# Academic Exchange Programs - Graduate Students (19.400)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/19-400-academic-exchange-programs-graduate-students/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

Academic Exchange Programs - Graduate Students is run by Department of State. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $460 million in 61 grants, about $7.5 million per award.

## Objectives

As authorized by the Fulbright-Hays Act, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) seeks to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange programs, including the exchange of scholars, researchers, professionals, students, and educators. ECA programs foster engagement and encourage dialogue with citizens around the world. Educational and cultural engagement is premised on the knowledge that mutual understanding, the development of future leaders, and the benefits of education programs influence societies and affect official decision-making almost everywhere in the world today. ECA programs inform, engage, and influence participants across strategic sectors of society – including young people, teachers, scholars, journalists, and other professionals – increasing the number of foreign individuals who have first-hand experience with Americans and with the values of freedom, representative government, rule of law, economic choice, and individual dignity, while building international knowledge and capacity among Americans. The purpose of the Fulbright Student Program is to promote mutual understanding by providing opportunities for American and foreign students to study, do research, and/or serve as teaching assistants of their native languages abroad. The Fulbright Student Program includes program components for U.S. students, foreign students, Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program, Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program, Fulbright-Fogarty Fellows, and the Fulbright-National Geographic Award program.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $91.2 million | 22 |
| 2022 | $93.7 million | 14 |
| 2023 | $97.6 million | 15 |
| 2024 | $92.2 million | 9 |
| 2025 | $85.1 million | 2 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Institute of International Education Inc | New York | $402 million |
| America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. | District of Columbia | $46.0 million |
| Laspau Inc. | Massachusetts | $11.7 million |
| University of Mass at Boston | Massachusetts | $696,428 |
| Empower Peace, Inc. | Massachusetts | $11,000 |
| Inclusive Cycling International | California | $10,000 |
| BNC Colombo Americano |  | $3,644 |