US Programme
Ever considered studying abroad? Think the US could be the right fit for you? The Sutton Trust Fulbright US Programme is designed to support students to explore studying in America and access leading universities.
From introductory information sessions to a week spent in the US visiting different American colleges and universities, you’ll get an in-depth look into what it’s like to be a student in the US.
All costs including travel, residential events and accommodation are paid for by the programme.
Register your interest
What the programme offers
Who can apply
Students applying to the US Programme must meet the following criteria:
- Currently be in S5 (Scotland), Year 12 (England and Wales), or Year 13 (Northern Ireland).
- Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK
- Not hold US citizenship
- Be from a low-income family (generally, this will mean a household earning £50,000 or less)
- Be interested in US culture and higher education
In addition, we are looking for students who:
- Would be the first generation of their family to attend university
- Have been eligible for free school meals
- Attend a school or college with a below-average A Level or Higher point score and/or a low rate of progression into higher education
- Live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression into higher education and/or a high level of socio-economic deprivation
- Have excellent GCSEs or National 5 results.
- For England and Northern Ireland: Have achieved at least eight GCSEs at grade A or 7 or above, or near this level
- For Wales: Have achieved at least eight GCSEs at grade A or above, or near this level
- For Scotland: Have achieved at least six B passes at National 5 or above, or near this level
The more of the above criteria you meet, the more likely you are to be accepted onto the programme.
How to apply
Applications for the US Programme 2025 are currently closed.
To find out more about the programme and to apply when the window opens, use the links below.
Programme impact
What is the impact of the US Programme?
The number of our students that have been admitted to a US university.
The number of US universities our students have attended.
The amount of financial aid accessed by our students.
When I first got on the US Programme, I thought it was some kind of mistake and I was terrified of being inadequate among the best and brightest of the UK. A year later, and I’ve been accepted into my first-choice American university! The support I’ve received has been absolutely life-changing, and I wouldn’t change my experience for the world.
I’d thought about studying in the US before, but I never thought that it would be an actual option for my future. I didn’t know about liberal arts, so my original idea was to go there, study law and become a lawyer; but learning about the US education system, what it means to be the “right fit” for a university and what it means to have a well-rounded education opened my eyes a little.
More than anything, I think this programme has given me confidence. I developed confidence in learning to travel by myself, I developed confidence in meeting new people, and I developed confidence in just saying YES to new opportunities.
The programme is a life-changing experience. It broadens your horizons and offers an alternative approach to education. The previous students all preached about their lifelong friends from the program, I didn't believe them - if only I knew how wrong I was!
Supporters
The Sutton Trust is incredibly grateful for the generous support that make our programmes possible. A special thanks to The Fulbright Commission.