Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program for International Candidates

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is a distinguished U.S.-sponsored international educational exchange scheme to strengthen friendly relations between nations and nations through academic collaboration and discussion.

Host CountryUSA
Host InstituteAny USA Institute
Value$90,000 per year, annual travel, and a research budget of $15,000
FieldsAll
NationalityAny
Opening Date1 Feb 2025
DeadlineFirst week of June 2025(May vary from country to country)
Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Summary

Details of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program

Nearly 900 faculty and professionals in over 100 countries have a chance to study and lecture at U.S. universities for three to twelve months. It is administered through the U.S. Department of State by the Institute of International Education (IIE), under the supervision of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB) in the U.S.

Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program
Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program

What are the Key Benefits of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program grants a range of significant privileges to its beneficiaries, with a view to enriching their career and academic development during residence in America. Some of these privileges include:

  • Financial Assistance
    • Stipend: Scholars will receive a monthly stipend for living expenses during their residence in the U.S.
    • Round-Trip Travel: The grant pays for one-way, economy-class international travel to and from the U.S. for the scholar and, in a few instances, one dependent.
    • Settling-In Allowance: Scholars may receive additional allowances to assist with initial expenses upon arrival.
  • Health Coverage
    • Academic professionals have medical coverage for sickness and accidents under the U.S. Department of State.
  • Visa Sponsorship
    • Scholars enter the U.S. through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, with both the scholar and qualified dependents included in visa sponsorship.
  • Professional Development Programs
    • Recipients can become a part of Fulbright Scholar Enrichment Activities, allowing them to widen their professional networks and gain new insights.
    • The Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund enables scholars to engage with academic communities on a broader scale.
  • Networking and Community
    • Academic professionals join a global community of Fulbrighters, with long-term professional networks and collaborations accessible even after the grant period.
  • Dependent Care
    • The program includes provisions for dependents, allowing scholars to bring family members under specific terms.

These benefits collectively enhance the academic life of Fulbright Scholars while promoting international collaboration and cultural exchange.

What are the specific eligibility requirements for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program?

To become a Fulbright Scholar, candidates must meet a variety of specific requirements:

  • Citizenship: Candidates must be citizens of a participating nation. U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents cannot apply. In nations with a Fulbright Commission, eligibility is determined through binational agreements, and in nations with no Fulbright Commission, candidates must be citizens or U.S.-qualified permanent residents who can present a valid passport for that country.
  • Academic Qualifications: Candidates must have a doctoral qualification, or equivalent level of professional expertise, at the application stage.
  • Language Ability: Candidates have to exhibit a level of competency in English to conduct academic work and implement proposed studies. In some cases, one can submit a certificate of a standardized language examination such as IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Professional Background: In most cases, a doctoral level is preferred, but professionals with considerable work backgrounds can also apply.
  • Health Requirements: Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a Medical History and Examination Report for mental and physical fitness for approval before confirming grants.
  • Background Check Disclosure: Candidates have to reveal any charge, including any arrest (with a minor exception for minor traffic cases), and have to notify the Institute of International Study (IIE) in case any such incident occurs after submission of the application.

Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Application Process Overview

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program application process involves several steps and components that must be completed within a specific timeline. Here’s a general overview:

Application Timeline

  • Application Cycle: The process typically opens 15 months before the anticipated grant starts, with deadlines around 11 to 12 months before the program begins. For example, the deadline for the 2026-2027 cycle is June 1, 2025.

Application Components

Candidates must submit the following documents:

  • Online Application: Apply through the designated platform.
  • Research Project Statement: A detailed explanation of the teaching or research project.
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume: Including a publication list.
  • Selected Bibliography: Relevant works supporting the project proposal.
  • Three References: Recommendations from professionals familiar with the candidate’s work.
  • Letter of Invitation: Not mandatory but recommended to strengthen the application.
  • Mandatory Supplemental Form: Consent to the processing of personal data, which must be printed, signed, and emailed to the program officer by the deadline.

Submission Requirements

  • All application materials must be uploaded online before the specified deadline.
  • The supplemental form should be emailed as a scanned PDF to the designated program officer.

For additional details or specific inquiries, candidates are encouraged to contact their country’s Fulbright Commission or the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs section.

For more details about the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, visit the official website.

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