Tracking Fulbright grant expenses abroad

Most Fulbright grants consist of a monthly living stipend based on the cost of living in the host country, a separate travel allowance for round-trip transportation, and limited accident and sickness health benefits. Some country programs add dependent allowances or cover tuition and residence-permit costs.

Fulbright awards are budgeted to cover travel and living in-country, not to cover research costs or replace your home salary, and they are paid directly to you rather than routed through an institution.

Group your spending into travel and relocation, living in your host country, study and research, and health and dependents. Log each expense with its date, category, vendor, and amount.

When you spend in local currency, record the amount in your reporting currency so your totals stay consistent.

Attach a receipt to each expense so your records stay complete. If you are a degree candidate, amounts you spend on tuition, fees, books, supplies, and required equipment may be deductible against your taxable grant income, so keep those clearly labeled.