Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Fulbright African Research Scholar Program (ARSP). The Fulbright African Research Scholar Program (ARSP) allows scholars with a PhD (or equivalent) to engage in cutting-edge research across various academic disciplines, including the physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Successful candidates will receive funding to cover international travel, living expenses, and a monthly stipend. Awards are designed to support research that requires access to specialized resources or facilities not readily available in the applicants’ home countries.
Grant Categories:
Research Grants: Awards of 3 to 9 months are offered for African university faculty or research institute professionals to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution beginning no earlier than August 2026 and no later than March 2027.
- Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in their fields at the time of application.
- Post doctoral research will not be supported under the research grant.
- Preference will be given to individuals who have at least three years of university teaching experience and a productive scholarly record.
- Applications focusing on postdoctoral research immediately following the completion of a doctorate degree are ineligible.
Program and Curriculum Development Grants:
Awards of 3 to 5 months are offered for African university faculty or administrators to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution beginning no earlier than August 2026 and no later than March 2027.
- Proposals should be linked to professional duties and demonstrate how the scholar will use the knowledge gained to develop new courses, curricula, or other academic programs at the home institution.
- These grants are designed for university faculty or administrators with less experience and who may not have had recent access to research or instructional developments in their disciplines.
- A doctorate degree is not required, but applicants must hold a minimum of a master’s or equivalent graduate degree at the time of application.
- Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree and demonstrate how the research will contribute to curriculum development at their home institution.
- Applicants without doctorate degrees but who hold a master’s or equivalent graduate degree are eligible in the program and curriculum development category.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be citizens of participating country permanent residents eligible to hold a valid passport.
- Research Grants: Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent and have at least three years of university teaching experience.
- Program and Curriculum Development Grants: Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree and demonstrate how the research will contribute to curriculum development at their home institution.
- The program is open to scholars in all academic disciplines, except clinical medical research involving patient contact.
- Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in English to collaborate effectively with U.S. colleagues (TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required, but English proficiency will be assessed).
- Preference is given to those who have not previously received a Fulbright scholar grant or had limited experience in the U.S.
- Scholars must indicate the grant category for which they are applying (research or program and curriculum development).
Method of Application
Applicants should carefully read the application instructions before submission. The application package must include:
- Online application form
- Project statement detailing research or teaching plans
- Curriculum vitae
- Three letters of reference
- Letter of invitation (if available)
- Photocopy of the passport data page
Selection Process: Applications are highly competitive and will undergo several stages of review.
- All application materials must be submitted in English or accompanied by certified English translations.
- Plagiarism will result in disqualification from the program. Please ensure that your application is your original work with proper citations.
Participating Countries
- Angola and Sao Tome and Principe: Fulbright African Research Scholar Program – March 14, 2025.
- Cote d’Ivoire: FULBRIGHT AFRICAN RESEARCH SCHOLAR PROGRAM (ARSP)
- Djibouti: Fulbright African Research Scholar Program – April 25, 2025
- Gambia: Fulbright African Research Scholar Program – August 1st, 2025
- Mali: Fulbright African Research Scholar Program
- Tanzania: Fulbright African Research Scholar Program – June 02, 2025.
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