what it is, how to use it for federal employment, and how to prove it.
Alumni of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program who completed their program after November 2015.; NCE hiring status is granted for 12 months after program completion.; Extensions may be granted for up to two additional years under specific circumstances.
Requirements
Must meet qualification standards and additional requirements for the specific federal job.; Background investigation may be required.; NCE status cannot be applied to state/local government or U.S. Foreign Service positions.
Application materials
Certificate of Achievement from the Fulbright Participant Portal.; Resume indicating NCE status.; Cover letter explaining NCE status.; Supplemental application documents.
How to apply
Indicate NCE status on resume and in cover letter.; Upload Certificate of Achievement as a supplemental document.; Search for NCE jobs on USAJOBS under the Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA hiring path.; Network with federal employees and attend career fairs.; Use the Resume Builder tool on USAJOBS for federal resumes.
Documents
Certificate of Achievement; Memo to employers on NCE
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