Fulbright African Research Scholar Program 2026-2027: Grants for Academic Excellence & International Collaboration

The Fulbright African Research Scholar Program (ARSP), also referred to as the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, is a prestigious initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State. This program offers faculty members from tertiary institutions and research organizations in Côte d’Ivoire an exceptional opportunity to engage in advanced academic research and curriculum development at accredited U.S. universities and research institutions.

ARSP consists of two primary grant categories: Research grants and program and curriculum development grants, each designed to support scholars at different career stages and with varying academic objectives.

Program Information

1. Research Grants

This grant category is aimed at African university faculty members and professionals from research institutes seeking to conduct in-depth research in any academic discipline at a U.S. institution. These awards range from 3 to 9 months and are designed to facilitate high-quality research collaborations and scholarly contributions.

• Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants must possess a doctorate degree or an equivalent terminal degree in their respective fields at the time of application.
  • Preference is given to scholars with at least three years of university teaching experience and a strong record of academic publications and research contributions.
  • Research activities should align with the scholar’s field of expertise and contribute to knowledge advancement in their discipline.
  • The program encourages projects that foster long-term academic partnerships between African and U.S. institutions.

2. Program and Curriculum Development Grants

This category focuses on supporting African university faculty and administrators in updating and improving academic programs at their home institutions. The awards range from 3 to 5 months and allow scholars to gain exposure to the latest developments in their fields.

• Eligibility Criteria
  • A doctorate is not required, but applicants must hold at least a master’s or equivalent graduate degree at the time of application.
  • Scholars should be affiliated with an institution of higher learning and demonstrate how the experience will enhance their teaching or curriculum development.
  • Proposals must clearly outline how the applicant will integrate the knowledge gained into the academic framework of their home institution, including the introduction of new courses, curricula, or instructional methodologies.
  • This grant is particularly suitable for faculty members who may have had limited access to international research collaborations or recent instructional advancements.

Eligibility Requirements

The Fulbright ARSP maintains a rigorous selection process to identify highly qualified scholars committed to academic excellence and collaboration. The following criteria apply:

1. Open to All Disciplines: Scholars from all academic fields are encouraged to apply, except those seeking funding for clinical medical research involving direct patient interactions.
2. Nationality Requirement: Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Côte d’Ivoire and hold a valid passport issued by their home country.
3. Academic Qualifications:
   • Research Grant applicants must hold a doctorate or terminal degree.
   • Program and Curriculum Development Grant applicants must have at least a master’s degree.
4. Ineligible Applicants:
   • Those applying for doctoral dissertation research or postdoctoral research immediately following their Ph.D.
   • Scholars seeking general professional travel grants.
5. Preference Considerations: Priority is given to applicants who:
   • Have not previously received a Fulbright Scholar grant.
   • Have limited or no prior experience in the United States.
6. Language Proficiency: Applicants must have sufficient English language skills to conduct research and collaborate effectively. While TOEFL is not required, proficiency may be assessed through local English tests or interviews.
7. Health Requirements: Selected candidates must submit a medical history and examination report to ensure they are in good health for the duration of their stay.
8. Resubmission Policy: Unsuccessful applicants from previous cycles are welcome to reapply, provided they submit revised proposals and updated recommendation letters.

Plagiarism Policy

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program upholds the highest standards of academic integrity. Applicants must ensure that all submitted work is original, well-cited, and free from plagiarism.

• Application materials are subject to plagiarism detection software.
• Any evidence of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.
• Candidates must properly cite secondary sources and previously published work, including their own prior research.
• The Oxford English Dictionary defines plagiarism as the wrongful appropriation and publication of another’s ideas as one’s own.

Application Guidelines

Applicants must adhere to the following requirements when preparing their submissions:

1. Three Letters of Reference: All recommendation letters must be in English.
2. Comprehensive Project Statement: Proposals must exceed one page in length to be considered.
3. Grant Category Indication: Applicants must specify whether they are applying for a research grant or a program and curriculum development grant.
4. Institutional Affiliation and Placement:
   • Letters of invitation from U.S. institutions are strongly encouraged but not mandatory.
   • Affiliation with an alma mater is discouraged to promote diverse research experiences.
   • Applicants unfamiliar with U.S. institutions may request assistance from the Institute for International Education (IIE) in identifying suitable placements.
   • Detailed project statements outlining specific research objectives and the necessity of conducting research in the U.S. will support the placement process.
5. Laboratory Fees: The Fulbright ARSP does not cover laboratory fees. Scholars seeking lab-based research opportunities should obtain letters of invitation from U.S. sponsors confirming their ability to host and fund such work.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should visit https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2026 to submit their applications. Additional information about the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program can be found at https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/fulbright-visiting-scholar-program.

Application Deadline

Submission Deadline: March 14, 2025

Scholars are encouraged to begin their applications early and ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline to enhance their chances of selection.

Conclusion

The Fulbright African Research Scholar Program presents a transformative opportunity for African scholars to expand their research, develop academic programs, and engage in international scholarly collaborations. Through this program, recipients will gain access to world-class resources, build professional networks, and bring valuable knowledge back to their home institutions, ultimately fostering the advancement of higher education and research excellence in Africa.

AR Managing Editor (2025). Fulbright African Research Scholar Program 2026-2027: Grants for Academic Excellence & International Collaboration. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/fulbright-african-research-scholar-program-2026-2027-grants-for-academic-excellence-international-collaboration/